About the Studio
The studio is upstairs at The DOLLY Hub. We have Bernina and Frister Rossman sewing machines and shared use of two overlockers. We have everything you need so there's no need to bring your own sewing equipment - unless you'd like to of course!
There's plenty of space to sew and studio is full of natural light.
We also have a library of sewing books, patterns and a 'Forever Clothes Swap' rail for you to enjoy while you're here, as well as tea and coffee facilities.
Unfortunately the space is not accessible for wheelchair users as the studio is on the second floor of the building, accessed via stairs.

CLASSES
Loading days...
45 British poundsEvery Thursday for 6 Weeks / 3:30 - 4:30pm / Beginning 1st May 2025
Loading days...
90 British poundsLoading days...
120 British pounds17th May 2025, 2-4pm & 21st May 10-4pm / Spend an hour with Di and tackle any sewing challenge!
Loading days...
70 British pounds2nd May 1-4pm / 1 Hour Slots / Come and use one of our machines for a few hours!
Loading days...
25 British pounds24th May 2025 / 10-12:30pm / Learn how to darn your holey garments, not just knitwear!
Loading days...
45 British pounds17th & 31st May 2025 / 10-12:30pm / Learn the basics of sewing, from how to use a machine to seams!
Loading days...
100 British poundsLoading days...
40 British pounds11th May 2025 / 10-5pm / Recreate your favourite garment with Geri, master pattern cutter!
Loading days...
85 British pounds24th May 2025 / 1:30-4pm / Give your denim some well needed TLC with sashiko and machine darning
Loading days...
45 British pounds3rd May 2025 / 10-12:30pm / Enjoy sewing and sharing tips and ideas in the company of others!
Loading days...
45 British pounds14th June / 10-6pm / Southover Gallery / Join us for our first ever Sewing Retreat!
Loading days...
145 British pounds
Our Teachers
Diana Uprichard

How did you first get into sewing?
I can’t remember a time when sewing wasn’t part of my life. When I was a baby my favourite comfort toy was my ‘raggy’, a piece of muslin cloth. As a toddler I fondly remember my rag books made of cloth that use the texture of the cloth to describe the story. As a kid my dressing up box consisted of yards and yards of silky nightie fabric, rejects from my mums handmade lingerie making business. So, I’ve been surrounded and inspired by textiles and sewing from day one. My first stitches were at the age of 7 using my mothers’ scraps to make pin cushions and clothes for my Pippa dolls.
What professional background do you have?
In truth, my mum (and grandma and aunty!) taught me everything I know about sewing and making. Alongside her lingerie business she taught the City and Guilds Dressmaking and Pattern Cutting course and it all rubbed off on me!
In classic ‘do my own thing’ I studied Graphics and Illustration to MA level (you’ll notice this in our branding by yours truly!) but never stopped sewing and creating in textiles!
After a PGCE and a 10-year shift as a secondary school art teacher and the arrival of my 3 kids I began my professional time as a seamster in 2013 and launched DOLLY honing my own skills as a professional seamster, designer and sewing tutor.
What is your favourite spot in Lewes?
Fave spot in Lewes? That’s a tough one! Right now I’m loving the Railway Land Nature Reserve as a getaway into nature just a stone throw from the central Lewes!
Guest Teachers
Geri Li
How did you first get into sewing?
The journey began with cross stitch! I remember being a kid, sitting on the sofa with my mum, stitching away together. In primary school, I made a cross stitch pincushion that I was very proud of (!), and from there, things naturally evolved—I started making my own clothes as a teenager. Sewing quickly became a therapeutic practice for me. There’s something about working with my hands and focusing on fine detail that I’ve always loved.
What professional background do you have?
After graduating with a fashion and design degree from NTU, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in pattern cutting. I was fortunate to land my first role at a bespoke womenswear tailor in London, and shortly after, I began working at Victoria Beckham, where I developed many of the skills I still use today. From there, my career took me to China, where I worked for high-end Australian label FFIXXED STUDIOS. Since then, I’ve freelanced for brands like Pringle of Scotland, Halpern, The Vampire’s Wife, and more recently, wedding studios including The OWN Studio and Blake Ida. Alongside my industry work, I founded my own teaching practice, Pattern Wiz, where I guide others in bespoke pattern cutting—helping them create clothing that reflects who they truly are, rather than squeezing into a standard mould.
What is your favourite spot in Lewes?
I’m a sucker for Asian food (being half Chinese!), so Pestle and Mortar is my go-to for a comforting bowl of noodle soup. Followed by a wander around the independent shops to see what local treasures I might stumble upon!