Sewing Made
Simple Online

With such a lot of sewing content available, it can be hard to know where to start. Well, this is where you can do just that.

GillyMac Designs

Where to Start

Sewing Made Simple Online is a series of simple steps to get you sewing happily on your own with guided tuition. It involves a mixture of blogs, online pre-recorded classes and live Zoom courses.

It is possible to go through the Sewing Made Simple Online steps at your own pace, by accessing each element below. All the blogs can be found at the bottom of this page or via the Blog Page. Purchased classes come with access to the Members Area of this website, where you can find the bought classes along with a series of additional free tutorial videos. Classes via Zoom augment the online tuition and finally, small In-person class build confidence and community whilst learning new skills.

Sewing progress can be shared and questions answered in the GillyMac Club on Facebook, available to all who are interested in sewing.  Periodically GillyMac Newsletter subscribers are invited to free Zoom classes. You can join the Newsletter list by clicking here.

 

Beginner Classes

Let’s Get Started Now

Alison Glass Skill Builder Series – The Meridian Quilt

Alison Glass Skill Builder Series – The Meridian Quilt

by | 2 Nov, 2020

The Alison Glass Sew Skill Builder Series is designed to allow the maker to sample new quilt making techniques, project by project. The Meridian Quilt is billed as introducing or strengthening a pupil’s ability to sew curves; however, this quilt has offered my weekly classes much more. Through making this quilt we have been able to discuss and try out improv sewing, colour management and quilt design.

