Welcome to our series of mending and upcycling workshops with charity and social enterprise Circle Collective. 

These workshops are about encouraging people to think more about where their clothes come from and where they go when they are ‘thrown away’ and the positive environmental impact of repairing and re-wearing what you already own or buying things that are pre-loved. 

First up at this FREE drop in learn how to hand sew appliques and embroidery to rework your forgotten items. 

Bring along something to upcycle and we'll show you a range of hand sewn techniques to update your items. 


Sew What? Patch & Stitch Rework Workshop @ Circle Collective

Lorna Jackson

After Jaime explained the concept behind the workshop, we all got off to a flying start helping each other select clothes and yarns to bring our unwearable items of clothing back to life.  A truly fantastic way of being re-introduced to the art of sewing while making new friends;- )

Juliet  McEwan 

I really had great time! I learned some new techniques and tips and definitely will be patching my clothes at home. I would really recommend these workshops. I thought tutor was inspiring. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars, is because I  felt the tables were too small and the space too cramped. Otherwise, well done!

The first in  our series of mending and upcycling workshops with charity and social enterprise Circle Collective. 

Our Sew Your Own sessions (formerly sewing surgeries) will give you the help you need to make progress on tricky projects while taking the time to unwind with your sewing. Bring along a query or a project of your choice and our experienced teachers will be there to guide you on your way. 
We can help you with:

**We can help you with:**

- Dressmaking
- Demystifying Pattern terminology
- Techniques 
- Fitting
- Upcycling
- Mending
- Alterations
- Advanced Skills
- Basic Pattern Cutting

We also have some of our own projects and patterns you can use whilst in the class. 

**Who's it for**

These sessions are for people of all sewing abilities who need some guidance or a boost of confidence. You need some sewing experience but we’re also happy to give you a refresher if you’re a bit rusty.

If you know what you're doing but you want some company whilst you sew check out our [Sewcial ](https://makemeestudio.widget.obby.co.uk/event/the-sewcial-1620766979) 

**Materials**

We have a selection of fabrics and trims in the studio which you can purchase or you can bring your own. You can bring your own machine if you want to practise on it or use ours.

I attended a sewing surgery last week to make a second pair of trousers. As I had already completed the trouser-making course, I was able to see how much I had progressed. I was able to make the second pair with much less assistance. The teachers were on hand at all times to help me, and their reassurance and praise gave me the confidence to work much more independently than the first time. I feel a real sense of achievement. 

One of the best things about the studio is it has an overlocking machine. This means I was able to make the hems on my trousers look professional, and vastly improves the quality of the garment. There is no difference in quality than something that has been bought in a shop, except I got to design it myself. 

Thank you for such a great experience

I had an amazing time at the sewing surgery. I wanted to take in and hem a skirt and don’t have that much experience. The teachers were so helpful and patient with me! My skirt looks great and I can now wear it again. I would definitely reccomend to a friend.

Tracey and Jamie are both excellent tutors. They have lots of different machines to use, including two overlockers. Nothing is too much trouble you even get home made cake! They even have an answer for the most difficult sewing fabrics! Definitely recommend going along with any sewing project you are stuck on.

Loved the class. I am a real beginner but Tracey was patient , helpful and fun.  I took a shirt with me to take in and came away with a properly fitting garment !  
Yeah.  And the tea and cake was a bonus

I really enjoyed this class. My new year's resolution has been to get back into sewing, and I was looking for a class that would allow me to get stuck in! Make Mee was perfect for this - Jaime was a great teacher, reminding me of the various skills I had forgotten, while helping me to take up a pair of trousers at the same time!

Not to mention the stunning "Garden Studio" - so cosy! And delicious brownies to accompany the workshop. What could be better. Would highly recommend.

Rosie

Sessions at the sewing surgery have helped me rediscover my enjoyment of sewing - something I'd not done since my teens but am now doing every week. 

With the help of Jaime and Tracey I'm finishing my second fully-fitted, super-funky dress and am beginning to work independently, sewing other items at home based on the patterns and techniques I've learned. 

I've been given plenty of patient but invaluable advice, learned crafty shortcuts and am thoroughly thrilled to be able to use my new-found sewing skills to express my personal style.

