TESTIMONIALS 

I recently had a fantastic day pattern cutting with Helen after my husband kindly bought me a voucher for Christmas. I had had the benefit of Helen's experience before when we made a bodice block and my project this time was to make a summer dress based on a Tudor kirtle. Helen spent a lot of time beforehand researching the styles and seemingly endless possibilities of the look and function of the dress after I sent her some photos of the kind of design I had in mind. Helen has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on and talked me through the stages of how to move and remove darts and incorporate Princess seams instead and how to drop the sleeves to make the garment more historically correct. I learned so much and am busy finishing my toile ready for a further fitting session with Helen and more advice regarding the lining and lacing. Helen is very friendly and approachable and ensures that you are understanding the various steps and the whole process as you go along. I would definitely recommend Helen's classes to anyone from the first time sewist to those who have been sewing for a while and want to challenge themselves further in their projects.

Sandy - Pattern cutting 1-1

I had the best time with you on this course, thank you so much!! I learnt so much about patterns and garment construction, and also just had an overall nice time chatting about sewing, thank you so much! I will definitely be booking onto another course soon!

Chloe Crimmen - Trace a pattern workshop

This was my second course with Helen, consisting of four 3 hour sessions creating a personalised clothes block. It was great fun working with other enthusiastic sewers and I ended up with exactly what I had hoped for: a pattern from which I can create a host of new projects. I also learned that I needed to up my game and be a more accurate seamstress - all brilliant lessons! I would recommend this course as a foundation for anyone interested in creating their own sewing patterns.

Leonora Nattrass - Make a dress block

Really enjoyable four week class creating a pattern block. Helen is super helpful and explains everything in a very easy to understand way. I am delighted with the final toile produced from my block and can’t wait to join Helen for another course soon.

Jo - Make a dress block

I've done a 'shared course' and some one to one sessions with Helen at Dot and Cross. Really improved my understanding of how dressmaking happens. It is a technical subject, but so important. The knowledge I gained has had a great effect on the fit and style of my hand-made clothes. I've been able to alter commercial patterns, to measure myself and interpret those measurements to my dressmaking. Excellent teaching, and 'team work' Helen teaches, listens, explains and discusses options in a lovely way. I wanted/needed to improve to prevent frustrating waste. Excellent. Worth it and so so satisfying. Lovely garden studio room. To be recommended.

Deborah Richards - Pattern Cutting 1-1

The Full Bust Adjustment Course was a birthday gift for my wife Clare. She arrived home from the course bubbling with excitement and enthusing about the course content, the teaching, everything.
Friendly and engaging, Helen is clearly knowledgable and has a great teaching method.
Highly recommended.

Clare- Full Bust Adjustment, 1-1 class

I attended the 1-1 garment mending workshop. It was absolutely excellent. I learnt multiple mending techniques and we even shortened some trousers that were too long for me and reused the "harvested" fabric to mend some other pieces. My favourite was learning about (and trying) the Japanese mending style, Sashiko. Will definitely be using this technique in the near future, it's very pretty. I was very impressed with the class and intend to book more. Helen is great and super friendly. The studio is cool.

Lisa G- How to repair your clothes, 1-1 class

Sometimes, going on a course whilst on holiday is a wonderful way to spend your time, especially if you go home with a new skill or hobby that enriches your life. With the idea of Cottagecore, the Great British Sewing Bee and ‘make do and mend’ being very much in the limelight now, what better way than to learn how to sew using a sewing machine?

I was greeted warmly by one of the shop proprietors, Jane, who welcomed me into her Aladdin’s cave of crafting goodies. Helen, our teacher for the day, also greeted me as we made our way to our desks. Helen is the founder of Dot N Cross, who hosts sewing and pattern cutting workshops across Cornwall. Having worked for the likes of Karen Millen and Victoria Beckham, she has spent 10 years working as a pattern cutter in the London fashion industry before relocating down to Cornwall. Safe to say, she knows a thing or two about sewing!

A course with Helen is a wonderful way to spend a day. Running an assortment of courses for beginners to experienced alike, from making a shift dress to mending existing clothes and crochet to knitting, there are a lot of courses to choose from, whilst there’s also flexibility to arrange your own private classes focussing on something specific, should you want to.

See the full review here

Boutique Retreats - Introduction to Machine Sewing

Hi Helen

I just wanted to let you know that I have already put loads of the things I learnt at the repair class into good use.

I rehemmed the vintage skirt, repaired a hole in some leggings, a seam hole in a dress, added a button to an apron that was missing.

I also got a couple of my vintage dresses that I needed to change, so I've begun working on those.

The biggest thing is I got out my sewing machine which I have not used since I bought it, and I've been winding bobbins, and using it.

I feel like the course has totally given me my sewing confidence back and ive already started to ask family if they have anything that needs repairing so I can keep using the skills

Thanks again

Samantha x

Samantha Lawton - How to repair your clothes

I really enjoyed learning how to pivot darts and how to think about how a pattern is made. I will try to book on to one of your block drafting courses. I loved the size of the class, the booklet, and how well prepared it was. Thanks so much!

Rosy Seal - Pattern hacking

I learned how to manipulate a basic pattern to create a new look using dart placement.

Fran Morgan - Pattern hacking

I learned how to adapt a pattern block to fit me. We worked on adjusting darts and we had time to look through various pattern cutting books. I loved how technical and personal it was, and the tea and biscuits!

Alice Jacoby - Create a dress block

Thanks for the great hints and tips, I enjoyed learning how to sew in an invisible zip best. I loved the small class size and the great hand outs. I hope to do more classes with you as dates/annual leave allow.

