The studio is fully equipped with everything you’ll need in terms of tools and machines, a large cutting table and additional table space if needed. It’s a calm and welcoming atmosphere, with a peaceful courtyard garden for breaks over tea. You just need to bring your chosen pattern, fabric, thread and any notions needed for your project. Of course you are welcome to bring your own favourite tools, but please don’t bring your sewing machine.

Tea, coffee, and treats are available throughout the day, and lunch is included. My friendly dog Warwick is usually nearby and is grateful of any cuddles on offer.

A standard studio day runs for six hours, typically from 10:00 to 16:00, though I’m happy to be flexible with timings, particularly to fit around travel plans.

Typically, students come for between two and five days. The duration of your visit depends on what you’d like to make, your pattern and fabric choices, and your current skill level.

There are lovely accommodation options in Bisley, the surrounding villages, and in Stroud. I'm happy to share any information I have regarding accommodation options.

Accessibility:

My studio is on the ground floor, accessible via steps leading up to the cottage and a step through to the studio. The bathroom is on the first floor of the cottage up a flight of stairs. 

Monday - Friday

• 1:1 tuition – £350 per day

• 2:1 tuition – £300 per student per day

• 3:1 tuition – £250 per student per day 

• 4:1 tuition – £250 per student per day

Weekends & Bank Holidays (please enquire regarding availability)

• 1:1 tuition – £490 per day

• 2:1 tuition – £420 per student per day

• 3:1 tuition – £350 per student per day 

• 4:1 tuition – £350 per student per day

If you’d like to discuss your ideas and create your experience with me I’d love to hear from you. Please see the calendar for available dates (in green) and don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’ve published my availability up to the end of January 2027.

I welcome single sewists and groups of up to 4.

If you’d like to experience the group energy and join with others to make a group, drop me a note and I’ll either find you a sewing buddy of let you know retreat dates.

• How many days should I book?

That really depends on your experience, current skill level and how you work, alongside pattern & fabric choices. This is something we can design together. A rough guide would be, trousers, dresses, shirts, 2 - 3 days, outerwear and more involved projects 3 - 5 days. You may like to come for a day to get support with a particular part of a project that you don’t want to tackle alone. If we’ve worked together previously you can come with your project cut out ready to sew…

• How do I get to your studio?

By car, there’s plenty of parking here in the village

By Train, to Stroud then a short taxi ride.

• What should I bring?

Fabric, thread, your pattern and any other notions needed. All the tools you need are here.

• Where can I stay?

There are places to stay in the village, neighbouring villages and Stroud, I can share ideas with you and past student recommendations.

• What else is there close by?

The south Cotswolds are stunning, Bisley is located entirely within the Cotswolds AONB so if nature and walking is your thing then you’re in the right place. Stroud district is full of creatives, there’s a lot going on with the visual arts and a vibrant music scene. Bath, Bristol and Oxford are all close by.

Katie is both an accomplished dressmaker and teacher. I think my repeat custom says it all. I have attended four of her courses, three at Merchant and Mills and the last one at her beautiful new studio in the Cotswolds.  Each time I have come away with new sewing skills, a deeper knowledge of garment construction and how to choose the right fabric for a pattern. Most importantly Katie always instills me with a greater confidence and enjoyment in my dressmaking. She is a great encourager who strives to empower her students with their makes. Her easy manner and good sense of humour makes the experience a lot of fun, which I think is the best way to take on new skills

- Rachel S, UK. Sewing Student

I have been going to sewing lessons in various locations with Katie for a few years now, I keep going back because she is ’simply the best”  Most recently have visited in her new base in Gloucestershire. There were two of us there for tuition - making different things,  and we had such a good time. We both finished what we were making and I learnt so much. Katie’s influence makes me do the job carefully and correctly, without botching and mistakes. Love it. Want to go back.

- Cynthia G, UK. Sewing Student

Having been in the fashion accessories industry for over 25 years I was in need of a boost of confidence in the sewing department. Katie’s incredible tuition & attention to me as the student has been beyond what I expected. I say this having worked alongside many fashion in house technicians “WHAT A PRO”  Katie has really brought everything to my table & beyond. I absolutely loved & adored my week at the studio & cannot wait to return.

- David B, UK. Sewing Student

I have been taking lessons with Katie since 2019 when I was keen to return to dressmaking after having not done any for years.    I have learnt so much from her and have really appreciated her calm and thorough approach to sewing and all its details.   Her knowledge of all things sewing and fabric never ceases to amaze me.    I have gained in confidence with my sewing from our sessions together and never imagined that I would be making my own coat!    Her new studio is a dream as are the lunches and refreshments throughout your day of sewing.   

- Jean L, UK. Sewing Student

I spent five days with Katie on a 1:1 sewing class. Prior to my arrival, Katie helped me choose the right projects and fabric for my calibre. As I want to continue building my sewing skill set, she provided feedback and expert guidance to help me make the right choices.
Our communication before my time together allowed me to feel confident that I was choosing the right patterns and fabrics to make the most of my trip and learning experience. Our sewing time together exceeded my expectations. In five days, I learned so much and was able to complete a pair of trousers and a top.
Katie’s teaching style is unique, and her explanation of how to interpret patterns and construction made the experience so enjoyable. Her studio is inspirational and comfortable, sewing with her is so much fun.
I stayed at a local cottage and enjoyed this lovely village, which is a treasured memory. The friendliness and hospitality of Katie and the people I met made my trip exceptional.
I highly recommend sewing with Katie and look forward to more trips to sew with her in the Cotswolds. Thank you, Katie, for such an amazing trip!

