Edinburgh

classes: Sewing and Embroidery • Textiles

5.0 (33)

9k followers

I am a sustainable fashion designer from Dublin, now based in Edinburgh. I studied Fashion Design in Ireland before coming to Scotland to do a Masters in Sustainable & Ethical Fashion.

My work uses exclusively vintage and reclaimed materials in a bid to showcase the beauty of reuse!

I really enjoy teaching people and sharing in the joy of creating, upcycling and making unique pieces.

Join me in a group session or 1:1 to learn sewing, upcycling, pattern drafting and more!

Classes

Fashion and Sewing Upcycling 2 Week Course

5.0 (5)

11 May, 13 May

Edinburgh

1 to 5

£60

Pattern Drafting, Fitting & Design Workshop: Trousers

Sat 15 Jun, 10am

Edinburgh

1 to 4

£115

Half-day Sewing, Upcycling and Repair Workshop

5.0 (8)

Your choice of time

Edinburgh

2 to 5

£47

Beginner Sewing Class - Make a Tote Bag

5.0 (13)

Your choice of time

Edinburgh

2 to 5

£47

Picture Patch Your Clothes - Applique Upcycling Workshop

5.0 (3)

Your choice of time

Edinburgh

2 to 4

£47

1:1 Pattern Drafting Lesson

5.0 (3)

Your choice of time

Edinburgh

1 on 1

£95

Sustainable Sewing Course - Make or Upcycle Your Clothes

5.0 (1)

Your choice of time

Edinburgh

2 to 5

£165

Private 1:1 Pattern Drafting Course: Create Perfect Garments

Your choice of time

Edinburgh

1 on 1

£340

Reviews

(33)

Holly Shah • May 2024

The class was a great introduction to patterns. I have minimal knowledge on pattern drafting but Jen made it approachable and fairly straightforward - I definitely feel less daunted now! It definitely felt like a class which would be useful both to beginners and those who are more advanced. I will be recommending to others, and I can’t wait to delve further into pattern making!

Chris Young • May 2024

Had a great session with my daughter at Jen’s class yesterday. Her guidance and help was at the perfect level for us both. The choices of fabrics was extensive and we loved the bags we made - they’ll definitely get plenty of use. Will definitely come back for another class.

Sarah Haigh • May 2024

I wanted to make a bodice block tailored to me so I can make clothes that fit better. Jen provided everything I needed, she had prepared the materials in advance, and had everything to hand. She showed me what to do clearly. There was some maths to do but we managed it! I took away a front and back pattern piece which I will use to make lots of tops and dresses. I also have instructions for changing where the bust and shoulder darts are, and got some ideas from Jen about different ways to shape the bodice using separate pattern pieces. Jen also mentioned that she has group classes running where I can draft some sleeves, and I plan to come back to make a trouser block, which will be two sessions. It was great value as I got so much out of the time spent.

Gosia • Apr 2024

Great atmosphere, Jen was a fantastic tutor.
She made sure everyone was comfortable with every step and guided us through the sewing process.
I would recommend if you are new to sewing and would attend more classes by Jen. Thank you

Katharina van Midden • Apr 2024

Highly recommend this course for anyone who is interested in improving their sewing skills, looking for tailored advice and help with their projects or even just looking for inspiration! Jen is extremely knowledgeable and gave every one the time and attention they needed.

Teacher's response

Hi Katharina, thank you so much for your kind words! Looking forward to seeing you another time hopefully

Abby Donnelly • Apr 2024

Absolutely wonderful! Jen is so knowledgeable and explains things very clearly. I hadn't sewn anything since school over 15 years ago. Over the two weeks I was able to fix a couple of rips, change the arm fit of two dresses and upcycle a tee with some lovely trim from Jens stash. I'm excited to continue my sewing journey!

Teacher's response

Hi Abby, Thanks so much for your lovely review, hope to see you again!

Alice Dobie • Apr 2024

Jen was really lovely, encouraging and patient. She guided us every step of the way and had lots of resources to help us. Was a lovely class!

