Hosts

Tatianya plans to do all that she can to return textile manufacturing to Australia. The creation of Stitchery & Co. is the first building block born out of a need to fill the gap in Textiles Education that is missing from mainstream teachings. Fast fashion is linked with environmental damage and waste, so why not utilise the concept of make, do, mend. Take what you have, make do with it, and learn the skills to repair or repurpose it.

Textile manufacturing in Australia fell into a downward spiral in the early 70s with decisions that enabled the cheap import of foreign-manufactured fast fashion. Stitchery & Co. teaches clients the skills to be able to create their own garments from start to finish, thus revitalising local sewing production.

Originally from the UK, Annette has been sewing since she was five, having been taught hand embroidery stitches at school. This love of sewing turned into a lifelong career. She went on to study Textiles, Art, Fashion Design and Production, eventually becoming a Fashion Designer and Garment Technician.

With 12 years of industry experience, Annette’s specialty is childrenswear, menswear, youth wear and graphic design. She has worked for trend forecasters, independent retailers and wholesalers, travelling overseas to France and China to source materials and liaise with suppliers. Annette has unique skills and is keen to impart her wisdom to her clients.

Introducing Stitchery & Co. Resident Host, Megan, of Sew and Tell Australia! With a love of sewing, crafting and sharing knowledge, Megan hosts mixed skills Adult classes with a warm and welcoming social atmosphere. Currently studying Fashion & Design, Megan’s sewing journey began with the skills taught to her as a child, by her mum.

Now a mum herself, Megan is excited to share her joy of crafting fabric into a beautiful garment that makes you feel special! Renowned for her collaborations with well regarded independent pattern designers and fabric designers, Megan’s passion is teaching Adult beginners to discover the joy of sewing and help them feel beautiful in clothes made to flatter their body.

With 20 years of experience in fashion and sewing, Matilda has her BA in Fine Arts/Fashion Design and has run her own clothing design and manufacture enterprises including made to measure, alterations and children’s wear. Passionate about education and sharing the knowledge of sewing, enjoy Matilda’s experience with making garments that fit your body, your personal style and your daily life. Matilda’s sewing interests include pattern alterations, upcycling and vintage sewing, indie sewing patterns, sewing to achieve a professional finish, sewing with knits and alterations and mending.

An experienced and passionate teacher and trainer, in Early Learning, Primary and TAFE sectors, Lou brings a wealth of enjoyment to teaching children, with interests in crafting and sewing, making clothes, felt and soft toys, cross stitch, embroidery, applique and quilting to name a few. Committed to nurturing individual creativity and finding unlimited ways to enhance self-expression, Lou has a keen interest in supporting children and adults living with a disability, with a goal of building self confidence and nurturing well-being.

Like so many sewing enthusiasts, Laura’s sewing journey commenced with learning to sew in high school and has progressed to a passion for creating the dresses of her daughters’ dreams. With interests in basic quilt making, children’s and adult’s garments and bags, Laura loves experimenting with the enormous possibilities of fabric bases and derives great enjoyment from sharing skills with others. Enthusiastic about encouraging individual creativity, Laura rejoices in the joy of learners as they apply new skills and complete projects.