Cambria Costume House reviews

Marie and Daniel reviewed: Cap making workshops

"Cannot speak highly enough of Paula and this hat making one day workshop! My son and I thoroughly enjoyed this as beginners, Paula was very patient and there every step helping as much as needed but also encouraging us so that we could achieve as much as possible ourselves. Loved the whole process of cutting, tracing, hand and machine stitching and came away with two beautiful caps! Lovely rooms and facilities too! Thank you Paula x "

Neil Lucock reviewed: Cap making workshops

"The course runs from 10 to 4 pm in the centre of Mold. I tried to find it on Google Maps, but an email to Paula confirmed that I need the blue door next to the Griffin Inn. There's plenty of parking in Mold, it costs £1.50 for the day. The course is held upstairs, if you have difficulty getting up two flights of stairs, you might struggle. There are several rooms, a loo, brew room with settees, a room with cutting tables and a room with desks and sewing machines. The day starts with tea or coffee. Paula made several drinks during the day, so great hospitality. There was also a nice piece of cake in the afternoon. You have to take the material you want to use, but Paula supplies Buckram, linings and stiffenings. The first job is to cut out all the pieces you'll need. This is easy enough, but Paula is there to offer help. Once that's done, most of the rest of the day is just sewing it together. I haven't used a sewing machine before, but her instructions were clear and she was always there to help if necessary. Each stage is checked before the next one, so you can't really go wrong. You have a choice of the style of caps you can make, I chose a captain's cap. I'd finished by 15.30. The cap looks really great and fits well. I'd not done anything like this before, the course is run by someone who clearly knows what she is doing. Paula explains things well, and is really hospitable and friendly. Recommend 100%, great value for money and really fun."

Chris Roberts reviewed: 1920s Outfit Weekend

"This was one of the best courses that I have attended, and I’ve attended a lot. Paula runs a very relaxed sewing studio. Everyone had all the help they needed while being able to work at their own pace. This was one of the very few courses in which I was able to finish everything. Loved it and have no problem in thoroughly recommending it to everyone."

Janice reviewed: Introduction to corsetry/making a boned bodice

"I thoroughly enjoyed the corset making course at Cambria Costume House. The facilities for sewing are superb. I learnt a lot from Paula and came away with a beautiful corset!"

Pat Roberts reviewed: Beginners pattern cutting workshop - An introduction to pattern drafting

"This course exceeded my expectations. I arrived feeling anxious but was soon put at ease by Peter, he helped us through every step of the process of pattern making explaining everything in simple terms, his patience was endless. I came away with boundless enthusiasm to ‘have a go’ at home, with the new knowledge I had just been given. I can’t recommend this course highly enough for anyone wanting to learn how to make their own patterns."

Elisabeth Rushworth reviewed: Card Making using Encaustic Hot Wax Art

"A great fun session. Generous materials and Linda was a clear and enthusiastic teacher. I was delighted at the art I could make in only one lesson."

Peter foster reviewed: Cap making workshops

"Brilliant day learning how to make a cap everybody had a great day"

Pat Roberts reviewed: Fashion First Aid

"What a wonderful, informative day I have just spent, the knowledge shared with me exceeded my expectations. Peter and Paula are so knowledgeable and friendly that I felt completely at ease, I can’t wait to sign up for another course. Many thanks to you both Pat"

Sally Lewis reviewed: Hand Embroidery Workshop with Kate Barlow - 1930's Whitework

"Excellent course. Kate Barlow, the tutor, was very informative and provided a beautiful whitework kit to work on. I am fairly new to hand embroidery but Kate provided all the help I needed. The workroom was well lit and Paula was on hand with drinks and cake. A brilliant day and I look forward to attending future courses there."

Cambria Costume House responded:

"Thank you so much Sally, it was lovely to meet you and I'm so pleased you enjoyed Kate's class. I look forward to seeing you on a workshop here again. Paula"

Melanie Langton-Davies reviewed: Hand Embroidery Workshop with Kate Barlow - 1930's Whitework

"Everything about this course was perfect, the location, the tutor and the content. Learnt so much and would attend a course again without hesitation. Good for beginners and improvers."

Lee Iggulden reviewed: Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop evening course - The Sleeve

"Who knew a sleeve could change the whole look of a garment. I always thought a top/blouse/shirt was just a top/blouse /shirt but by doing this sleeve pattern cutting course I now have my own pattern block and can adapt it to make my top/blouse/shirt look completely different. What I really like about the sewing, tailoring and pattern making courses that I am doing at the Cambria Costume House is that they each build up my skills and knowledge and the Peter and Paula are so enthusiastic about me learning all I can to help me complete a garment. After booking on just the one workshop - Garment Construction, I have since booked on all the pattern cutting sessions and I am now doing the tailoring courses during the day. Brilliant all round, well worth the money as the expert guidance, support, help and advice are second to none. More, please... Lee Iggulden."

Lee Iggulden reviewed: Garment construction techniques - A beginners guide to sewing

"I absolutely loved this course. I started this course at the same time as the Pattern Cutting Sessions (Skirt / Bodice / Sleeve ) and it was instrumental in providing me with the confidence (and courage) to take this new found hobby further. Paula was welcoming and friendly, always with a coffee and a smile, waiting for you to arrive at her wonderful workshop/studio and Val was informative, helpful and nothing was too much trouble and if I got stuck, or couldn't work something out she was patient and understanding. I can recommend to anyone thinking about taking up sewing as a hobby (or wanting to make clothes) to do this course and it really is a good grounding in the basics of just about every sewing technique you will ever need. Lee Iggulden"

Lee Iggulden reviewed: Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop - The Dress or Shirt Block

"Doing this workshop with Paula and Peter has helped me in so many ways. As a small business owner I was looking for a hobby that would help me to make some time for me as well help me to learn a new skill, something I have wanted to do for a long time. Well, what can I say - I booked onto the pattern cutting course and loved it so much I booked on the whole series of sessions and it has been such a wonderful. fun, creative and insightful experience. I have not only found a new hobby but now I am making my own clothes. Paula's workshop at the Cambria Costume House is clean, tidy and professional and you are welcomed with a smile and a coffee (teas are available too) and the sewing packs were a lovely touch. Peter, who is the course leader for this session, just loves to teach and it shines through - he really wants you to leave the session having learnt a thing or three and makes sure you can understand all the necessary steps you need to take to get your pattern created. I would 100% recommend this session to everyone, whether a beginner or a more advanced sewer. Lee Iggulden"

Edna Leys reviewed: Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop - The Dress or Shirt Block

"Peter and Paula are very welcoming and attentive. Peter took us step by step through the process of pattern making and using a calico practice piece we were able to check out whether our pattern had worked. Like me the participants were a bit uncertain that they were able to see the process through but we all achieved it successfully and as a bonus Peter showed us ways of adapting the basic pattern. I can’t recommend this course more highly"

Alison reviewed: Garment construction techniques - A beginners guide to sewing

"I really enjoyed this course, and learnt loads of techniques to make garments in a friendly supportive environment. I recommend anyone wanting to learn the basics of garment making that they attend this course to give them the know how and confidence to start making their own garments. Thanks for a great course."