Photo of Wendy by Julian Ward © Cico Books
The creation of a garment that originally began as a flicker of an idea inside my head still seems to me to be a bit like magic.
After working as a designer in the fashion industry for 7 years I began teaching dressmaking, pattern cutting and textiles at various centres throughout Brighton in 2007 which culminated in the establishment of my own teaching business, MIY Workshop in January 2012 . I have a degree in Fashion Design, an MA in Design and am a fully qualified teacher.
I had my own column in Love Sewing magazine for 3 years from 2015 to 2018 and contributed 4 popular series to Sewing World magazine between 2013 and 2015.
I had my first book published in 2014: “The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking” a hands-on dressmaking book for adults containing 6 projects, 14 key dressmaking techniques and full-size pull-out patterns.
My second dressmaking book “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts” was published by Cico in October 2016 and my third book (also with Cico) “A Beginner’s Guide to Sewing With Knitted Fabrics” was published in January 2018.
Book number four “Sewing Basics For Every Body” came out in January 2020 and is my most comprehensive dressmaking book yet. Covering an even wider size range and including patterns to make a core wardrobe of unisex garments, this book champions the joy of wearing handmade clothes every day. Encouraging the reader to make everyday wardrobe basics rather than rarely worn “special occasion” garments.
My most recent book “How to Sew Sustainably” published in June 2021. This book fully explores my philosophy for dressing and sewing in a more sustainable way. Containing techniques for using scraps and small pieces of leftover and recycled fabrics, minimal waste clothing projects as well as projects for accessories, home sewing and art textiles.
An advocate of sustainable fashion having worked for a fair trade organic cotton brand for four years, I am passionate about empowering people to create their own style, interpret fashion in their own way and re-connect with the joy of making.
In 2019 I re-located back to my hometown of Sheffield in the foothills of the glorious Peak District.
I design my own range of sewing patterns, tools and accessories called MIY Collection which are available online here.
Say hello at post[at]wendyward.co.uk
Wendy Ward 
