Ellen Silvester
Hi, I’m Ellen and have over 40 years experience and knowledge designing and making clothes, costumes and interior soft furnishings – and still love to sew anything and everything!
Ellen
x
About The Make Room
Hello!
I set up The Make Room as a natural progression from a long career in the sewing industry. I have over 40 years experience and knowledge designing and making clothes, costumes and interior soft furnishings – and still love to sew anything and everything!
Designing and making clothes for private clients is still part of what I do … creating daywear, special occasion clothing, Bridal wear, tailoring and children’s clothes.
I also make hand-finished curtains, blinds, cushions and covers – and love to help people with their interior design ideas. I also enjoy patchwork, quilting, embroidery, knitting and crochet, in fact, all crafts related to sewing. I really do enjoy sewing every day!
History
I had my own sewing business and shop with a wonderful staff of 15 in Portsmouth, my home town, before moving to the Bath area in 2012.
Teaching sewing classes started in 2010 and I hope I can pass on my enthusiasm and knowledge in a friendly and fun environment. Sewing is cheaper than therapy!
Classes, Workshops and Week long intensive courses
The Make Room offers sewing classes near Corsham, to cover all subjects. Some may be dedicated to one subject like Dressmaking (evening classes), others a mixture (day classes). Sewing Workshops will cover specific subjects e.g. Making a top in a day, or Learn quilting/ patchwork, and are driven by demand. New for 2024 intensive …week long summer courses for beginners.
My Students become Friends
Sewing students come from all ages and background from children to teens to 80’s! Some want advice with their sewing machine and just want to learn the basics. Others have existing sewing skills but want to learn more. For example … how to ‘fit’; how to adjust patterns; how to make their own ‘toile’; how to make a special outfit; or how to make hand finished curtains for their home. There is no subject that I cannot help you with … challenge me!
I think my students enjoy the social side too … classes are small (maximum 4 people), forming a lovely, small teaching group, where I can supervise easily. Some groups are friends who come back time-after-time. Some have been coming to my sewing classes for more than 2 years!
Weekend Sewing Workshops near Bath
The weekend sewing workshops also give the opportunity for friends/relatives to come and stay near Bath, and enjoy a day of sewing and a day of sightseeing. The historic city of Bath is only 20 minutes away by car, with the famous Roman Baths and Spa, a wonderful Fashion Museum, plus beautiful architecture like The Royal Crescent … and great shops! Plan that sewing weekend away now, it would be the ideal gift for the sewing fan in your life.
Equipment and Materials
My workshop is well-equipped with work stations, cutting tables, ironing corner and large mirrors. I provide everything you need apart from fabric, but I do have a selection of seasonal fabric samples you can order from, and I can also order sewing patterns. And stock a selection of haberdashery items which you can buy as well ( interface/ zips etc).
I really love what I do and hope that you will too!
Ellen x
“The Make Room sewing classes give us a good grounding in the basics. Whether dressmaking, making items of upholstery, patchwork, or children’s clothes, we are well guided to produce a satisfactory finished article.”