The thing I love about Nicola's classes at The Dressmakers' Guild is that she is a true professional, an expert in her field. I have previously attended other sewing classes but the teaching just wasn't up tp the standard of this one as the tutor's weren't professionally qualified. I wanted to be taught by someone who knew their stuff, not a hobbiest like me. The other thing I love is that we can make whatever we like, at our own pace. Nicola's experience allows us to learn tailoring, pattern cutting, traditional dressmaking as well as industry techniques, whatever we like, really.

Learning how to make my own clothes and modifying existing clothes had always been on my wish list. Attending classes with Nicola has allowed me to develop these skills. Thank you Nicola for all your patience and encouragement.  You have opened up a new world of design and dressmaking for me which is really exciting.

As a retired 'veteran female', I was nervous about becoming an adult learner and meeting new people. Even though some days I struggle to remember my own name, Nicola's patience never wanes and always manages to put me at ease. I love coming to class because it has given me a 'sense of belonging' and confidence. Making clothes is an added bonus! lol

I’ve been sewing at The Dressmakers' Guild for over two years now and I can’t believe how much I have learned and how my confidence has grown!! I was a complete beginner when I started but with Nicola’s help and patient tuition, I feel I could tackle any project now. I wear the clothes that I make - they fit and I get compliments when I wear them. The sewing community here is very supportive and I’m mixing with people that share my passion for sewing and learning. What’s not to love!!

Joining the Dressmakers Guild has been a game-changer. I tried to start sewing during lockdown but found pattern instructions impossible to understand. It's a shame that they can't put things in simple terms like Nicola does. I love sewing now and my knowledge is building thanks to Nicola's patience and understanding.

I’ve been coming to the Dressmakers Guild for 2 years and can thoroughly recommend Nicola. Having recently retired I was looking for something to keep me busy. I’d tried other things but decided to give dressmaking a go. I had done some sewing in the past but this was something different and unexpected. Not only does Nicola teach you how to sew, but also to do it properly! I’ve learned how to create my own patterns, adapt patterns all to suit my size and shape. Nicola has also shown me how to choose the right fabric and knowing what works and what doesn’t work. I’ve been able to draw on her knowledge skills and expertise and I’ve found her so encouraging and enthusiastic-a breath of fresh air-she certainly knows her stuff!!! As an added bonus I’ve met some fabulous people who are all so passionate about sewing and we really learn and support each other. A fabulous time every other week just for myself!!

I could never understand why the clothes I made never fitted me until I joined The Dressmakers' Guild. Nic explained why this is. What a revelation! I can now confidently choose the correct size with great results. She's so knowledgeable and so keen to teach all she knows.

I'd been sewing for years before I joined Nic's classes, but being a curvy girl, the fit was very hit and miss as I didn't really know what I was doing. Nicola's industry experience is phenomenal and her ability to identify and solve fit issues is like magic. She makes it look so simple and acheivable. Making and wearing clothes which actually fit and flatter me has given me no end of confidence. I'm so glad I found this place before I gave up.

I joined the Dressmakers' Guild class about a year ago now . I had no dressmaking knowledge and little sewing skill. I’m generally not the most confident of people but Nicola put me at ease straightaway with her calm , kind manner. I’ve learned a lot at class and have made several garments that actually fit me and that are good enough to confidently wear .The classes are small which means  you get a good amount of individual attention. Nicola is an excellent teacher and extremely talented at what she does. It’s also a great was to socialise with people who have the same interests. I would recommend Nicola and these sewing classes to anyone from beginner to more experienced  .They’re relaxed friendly and you learn so much .

I am so proud to be a student of Nicola’s.  She has an awesome, well equipped workshop and is incredibly passionate in sharing her knowledge and skill with her students.   She only takes six students at any given session to ensure each individual receives maximum tuition. I travel fortnightly from The Mumbles catching two buses along with my sewing machine in tow to my class. 😳 The distance does not bother me and simply reflects how far I will travel for my lessons with Nicola. However,  I am not the only person to travel such a distance for her superb teaching and guidance. Nicola’s equipment , ie sewing machines and overlockers are excellent.  However, she is happy if you wish to use your own equipment and gives tuition on aspects you did not understand on your own sewing machine/overlocker. I sometimes find it difficult to sleep the night before my class as I am so eager to get to the workshop and  to continue my project. Nicola encourages us in our own ideas and pattern choices although she has numerous patterns to choose from and even creates patterns for your ideas!! I am proud to be creating a haute couture outfit with Nicola and am excited to complete it. I have made many friends in my group and we all help one another with designs and fabric choices etc. I am looking forward to learning from Nicola how to recreate the clothes I have loved to wear but wish to now redesign. This is just another skill that Nicola is so willing to share with us. If you have never sewed before but wish to learn or wish to take your sewing skills to a completely different level, then I cannot recommend Nicola’s workshop more highly.  

I joined Nicola's group in November 2022 after some very barren years of dressmaking or any other sewing.  I had big ideas and expectations of pattern making. I wanted clothes to fit me properly and commercial patterns always needed altering but I just didn't have the skills to do it properly. I have not been disappointed. I have found patience I didn't realise I had and I'm well on my way with understanding how to make and  manipulate a pattern to work just for me. With the small class size you can be assured of Nicola's attention so you can keep moving forward with your own project. Her skills at explaining and showing you how to do what you think is impossible gives you so much confidence to push on and complete some great garments. The flexibility offered within her groups means you get to meet the whole 'squad' eventually but more importantly you never lose a lesson. This 'squad' are a bunch of  fun, sewing crazy ladies with a great sense of humour and make every class thoroughly enjoyable. In addition to that the social side is there to make some lovely friends and organise your own sewing trips and socials if you want to do so. If you want to feed your sewing appetite, gain more confidence/experience and make a sewing family along the way then just do it and join in, you won't regret it. I did it and I love it.

Six months ago I braved the drive from Cardiff to Ystradgynlais to try out a session with Nicola at the Dressmaker’s Guild. I was new to sewing having bought my machine after a year of lockdown and YouTube tutorials. I should not have been anxious at all! From the minute I walked through the door, I was given a warm welcome, masses of encouragement and lots of support. Now I feel part of a real community of likeminded sewers (or sewists if you prefer) and I’ve gained so much confidence and learnt a huge amount. I’m making all sorts of garments that actually fit and are exclusive to me. Nicola has helped me draft my own trousers, dresses and blocks and I couldn’t be happier. Also, she’s so good at answering Whatsapp queries if I get stuck when I’m sewing at home. Not only is Nicola a fun and talented designer, sewer and pattern cutter with incredible skills and ideas, but she’s created an atmosphere where we all support each other in the group and we’re all good friends. This week’s Christmas party and charity fundraiser with sewers from all the different groups is a reflection of the fact that sewing doesn’t have to be a solitary, frustrating or difficult experience. At the Dressmakers' Guild it is a genuinely fun, exciting, productive and social event and it honestly is worth everymile I drive to get there.