Sewing Surgery Socials

Eon glenn

For my first attendance I really found the sewing surgery welcoming & helpful. Jaime has much technical knowledge in areas of sewing that i myself is looking for. So I'm looking forward to going back. 

Eon 

Emily Beadle

Chrissa

Jaime has helped me to master sewing a cushion cover. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. She has given me the confidence and knowledge to expertly craft a cushion cover of a standard suitable for retail. The classes are small enough to receive one on one care and I also felt very comfortable. I highly recommend MakeMeeStudio.

Wendy Monaghan

Absolutely amazing. I am a novice at sewing and Tracey made me feel very welcome at the sewing social. Levels of skill varied and all of us received the right level of support and encouragement. It was a friendly and relaxed social atmosphere and I would definitely recommend this to anyone at any level of sewing ability. 

Nigel Mullan

Jaime and Tracey are both excellent teachers and their studio is a lovely, light, friendly and welcoming space. I've gone from complete beginner to competent in a few weeks thanks to their help and guidance.

Kathie

Love the venue, a lovely little sewing room down the garden path. Tracey & Jaimie are both lovely people, very welcoming. I am so very happy that I  found them & I enjoy meeting other ladies on my sewing days as well as working towards completing my project

Kathryn Pearson

Tracey and Jaime provided a very friendly, welcoming atmosphere in which to tackle the various sewing projects that everyone brought with them.  They are a fount of knowledge and did a great job of spending time with everyone even though we were all working on completely different things.  I have been to the sewing surgeries a number of times now and its always a friendly bunch - and not forgetting the cake!  Would recommend it to anyone who is keen to progress their sewing in a friendly and fun group.

Elaine 

Loved my two experiences at the Sewing Surgery Social!
Great teacher, I don’t know how she manages to help all of us with such different projects!
Made a dress into a skirt and some knickers! 
Gluten free cake was made especially for me even!

Natalie Lartey 

Hi,

I learnt to measure a simple pattern and pin it in place. Then I was taught to thread the sewing machine and use it. I am a total beginning with only a tiny bit of sewing experience from years ago and I had a great time. The venue and facilities were fab, tea and cake was great. My teacher was fun and attentive, couldn’t have asked for more. 

Vicki Hawkins

Jaime and Tracey have helped me fulfil my lifelong dream of learning to sew. After confidence knocking nightmares from my school days and bad experiences on other courses i didn't think i would see the day but their friendly, down to earth and positive natures make you feel un-judged and like you can achieve anything. 
On top of my lack of confidence, i came with a time sensitive project and booked last minute and Jaime went out of her way to help me finish on time, and her varied skillset and expert knowledge means she can give advice on a range of projects.
I highly recommend make mee, especially if you are a bit anxious about starting because the atmosphere is very chilled and accepting. 

Rose Braithwaite

You can take any project with you and get great advice if you want it or just use their lovely sewing machines and do your own thing.  A small group of no more than six people with either Tracy or Jamie there to help when you need it.  A good mix of skills so as a relative beginner I didn't feel out of place..and really nice to see what I could end up making with more practice.  A creative and chilled session!

Sarah Longson

Being in Tracey's class felt like the perfect two hour hideaway. Time went so quickly and I managed to mend all the holes in one garment using a sewing machine for the first time - with Tracey's help of course. 

All Covid-19 secure measures were put in place making it a safe environment and it was lovely having other class members there working on their own projects.

I'll definitely be back.

Sewing Surgery 

Anthony Mee

Dianne Ritchie

Very helpful advice, tips and sewing hints.  All machines and haberdashery items I needed were available and in good working order. Small group all working on personal projects - very friendly and encouraging of each other.  
Will go again!

Alice 

The teachers are experts on all aspects of sewing and dressmaking. They are extremely patient, with lots of tips on pinning, cutting, how to use the sewing machine and overlocker. I really enjoyed spending time in the studio and was really pleased with the progress I made on my project.

Susie Forman

I have a reasonable amount of home sewing experience but this new project presented fresh challenges and I have been going around in circles with it on my own at home. Spending a couple of hours with Jamie on hand was really helpful. I'm definitely going to book another session. I feel extremely lucky to such help right on my doorstep.

