Hello and welcome to Haven Sewing workshops.
I grew up in a family of talented creatives, on both my mother and my fathers side of the family, so it's not surprising that I've always had a passion for making. As a child if I wasn’t painting or cutting and making things from paper or card, I was sewing, knitting or crocheting! I seem to recall my Mother always sewing and knitting, so I suppose I developed my skills from her from an early age.
My mother Laura in her handmade blouse
My Father, Harold Leslie, who was a designer, and always inventing!
I also recall many a happy hour crocheting with my grandmother in front of the open fire as she taught me how to make crocheted slippers!
Nanny Annie
I also had an amazing Aunt called Hilda, an artist who remained a spinster all her life. She treated me and my three sisters as her own really. Spoiling us all equally. She was the most lovely person. I can also give thanks to her for all the encouragement she gave to draw and paint. (I will route out a photo of her soon and post it here).
My love of textiles continued to grow and in the 80s, following my mothers example, I began for a period of time making my own clothes. I ran my own curtain and blind making business on a small scale in the 90's , but later worked for an interior designer producing unique designs in window dressings. I have never had any formal training, as all my ability is self-taught from years of making.
My love of textiles continued to grow and in the 80s, following my mothers example, I began for a period of time making my own clothes. I ran my own curtain and blind making business on a small scale in the 90's , but later worked for an interior designer producing unique designs in window dressings. I have never had any formal training, as all my ability is self-taught from years of making.
So, my passion for fabrics has continued for many years. I am a maker of my own unique creations, particularly bags and accessories, always incorporating natural fabrics such as wools & linen. I have a particular love for working with wools during the winter months, with a passion for Shetland wool and Harris Tweed. I have an Etsy shop here where I sell my hand made products.
All this has led me to want to share these skills with others, so Haven Sewing workshops has been born! For more information about all my workshops see the 'Which Workshop is Best for Me?' page.I hope you will join me some time soon.