What People Say

Would recommend Gill’s classes. Really clear instructions and demos. Gill is also very generous with her knowledge and lots of tips and hints gained
Ruler Quilting Class
The class was pitched perfectly for the people taking part, with enough time to watch and enough time to try out. I never felt rushed. And to have the video containing all the designs is a fabulous addition. Can’t wait for the curved ruler class. Cat
Ruler Quilting Class
Attended the online ruler quilting class- was great fun, well presented and learnt lots. Gill is a great teacher and would definitely sign up for another class. H
Ruler Quilting Class
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent class. Gill explained techniques clearly and happily answered any questions, The course was well-structured and the accompanying materials are very good. I am very glad I signed up and would recommend to anyone starting out in ruler quilting.
Ruler Quilting Class
I really enjoyed the opportunity to benefit from Gilly's great experience of FMQ Doodles. She is well prepared and very encouraging and enthusiastic. Nothing is to much trouble. I was most impressed by the workshop Linda L
Doodle Quilting
An excellent class with lots of information, help and ideas freely given. Although there was a lot to cover it was not at all pressured and there was plenty of information to look at after the class.
Doodle Quilting
Gill seems to have endless patience. The whole lesson came over very clearly. I was not intimidated by the tasks in hand after seeing Gill draw or sew the shapes. Gill answered a question I had before I asked it - think hard and choose a quilting pattern to suit the use of your item - I.e. loose bubbles are better for a soft baby quilt. A new point of knowledge- you don't have to get your dogs down for FMQ, just set stitch length to zero.
Doodle Quilting Class
I was a complete nervous novice but under Gilly’s patient, positive and practical guidance I completed the course & felt a huge sense of achievement and increased confidence. I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons and can’t wait to join again!
Beginners Sewing 2025
Excellent course, three lovely travel bags finished in just two days. Gilly is a very patient and caring teacher, giving very clear instructions and waiting for all participants to catch up if they fall behind. Plenty of breaks and interesting advice. Just signed up for the next course!
Bag Making Weekend 24
Gill provides all the support you need what ever stage you are on your sewing journey, I was amazed (as an experienced stitcher) just how many excellent tips and techniques I learned on her course, highly recommended
Bag Making Weekend 24
Gill’s explanations are very clear. She is very patient with those who work a bit slower and very willing to repeat processes. An excellent teacher
Bag Making Weekend 24
The bag making weekend was very enjoyable. Gill led us through all three patterns with infinite patience and excellent hints and tips. There were additional techniques for internal pockets too, which will be very useful. As always we had a lot of fun and made some super bags.
Bag Making Weekend 24
Highly recommended, perfectly paced sewing with competition to finish first! Everything is explained in as much detail as you need. Great friendly atmosphere too
Bag Making Weekend 24
I love Gill's classes, they are always tailored for every ability, always supportive and never judgemental. Gill makes them fun and achievable.
Bag Making Weekend 24
This class was fantastic in every way! The time Gilly puts into making sure you have everything you need prior to starting the class is not like any other workshop I have been on. Even before you start you know you will come away with something finished and to be proud of. Gilly gave each person individual attention and checked everyone was ok with what they were doing. Gilly's teaching style is calm, patient and very friendly. The timing, pace and content was just right and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this class to others.
Bag Making Weekend 24
This two day workshop was fun to take part in. We made three different items, the pace was good and Gill provided video instructions for two of the items for us to reference after the class. Gill is a fabulous teacher and has mastered teaching over zoom. The class felt very inclusive and Gill was on hand throughout to help everyone - I thought it was a fabulous way to spend a weekend sewing with other like minded people. Thank you Gill.
Bag Making Weekend 24
Brilliant weekend, Gill made sure everyone was following her instructions and if I was stuck she suggested solutions with great success. Gill’s teaching method is methodical and very clear and the videos provided afterwards are very helpful.
Bag Making Weekend 24
have used Gills classes several times, both on line and via Zoom, find them great and it saves wrestling sewing machine etc into and out of the car , then lugging them into a venue and setting up, you just sit in your own home with all the tools etc to hand. FAB!
Bag Making Weekend 24
A fantastic class, and Gill went out of her way to make sure everyone understood every step. I am so happy with the bag I made during the course, and I cant recommend this course highly enough!
Bag Making 24
This is the first bag I have ever made and found Gills teaching to be first class. The pattern is chosen with care to make it achievable by everyone. I would highly recommend Gill’s classes and will be taking another one very soon.
Bag Making 24
Excellent class, Gill’s instructions are clear and concise. She is always happy to go over instructions when required. The class was relaxed and very enjoyable despite the heat! Looking forward to making another bag and future classes with Gill.
Bag Making 24
Wow! What a fantastic course. It was fun and very informative. The hacks were well thought though, and the detailed instructions were clear and easy to follow. Although I have a unique physique, Gill helped me adapt the patterns to fit. I thoroughly enjoyed the three sessions (all with tea and cake!) and look forward to future courses. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to take their dressmaking to the next level. Sue
Pattern Hacking 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the pattern hacking classes. I just wish it lasted forever as I enjoyed the teaching and company of the other sewists. Looking forward to part 2 pattern hacking
Pattern Hacking 25
Gill is a thoughtful, kind and patient teacher. Gill shares her extensive knowledge well and gives good instructions verbally, showing us practically and given written instructions to take home. We were a group learning together but Gill also took time with us as individuals. Gill helped us with our individual adjustments guiding us gently . It was a great learning experience and I would thoroughly recommend her classes. And the CAKE....delicious.
Pattern Hacking 25
Not sure how you can improve, it was 100% perfect for me
Quilting Retreat 25
Gill is a very skilled and informative tutor. She always has a smile
Quilting Retreat 25
Thank you Gill for a brilliant weekend of learning and sewing with a lovey group of ladies. The support from both you and Deborah was greatly appreciated.
Quilting Retreat 25
I highly recommend Gill’s retreats, they’re great fun for all levels. Gill goes above and beyond with these retreats
Quilting Retreat
I've been sewing with Gill for over 2 years and have attended many of her classes. Always helpful
Quilting Retreat 25
As always I am very impressed with the excellent and clear notes and videos that accompany Gill’s courses.I like the way that the course material was broken down into easy to follow steps.I would highly recommend any sewing course that Gill runs. The goody bag was brilliant, beautifully presented and full of wonderful things.
Quilting Retreat 25
Gill is so knowledgeable, with a patient and well-modulated teaching style. Deborah is her brilliant assistant! Carole
Quilting Retreat 25
I learned so much on this course! Gill is so knowledgeable and gave such clear instructions I feel confident to tackle more challenging projects at home with my new skills.
Overlocker 25
Gill’s classes are fun and relaxed. You learn techniques and tips which inspire you to sew sew sew. Love her classes.
Overlocker 25
I enjoy Gill's classes and look forward to doing many more in the future
Dressmaking 25
If you are interested in doing a new hobby or improving your dress making skills this is the place to go. I will be back for more. Just loved it - Thankyou
Dressmaking 25
Being able to complete the project under Gill’s guidance builds confidence in your skills and makes it an overall enjoyable experience.
Dressmaking 25
I loved everything! You're very attentive, the people in the course were brilliant, you have all the resources and space, you make amazing bakes etc. Also it was very useful seeing how the different brands of machines behave. I couldn't ask for more!
Overlocker 25
I looked at my sewing machine for 2 years, now I am a wannabe seamstress extraordinaire! Thank you Gill for my new found confidence x
I was a complete nervous novice but under Gilly’s patient, positive and practical guidance I completed the course & felt a huge sense of achievement and increased confidence. I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons and can’t wait to join again!
Beginners Patchwork 25
Gill is a great teacher with so much experience. She teaches you rather than doing it for you and this allows you to learn and process quickly. Thank you ☺️
Beginners Patchwork 25
A lovely way to spend a Thursday evening - thank you Gill for creating such a supportive environment to learn a new skill. Really happy to have made a beautiful quilt in five weeks.
Beginners Patchwork 25
Gill is very patient & explains the stages in a way you can understand & follow easily.
Beginners Patchwork 25
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