Teacher's response

Thanks so much for your kind words Alice! Hope to see you for another class soon

Usama Al Kindi • Mar 2024

This was exactly what I needed to fuel some confidence and inspire ideas about repairing and altering my wardrobe. Jen is a brilliant teacher and brings a warm and cheerful atmosphere to the class. I left feeling inspired and ready to take on some bigger DIY projects. Thanks Jen!

Teacher's response

Hi Usama! Thanks so much for your your review, hopefully see you another time!

Claire Breslin • Mar 2024

Loved this class. It was really good fun but we also learned a lot of sewing skills despite the laughter. Plus we came home with pretty awesome self-made tote bags! Highly recommend this class. Thanks Jen!

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Claire

Jane Norie • Mar 2024

I really enjoyed this afternoon workshop. Jen was extremely patient and encouraging. It felt great to go home with a unique bag I had made myself and it made me feel more confident about giving the sewing machine a try.

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Jane! Happy sewing with your new machine ️

Gillian Brydon • Mar 2024

Great class. Learned something and great bag. Appropriate pace having not used a sewing machine

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Gillian! I'm so glad that yourself and Joanna enjoyed the class.

Aryaman Verma • Jan 2024

It was me and my partner's first proper time using a sewing machine and doing applique and we had so much fun! Jen was very patient with us and helped us with all the ideas that we had! Would totally recommend to anyone who is interested in picking up this skill or would just like to revamp their clothes! Thanks Jen!

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Aryaman, both of your creations were brilliant! So glad you had a good time

Jen • Jan 2024

My daughter (age 13) and I had a brilliant time at this workshop, and Jen was such a patient and supportive tutor! My daughter shortened a skirt that was a bit too long and customised it with a denim panel, and I took an old T-shirt that was tired of life and turned it into a flash new tote bag. This was loads of fun, and easier than you might imagine - and we both agreed we hope to be back for another drop in workshop later this year :)

Teacher's response

Hi Jen, thank you so much for your review! I'm so glad you and Lexi enjoyed the class and looking forward to seeing your next creations

Rebecca • Jan 2024

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Jen is lovely, she is helpful instructive and understanding.
The course was very valuable, all tools were available, and techniques were explained.

Teacher's response

Hi Rebecca, thanks so much for your review, see you another time

Clara Guisan • Jan 2024

2 ClassBento workshops attended

It's amazing that in my first sewing class ever I made a beautiful totebag! Thank you Jen for being so patient, explanatory and sweet throughout the process. She's a gem!

Teacher's response

Hi Clara, thanks so much for your review :) hopefully see you in the studio another time!

Veronica Royce • Jan 2024

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

I’ve taken several classes from Jen and they have all been great. The intro class was particularly helpful for getting used to the sewing machine and basic sewing concepts. I will definitely be taking more classes from her in the future.

Teacher's response

Hi Veronica, thanks so much for your review!

Emma Schneider • Jan 2024

The class was relaxed and fun. Handy materials provided, lots of scraps of material huge choice of thread colours. I learnt loads. Great class if you are beginner or just want some extra confidence with something a bit tricky.

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Emma, really glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you another time!

Sophie Dixon • Jan 2024

Jen is a really lovely, helpful teacher. Nice group of people and an enjoyable environment. I will be back for sure.

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Sophie, really glad you enjoyed it and looking foward to seeing you the next time!

Rosie Mears • Jan 2024

This class was exactly what I wanted as an introduction to using a sewing machine. I had a really nice, relaxed and friendly evening. Thanks Jen!

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Rosie! So glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you another time!

Damian Harney • Jan 2024

Learned loads, Jen was really good and patient at explaining what we were doing and how things should work

I ended the class with a fine bag to show for my time

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Damian, hopefully see you another time!