Ayse Hassan

Rosemary Hattersley

Fantastic extended session - the extra hour made a huge difference as I was starting a new project so there was lots of prep: deciding on placement of pattern pieces with a very bold print, then cutting it all out. 
I’d taken along several pattern options and some expensive dress fabric, so it needed to be right. The advice snd help I received was spot on: make a toile as a practice piece rather than risk a poorly fitting dress made with a pattern I’d not tried before. Although making a toile means it will take longer to make the dress I’d planned, I was able to buy some fantastic fabric on the day for a nominal amount and, of course, will end up with two incredible dresses eventually - and confidence in the skills I’ve learned along the way. 
The studio had absolutely everything I need and lots of space for cutting out, even though several others were also cutting out patterns there. The knowledge and advice plus the friendly tutors make learning to sew there a real joy! 

Natalie Ashworth

I had a great time learning how to make dungarees.  Josh was a great teacher and very patient and fun. It was a great way to escape for a couple of hours and create something. I would highly recommend the classes. 

Samantha Herelle

Had a lovely time at the sewing surgery. Very relaxed atmosphere and lots of equipment. Joss was very helpful and I sorted my sewing problem. Would recommend 

Heidi Anderton

So much help and support to get me back on track with my project. Answered all my questions and was a fun 2 hours. Definitely be back and recommend. 

Sam Shortt

Fantastic! I was working on a project at home and got stuck - the surgery was the perfect opportunity for me. The teacher, Amelie spotted a mistake and was able to give me the little bit of help and confidence I needed to complete my project. The space at Crofton Park Library is lovely - a calm yet purposeful space which was a joy to work in. Will definitely be back in the future. 

Caroline  Chin

I drove a long way from a Kent village and paid ulez !! But worth every penny in what I wanted to learn , I was taught and shown , really good and I’ll be going again 

Sewing Surgery: 1-2-1 Advice and Guidance

Zaffrin O'Sullivan

The most wonderful sewing studio, I have made so many things, discovered how to use a sewing machine and always come away feeling great for the time spent making. Love this place, my kids love it too.  

Alice Grahame

The class was excellent. I got my sewing project completed thanks to the expert tuition, space, equipment and time out of the house to focus on it. The tutor Josh was very patient and encouraging. I was delighted with the completed items. 

kate guyan

I really enjoyed this class. I came with a garment I was stuck with but left knowing what I needed to do to rectify it! 

Charlene Musgrave

As always an enjoyable session with support for people that may need a little additional help in their projects. 

Peter McEntire

Thank you team Make Mee. 
I really enjoyed my time on Friday. 
I found everyone to be very friendly, patient and knowledgeable.
As a beginner, I was shown how to fit a zip to a small bag, something I had previously thought would be too difficult for me to do.
Keep up the good work!

Meg Wells

So kind and welcoming - and no question is a stupid question!

Tati Howell

I have learned a lot (though still have lots to learn) at these friendly and accessible classes. And I LOVE my new jacket.

Sew Your Own Way: Your Project, Your Pace, Our Guidance

bethany  simpkin

Amazing ! I was enthusiastically helped with a project to sew a crown. The staff are a font of knowledge and patience. They even fixed my sewing machine whilst I used theirs. 

They make you feel like no question is stupid and there is no limit to creativity. 
Huge fan. 

faith.abiolaellison@gmail.com • faith.abiolaellison@gmail.com •

I spent a wonderful two hours falling back in love with my sewing machine and sewing. 
A small class of four people , but sewing stations for at least 12 people with use of an overlocker and ironing board. 
Make Mee Studios has great resources, session staff and accessible location in Crofton Park. Treat yourself!

I regularly sew at home but when faced with a tricky new challenge or for an extra pair of hands for a fitting, these Sew Your Own Way sessions are a god send. It’s also just lovely to see with other people for a change.

Silvia Fernandez

I really like attending Make Mee Studio, learning new sewing techniques  and making new friends.

Fabulous place to enjoy sewing and make friends!

Emma Tye

I was struggling for ages with a sewing machine at home that I didn't know was broken. I came in and got my confidence in sewing back, with the knowledge that it wasn't my sewing and my home machine was indeed broken.

I can't think of a better way to spend time: sewing with Make Mee Studio!

Erin Walker

Really enjoyed the drop-in help session, "Sew your own way". Nice sewing machines, very cute space. I would recommend, and will be booking again. Thank you.

