OUR STORY
I'm Annabel Steele, owner of Annabel Sews and mother to four delightful and challenging children.
I am a self-taught sewist who has been fortunate enough to have been given the opportunities to push myself and extend my skill set through pattern testing for numerous designers, and 'striking' for a few fabric businesses. I love the opportunity to try and to learn something new, and I hope you do too!
Over the last eight years I have found myself teaching numerous friends to sew, or encouraging and supporting their hobby by hosting social sewing gatherings (Hello to the Crafty Mums of Reading if you're reading!).
I am a patient, empathetic, and kind teacher, who wants you to enjoy the workshops, but mostly, I want you to fall in love with sewing!
I've been teaching classes external to Annabel Sews HQ since 2021 and you can frequently find me teaching five week courses, and one day classes at Sewisfaction in Holme Grange Craft Village, Wokingham; you'll also find me teaching dressmaking and bag making full day classes at Lady Sew and Sew in Henley.
When I'm not sewing, planning a workshop, or running after my four crazy children, I love to run with Reading Joggers, cook and read. And buying fabric; which I assure you, is a different hobby to sewing, but one that you also need in your life.
Annabel x
OUR TESTIMONIALS
I had never even tried using a sewing machine before but really wanted to make something for my niece (to be) and Annabel made every step simple for me. I felt comfortable and managed to make a complete outfit in one evening. so helpful calm and welcoming. she's given me the confidence to purchase a sewing machine and I will be a return customer in the future!! so fantastic!! Thank you!!
Becky Riley
Annabel is a fantastic teacher - she helped me make my first pair of harems for my baby girl - I believe her words were: "I can teach you to make some harems in less than an hour" - 45 minutes!!
She explained every step so it was easy to understand and provided the equipment and materials for me to use as I had no clue!! I have since made two more pairs of my own an am addicted!!
Charlotte Ross
Annabel is so incredibly patient with beginners. We have been friends for years and during that time she has built my confidence, so much that I now have my own sewing machine and am branching out to make so many different projects on my own. I always feel welcome at Annabel's and no question is silly. What are you waiting for?
Helen Victoria
FAQS
HOW DO I BOOK?
For the time being all bookings are being taken via email, or via the 'Contact Us' at the bottom of the home page.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE OR BESPOKE EVENTS?
Yes - I love to do these! Please email me and we can discuss; examples include, hen parties, baby showers, new mums groups, team building activities.
HOW CAN I SEE YOUR CURRENT AVAILABILITY?
New workshops will launch via the mailing list, then to our Facebook community, and then will be listed in the 'Events' tab on the website. I strongly recommend you email me if you wish to be waitlisted for a particular workshop.
HOW DO I PAY?
Upon receipt of a booking request I will email an invoice with the cost of the workshop, time, date and location. My preferred method of payment is via PayPal for all parties' protection, however I can provide bank details if that is required. Places will be held for one week and then offered to the next person on the waiting list if payment has not been received.
WHAT ARE YOUR MINIMUM STANDARDS?
Enthusiasm; if you want to come, you are good enough!
I can provide everything you need, and everything other than fabric is included in the price. Having said that, if you do have your own sewing machine, I would recommend bringing it along and I can help you gain confidence in using it.
WHERE AND WHEN ARE YOUR WORKSHOPS?
Different workshops and courses run on different evenings, but most are held between 7:30 and 9:30pm (please arrive from 7:15).
Our studio is on Blundells Road in Tilehurst (full address will be provided upon booking) in our specially designed kitchen workshop.
We take a maximum of six participants per workshop, we have space for more, but want you to feel comfortable and have the time and opportunity to ask questions.
GIFT VOUCHER T&CS
Gift vouchers are valid provided the value, expiry date and voucher number are visible and not tampered with.
Gift vouchers will be valid for 12 months from purchase; courses, classes and workshops must be booked (but not necessarily taken) before the expiry date shown.
If the value of the voucher exceeds the cost of the course or workshop booked, the remaining funds will be transferred to a new certificate with the same expiry date.
No refunds on vouchers will be permitted.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Bookings made via email are held for one week; payment is required at the time of booking to secure your space.
Once payment is made, and therefore a contract entered into, cancellations will be refunded in either of the following circumstances:
1. More than four weeks notice of cancellation is given (a £5 admin fee may apply).
2. I am able to rebook the space (a £5 admin fee may apply).
3. Workshops are cancelled by Annabel Sews (or at the behest of the national or local government).
Outside of these scenarios we will be unable to offer a refund.
For further clarification, please contact us using the form below.