Siobhan Fern - Zipper Masterclass

I learned about the possibilities of using a dress block. How to move darts and make adjustments when things don’t fit. I learnt more than expected and I loved that this was a face to face class. You are such a great teacher Helen and put me completely at ease, thank you so much.

Susan Manson - Create a dress block

The best thing I learned on the Introduction to Machines Sewing class is that I can sew!! After years of thinking I can’t. The lesson was very thorough, and I really enjoyed the day. Thank you.

Susan Saunders - Introduction to Machine Sewing

I attended the Introduction to Machine Sewing class, I was just curious to give it a try and I had a really good day. I had a finished item to show for it at the end and I learned a lot. In future I’d like to learn to make a more complex bag.

Ashley Gilder - Introduction to Machine Sewing

I have been wanting to learn to sew from a pattern for ages and even have had a pattern for a beautiful jacket tucked away in a draw. The problem was every time I got it out it looked so confusing I didn’t know where to start.

Luckily I found Dot n Cross and booked a (very affordable) private 6 hour sewing lesson. After spending the day with Helen yesterday I feel so much more confident!! We worked on the pattern for my jacket. She broke everything down and made it all feel super clear and simple. I am now feeling very inspired and excited about my sewing future! I never expected to get so much out of a one day class.. and now feel as if as long as I break it all down into the simple steps and techniques she taught me the sewing world is my oyster!!

Annie Attwell - 1-1 Sewing Lesson

Wow what can I say!!
I met Helen a few months ago on a course to promote your business and when she said that she’s a pattern cutter I know I would be interested in her business. I went on her course at Stitches and Cream in Falmouth and learnt to make a dress. Helen was so helpful and explained everything so clearly. I didn’t feel silly to ask a simple question because nothing was a problem. I would highly recommend her and her classes. I can’t wait to do more. Also with how clothes are fitting now a-days in shops it’s nice to make an outfit that fits in the correct places. Thank you so much Helen and see you soon xx

Joy - Shift dress workshop

The best thing I learned today was sewing with stretch fabrics, lace and elastic. Everything was great, excellent tutor, good fun, I will come again.

Jo Kemp - Knickers workshop

Helen provided very clear instructions, no question was silly and I felt at ease with coming back to sewing after a long time. I learned how to sew with elastic and delicate lace on a regular sewing machine. My last sewing lessons were at school, but I felt more comfortable here and learnt what I wanted at my own speed. Very helpful, thankyou!

Amy Newman - Knickers workshop

The best thing I learned was the correct method for making a full bust adjustment and how to achieve it on my TATB Stevie pattern (a pattern without bust darts).

Sam White - Full Bust Adjustment Masterclass

I attended the FBA masterclass at Stitches & Cream. I learned to do the pattern block by myself. Hands on learning at a pace where I could make my own notes, take photos and ask plenty of questions. I learned more than I expected and it was more hands on than I expected.  There was excellent technical tuition and clear methodical explanations. It was worth travelling the distance to Falmouth!

Martha Wiseman - Full Bust Adjustment Masterclass

The best thing I learned today was how to put in a centered zip correctly. I’ve been doing it incorrectly for years! This class was thoroughly enjoyable and excellent tuition, also excellent written photographic instructions. I also came on Helen’s jersey dress workshop, this zipper workshop was equally as good.

Rosie Roberts - Zipper Masterclass

Helen is a wonderful teacher, she listens to all her students and puts so much time and effort into her classes. (I loved the hand out booklet that Helen created which is just so easy to read, understand and great for future reference). Helen genuinely cares about her students and is always on hand to offer additional support and advice, professional and friendly, her classes are so informative, relaxed and a delight to attend.

Prior to attending Helen’s pattern tracing course I had very little knowledge of the skills and tools needed to effectively recreate an item of clothing. Helen spent lots of time clearly showing and explaining every step of the process, whilst carefully making sue all students understood and felt confident in what they were doing. We used tools I had never heard of or seen before, including a pattern master and a tracing wheel. The information and process of correctly laying out a garment to recreate its pattern, as provided by Helen was invaluable. I left the class feeling as though I had learnt so many new skills in a lovely and friendly atmosphere. I cannot recommend Helen’s classes enough.

Eleanor Kilby-Grainge - Trace a pattern workshop

I thoroughly enjoyed Helens easy manner and ability to convey instructions in an easily absorbed way. I am feeling confident to take a pattern off a favourite top. I’ll be back for more classes!

Sheenagh Gebhard - Trace a pattern workshop

Just had an amazing day at Stitches and Cream dress making workshop with Helen. I actually made a tunic top dress from scratch and as a complete novice that was quite an achievement. I thoroughly enjoyed the day (especially the lemon cake provided by Sandra, thank you) Helen is a great tutor and is very helpful and patient, the venue at Stitches and Cream is very comfortable and extremely well equipped, Sandra and Jane are brilliant hosts. I would thoroughly recommend these workshops if you want a sociable fun day out with a beautiful garment to take home with you at the the end of it.

Linda Rundle - Make a tunic dress workshop

Such a wonderful day, amazing teacher and I am so delighted with my finished tunic!

Vicky Nicholls - Make a tunic dress workshop

I had a fantastic day at Stitches and Cream today, I actually made a tunic top with the help of Helen, who is an excellent teacher, very patient with a warm and friendly approach, amazing knowledge and pattern cutting experience, having previously worked in a fashion house in London with a top designer. Also Jane and Sandra, very welcoming and friendly ensuring all their customers are well hydrated and comfortable throughout the workshop. Great that you can use their sewing machine, they also provide everything you need like scissors, pins, chalk, cutting mats etc, so no need to take anything other than your fabric. Thank you all very much.

Ann Nicholas - Make a tunic dress workshop