Hey everyone, Dawn here! 

I own Sew Confident Chorley and teach a number of our online and arm knitting classes. This week, I caught up with one of my very loyal customers after receiving a lovely testimonial:

“I cannot speak highly enough about Dawn and everything she has created with Sew Confident Chorley. When I found Dawn’s business, I was looking for something to reconnect with my mum after my dad’s sudden death from cancer. We both found a love of sewing! 

Having never sewn before, I found Dawn’s beginners class. At the start I was so nervous – I couldn’t even cut in a straight line! Dawn was so patient and welcoming and kind, she gently helped me improve each week with kind words and a helping hand and a hot cup of tea at the ready.

I completed the course making so many things I didn’t think I would ever manage, from bunting and cushions, even making things for friends and family. Achieving a little bit each week gave me confidence and I can only credit Dawn with that. Over lockdown, like many people, things were hard emotionally and I was in a high-risk environment working for the NHS and my mum had to isolate. Once again Dawn supported us through this with door-step deliveries of fabric and craft kits and she hosted an online arm knitting class which gave me and mum the giggles. 

Thank you isn’t enough words to express what she has done and continues to do for us. I love that her studio is local to me, and she puts on so many unique classes. Dawn is one of a kind, a diamond who I am grateful for the opportunity of getting to know, she is an outstanding advocate for women in business everywhere and such an inspiration.”

So, I decided I had to meet Tracy for coffee and find out more. Here’s how it all began, sit down and have a wee read!

What made you want to learn?

I loved sewing bee and I wanted something to do after the sudden death of my father. I needed something to focus on, something for me. My mum can sew and she’s brilliant, but I thought we might fall out if she tried to teach me. I also have a stressful job, working in a senior position with the NHS and dealing with mental health. I did a Google search, found Sew Confident Chorley and signed up to their beginners sewing class in August 2020.

Your experience at Sew Confident

Absolutely terrified to come to my first beginners sewing class but I was soon put at ease; never judged, and met lovely people. It is always inspiring coming to classes and the atmosphere is most welcoming. Dawn and her tutors are all so knowledgable. I was never judged and have just kept coming back to learn more. My confidence has grown, and I am now not the last one to finish anymore and absolutely love going out to a class and coming back with something I have made.

What is your favourite thing about sewing?

It helps me switch off from my stressful job and is also something that has brought my mum and I closer together. Sewing also helps keeps me sane, I love planning my project. I got a sewing journal from my mum and love filling it with projects and can’t wait to sew more, and I hope this encourages others to do it too and see how great it feels.

What classes have you done?

Pretty much done them all and I am still eyeing up your new classes that are coming up. I love dressmaking and have bought my sewing machine and overlocker from you too. Also tried out quilting, crochet, hand embroidery, roman blinds, and curtains, as well as arm knitting virtually during lockdown. Oh, I bought the online capsule collection run by Jenny too and love all the chat I can get involved in after classes through your Facebook groups. Everyone is so encouraging, helpful and supportive. I think I am a super fan!

What has been your favourite class?

Loved them all but my most recent class was the gym leggings class with Hannah, I really didn’t think I could do them. I was so chuffed I made one pair in class and managed to start on another. They are great and they have survived my body attack class at the gym and been worn to death.

What next?

Just signed up to the hoody making class it is something for my mum and I to do together. Sewing has brought us closer, and we love having a mutual interest. I feel really passionate about sewing, and I am so glad I now take time out for me. I am having a year of handmade where I am enjoying making gifts for friends and family.

Feedback like this from customers are exactly what makes all the hard work we put in as franchisees so worthwhile! A massive thank you to Tracy for sharing this with us all.

Love,
SC Dawn x