Discovering the School of Sewing: A Dream for Sewists ✂️💖

Every now and then, you stumble across something that just makes you go, “Wow, I need to be part of this!” That’s exactly how I felt when I discovered the School of Sewing run by the incredibly talented Alison Smith MBE. While it’s not exactly close to home for me, this school has quickly made its way onto my sewing bucket list—and with so many online courses available, I might not have to wait too long to dive in! 🧵✨

A Bit About the School 🌟

The School of Sewing is based in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, and is led by Alison Smith, who’s not just any sewing instructor—she’s the first person to be awarded an MBE for services to sewing and corsetry! How cool is that? With a reputation like that, it’s no wonder this place has become one of the UK’s top spots for learning dressmaking, tailoring, and couture techniques.

Whether you’re a total beginner like I was when I first picked up a needle, or you’re looking to master advanced techniques, there’s something for everyone here. Alison offers a range of workshops that cover everything from corsetry and dressmaking to creating that iconic French Jacket (yes, the Chanel-inspired one!). I mean, who wouldn’t want to learn that?

Why It’s on My Sewing Bucket List ✂️✨

I’ll be honest—Leicestershire isn’t exactly around the corner for me. But the idea of spending time in Alison’s studio, surrounded by like-minded sewing enthusiasts, sounds like absolute heaven. Her in-person workshops are hands-on, and the chance to learn from someone with such a wealth of knowledge is something I can’t stop dreaming about.

But here’s the good news: even if you can’t get there in person, the School of Sewing has plenty of online courses to choose from. I’ve already been eyeing her downloadable classes on the Sew with Alison platform. They let you learn at your own pace, which is perfect for someone like me who sometimes needs a little extra time to figure things out (hello, seam ripping!).

What You’ll Learn 🪡

The courses at the School of Sewing are all about perfecting your skills, whether you’re creating a beautifully tailored garment or learning how to make something entirely unique. If you’re keen on a serious sewing journey, there’s even a Dressmaking Diploma that focuses on fit and technique—sounds amazing, right?

For ongoing inspiration, there’s also the School of Sewing Members Club, which includes weekly videos, exclusive offers, and a community of sewists sharing tips and ideas. It’s a fantastic way to keep learning and stay connected with others who share the same passion.

Why I’m So Inspired 🌸

There’s something truly special about Alison’s approach to teaching. She’s so dedicated to making sewing accessible for everyone, no matter where you’re starting from. Her passion reminds me of why I fell in love with sewing in the first place—it’s about creating, learning, and sharing that joy with others.

Even though I haven’t taken a class yet, just exploring the website has inspired me to push myself and try new techniques. I love the idea of investing time in learning skills that will last a lifetime (and maybe finally getting that perfect fit on my next project!).

Ready to Sew? ✂️💖

If you’re looking for a place to grow your sewing skills, whether in-person or online, I can’t recommend checking out the School of Sewing enough. I’ve already bookmarked a few courses and can’t wait to dive in. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll make it to Leicestershire and meet Alison in person! Until then, I’m so glad she’s made her expertise available to sewists everywhere.

If you want to learn more, check out her website: School of Sewing. Let me know if you’ve taken one of her classes or if it’s on your list too—I’d love to hear all about it! 😊