Rebecca K, USA. Sewing Student

A sewing day at Katie’s studio is very special. She will empower you to elevate your sewing skills by sharing her wealth of knowledge whilst having fun. She also provides you with  a delicious, nutritious, healthy lunch. 

- Barbara W, UK. Sewing Student

I’ve been attending Katie’s sewing classes for many years, they are always a joy. Katie is an exceptional teacher, sharing excellent techniques with a strong focus on polished finishes. She offers lots of individual attention, is incredibly supportive, and has built my sewing confidence. Even as a beginner, I made beautiful garments that I still wear with pride. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with lots of laughter and lovely conversations about sewing and life in general. Warwick, her dog, adds to the warmth of the studio. A recent private retreat was an absolute dream, completely personalised and deeply rewarding. I went home inspired, with a beautifully fitted pair of trousers and a previously stuck project completed.

Katie’s new studio in Bisley is fantastic, she makes everything effortless with great advice on accommodation and transport. I’ll definitely be back for another private class and look forward to returning as a group with friends, for more learning, and exploring the stunning Cotswolds. I highly recommend Katie’s sewing classes.

- Barbara S, Switzerland. Sewing Student

I first met Katie two years ago and from the outset I loved her style of teaching. Imparting her vast knowledge with gentle encouragement and thoughtful insights.

My sewing journey with Katie starts with a lovely welcome from Warwick, a cup of tea and a catch-up, then on with some wonderful sewing.

The days that I spend with Katie in her delightful studio are joyous, and always leave me full of inspiration and lots of ideas for my next make.

Thank you Katie.

- Terryle D, UK. Sewing Student

Spent a wonderful day with Katie. Her calm and quiet instruction provided not only a wonderful learning process but also brought a lovely sense of peace. I came away feeling refreshed and excited about my new skills which I have since put into practice. A joy.

- Alison L, UK. Sewing Student

I’ve been on both group and solo classes with Katie, firstly to improve my general sewing knowledge, and then specifically to learn about pattern matching. Both times, I came away having learned more than I could have hoped. Katie made me feel at ease and at home, filling in some of my gaping holes in experience with kindness; creating a warm teaching environment; providing delicious food; bringing in so many unexpected small tips; chatting away for hours like old friends. Spending time with Katie is a brilliant way to improve your sewing practice, but more than that she creates a space for nourishment, a restorative gift.

- Rhiannon S, UK. Sewing Student

Over the years my sewing skills have improved under Katie’s gentle guidance and extensive knowledge. I have been able to create beautifully made garments that I am proud to wear. Katie has a brilliant approach to teaching, patient, calm and encouraging. Her new studio is bright, airy and well equipped, with delicious homemade lunches and cake. Katie welcomes you to her stylish home, making each visit very special.

- Helena W. UK. Sewing Student

I’ve learned so much from Katie! She’s taught me new techniques, built my confidence with her enthusiasm, and inspired me to make things I feel truly proud of. I’ve gone from a real beginner to a solid sewer much faster than expected. She’s patient, kind, and super supportive: an inspired and inspiring teacher, coach, and maker.

- Sarah D, USA. Sewing Student

I’d like to express how much the last 3 days have meant to me. The teaching, the learning, the beautiful food, the laughs, the tears, the conversation. You create something so special and I am so grateful for the space to learn and be me! Thank you doesn’t seem enough but I truly treasure the time we’ve had and I am changed by it.

- Rebecca H, UK. Sewing Student

I absolutely loved my sewing retreat with Katie. It’s a real privilege to get 121 tuition from someone with so much expertise. Katie always pushes for excellence and she helped me get to a high quality finish on a complex garment. I really improved my skills and learnt so much that I can apply to my home sewing. Katie is generous with the tips & tricks she shares and is really patient. She makes the learning fun and her enthusiasm for sewing is infectious - as well as being delighted with what I made, I felt very inspired after the retreat. I can’t recommend a retreat with Katie highly enough.
- Fiona L, UK. Sewing Student

I have recently returned to the world of sewing and dressmaking, keen and enthusiastic but severely lacking in both knowledge and confidence. Katie’s ‘one to one’ classes have been the perfect way for me to learn and grow. She has created a warm and supportive environment in her beautiful studio in the Cotswolds. A wonderful setting, all the equipment you could need with delicious food, and great company.

Katie has incredible knowledge and skill, but most importantly has the perfect manner, style and personality to pass both on to her students. The quality of the garments I have managed to produce are way beyond my expectations and I will wear them with pride, and the skills I have learned will give me the foundations to continue my sewing journey. I cannot thank her enough.

- Fiona R, UK. Sewing Student.

Terms and conditions:

• Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your chosen dates. UK payments can be made by bank transfer (BACS). For international clients and USA wire transfers, IBAN & BIC (SWIFT) details are available.

• Classes are non-refundable unless I have a reserve list and can fill your space. With that in mind, you might consider relevant insurance.

• In the unlikely event that I must cancel, new dates will be offered or a full refund. I will give as much notice as possible and a minimum of 4 weeks.