Sebastian Calver

The studio was a really calming way to spend an evening, Sophie was a great help and taught to my skill level ability, giving me a new skill, many thanks to the team! 

Silvia Fernandez 

When the weather is not the best, this is the best place to be and on top of that sewing paradise!

Lara Platt

Another great class, made more progress on my project and a sense of wellbeing on my way home from it.

I love the sewing sessions! What a way to spend your time! Making friends and learning to sew.  I highly recommend MakeMee 

emmakayrob@gmail.com

Loved my sessions of Sew Your Own Way! Never thought I would be able to make my own bag and top but I love them both. Amelia was a great support and so helpful. Can’t wait to come back for more sessions!

I highly recommend spending time here: sewing and making friends is the right way to do it!

Great choice for sewing and making friends!

Angela Martin

My first lesson was awesome, I skipped home feeling like I had achieved something! At 59 years old to start using a sewing machine and making a tote bag, is pretty much a big deal to me. Great teacher, lovely atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back. Angie 

Having trouble with a sewing project? Come along to our Sew Your Own Way session for personalised guidance from our experienced teachers.

**DID YOU KNOW? **

It is estimated that more than 100 billion items of clothing are produced globally every year.

...and that 65% of those items end up in landfill within 12 months! 

We are getting back to what we love the most at Make Mee Studio.  Saving your clothes from the back of the wardrobe or even worse... the bin! 

Our monthly mending sessions will give you 2 hours of help and guidance on how to mend your clothes or textiles items. 

Our team of expert sewing facilitators will teach you how patch your holes, hem your trousers, darn your socks, hide a stain. Whatever you bring us, we love a challenge!*

Very often there will be more than one way to fix something. We can talk about your options and offer visible and invisible mending advice where possible.  We will then start you on your mending journey. 





Monthly Make Mee & Mend 

Natalie Ashworth-binns

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the classes I have done  at Make Me Studio. The team explain things in a really clear and easy to understand way. They are incredibly helpful and are great teachers. I always enjoy going along and learning new skills. I most recently did the mending workshop which was great. And after doing the Ilford Jacket class I made ( after a lot of blood and tears ) a coat which is one of my favourites. I would highly recommend the classes for all skill levels. My daughter also goes to the after school classes and also has a great time. 

Joyce Mitton

Excellent mending class in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Jean Clarke

I thoroughly enjoyed my session at the studio. The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff helpful.  I will definitely be returning.  Thank you. 

Hannah Campbell

Thank you Make Mee! Loved it! And coming back. having let my children do your wonderful classes over the years, it was such a treat to do this for myself. Thank you. 

Learn how to repair your clothes and textiles at our new monthly mending sessions! 

Make Mee Studio

They’ll get stuck into sewing, crafting and designing projects to instill a sense of confidence and pride. These sessions are open to kids of all sewing abilities, from complete newbies to confident creators. Regardless of their ability, they’ll leave with new knowledge and progress on projects appropriate to their skill level. 

This is a great extracurricular activity that will give your child transferable life skills. They’ll learn to use a sewing machine and discover loads of other craft and design techniques including: appliqué, embroidery, free machining, dressmaking, pattern cutting, and much, much more! 

**What’ll they make**

Each child will tackle a project of their choosing, individually guided by one of our friendly and experienced teachers. We have a huge range of projects on offer so they can choose to make something they will love and cherish for years to come. 

They can also choose fabric and trims available in our studio. We have everything, from regular cotton and standard buttons, to plush faux fur and sequins – a dream for imaginative young makers!   

Some of our projects include: cuddlies, bags, t-shirts, skirts, trousers, cushions the list goes on…

**Who’s it for?**

These sessions are suitable for budding sewers of all abilities, for children in year 2 and above.  Please note, we have recently had to increase the age criteria so please email if you child is 6 but in year 1. 
They can be a great help for GSCE and A-level work, and can also go towards D of E skills.

This session can also serve as a taster to see if your child would like to sign up for our After School Club or Holiday Classes. 

Please note: we cannot offer childcare over lunch time.

Children's Freestyle Sewing Saturday's

Alexandra Gimeno McMahon 

Alex loved it as always, she is always so proud of what she achieves!!! 

Fab kids lessons that give them skills for life!

