Sew Forest of Dean reviews

9 Nov 25'

Jodi reviewed: Poppy Fields Hand Embroidery Day

"I have just taken Jen’s Poppy Fields embroidery class and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am really happy with my embroidery. Jen is an excellent teacher and supplies a detailed handout to ensure you don’t forget any details if/when you’d like to make another embroidery. I would highly recommend taking the class. She also supplies a great homemade cake! "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Jodi, thank you for taking time to leave a review. You're embroidery was lovely and I really hope you make more in the future. I'm so glad you enjoyed the cake too! Best wishes and happy stitching, Jennifer"

7 Nov 25'

Selena reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"LOVED IT! Confess I was having a wobble by the time I turned up - I haven't done much machine sewing at all, and nothing for quite a long time. A little refresher on how to thread the machine the day before the workshop was all that I needed though - it's as simple as sewing simple straight lines. The instructions were clear and the workshop runs at a lovely steady pace - getting the hang of one thing before moving on to the next. It was great for those that were both fast and slow - those that can sew better just have less to do when they get home but each step can be practised with only a few pieces sewn together. To be clear, you won't come away with a completed quilt, but you will have practised the patchworking to make the patterned top, have made your binding for the edge of the quilt, and been shown how the rest of it comes together including really clear demonstrations and printed instructions and guidance. I am hopeful (and reasonably confident) that I will have a lovely squishy quilt in the next few weeks and that it will be the first of lots!"

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much Selena, I'm so glad you had a good day and that you are now back up and running with your sewing skills. You made a really lovely job of all the tasks and you will have that gorgeous quilt finished in no time at all. Quilting is very addictive, here's to many years of happy sewing! Thanks again, Jen "

28 Oct 25'

Catherine Kangalee reviewed: Fabric books and journals

"Really enjoyed the day, Jen was very good at tailoring it to our needs and desires. Lovely space, relaxed day came away with new techniques and ideas. Would definitely recommend "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much Cath, it was lovely to see you and work on your mini landscapes. I can't wait to see how they all come together into your beautiful book. I hope to see you on another workshop, in the meantime, happy stitching 🧵"

16 Sep 25'

Sarah Miles reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"I am a beginner to patchwork and quilting and a day with Jen has inspired me to do more. Her competence and passion shone through and each stage was explained and demonstrated. And when it was our turn to give it a go, Jen was on hand to help. A thoroughly enjoyable day, thank you. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you Sarah for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. It was a lovely, relaxing day with you all and the quilts were well on their way. I'm so pleased to have been at the start of your quilting journey. Happy stitching, Jennifer"

13 Sep 25'

Catherine Kangalee reviewed: Improvisational Quilting

"A great introduction to improvisational quilting, Jen is a great tutor, learnt lots of tips. The room is light and airy. I came away enthused with the process. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Cath, thanks for your lovely review. I'm so pleased to have introduced you to something new and it's a process that you enjoyed - anything goes! I look forward to seeing you again shortly. Best wishes, Jen "

3 Jun 25'

Sue Turner reviewed: Free Motion Quilting for the Terrified!

"What an excellent day! I learned so much and while I understand that free motion quilting takes lots of time and practice and Jen gave us all the tools we needed to go away and build on what we learned and develop our skills further. Jen also gave us loads of tips and tricks about quilting in general. Thank you! "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Sue, thanks for taking the time to leave a review, very much appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and gained a lot from it - your sampler was lovely. Enjoy practising and let me know how you get on! Best wishes, Jen "

11 May 25'

Cindy reviewed: Quilting and Quilt As You Go

"Brilliant day learning how to quilt as you go with Jenny in her lovely sewing studio. The course suited my learning style with lots of examples demonstrated and practical advice given. I came away with a head full of ideas and information on how to achieve it. It's a fun and relaxed environment to learn and comes with lovely homemade cake at lunchtime. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Cindy - thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review. It was a pleasure to share the studio with you again and I'm so glad you got a lot of ideas and techniques from the day. You made a lovely job of your blocks and I look forward to seeing the project all come together. Happy Quilting!"

8 May 25'

Maria Shepherd reviewed: Quilting and Quilt As You Go

"I found the day with Jen perfect for my needs as someone just beginning to make simple quilits and wanting to improve my knowledge and experience. All questions were answered clearly and helpfully, the environment was really pleasant and the pace just right. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jen as a teacher she is so experienced and knowledgable. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Maria. It was a pleasure spending the day with you and I'm glad you enjoyed your time in the studio. Good luck with all your quilting projects, I hope to see you again in the future. Happy stitching! Jen "

13 Apr 25'

Tracey Secker reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"A brilliant day - Jennifer was really patient with me as I hadn't seen the instructions for the day (look in your junk folder if you haven't received anything!). Lovely place to spend some time being taught in a clear, logical, relaxed way. The studio is wonderful and having a piece of Jennifer's homemade cake in the sun was divine. I can't recommend this course and Jennifer enough - all I would say is book a course today and you won't be disappointed!"

