Meet the Maker - Angela Pressley
Company overview
The Sewing Club is a sewing school on the Kent coast providing classes and workshops for adults and children with on-going courses through-out the year and you can make anything you like!
How did it all start?
For over 20 years, I’ve worked in the fashion and textiles industries in London and Italy after studying fashion and textiles at university. I established my sewing school, The Sewing Club in 2007 where I concentrate on providing tailor made weekly classes and workshops for adults and children, designing sewing patterns and appearing live on Sewing Street TV frequently giving sewing demos of my designs.
The story behind the name…
The name The Sewing Club was chosen because it encapsulates everything I do to make my students feel we belong to a special club with a common interest.
Where are you based?
I have a lovely bright sunny studio on the Kent coast, in Herne Bay. My students often make a day of it (or a mini-break) getting their fix of sewing and enjoying the delights of the Victorian seafront, the pier, old fashioned arcades, mini golf and many coffee shops. I believe Esme Young once had a beach hut in Herne Bay so what more can you ask for?
What inspires you?
I’m constantly following fashion and homeware trends, reading magazines and watching home renovation shows and studying costume in films.
What makes you, your brand or products unique?
My sewing classes are unique because I offer weekly courses that run as the school terms do all year round. Students can come for one 6 week course but some students have been with me for years!
As a sewing tutor for 15 years, I have the experience to present instructions in an easy way so my sewing patterns are always simple to understand and I know all the short-cuts. My students are also a ready-made base for reviewing my patterns so you know they are tried and tested.
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
I’m busy preparing for my first workshop and live theatre demo at the Knitting and Stitching Show in October, they will both be projects from my book, so I’m really looking forward to it! I’m also working on more sewing patterns that I hope to launch in the new year. I love to make dress patterns which are easy to wear, easy to adjust to your body-shape and make the wearer feel wonderful and I also love following handbag trends! so watch this space for bowling ball styles, oversized totes and quilted clutches!
What is your biggest achievement?
I’ve always wanted to write a book! And this year my book ‘Sewing Machine Basics for Children’ was launched after working so hard and with such a quick turnaround in 2021, I feel very proud that I managed to achieve my life-long ambition! Watch this space for more in the pipeline, they may be even a novel this time as I love to write stories, with a sewing theme of course!
What is your best-selling product/line?
My new book has consistently been in Amazon’s top 10 books for children’s crafts since its launch, it’s the only instruction book amongst all the craft kits listed. When I launched it on Sewing Street TV, it was a sell-out and that day I had a lot of books to sign!
Your experience of your first Knitting & Stitching Show (year, exhibiting or visiting)
This is my first time running workshops at the show and it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time as my forte is tutoring so I’m really looking forward to it.
What do you love about the Knitting & Stitching Shows?
As a sewing tutor, I get through a lot of fabric so I am ALWAYS on the lookout for a good deal! I’ve often bought way more than I can carry but everything is always earmarked for a particular pattern and there’s always been a wonderful choice. As I studied textile design I’m always inspired and amazed by the fantastic talent in the textile exhibition hall and I go home with lots of enthusiasm.
Your three top tips for crafters and makers…
Always have a pattern in mind when buying fabric/yarn
Always realise cutting out and preparing can take longer than the actual sewing
Yes, you can squeeze that top out of that 1m of fabric if you really try!
Any advice for fledgling businesses…
My business has grown very slowly over the years and its reputation has grown organically so don’t rush in and spend a lot of money on equipment and supplies at the beginning, you may find you don’t need it
Website: www.thesewingclub.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewingclub/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesewingclubkent/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesewingclub