Close-up of a person's hands guiding fabric under a sewing machine needle while sewing.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced sewer, all abilities are welcome. Bring along your own sewing project, or if you’re new to sewing, try one of our simple taster projects and learn the basics with Anna’s guidance.

Choose a Friday morning or afternoon session that suits you, with full use of the studio’s facilities and equipment. It’s a relaxed way to experience the class, build your confidence and see if it’s right for you.

*Sessions are subject to availability.

Book a Taster Session

Book a Taster Session
A woman with glasses measuring a yellow and gold sequin costume on a mannequin in a costume workshop. There are other costumes, mannequins, and sewing supplies in the background, with a large wall clock showing 2:11.

What to Expect

  • A welcoming, supportive introduction to sewing where you can learn new skills, ask questions and build confidence at your own pace.

  • Whether you’re completely new to sewing or have years of experience, Anna will tailor her guidance to your skills, experience and project.

  • Come as you are, whether you’re completely new to sewing or have some experience. Bring along a project you’d like to work on, learn how to use your own sewing machine, or try some simple sewing exercises to get started and build your confidence.

  • Get practical, one-to-one support throughout the session, alongside demonstrations and advice to help you develop your sewing and pattern-cutting skills.

  • Make full use of the studio’s sewing facilities and equipment while getting a feel for how the regular Friday classes work.

A mannequin torso draped with a beige, textured fabric and a shiny, metallic silver scarf around its shoulder.
A dress form with paper pattern pieces for a garment, marked with markings and notes, on a gray upholstered stand.
Close-up of sewing or embroidery stitches on light-colored fabric, with red thread creating dashed and straight lines.
Close-up of a person's hand with coral-colored nails holding a blue sewing pin. The pin is on white fabric, with a ruler and some packaging in the background.
Close-up of a pink, ornate, patterned fabric on a dress or upholstery, with a seam down the center and pleats at the bottom.

  • "Anna is a fantastic tutor - knowledgeable, patient, and endlessly encouraging. She continues to teach me so much, and every lesson builds my confidence and skills".

    Current Student

  • "I really value that you work on your own project, with Anna providing personalised guidance when needed. She is patient, talented and generous with her knowledge".

    Current Student

  • "We are lucky to have such a talented professional designer/genius/seamstress. My own skills have developed at a steady pace and sewing has become so much more enjoyable with Anna’s input".

    Current Student

  • If you have a machine you like to use, or perhaps a new machine you’d like to get started with, please bring it along. We have a selection of four sewing machines and overlockers available for those who are just starting out or don’t have their own, so there’s no need to have a machine before you begin.

    See the sewing rooms full list of equipment here.

  • The skills you learn will depend on your experience, interests and the project you’re working on. You’ll build practical sewing and dressmaking skills at your own pace, from understanding patterns and fabrics to cutting, sewing and finishing garments to a high standard.

    You may learn pattern cutting, fabric preparation, garment construction, seams and finishes, darts, zips, buttons, hems and hand sewing, as well as building ongoing confidence with your sewing machine.

  • Yes, there is free parking on the road outside of the sewing studio, as well as a large free car park opposite the Portland Centre, directly behind the Co-op car park.

    The address is: The Portland Centre, Hopeville Ave, Broadstairs CT10 2TP

  • Please let us know about any accessibility needs or adjustments you may require when booking, so we can make sure you feel comfortable and supported during the class. We’re happy to discuss your needs in advance and, where possible, adapt the class, workspace or teaching approach to help you get the most from your time with us. The Portland centre is accessible to wheelchair users. There are disabled toilets and double doors with no stairs or steps giving easy access.

    Email Anna directly to discuss your requirements

Your Questions, Answered

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ’s or reach out to ask more questions. If you’re ready to get started, go ahead and book your taster session.

Book a Taster Session