MEET THE TUTORS

Sewing, Knitting & Crochet Classes in Rutland

CAROLINE

I have always love to sew and craft and after being diagnosed with my illness I decided to retrain and was fortunate to undertake an apprenticeship for a tailor on Savile Row. In this role I learned the finer details of tailoring and hand finishing and my love for garment making grew.  I have been working in the sewing industry since 2013.

The overriding experience of learning a craft and making something to keep or wear has been that of great enjoyment and satisfaction and one I love to pass on and therefore I am pleased to be teaching classes for ages and abilities. However I do not profess to be the master (or mistress!) of all crafts and feel very lucky to have enlisted the aid of 3 experienced tutors, as follows:

EMMA

I studied for a Constructed Textile Design degree in London in the early 90’s and spent the next 10 years working in the furnishing fabric business. After a break to have children I decided to open my own yarn shop in 2007.  The heart of the shop revolved around my knitting groups and workshops.  After spending so much time with so many knitters and crocheters I gained a wealth of techniques and tips.  In my workshops I pass of as much information as possibly I can to other knitters so they go away armed with the knowledge and confidence to work on their own projects.  All our knitting and crochet classes are run in collaboration with Wool Zone, Oakham.

JANE

After training as a Multi-Disciplinary designer over 30 years ago I spent 10 years working in London and South Wales as a Lecturer specialising in Surface Decoration, Visual Studies, Industrial Ceramics and 3D Design. Throughout this period of time, I also practiced as a Freelance Designer.

The birth of my daughters led to a change in the direction of my career; I trained and qualified as a Primary School Teacher taking on the role as Assistant Head, as well as a school-based tutor for Manchester University.

In 2016 my husband and I relocated to Rutland and I decided it was time to step down from a very busy career and go back to my passion, designing and making various products and teaching various arts and crafts. 

JO

I have been a crafter since being inspired at school and sewing and upholstery have always played a huge part in my life. Having a varied career in sales and marketing, and local authority support for families have interspersed this with a curtain and blind making business and now running an upholstery and craft school centred in Uppingham (Joatno40).  My workshops are all about giving you time in a relaxed and uplifting space, guiding you through the stages to complete your unique project, and creating opportunities for you to meet like minded people and have a day out. My love of teaching almost matches my passion for upholstery and sewing. I am delighted to be working with Caroline to bring you these workshops. I look forward to meeting you.