Meet the Team
Julie Miles - Business Owner
Julie started Escape & Create in 2015 after 20 years working in the corporate world. She's always loved to create as her mum was an avid dressmaker and her nan was an embroiderer. One of her favourite parts of her previous job was teaching and she began teaching Learn to Sew classes in 2015. She opened the shop as a natural progression from this in November 2017.
Hanni
Hanni met Julie through Julie's sewing clubs and has been instrumental in helping with the shop set up and ever since. She loves nothing more than the most complicated dressmaking pattern; her makes are out of this world and she's a great advocate for taking your time and enjoying the journey. Hanni can be found in the shop on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and we are lucky to be able to put her fabulous knowledge into good use with some of our techniques classes. Behind the scenes, Hanni also looks after all the workshop bookings and does the books too!
Nic
Nic started volunteering with us when the shop opened and has regularly been here in the evenings ever since. She's an amazing array of sewing skills and loves nothing better than making quirky gifts and stylish clothing. Now that she has retired from her career as a Company Secretary she works with us on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. She also teaches some of our Learn to Sew classes.
Our Tutors
Beginners
Julie and Nic teach a number of Learn to Sew classes.
They are joined by:
Lizzy is a primary school teacher by day so is perfect for teaching our kids classes. But she's recently realised it's also fun teaching adults so she is now taking on more of our adult beginners classes too.
Dressmaking/Overlocker
Julie teaches our 6 week start dressmaking courses. She is joined by:
Lizzy teaches some of our stretch classes and garment in a day classes.
Hanni teaches some of our dressmaking techniques classes.
Cathy Bayford who oozes style and chic. Her background in the RAF means she is meticulous in her attention to detail and loves to host our dressmaking days; helping out on anything from trousers to zips. Cathy also hosts some of our soft furnishings classes on cushions, curtains and roman blinds plus teaches a number of our children's classes.
Julie Jordan has recently joined us and will be teaching some of our dressmaking days and overlocker basics classes. She has been making all of her own clothes for many years and has a lovely no nonsense approach.
Patchwork and Quilting
Brenda Weavers has been holding patchwork classes for many many years. She has a wonderful supportive attitude and we've seen her grow into a love for modern quilting. She teaches beginners and hosts our block of the month session.
Bag Making
Lynn Potts is an incredibly skilled bag maker who has helped Mrs H at her nationally known bag making retreats. We are so lucky that she lives locally and is able to run our bag making club and many of our bag making courses.
As you can see, I only work with the best of the best. You can be confident that our courses are run by experienced professionals who will be able to help you every step of the way.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch.