Our Venues and Tutors
Bobbin Sewing School was set up by two ladies with passions for craft in Winchester at the beginning of 2012. It has gently evolved and in 2014 was taken over by Alison Warner who is keen to keep the same friendly format that is key to the Bobbin image. Aly has developed Bobbin into what it is today. Bobbin has grown and is now in its new home of The Old Veterinary Surgery, just off the High Street in Stockbridge in the fabulous small town in mid Hampshire. In a converted corn loft it looks over the water meadow and the River Test. Previously from October 2017 to April 2023 Bobbins home was in The Vine Yard in a converted stable in Stockbridge and prior to that in The top room of The Consortium in Winchester. We also hold Sewing Retreats in various venues. We are very lucky to have some fabulous talented tutors all with the same passion – to share their skills generously with you.
Alison Warner
My love of sewing began at a very early age and I was very lucky that my very talented seamstress Grandmother taught me to sew as a child. After studying Garment Design, Construction and Technology in Oxford I worked in Fashion and High Street Couture in all aspects of the business from the glamorous side of buying for a high end market to the all important pinning up of trouser hems, continuing to sew for myself at every given opportunity. I share my time between tutoring and running my other business as a designer maker with my own small range of clothing and accessories. I love sharing my skills with the emphasis of the classes being a pleasure and shared enjoyment so giving someone the confidence that a piece of material can be made into something by themselves.
Rebecca Miles
Rebecca designs and makes knitted and crocheted home wares and accessories which have generated a growing customer base, many of whom are keen to learn the craft themselves. While living in London she was encouraged by friends to teach them so we are pleased she is now located in Winchester. For Rebecca knitting is closely linked to her family. Both her grandmothers were wonderful craftswomen and taught her to knit and crochet from a young age. As well as teaching and making, Rebecca is a professional musician. When touring around the world giving concerts, she will always pack a pair of needles and ball of wool for any quiet moments! Becca’s Instagram page is madeinwinchester
Meg Harris
Meg Harris is a textile artist who uses a domestic sewing machine to create freehand machine embroidered pictures of local architecture and everyday objects. Describing herself as a print and pattern addict, Meg uses small pieces of appliqued fabric in her work and loves the freedom that the wobbly lines of freehand embroidery bring. Take a look at Megs work on her Instagram page may-i-design
Jenny Fraser
Jenny makes bespoke hand sewn lampshades. She uses traditional methods to tailor her shades, often with a modern twist. She particularly enjoys experimenting with different techniques and styles. Her work also involves bringing new life to old frames by repairing and then remodelling them in luxurious fabrics such as vibrant silks, tweeds and tartans. These result in statement pieces which are so much more than just lampshades. Jenny regularly works with interior designers and her works are spread far and wide across the Uk and Ireland
Jenny loves what she does and hopes that she can inspire others too.