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Sewing Classes in Swansea Valley

Sewing Classes in Swansea Valley

Regular price £60.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £60.00 GBP
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Welcome to The Little Stitchery Sewing Rooms in the scenic Swansea Valley!

Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned home dressmaker, our intimate sewing classes cater to all skill levels. Led by Nicola Ridd-Davies, a seasoned industry expert with over 35 years' experience, our studio offers a personalised experience with a maximum of 6 students per session.

Tailor your sewing journey—choose your projects, work at your pace, and learn Dressmaking and Pattern Cutting skills. Classes run fortnightly on select weekdays, offering flexibility. For £60 per month, enjoy access to expert guidance, studio equipment, and unlimited refreshments. While materials aren't included, benefit from our selection available for purchase with a members' discount. Plus, swap sessions via our WhatsApp group if you can't attend.

Join us and unleash your sewing creativity in a nurturing environment!

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What the students say

Are classes suitable for me?

Whether you’re a complete beginner who’s never used a sewing machine or a seasoned home dressmaker looking for the expert guidance needed to continue your dressmaking/pattern cutting journey, our welcoming and informal classes are suitable for ALL levels of ability and experience.

What will I learn?

The sessions are mainly student led, i.e. It is not a course with a set learning outcome. Students choose their own projects and work at their own pace, so the learning experience is specific to their personal needs. The class numbers are limited to a maximum of 6 to maintain the quality of the teaching. These classes are Dressmaking and Pattern Cutting only but we do run workshops and courses on other sewing related activities. With the tutor’s expert guidance, you will learn to make clothes that fit YOU, at YOUR own pace.

Who is the tutor?

Full Course Information

When do the classes run?

  • Tuesday 9am-1pm and 1.30pm-5.30pm (fortnightly)
  • Wednesday 9am-1pm and 1.30pm-5.30pm (fortnightly)
  • Thursday 9am-1pm and 5.30pm-9.30pm (fortnightly)

How much do classes cost?

The minimum subscription is £60 per month

ie., £7.50 p/hr x 8 hrs per month (2 x 4hr sessions per month)

Fees are paid monthly every 4 weeks (NOT per calendar month). You will be automatically charged on the same day every month via the payment method you select at checkout.

What’s included?

Tuition and use of the studio machinery and equipment is included in the cost. The studio boasts 6 individual, fully equipped work stations, which contain everything you could possibly need, including a sewing machine and overlocker, iron, ironing board, etc. The studio also has a blind hemmer, a coverstitcher and boxes of sewing patterns for shared use. If you prefer, you’re welcome to bring your own machines and equipment, of course.

All refreshments such as hot drinks and biscuits are free and unlimited although we have a tea fund jar if you wish to make a discretionary contribution. 

What’s not included

Fabrics, patterns, consumables (pattern paper, calico, interlining/fusing, pattern card) and trims (zips, ribbons, bias binding etc) for your projects are not included but we do have a small selection available to purchase. Members benefit from a 20% discount off the retail price.

We also have boxes of patterns and basic blocks which you are welcome to trace off and keep.

What happens if I can’t attend?

If you know in advance that you will not be able to attend a session, you will have the opportunity to swap sessions with other members. There is a WhatsApp group set up for this. Please make every effort to arrange this as far in advance as possible.

Refunds are not issued for absences but you do have the opportunity to make up lost hours in another class where there is space available. It is your responsibility to make every effort to attend as we will not be liable for any lost time.

Occasionally, space allowing, the tutor may offer free extra sessions at their discretion, at no extra charge. You are encouraged to take advantage of this as it can be offset against time lost through unavoidable absence.

There is no contract so you can cancel at any time. Please kindly allow as much notice as possible so that the place may be offered to someone else.

What if the tutor cancels a session?

If the tutor cancels a sessions for any reason such as illness, holidays, family emergencies etc., refunds will be offered for the whole or part of the session that the tutor was absent. Any hours accrued unpaid in advance will be taken into account. i.e. If a tutor has offered free extra time, it will be offset against the time lost.

Where To Find Us

The Little Stitchery Sewing Rooms, 6 Commercial Street, Ystradgynlais, SA9 1HD.

More information

For more info, please or email info@nicolaridddavies.co.uk or call 07866 475443

Or please send an enquiry using this form and we'll get back to you asap.

Customer Reviews

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Julie E

I can highly recommend the Dressmakers Guild for sewing classes, whatever your skill or experience level. Nic’s supportive, encouraging and creative approach has inspired confidence in my dressmaking ability. I’m amazed at what I have achieved. !

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Julie T

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.

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Annette E

I started going to classes in Nicola’s studio in January this year. Our small group of 6 get individual help and attention from Nicola very much geared to our own specific needs. The studio has well equipped work stations with everything a budding dressmaker would want, sewing machines, overlockers, even irons an ironing boards. As a result my dressmaking  and pattern fitting skills are improving all the time. I just love my fortnightly session learning all the time with like minded people.

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Anne W

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.

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Pat W

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 .