About Us

Situated just outside Henley–In–Arden,Solihull,Warwickshire. Sew2it Sewing School offers a range of courses from beginners wanting to bring out their creativity, to those wishing to enhance their skills.

Courses on offer are Sewing, Dressmaking, Corsetry, Lingerie, as well as kids after school clubs (8-11yrs and 12-18yrs) for those budding young Fashion Designers,Childrens Partiies and Saturday Monthly Sewing Club.

There will also be one off courses covering the following, get to know your sewing machine, make friends with your overlocker, men only classes and many more, so keep an eye on the sew2it website and check out our updates.

About Steph

From seeing my first Pantomime at the age of 7yrs at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, I knew that making costumes was what I wanted to do in the future, and 35years later I am still as passionate about Costumes and Fashion as ever.

After finishing school, I went on to study fashion.After getting my qualifications my career in costume and fashion began. My first job was at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford, working in the Men’s Department.

I then went on to be employed at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, which was where my passion had first been ignited. I started working in the wardrobe department covering a wide range of different aspects, from dressing actors, pattern cutting, constructing costumes, and liaising with designers, eventually risingto deputy head before leaving the position. I still work as a freelancer for the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry every year, mostly on Pantomime productions.

After leaving the Belgrade I started my own company, Stephanie J Collins, which I still run today making one off commissions and freelancing for theatre companies.

My teaching career started over 20yrs ago. I first taught at Solihull College for over 10yrs, teaching pattern cutting, construction, tailoring and lingerie. Whilst there I wrote a Pattern Cutting Course for CAN and contributed to the development of a HNC/D Course in Fashion/Knitwear.

After the birth of my Daughter I continued to teach at various Midland Colleges (IDC, Coventry and South and City College) with majority of my teaching for the last 10yrs at Warwickshire College where I also gained my teaching qualification. I taught on City and Guilds and BTEC level 2 and 3 courses in theatre costume, millinery, corsetry and pattern cutting, as well as being responsible for the delivery and assessment of the Apprenticeships in Apparel and Theatre Costume.

Now the next exciting chapter in my career is about start with the opening of my dedicated Sew2it, Sewing School. Through the school I want to pass on the skills I have acquired over the past 35years to people who are looking to engage their creative sidesthrough the making of garments, accessories and craft items.

I look forward to meeting you soon

Steph