Evangelia Economou • Dec 2023

Jen was such a friendly, welcoming teacher that made it so easy to learn a whole new skill! I came in feeling nervous and was immediately out at ease by how lovely, patient and helpful she was! I got way more done in the time than I expected and I’m so pleased with what I fixed! I feel like it’s such brilliant value for money and worth giving a go! Thanks so much!

Teacher's response

Hi Lia,

Thank you so much for your lovely review, hopefully see you again soon

Jen

Dawn McLaren • Dec 2023

Jen was a great teacher. So lovely and friendly, with really helpful suggestions and ideas.

Teacher's response

Hi Dawn, thank you so much for your lovely review! Hopefully see you again soon! Jen

Veronica Royce • Nov 2023

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Jen has been a great teacher and the class has been so much fun. Will definitely book again!

Teacher's response

Thanks so much for your lovely review Veronica! See you nect week

Nicole McIntyre • Nov 2023

Me and 2 friends attended together and Jen was so kind and helpful! I knew how to sew already so she was able to help me modify the tote bag pattern to make it a bit more challenging for me. My friends were beginners and absolutely enjoyed themselves too. We ran a bit over time but Jen was very patient with us. I love my tote bag! Thank you Jen

Teacher's response

Hi Nicole, thank you so much for your lovely review! Hopefully see you in the studio another time for pockets!

Louise Cardani • Nov 2023

Great teacher and a lovely relaxed atmosphere - the class was perfectly paced for a beginner and I came away very happy with my tote bag!

Teacher's response

Thanks so much for your review Louise! So glad you enjoyed it!

Caroline Quinn • Oct 2023

Jen is a great teacher! Had a lovely relaxed time learning and trying new things, would come back :)

Teacher's response

Hi Caroline, thank you so much for your lovely review! I'm so glad you had a good time and hope to see you in the studio again soon!

Caroline Quinn • Oct 2023

Jen is a great teacher! Had a lovely relaxed time learning and trying out new things, would come back :)

Veronica Royce • Oct 2023

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

My 12 year old daughter and I attended the class. Jen was great at giving us upcycling ideas and helping us with our projects.

Teacher's response

Hi Veronica, thank you to you both for coming and for your kind review! So nice to meet you and hope to see you in the studio again soon

Lian • Oct 2023

Jen was patient and very knowledgeable with lots of creative ideas for our mini projects. Will definitely do more classes to continue learning new techniques.

Teacher's response

Hi Lian, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I hope your daughter loves her cushion and hope to see you in the studio again soon

Beck Elphinstone • Oct 2023

Jen, is the best kind of teacher. Clear, upbeat, patient, encouraging, and has a real 'give it a go' attitude.
Jen was warm, welcoming, and has a fabby dabby light and bubbly energy.
I've done alot of hand sewing in my time, but have always found sewing machines a bit well, tricky.
I was completely new to applique but In the space of 2.5 hours. I left with a transformed previously unloved and unworn jumper!
The evening learning a new skill, was confidence building, and empowering.

I highly recommend booking a workshop.
An extra 30 mins would be the on the .

*Photie of said upgraded Autumn jumper which has now been worn several times and got lots of complements.

Teacher's response

Thank you so much Beck for your lovely review! On your feedback, I've added 30 mins to the timing Hope to see you in the studio again soon!
Jen

Gillian Connolly • Oct 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Unreal Jen is lovely and explained everything so well can’t wait to continue my lessons!

Teacher's response

Thank you so much Gillian! Looking forward to seeing you for our next class tomorrow!

Maria Ash • Oct 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended

Really informative in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - I learned so much from this session and Jen was so helpful and patient with me. Will definitely be back for more sessions!

Teacher's response

Thank you so much for your lovely review Maria! Hope to see you again soon

Emily • Sep 2023

Really friendly and relaxed atmosphere to learn in. Great fun even for someone new to the art of sewing and appliqué!

Teacher's response

Thank you so much Emily for your lovely review!

by Jen Byrne

location_on Edinburgh

local_activity classes: Sewing and Embroidery • Textiles

Reviews

Edinburgh

classes: Sewing and Embroidery • Textiles