Reviews
Testimonials about
Top Notch Sewing Centre
Francesca, Sewing Machine
Drivers Licence
“I attended the sewing machine drivers licence class with Caroline just before Christmas 2023 and it was such a delight! I haven’t used a sewing machine for some 30 years and even that was pretty basic. Caroline was so patient and just made me feel that I can start sewing and actually become reasonably competent. She was also so generous and gracious with her time after the class. I’m already booked in for a few sewing classes and I am really looking forward to them. Highly recommend!”
Beulah, Sewing tutoring
I have been sewing on and off since a little girl but had never worked with Jersey and struggled to adjust patterns to fit me better. Always a challenge sewing on your own even with a sewing form. What a fabulous friendly teacher Caroline is, knowledgeable and full of expert tips and techniques to help you sew a garment. I shared a class with my friend which was great spending time with her and we both got individual time and advice from Caroline. I have sewn invisible zips previously but the technique Caroline showed me was brilliant. If you're a beginner at sewing or an expert and need some tuition I would highly recommend Caroline as a tutor, her experience in the fashion industry is second to none and such a patient teacher, I now have a jersey dress I can wear!
Rachel, Children's tutoring
My daughter has had a couple of sewing lessons with Caroline at Top Notch Sewing and has really enjoyed them.
Caroline explains everything carefully and makes the lessons very enjoyable.
I would highly recommend Caroline to any of my friends who are interested in learning to sew.
Nina, Sewing Club
My 9 year old daughter joined Caroline for her advent calendar course. She had a wonderful time, great tuition with a small class size which meant she had a lot of
1-2-1 time. My daughter described Caroline as very caring and patient. She already wants to join her monthly sew classes!
The end product is lovely and she's very excited to fill it up for December. Thank you!
Henna Bostrom
As much as I wanted my first lesson in how to make a skirt "cut on the bias" to be in person at the Top Notch Sewing Centre with Caroline helping me in person, I am happy to report that online sewing lessons work and you can successfully make a wearable garment with Caroline guiding you over the Internet - something we would have not dreamed of doing before 2020! The skirt I made is now a part of my wardrobe I wear a lot as the fit is great and it's really to my taste having chosen the fabric myself with help from Caroline on what types of fabric work best.
Caroline has such skill and experience in sewing and she's great at teaching what she knows to others. Her course packages are carefully planned to be easy to follow and with her guiding you along with patience that appears to be infinite, learning a skill that's as useful as sewing is surprisingly easy and one's confidence grows in the process. Happily learning to sew isn't tied to you being able to visit the sewing centre as Caroline is always there to help - online when needed! I am looking forward to making more things suiting my own style and body using the services offered by Top Notch Sewing Centre.
Judith,Beginners sewing class
I had a wonderful time at my first workshop. Caroline was really helpful and gave me some great tips which I can use in my own sewing. I will definitely be attending another workshop soon!
Cassandra Baker,
@ The Baker Girl Way
TOP NOTCH FASHION CLUB ..!!
WOWZERS what shall I say ...??
THIS IS THE BEST CLUB Saffron has ever done ..!!
Caroline is an EXCELLENT teacher and mentor for the girls.
The lessons are via Zoom £10.00 that includes fabric samples / papers.
The lessons are FUN,
INFORMATIVE &
CREATIVE..!!
Caroline always comes up TOP TRUMPS on everything she does ..!!
Caroline has a wealth of expertise in fashion, designing, dressmaking and pattern cutting ..!!
I am SUPER BLESSED to know Caroline personally and professionally ..!!
Thank you ever sooo much for teaching my baby girl creative fashion skills, she absolutely LOVES IT
Thank you ever sooo much for inspiring my daughter to live her dreams ..!!
Lots of Love & Appreciation
Team Baker xx
Bernadette,
overlocker class
I had my first lesson with Caroline this morning on how to use an overlocker, I was made very welcome and thoroughly enjoyed my time with her, I have learnt so much in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, I was confident when I came home to practise my new skills, with success, on my own overlocker. I look forward to having future lessons with her to develop my sewing skills further.
Casey,
beginners sewing class
Had a fabulous morning with Caroline at top notch this morning, I can sew! Thanks so much Caroline for your patience with me as I am a complete beginner and had no idea how to wind a bobbin! Would highly recommend Top Notch ! Looking forward to the next session
Claudine, Fashion Club
My two daughters (age 9 and 11) are really enjoying Caroline's Fashion Club over Zoom! I've just signed them up for their third 6-week course. They've learnt lots about fashion and created whole collections of designs on paper. They've also had a go at reverse tie dye to make personalised tshirts and drapery using fabric scraps pinned onto a Barbie doll. It's really inspiring them to be more creative. Thank you Caroline!
Anne Cole
I have had a few Zoom sewing lessons with Caroline. I found them to be very useful and easy to follow. As Caroline has worked in the fashion industry she has excellent knowledge of modern fabrics and techniques
I sewed as a teenager and young adult and returned to sewing a years ago. I found that fabrics on offer have changed and machines have improved functions . I do need guidance in making the most of these changes. I aim to sew to a high standard and produce clothes which have a better finish than many of ready to wear garments.
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Caroline definitely has the knowledge to help me achieve this. Her lessons are excellent value for money. As she lives in Orpington and I live near Portsmouth I am delighted to be able to access her lessons on my iPad.
Anne
Cassandra Baker,
@ The Baker Girl Way
I feel so compelled to write this review ..!!
I have been blessed to know Caroline personally and
professionally for the past 4 years ..!!
Caroline and I have worked on many projects together all of which have been AMAZING..!!!
Everything Caroline creates is TOP NOTCH ..!!
Caroline is a real perfectionist ..!!
I really value this quality in her.
I genuinely believe she is THE BEST DRESSMAKER IN THE WORLD ..!!
Caroline’s knowledge and expertise always surpasses my high standards..!!
The price point is ALWAYS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE for money with no comprise on quality.
The customer service I receive is OUTSTANDING..!!
I couldn't wish for a better dressmaker or friend ..!!
Caroline you are a BLESSING to us all ..!!
Claudine, Fashion Club
My two daughters (age 9 and 11) are really enjoying Caroline's Fashion Club over Zoom! I've just signed them up for their third 6-week course. They've learnt lots about fashion and created whole collections of designs on paper. They've also had a go at reverse tie dye to make personalised tshirts and drapery using fabric scraps pinned onto a Barbie doll. It's really inspiring them to be more creative. Thank you Caroline!
Hazel, Sewing Machine Drivers Licence
My daughter had a sewing machine lesson with Caroline last week and it was excellent. Caroline was professional, kind and patient. Nothing was too much trouble and my daughter really enjoyed herself. She now feels more confident in using the machine at home. Thank you very much Caroline & hope to see you soon for some more tuition, take care x
Linh, kids Sewing Club
My daughter is 10 and has done 3 classes with Caroline. Sew your own tote bag, alteration and customisation and the tie dye class. She has thoroughly enjoyed them all. She said the classes were amaaaaaaaaazing!!! My daughter loves sewing and making clothes for her barbie dolls, so to find somewhere local that teaches sewing is fantastic. The level is perfect, she comes home super happy and proud of her creations. We will definitely be booking in for more classes!