These popular Monday morning and Wednesday evening dressmaking classes are run by Susanne Hayes and Carol Lord. Classes are suitable from beginners to advanced dressmakers. There is a sewing machine available to use if you haven’t quite yet decided that dressmaking is for you, and there is also an overlocker to help if you want to achieve a ‘shop bought’ finish to your clothes. Make new clothes fr
om a pattern, adjust clothes to fit, or even get help designing your own! Susanne and Carol make a wonderful team and enjoy giving people confidence, whatever their level of expertise. Susanne Hayes brings a wealth of international experience in fabric and design to the dressmakers of Mere. Susanne was a designer for Alberta Ferretti, as well as Fuzzi Knitwear and Gilmar in Italy from 1982-1997. Following 7 years as Womenswear Co-ordinator for Paul Smith she was Co-ordinator of the shoe design department for Emma Hope and latterly fabric buyer for Pringle Scotland. Since 2009 Susanne has run her own business, The Sewing Lady, where she 'creates, replicates and lovingly renovates’ clothes for customers. She relocated to Mere from Sussex in 2013. Carol Lord spent most of her working life as a medical secretary but has always loved textiles – she achieved a City & Guilds in Patchwork and Quilting. She started two groups, which are still going strong with around 30 members in each. Carol started having dressmaking lessons 8 years ago and has made lots of lovely lingerie and special clothes for children with Learning Disabilities. Carol loves showing people how to use their sewing machine and overlocker, and can help you to get the best out of your machine - including simple maintenance. Carol says “I enjoy helping people to create a well finished and unique garment that they will enjoy making and love to wear.”
