LEVEL UP Meet my Intermediate Students

THE MORNING CLASS

I run two Intermediate Level classes on Wednesdays—Morning and Evening. We’re now in Week 5 of a 7-week term, so let’s take a peek at what everyone’s been working on. Each 2 hour 45-minute session gives students time to absorb new techniques and make steady progress on their projects.

Ciara travels from Enniskillen each week. This term, she’s exploring what suits her best—experimenting with shorts, trousers, princess seams, and frills. It’s all about the details!

Orla and Marie come together from Belfast and bring great energy to the new studio. Orla is building a wardrobe that truly reflects her—altering dresses, shortening trousers, and creating a floaty summer dress. Her fabric stash is full of gems we can’t wait to see sewn up! Marie is working from her tried-and-true trouser pattern, and now she’s added a matching jacket—she wore the full set to class this week, glowing with pride! She’s now started a sunny gingham dress for her granddaughter.

Ann, now in her sixth season, makes the weekly drive from Belfast. She always has multiple projects on the go—this term, a denim skirt drafted from her own block pattern, and next up, a dress cut from her newly completed block. With two weeks to go, we’re aiming to finish it in time!

THE EVENING CLASS

Lalaine travels from Dungannon each week and dived straight into dressmaking with a fabulous Laura Ashley vintage dress pattern. This week she fitted her toile, made the pattern adjustments and started cutting out her real cloth. She has chosen a paisley pattern which required a little more time to match and line up pattern repeats. With a lot of detailing in her pattern, Lalaine has gone home with ‘homework’ of pintucks and darts. Next week she will be using the overlocker, inserting her sleeves and designing a new collar.

Stephanie normally attends the Advanced class, but this season Wednesday suited better. Stephanie has made 3 garments already in her 5 weeks at class. She does a lot of sewing at home too, which means she progresses steadily. A few weeks ago the floral dress was just a calico toile…and now its ready for a trip to Paris! Stephanie has used the same dress pattern to make a skirt by combining upcycled denim (jeans) and a colourful Moroccan shawl. This week, inspired by a circle skirt design I had in the studio, Stephanie created a circle skirt by using measurements only. She was in awe of how easy it was. I showed her how this circle skirt could also become a cape or a draped shoulder or dress design!

Zoe joined the class a few weeks in and after her first lesson she invested in a new sewing machine purchased from my website. Zoe chose the Janome J3-18 machine. She is inspired to get creating her own designs and also make for her family investing in these lifelong skills that can be handed down.

WHATS NEXT AFTER INTERMEDIATE?

When students complete the Intermediate Level, they leave with more than just a Certificate of Achievement. They walk away with real confidence—in their sewing and in themselves. Being able to fit and wear clothes they’ve made brings a huge sense of pride and joy, especially for those who’ve struggled to find flattering styles on the high street.

That buzz of creating something personal is powerful. Many joined the course for exactly that reason—to take control of their style, fit, and creativity. And along the way, they meet others who share the same passion. Classes are not only about learning new skills but also about connection, support, and inspiration.

Some students choose to stay at this level a little longer, building on what they’ve learned and refining their skills. Others feel ready to move on.

When they’re ready, they can step up to the Advanced Course. At this stage, I’ll gently challenge them to go beyond what they’ve done before—but only if it feels right for them. A bit of a push often leads to wonderful surprises. Those moments of “I can’t believe I made this!” are what build true confidence—and they’re some of the best parts of the journey.

HAVE MY STUDENTS INSPIRED YOU TO LEVEL UP YOUR SEWING?

Colour and Cloth teach all levels of Sewing Courses and Workshops so no matter what level you are at, there is no better time to start than now.

It starts with learning how to thread your machine and then you are on your new creative journey. The New dates for our Intermediate Course are released on Sunday 8th June at 9pm.

In two weeks time I will share everyones creations – put a reminder in your diary!