Eloise Grey

I work with a passion for the process of making and delight in the confidence that comes from completing tasks. I like students to go at their own pace, whether it’s building different techniques methodically or getting stuck into a project and learning what you need to complete the task. I enjoy the friendly calm that descends when a group are all working in a room together.

Basic sewing skills such as seams, stiches, corners and curves, cutting fabric, pinning and tacking, pressing, unpicking and gathers, neatening edges and hems. Confidence to use a sewing machine and other equipment to complete simple projects or adjustments.

Combination of practicing techniques, demonstration and simple handouts. I find it best to start with where my students are and build from that rather than trying to fit the student to a pre-conceived idea of what they should be.

I am inspired by the quality of clothing before mass-manufacturing. I love detail and tailoring. Much of my designs are inspired by writers but really I find textiles speak to me first.

On my website.

I learnt to sew as a child and studied needlework at school, making most of my clothes under the tutelage of many dress patterns. I then came back to sewing and designing later. I did many short courses in tailoring, pattern cutting, design, drawing in London until I met Martin Shoben who founded the London Centre for Fashion Studies and wrote many books on pattern cutting. Martin, taught me to cut patterns for tailoring.

I taught for the British Council for many years when I was a language teacher.

I write a successful blog and regularly contribute to other blogs and local publications about sustainable fashion.

I am a Fellow of the RSA for my work with sustainable design. I am also a member of the Ethical Fashion Forum.