Imogen George-Young

4.5 stars
She enjoyed it very much - the range of options of stuff to make & the help from Jamie. (although she had her own project to learn to finish! ) 

She's booked to come again next month. 

Alex  Gimeno Mcmahon 

Amazing as always, love fact they can create whatever pops onto their head on the day !! 

Poppy  Gleeson

My children have been enjoying sewing sessions with Jaime and Tracey at Make Mee since 2018. They love the fact they're allowed to choose projects based on their skill level but also encouraged to stretch themselves and develop new skills. The creations are amazing. Between them they have made jackets, trousers, skirts, t-shirts, shorts, bags and pencil cases. All from interesting fabrics so each piece is totally unique. We love these classes so much that since moving we now travel a 4 hour round trip to participate. 

Cecilia  Durbin 

Cecilia was very focussed.. during the different sessions she's attended so far.  and has challenged herself in making a few different items !! It is good fun for that age and the free flow works out well given the different levels and working paces. 

Grace Campbell

My two girls absolutely loved their first sewing class. They came out so excited and animated about what they’d made. It was a joy to see their faces! We’ve booked again.  Thank you so so much Tracey & Jaime. 

Esther Agbolade 

Love love all my sessions. All amazing coaches. 

Isabel Gilmore

My daughter absolutely loved her first ever session here. She’d never used a sewing machine before and came home having made a Hogwarts cushion which she was very proud of! She can’t wait to come again. Thank you!

Emma Prouvost

I love the class and making the scrunchy and the pillow. ( Emma,6) 
My daughter absolutely loves this class and has been asking over and over for more sessions.


Ariana Clarke

Super 3 hour session. Made a tote bag, hair scrunchie and pompom! 
Will definitely be going again.

Keira Waisome

I'm really pleased with my bag. Looking forward to the next session!

Iona Singleton

My daughter loves this class. I'm amazed at the stuff she comes home with - yesterday she stayed for the morning and afternoon session and came home having finished a backpack and made a pair of trousers from scratch. A really brilliant workshop.

Eloise McKeown

We love the monthly Saturday sessions, the quality of the projects that come home with the kids is always astounding.

Mary Elliott

This was the perfect first session for us both (mum and daughter) to learn to use our new sewing machine and to have guidance in our first projects. We both loved it! So pleased to have found your studio & looking forward to learning more with you. Thank you.

Lola Kamp

My daughter loved it! She came back home with her home-made skirt, quite pretty indeed. She would like to go weekly :) Excellent skills to learn, while having fun.

David Hunter

My son had a great time at the children's freestyle sewing workshop at Make Mee studio.
He had stated making a hat at home out of his own interest and needed a bit of help to sew it together properly. The tutors at Make Mee enabled him to make what he wanted. I was very impressed that they managed to give such tailored (no pun intended) support to individual students. My son was really happy with the end result and said the time passed really quickly, he was enjoying the process so much.
Thanks Make Mee studio! 

Cleide Marlene Moreira da Costa

Hi 
My name is Acacia I am 8 ,l really like sewing lesson, because it’s very fun,  I can learn how sewing, and the teachers are very nice. 

Sulihat Owoyemi

I liked the make mee studio because I got to chose what I made and did most of the work. What I disliked about it was that I did not get to really go on the machine by myself but overall it was really good.

Elly & Zoi  Vernardou

I am impressed every time my girls go to Make Mee with all the goodies they make and bring back and wear on a daily basis! Its incredible!

Katerina Milchevska

My daughter loved it! 
It was our first time coming to Crofton Park Library for the kids sewing club, but i have a feeling we'll become regulars every fist Sat in the month. 
She made a lovely foxy pouch that she's been showing around for the past few days, very pleased with herself. 
Thanks for the amazing time and fun ways of transferring useful skills.


Freja Hamill

Freja had the best morning learning to make a bag and a key ring. The crafts are very much age appropriate and challenging and the teachers are lovely. We’ll definitely do another Saturday workshop before Christmas! 

Philippa Williams

My daughter and I both really enjoyed the Saturday morning class. The teachers were incredibly patient and friendly. The machines and resources available were very good quality and we had a fun three hours sewing and crafting. It has helped me overcome a fear of sewing machines and I look forward to another class soon.