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much Tracey for your lovely review. I'm sorry you didn't receive my email, but so pleased we could sort out everything on the day for you. Your quilt is looking beautiful and your stitching was perfect. Glad you enjoyed the cake! Best wishes and thanks again, Jennifer"

16 Mar 25'

Marilyn Blake reviewed: Improvisational Quilting

"Really impressed with this course and the expertise of Jen who helped us all along the way. Small group, individual support when stuck, excellent ideas thoroughly enjoyable and inspired to continue with Improv quilting thank you."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Marilyn. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day, you did a great job of all the ideas I threw at you! Have fun experimenting and hope to see you in the future. Best wishes, Jennifer"

4 Mar 25'

Amanda reviewed: Free Motion Quilting for the Terrified!

"Very informative. Lots of practical advice and opportunities to learn new skills."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Amanda, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. You did a great job with all the techniques and it was lovely to see everyone's confidence and skills improve as the day progressed. Have fun practicing! Best wishes, Jennifer"

21 Jan 25'

Jane Ridge reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"Great day. Jen made us feel very welcome & kept the tea & lovely homemade cake flowing. Nice small group. Lots of handy tips & clear instructions on making our quilt. I would definitely recommend the course & contacting Jen with queries. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review Jane. It was a great day with you all yesterday, your quilt is looking lovely. I'm so glad you enjoyed your day, have fun with your quilting. Best wishes, Jennifer "

16 Jan 25'

Anna reviewed: Beginner's Hand Embroidery Workshop

"The workshop gave me exactly what I was looking for - an introduction to hand embroidery. I came away with a sampler of stitches I am now keen to use in my own projects. I was a complete beginner and I found that Jen was welcoming and explained and demonstrated clearly. I think I am going to like the art of slow stitching."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Anna, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the slow pace of the hand embroidery day, you made a lovely job of your sampler and you now have a lovely selection of stitches in your armoury 😊. Thanks again and happy stitching, Jennifer "

13 Jan 25'

Gabrielle reviewed: Dressmaking Techniques

"This was such a valuable course, on all levels. Jen was extremely knowledgeable, and went out of her way giving us personalised, hands-on help. She was patient, answered all our questions, helped us figure out four very different sewing machines, and crammed loads of fabulous techniques and content into our time together. She is passionate about her craft and adept at sharing her skills in a way that is understandable and simple. I came away with a highly detailed, clear workbook of the techniques we'd covered, along with a set of fairly priced, specialised presser feet that I was able to test in class. Jen was keen on keeping us focused in a friendly way, and kept us well-fuelled with teas and delicious homemade lemon drizzle cake. I highly recommend her class, and we covered so much, that I may even come back for a refresher!"

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Gabrielle, thank you so much for joining me in the studio and for your wonderful review, very much appreciated. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day and got so much out of it. You did a great job of all the techniques and I hope you will soon be putting them into practice with your own projects. Thanks again, it was lovely to spend the day with you. Best wishes, Jennifer "

8 Oct 24'

Lori reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"Hi Jen, thank you so much for giving me the confidence to make button holes and place zips, etc, using my sewing machine, plus all the tips and professional advice. You made me feel very welcome and were very patient. I really enjoyed my time and look forward to spending more time with you, your studio is fab, I could outstay my welcome there creating all manor of things! "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Lori, it was so lovely to spend time with you in the studio. You did a great job with all the techniques, it was a pleasure to help you on your way. I look forward to seeing you again at some point in the future. I'll keep an eye on how long you stay! 🤣"

6 Oct 24'

Linda Eggins reviewed: Sashiko Decorative Embroidery

"A lovely day with excellent tuition, cups of tea/coffee and cake. Everything I had hoped for."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Linda, thank you so much. It was a lovely day with you all, I'm so glad you had a good time. Best wishes and enjoy your Sashiko! Jennifer "

6 Oct 24'

CT reviewed: Sashiko Decorative Embroidery

"Lovely friendly and informative day in a dedicated workshop room, brimming with artistic examples and ideas. Had plenty of choice for all levels and lots of ideas for other challenges, and Jen was perfectly content to pop down a few rabbit holes to share wide range of knowledge on all sorts of topics. Exactly the sort of experience you hope for."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi CT, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and yes -I can always make time to send you all off down a rabbit hole for more stitching joy 🤣 Thanks again, enjoy your stitching, Jennifer"

27 Sep 24'

Claire Olohan-Bramley reviewed: Free Motion Quilting for the Terrified!

