Imagine if you could
✨ Walk into a fabric store knowing exactly what to choose.
✨ Read commercial sewing patterns with confidence.
✨ Choose suitable patterns, understand how they work, and make simple adjustments to improve the fit.
✨ Create garments that reflect your own personality.
✨ Enjoy a creative hobby that's relaxing and incredibly rewarding.
✨ Build a wardrobe that's truly unique.
This isn't about learning to sew one garment.
It's about learning a skill you'll use for the rest of your life.
Why learn with me?
For over 39 years I've been sewing and for many years I've helped students discover that sewing doesn't have to be confusing or intimidating.
Classes are limited to just four students, so you'll receive plenty of individual guidance, encouragement and support throughout your journey.
"I believe sewing is one of the most rewarding skills you can learn. It isn't just about making clothes - it's about building confidence, expressing your creativity, and discovering the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands."
My goal is to give you the skills and confidence to continue sewing long after the course has finished. Rather than simply following instructions, you'll learn the fundamentals that help you understand patterns, choose fabrics, improve fit, and enjoy the freedom to create clothes you'll love wearing.
Whether you're completely new to sewing or picking it up after many years, I'll guide you every step of the way in a friendly, supportive environment where questions are encouraged and every achievement is celebrated."
What you'll learn
Use a sewing machine and overlocker
Read commercial sewing patterns
Choose suitable fabrics
Cut fabric accurately
Understand garment construction
Press and finish garments professionally
Troubleshoot common sewing problems
Create clothing you'll love wearing
What Makes This Course Different?
Most sewing courses teach you how to make a project.
I teach you the skills behind every successful project.
That means you won't just leave with a finished garment.
You'll leave with the confidence to choose future patterns, understand fabrics, solve problems independently and continue sewing long after the course has finished.
Meet your Educator
For over 39 years, sewing has been more than just a skill for me - it has been a source of creativity, confidence and fulfilment.
After a 27-year career as a nurse and midwife, I followed my passion for fashion, studying Fashion Design before working in the fashion industry as a sample maker and pattern maker. In 2015, I launched my own fashion label, Addison Ash, designing and creating garments that reflected my love of beautiful fit and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Along the way, I realised something unexpected. While building my fashion label was incredibly rewarding, what I missed most was working with people.
I also recognised just how much creativity had enriched my own life, and I wanted to help others experience that same sense of achievement and confidence.
That's why I created Freestyle Sewing and Pattern Making Tuition.
Today, my greatest joy isn't simply teaching people how to sew - it's helping them build the skills and confidence to create clothes they love wearing.
Whether you've never threaded a sewing machine before or you're ready to take the next step in your sewing journey, I'll guide you in a relaxed, supportive environment where questions are always welcome and every success is celebrated.
Building Skills. Growing Confidence.
Every student starts somewhere. Here are a few words from people who began their sewing journey just like you.
I learned an enormous amount during this course with Colleen. From a literal novice with no machine or skills, I now find myself to be well-equipped to make a range of garments for my family and myself.
Thanks for supporting me at the start of my sewing journey, Colleen.
Eliza - Google Review
"Colleen is fantastic, I really have a great time in my classes, learned a lot making a beautiful pants
She has a very good eye for the details and is very patient to explain over and over as a beginner !!!
I’ll definitely will be back 💖"
Luisa - Google Review
Your Sewing Journey ⭐
Every expert starts as a beginner.
Learning to use a sewing machine is the first step towards creating your own clothing.
In a relaxed, supportive environment, you'll build confidence with the fundamentals and discover that sewing is far less intimidating than you might think.
Building confidence, one skill at a time.
As your confidence grows, you'll learn how to read and understand commercial sewing patterns, choose the right size, and make simple alterations to improve the fit or customise the style.
In this garment, the sleeves were shortened and gathers were added at the shoulder to create a look the student preferred.
Learning to sew isn't about following a pattern—it's about understanding the garment.
One of the most valuable skills you'll develop is learning to assess the fit as you sew.
Commercial sewing patterns are all drafted differently, so trying your garment on during construction allows you to make adjustments before it's finished.
Instead of wondering, "I hope this fits," you'll learn to ask:
✔️ Does this fit the way I want it to?
✔️ Can I improve the fit?
✔️ What small adjustment would make this garment even better?
These are the skills that help you sew with confidence long after the course has finished.
Before the course
Unsure of where to start
Confused by sewing patterns
Unsure which fabric to buy
Nervous about making mistakes
Hoping to make your own clothes
After the course
Confident using a sewing machine
Understand how to read and choose patterns
Confident selecting suitable fabrics
Know how to troubleshoot and keep learning
Confident to continue creating garments independently
Course Details
Course starts - October 6th, 6-9pm, Then runs each Tuesday evening from 6-9pm, with the exception of November 10th and 17th (I'll be away). The course concludes on Tuesday December 8th.
Eight x 3 hour sessions
Maximum 4 students
Location: Shop 38 Regent Arcade, 101 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000. Located in the city centre convenient to all bus routes, train and tram.
Investment: $820
What's included - 8 sessions small group tuition
-Detailed notes on all topics
- Afternoon tea weekly (beverage and light snack)
- Support during the 8 weeks via message when needed
Parking information - Parking is available in Rundle Place Carpark and Wyatt Street Carpark. The studio is located centrally, close to all major bus and train routes.