Emma Prouvost 

My daughter loves the sewing  class and never fails to impress with the creations she brings back home. Last time she made a cat tail for her Christmas show :). 
It’s a great class for kids to boost their confidence and coordination  with great teachers who are always on hand . Tracey and Jamie kindly provided advice in connection to buying a sewing machine and what accessories go with it in spite of their busy schedule. Thank you , we will be back ! :) 

Emma Hunter

Absolutely loved the sewing class, the teachers were great. I’m definitely going to sign up for more sessions.

Avery Wood

I loved it so much and I want to go back  next week 

Kelly Bush

My 9 year old never wants to do any clubs!!! But she’s asked to go back to this one. Thanks so much x 

Zoe Williams

Both Zoe and Isaac love coming along to the monthly sewing session.
They are learning new skills from patient and friendly teachers, they make great pieces and are always keen to come back for more!

REBECCA MACEY

We were told about MakeMee by a friend and her daughter. We tried the Freestyle Saturday workshop (having no previous experience of sewing machines). What a delight! My daughter is just 6, but she was engaged throughout. We had lots of friendly help (even though it was busy) and we both made purses. My daughter is very proud of her creation, now showing it off at every opportunity :)  The other kids there had been before i think, and were very impressive & inspiring

Sewing Lessons for Children - Freestyle Sewing Saturday's

Cornelia Lowe

Fantastic sewing classes for all levels. My daughter really enjoyed learning, from the basics of how to thread a sewing machine to following different patterns. Lovely patient members of the team have made the experience all the more exciting. 

Josie Heneghan

Such a great learning experience and environment 

Irene Galbraith

I think this workshop is really nice and I want to back.

Daniel Thurley

My daughters been coming here for several months and loves it, she's made some bags, leggings, headbands etc, she's taught how to use the machines safely and correctly and can choose what designs / projects to work on.

Hannah Lowry

My nine year old daughter loves the first Saturday of the month sewing sessions and we've been so impressed at how much she's learnt. Her confidence and creativity have increased and she's made some fabulous creations. The teachers strike a great balance between helping/supporting/teaching and giving them space to be independent and to learn from trying things and making mistakes. It's hard to find classes as kids get older and this one has the benefit of teaching skills for life!

SERENA LASCELLES

I’m 8 years old and I made my first bag! It’s so beautiful. I learnt so much and can’t wait to come back for another lesson!

My 13 year old loves coming here and has made leggings and a t shirt and has sparked a real interest in clothing design and textiles. Staff are really friendly and helpful.

Amaya

My daughter loves coming to the classes. The team was supportive, caring and was eager to help everyone. It was very inspiring seeing all the other sewers pushing themselves to create incredible work. My daughter will definitely be coming again soon! (The review was written by my 9 year old daughter)

Nina Godfrey

I think everyone was so friendly and helpful, it was a wonderful experience (especially for my first ever lesson).

My 2 girls love this class ! We always wonder what they will bring back home after each session and  it’s lovely to see how different their creativity is :) 

Cyd BARCLAY

My daughter thinks this class is great, she liked being able to make whatever she wanted and was really proud of what she made. We will come back soon

Martha Heneghan

My 2 little girls love the Make Mee sessions. It’s empowering , creative  and gives them a boost to their confidence . They both look  forward to each class and keep asking me to book the next ones :) 

Rebecca Owens

The freestyle sewing on a Saturday seemed to be such a lovely class and my 10yo daughter made bunting using a sewing machine, lovely fabrics, a pattern, and she pinned and ironed the material. She said she really enjoyed it with lovely staff and was very pleased with what she had made. Thank you. 

Our eleven year old daughter has been attending the Saturday freestyle sewing sessions for a while now and absolutely loves them. We've been so impressed by the things she's made and the skills she has learnt. It's also one of the few activities we've found that is suitable for tweens/teens. 

Sarah Canavan

A wonderful mum and daughter time. The ladies were so patient and knowledgeable.  My daughter is autistic and struggles with new people but I was amazed by how relaxed she was. We will definitely be back and have already recommended it to friends. 

Treat your child to a few hours of creative fun at our Freestyle Sewing sessions, held on the first Saturday of each month. 

Sew What? Patch & Stitch Rework Workshop @ Circle Collective

Age Requirement