"Had a really fabulous day with Jennifer. She quickly understands a persons level of understanding and is able to tailor the day to ensure you get the most out of it. Lovely venue and made to feel extremely welcome. Hopefully not the only course I will be doing there. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Claire, thank you so much for your review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop and your time in the studio. I think we definitely found the right approach for your quilt borders - I look forward to seeing how that turns out! Thanks for coming all the way from Devon, I hope to see you again sometime. Happy quilting, Jennifer "

6 Jul 24'

Heather Shaw reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"Thank you Jen for a lovely day. This course gave me excellent insight/tips in quilt making, and looking forward to finishing my first quilt. Jen was a great host and the Victoria Sandwich cake was delicious. Would recommend this course! Thanks again."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Heather, glad you enjoyed the day and your piece of cake! Enjoy your patchwork and quilting, thanks again for joining me in the studio. Best wishes, Jen "

29 Jun 24'

Sue Benz reviewed: Dressmaking Techniques

"Jen is a great teacher and makes a mean lemon drizzle cake too ! I learnt so much and built up confidence in the various aspects of sewing which were covered over the course. Jen’s studio is perfect and so well equipped .A thoroughly enjoyable day, thank you. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Sue, I'm so glad you enjoyed your day (and the cake!). Thanks very much for joining me in the studio, have fun putting those new skills into practice with your next dressmaking projects. Best wishes, Jennifer "

18 Jun 24'

Lizzie reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"A huge thank you for such an informative course. As a complete beginner I was a little nervous but had no need as Jennifer put everyone at ease and with such a well planned day she soon gave us confidence. Her patience and clear delivery soon had us on track. The day flew by. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this lovely learning day and will definitely be returning. Thank you Jennifer and to all the other lovely ladies who made the day so enjoyable."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much Lizzie, it was a lovely day and you all did brilliantly with your quilts. I can't wait to see them finished, they were all so different! Well done and thank you for your lovely review, best wishes, Jennifer "

15 Jun 24'

Cindy reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. As a complete beginner I achieved much more than I thought I could and I can't wait to finish my first quilt, which is a saying that I never thought I would utter. Jen is an excellent tutor and the environment is perfect, with inspirational quilts and crafts all round the log cabin. The lemon cake was an added bonus as well as meeting like minded people. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Cindy, thank you so much for your review. It was a really lovely day with you all yesterday and I loved seeing your quilts coming together. I'm glad the lemon drizzle cake lived up to your expectations from previous reviews 😊. Have fun finishing your beautiful quilt and don't hesitate to come back to me if you need any more help or advice. Best wishes, Jennifer "

13 May 24'

Helen S reviewed: Free machine embroidery - an introduction

"Excellent course. I learnt a lot from Jen. Now I know how to check tension, what kind of machine feet I need and how to use them. With only three other participants, we all got plenty of one to one assistance from Jen plus tea and cake! And at my first try at free motion machine embroidery, I came away with a piece of work I can be proud of. Thanks, Jen."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Helen, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. You've made a lovely job with your first machine embroidery, enjoy doodling and using your machine in a completely different way 😊. Best wishes, Jen"

6 Apr 24'

Lorraine reviewed: Beginner's Quilting Day "Wonky Donkey" with Sew Forest of Dean

"Had a fabulous time yesterday on the Wonky Donkey Quilt Workshop. As a beginner to quilting this course was really informative and covered everything needed to know to complete the quilt. Jen was a great tutor and had time for all of us on the course. Really looking forward to getting into quilting with the skills I learned."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you Lorraine, I'm so glad you enjoyed the day, you all did an amazing job with your quilts! Let me know if you need any more helping in sourcing your new machine and enjoy your quilting. Thanks for a lovely day"

20 Mar 24'

Kingsley reviewed: Nature Inspired Hand Embroidery

"As a novice embroiderer I had a wonderful day learning a wide variety of stitches in the lovely relaxed setting of Jen’s studio. Jen was an excellent tutor, teaching us clearly step by step and demonstrating embroidery stitching tips and techniques. We spent the day surrounded by her beautiful work and gaining inspiration from her smaller pieces. The day was exactly what I had hoped for and I would have no hesitation in recommending any of her courses. I hope to attend another of her courses when possible. "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Kingsley, thank you so much for your lovely review. It was wonderful to share the day with you, you were all so enthusiastic and made a lovely job of all the techniques and stitches. Have fun experimenting with your projects and exploring the endless possibilities of hand embroidery 😊 Best wishes, Jennifer"