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need experience?
Not at all. I'll guide you step by step, helping you build the skills and confidence to create your own clothing.
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What if I'm not creative?
You don't need to be naturally creative to learn to sew. You simply need the right guidance, the right foundation skills, and a supportive environment.
I'll guide you step by step, helping you build the skills and confidence to create your own clothing. As your confidence grows, you'll be surprised at how naturally your creativity begins to develop. Before long, you'll be choosing fabrics, personalising patterns, and creating clothes that reflect your own unique style.
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Do you have a detailed description of the course
Yes, click the link below that says "Full course schedule" for a detailed account of the course contents and what you'll achieve during the course
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What if I make mistakes?
Making mistakes is a natural part of learning to sew - and often the best way to learn.
Every experienced sewist has unpicked seams, sewn something on backwards or made a garment that didn't turn out exactly as planned. The difference is that with the right guidance, every mistake becomes an opportunity to learn something new.
Throughout the course, I'll help you understand what happened, how to fix it, and, just as importantly, how to avoid it next time. As your confidence grows, you'll begin to troubleshoot independently and develop the skills to solve sewing challenges for yourself.
Remember, the goal isn't to sew perfectly from day one. It's to build the skills and confidence that will stay with you long after the course has finished.
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Do I need a sewing machine
No. You don't need to own a sewing machine to join the course.
Many people choose to wait until they've learnt the basics before deciding which machine is right for them. During the course, you're welcome to use one of the studio machines, and if you'd like to practise at home, you may decide to purchase a machine after the first couple of weeks.
With classes limited to just four students, there are plenty of machines available. The studio is equipped with a range of domestic sewing machines, from beginner-friendly models to more advanced machines, as well as industrial sewing machines. We also have domestic and industrial overlockers for you to try, giving you the opportunity to experience the differences and helping you make an informed decision if you're considering buying one in the future.
If you already own a sewing machine, you're very welcome to bring it along. Learning on your own machine can be a great way to become familiar with how it works, and I'll help you understand its features and get the most out of it.
With just four students in each class there's plenty of time for individual help, whether you're using one of the studio machines or your own.
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What do I need to bring?
Patterns
Bring along 2 commercial patterns to examine and learn from (one marked easy or very easy that you love and actually want to make, and one not marked easy or very easy).
I recommend selecting a pattern that can be made up in cotton, or a stable blended fabric – most of these are part cotton, try not to buy slippery fabrics at this stage as they’re more difficult to sew with. Slippery fabrics can be rayon, viscose, satin and any really fine flowy fabrics.
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Fabric and notions
On the envelope of your pattern, you’ll find details of what you need to construct your garment from the pattern (under notions). If still in doubt consult the shop assistant, or we can discuss this in week 1, and you can bring the fabric before or on week 3.
I have 2 domestic sewing machines which have a lot of stitches, these are reasonably advanced machines, 3 other basic entry level domestic machines, and two industrial machines. There are plenty of machines, as I only teach 4 people at one time.
If you prefer to learn on your own machine to learn how it works, feel free to bring it with you. I also have three overlockers, two domestic and one industrial which we can use and learn about.
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Will I really be able to make my own clothes afterwards?
Yes! By the end of the course, you'll have built a strong foundation of sewing skills and the confidence to continue creating your own garments.
You'll learn how to understand commercial sewing patterns, make adjustments for a better fit, choose suitable fabrics, and use essential sewing techniques that form the basis of successful garment making.
Sewing is a skill that continues to grow over time, and there will always be new techniques, fabrics and processes to discover - that's part of what makes it such a rewarding journey.
However, once you understand the fundamentals, you'll have the knowledge to approach new projects with confidence, solve problems as they arise, and continue developing your skills.
Many students happily continue sewing on their own after the course, while others enjoy coming back to Freestyle classes from time to time for guidance with a new technique, help with a more challenging project, or simply to sew alongside a supportive community.
The goal isn't just to complete one garment during the course - it's to give you the skills and confidence to keep creating clothes you'll love wearing for years to come.
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What is the price of the course?
The course is $820 which is the early-bird price.
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What if I can't attend one of the sessions?
If you can’t make it to a class, you can attend a catch-up 'Freestyle session' at a convenient time within the 8 weeks, and I can teach you what you missed.
However, I do prefer to keep the course together if possible.
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Do you have a general class cancellation policy?
*Freestyle class terms
Cancellation within 24 hours of the class start time will result in a loss of that session.
If more than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given, rescheduling to another date or time of your convenience is facilitated.
This policy relates to all booked classes, single Freestyle classes and classes booked as a part of a block of classes, course sessions or make up classes for courses.
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Do you have a course cancellation policy?
When you pay your course fees you secure your spot (1 of a possible 4) in the course.
At least 1 week's notice of cancellation is required to facilitate a refund of 80% of the course cost.
Cancellation of the course within 1 week of the course starting date will result in full loss of investment.
Your spot will not be secure until you pay for the course.
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Where is the course located?
The studio is in Shop 38 Regent Arcade, 101 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000
Located in the city centre convenient to all bus routes, train and tram.
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Are you ready to build the skills and confidence to create clothes you'll love wearing?
Discover the satisfaction, achievement and freedom that come from creating clothing that's uniquely yours. I'd love to help you take that first step.