CLASSES
Can you come to me for a class?
Yes I am usually delighted to come teach you at your home/ work place/ cafe with friends etc. I do charge for travel and would need a proper set up at yours (decent height table and a chair, extension lead nearby). But other than that, I like leaving Walthamstow and totally get you may need to work around a sleeping baby, have mobility or anxiety issues, etc. I charge £60/ hour pp to come to yours.
How do I cancel a class?
It is generally not possible to cancel a class due to my small class capacity. If you run into issues and there is a month+ to go yet pls get in touch and I will see what I can do – no guarantees. If you are sick on the day it is generally not possible to reschedule your class but again I can see what I can do.
Is your studio accessible?
I’m afraid it is not accessible for anyone with mobility issues.
Is there parking?
Parking is restricted but I can sell you a voucher when you get here (£1.20/ hour). The road layout has hugely changed recently, access is now only via North Countess road, in via Pennant Terrace and out via Keith Road. There is no access from Chingford Road, Brettenham Road, Carr Road, Winns Terrace, Douglas Avenue.
Do you teach kids?
We run classes for kids 9-14 in some of the holidays and sometimes also monthly, and kids over 14 are welcome in adult group classes.
Can I buy a voucher as a present?
Yes! I have a few for sale in my shop or if you want something more bespoke please email me [email protected]. They are valid for a year.
I’m new to sewing. Where should I start?
You’ve come to the right place! We’ve got some fabulous classes and products designed with beginners in mind.
1) Sewing for beginners group classes: book here for group classes
Learn to set up and use a machine, make seams and hems, measure and cut, and other useful skills.
2) Private classes
These can be tailored to your specific requirements and cover anything you feel less confident in. Please email me to organise a slot: [email protected]
3) Beginners sewing patterns
I generally prefer independent pattern designers to the larger companies for beginners. Check out Closet Core Patterns, Cashmerette, and Tilly & The Buttons beginner sewing patterns are super easy to make and fit. http://www.cheekyhandmades.co.uk/shop
Are you neurodiverse friendly?
YES! I have kids on the spectrum myself and have been teaching neurodiverse people of all ages for as many years I have been teaching. I am patient and kind and great at putting everyone at ease.
REPAIR
How much does it cost to repair a sewing machine?
each machine will need to be booked in for an assessment which costs £20, I will then give you a quote. Most services/ repairs are £50 plus parts but please note for machines that have been unused for many years you are looking at a restoration which will be much more time consuming and therefore expensive. Not all machines are repairable, many cheaper modern machines have a very short life span and are made with plastic and soft metal parts which break/ bend etc easily. The assessment fee will be retained even if the machine cannot be repaired.
How can I pay for a sewing machine repair?
You can pay by BACS or cash
How much does it cost to repair a quilt?
A quote for a quilt repair is complete bespoke and depends on way too many things for us to even give a ballpark figure. Please contact us on [email protected]
Do you service industrial machines?
No I do not.
Can you come to me for a sewing machine repair?
Generally not. Most domestic machines can be taken out of tables and cases and brought to me for a repair or service and can be put in a taxi if you do not drive.
Where should I buy fabric or a sewing machine from?
Please do NOT buy a sewing machine from a supermarket! Please go to a proper shop to discuss your needs, and try a few out. Invest in a good machine and not only will it last, it will also be a joy to use. Feel free to email me for a chat [email protected]. Do not buy from Facebook market place as you have zero protection and the majority of machines I get in that have been bought on there have been beyond repair. Ebay likewise is tricky as it may be hard to prove the machine was broken when you bought it. Buy second hand from reputable shops such as Regent Home of Sewing in Ilford. Not all new machines are any good, I generally would recommend Janome, Juki, Bernina or more expensive Brother machines. Singer machines have beeb garbage for decades now and I would not recommend anyone to buy one.
DELIVERY AND RETURNS
How long does delivery take?
Orders are sent via Royal Mail Second Class and should arrive in 7 days.
What does delivery cost?
***Shipping of patterns is £3, books are £5.
Where is my parcel?
If your package hasn’t arrived after 10 working days please do get in contact. There may be issues impacting Royal Mail delivery services.
What is your refund and exchange policy?
We will exchange or refund printed patterns or books returned to us unopened, unused and in the same condition in which they were received, accompanied by proof of purchase.
You must return the product to us within 14 days of purchase. If the product you ordered was faulty, you have the right to return it within 30 days for a full refund or replacement.
How do I return an item?
Please post the items you wish to return in their original packaging to the following address:
Cheekyhandmades
13 Thorpe Crescent
London E17 5BY
Postage fees are non-refundable unless there is a product fault or error on our part. Please note we cannot be held responsible for items that are lost or damaged in transit.
How will I receive my refund?
Refunds will be issued via the original method. After a refund is authorised, it may take 7-10 working days to show in your account.