Having only ever picked up a needle and thread to sew the odd button before, it was with a little trepidation that I turned up at Lisa Comfort’s Sew Over It sewing café on a wintery Sunday morning. Thankfully, Comfort has captured just the right environment to encourage aspiring seamstresses to try something new.

A friend and I had signed up to the ‘Intro to Sewing’ course hoping to come out with newly-found sartorial prowess or, at the very least, some handicrafts that would double up as Christmas presents. Our lovely teacher Christina talked us through all the tricky bits and despite a few wobbles (literally) I managed to make a cushion and tote bag and now have the confidence to attempt things on my own.

Whether you are already au fait with a tape measure or just want to practice your straight stitch, SOI is the place to visit for delicious cake alongside some creative me-time.

I’m hoping it won’t be long before I can come back to attempt one of the beautiful 50s tea dresses that are on show!

Images by Leigh Metcalf: Found, Now Home