Meet The Tutors
Jules began her sewing experience working as a junior pattern cutter straight from school. This led her into formal studies and completing a Fashion Degree in Brighton. Shortly after graduating Jules moved to Hong Kong to work and in 1995, returned to England to set up her own company, designing and producing couture and ready-to-wear bridal, evening and occasion wear.
Eight years on, Jules decided to study for her teaching qualifications which enabled her to become the Head of Fashion at and FE College. Disillusioned with academia Jules left and in 2012, Sew Me Something was born!
Whilst building and running Sew Me Something, Jules has also written and published two fabulous (award-nominated!) sewing books. Her knowledge and know-how in both fashion and teaching has formed the perfect union to give you the perfect Sewing Tutor!
“Imparting and sharing the knowledge I have gained over the last 30+ years in the fashion industry has allowed me to learn and grow on a personal level more than I ever thought possible – it’s the exciting and stimulating experience of creating and producing beautiful things and helping other people to do the same.”
Claire Gardiner
Claire started sewing from a young age with the help of her mother and The GFS (The Girls Friendly Society) and soon found a love of textiles and all things fashion.
After completing an Art Foundation course in Fashion/Textiles, Claire went on to study a Textile Design Degree at Nottingham Trent University and after graduating, landed a job at Wallace Sewell - Textile Design Studio in London weaving their scarves and homeware collections and liaising with the Mill.
Following a move to Leicester, Claire got a job working as a Trainee Garment Technologist for Next Menswear - fitting everything from formal shirts to underwear on fit model David (a job she particularly remembers enjoying!).
After a few years living in both America and Germany, Claire and her family settled in Stratford-Upon-Avon where she came across a part-time position at a small independent shop called Sew Me Something.
A few years on and Claire now sews new SMS samples, creates and writes new projects for the SMS Online Sewing Studio, teaches a number of customer-favourite workshop courses and if you haven’t spotted already - models lots of our new patterns!
"Sewing keeps me creative and sane!"
After studying for a Btec at college, Emma went on to study for a degree in Fashion and Textiles at the University of Central England.
Following her graduation, Emma began working as a childrenswear designer at various Midlands-based manufacturers who supplied a variety of high street shops. Emma also designed underwear and leisurewear that often featured licensed characters such as Super Mario and My Little Pony.
As the UK manufacturing industry began to decline, Emma decided to change direction and spent 15 years working in IT, sewing for pleasure in her spare time. The lure of the textile industry soon caught up with her though and with a relocation from London back to the Midlands, Emma was back working in the textile industry - this time working on the commercial side of things as a supplier. In 2019 Emma left her job working in one of the few remaining UK manufacturers to study for a Level 3 Education qualification. Her first tutoring opportunity was at Crafty Sew and So in Leicester and has since gone from strength to strength gaining a reputation as a knowledgeable and patient tutor.
In May 2022 Emma took the big decision to give up her regular 9-5 job and concentrate on teaching sewing as a freelance tutor, which is when Sew Me Something snapped her up as one of their regular workshop tutors at their studio in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
“I am passionate about dressmaking and sewing and love to encourage others to find the same joy in creating clothes and accessories."
