MEET OUR TEAM

Liz Bleach of The Leigh General Store 

Teaching crafts in Leigh-on-Sea venues since 2018, I have developed a range of classes to support people learning to sew. Some try it out as a bucket-list type activity, others begin a years-long fascination and become expert sewers. Our weekly sewing courses are also great for those who enjoy the social aspect and having someone to call on when they need clarification or assistance. Many people who attend classes with me will go on to develop their sewing either independently or in further classes, but all of them will have a knowledge of the traditions of making clothes and an appreciation for well-made items.

I love learning traditional craft techniques and skills, particularly when craft wisdom and sustainability go hand-in-hand. My lifelong concern for our planet underpins most of what I pursue - natural fibres and repurposed materials are key to a minimal impact on our environment. Traditional crafts were perfected well before synthetic materials were developed and industrialisation took the making ‘out of our hands’. The skills used when working with those materials need to be enjoyed and celebrated.

I have been teaching and leading workshops at The Dressmaker Fabric Studios since 2022, with a full schedule of dressmaking and sewing classes throughout the year. I have met hundreds of people with a shared intention of finding some joy in their sewing. Living close by, I have relied on the fabric shop on the corner for nearly 3 decades as a customer and I am beyond excited every day that I am allowed to work there. 

I have lots of ideas for future projects and as I have encountered so many people who find that the sizing system literally makes them cry, I am determined to develop the Capsule Wardrobe series of workshops that support people in making beginner friendly clothes without that awful sizing judgement. Each design is available to try on before making it, in a range of sizes and participants decide for themselves how they would likfe it to fit.

My huge thanks go to the team in the shop and the other teachers in the studio who are talented, cheerful, generous by nature and passionate about their work. Everyone can be assured of a warm welcome and I look forward to seeing you there soon.  

Stacey Siddons 

Stacey is a lifelong maker with over 20 years of quilting experience. Her journey with textiles began in childhood, and over the years she’s explored everything from embroidery and dyeing to weaving and surface design. This deep curiosity and love of learning fuels her creative practice—and her teaching.

As an educator, Stacey brings warmth, patience, and a strong belief in the value of hands-on making. She understands that everyone learns differently, and her classes are designed to support each student’s unique creative path. Whether you're brand new to quilting or have years of experience, Stacey provides guidance that helps you grow in skill and confidence—while having fun along the way.

Students often say that Stacey’s classes feel like a mix of learning, inspiration, and creative therapy. You’ll leave not only with a finished piece, but with new techniques, fresh ideas, and a deeper love of making.

Denny Brackenbury

My interest in clothing and fashion began at a very early age. I can remember being captivated by the amazing costumes I saw in the wonderful old movies on TV, first in
black and white then in vivid Technicolour (showing my age already). Hollywood glamour became my obsession and very quickly my bedroom walls were adorned with pictures of Jean Harlow, Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow and many other flawlessly beautiful actors and actresses. I loved the larger than life characters I saw on TV and as a very young child (age 4 or 5) became obsessed with the singer Kathy Kirby. 

As a child my mother said I could draw before I could talk, ‘He’s always got a pencil in his hand’ was one of her stock descriptions of her only child. Art has always been a passion of mine; both my parents would encourage me to draw and paint.

Later, I wanted to be David Bowie! His influence on me (and many, many others) literally changed my life. It was like getting permission at the age of 11 or 12 to become a
different person and break away from convention, much to the horror of my parents.
I have always been drawn to the  unconventional. In terms of fashion Vivienne Westwood was and still is my hero. I was lucky enough to get a place on the Fashion Degree course at St Martins in London. What was to follow I affectionately call my ‘Lost Years’ for no other reason than the time passing so quickly and forever changing my image from Punk to Blitz Kid to New Romantic and so on. I met some fabulous people as well as some not so fabulous along the way and have continued to be attracted to those who see the world in a different way.
I began my fashion career as a freelance designer and illustrator and very quickly built up a large client base of ladies who wanted spectacular outfits for the next big event they were attending. As word got around amongst these wonderful clients each request grew bigger and more glamourous as the ladies attempted to ‘out do’ one another. Again,
The next step for me was into teaching. I began teaching fashion design and illustration at a small private college in the heart of London. Paris Academy School of Fashion was my base for the next 10 years. The college had been established back in the late 1920’s by Madame J Trois Fontaines and was still going strong. We taught all the
basics of fashion which is why to this day I like to do things properly, some might say ‘the old-fashioned way’.

My career then took its next unexpected turn. After Paris Academy closed I decided it was time for a change. I had never worked with Special Needs Children before and went home the first afternoon to tell my now husband, ‘I think I’m making the biggest mistake of my life’. I’m still here 28 years later! 

Throughout this time I never lost my passion for the world of fashion and continued to make clothing for myself, my husband and friends. On a holiday to the Gran Canaries several Christmases ago we met drag queen The Vivienne. We got chatting and she told me she would be appearing on the first Ru Pauls Drag Race TV programme in the UK. I was commissioned to make a tartan suit in the style of Vivienne Westwood that they would wear on the first episode of the show, portraying the icon Pete Burns. I made the suit and low and behold The Vivienne was awarded her first Ru Peter badge and there was my suit on tv for the world to see. She went on to win the series and became a household name.

Anna Maria Slater of La Vista Designed Interiors

Join Anna Maria for a creative and hands-on lampshade making workshop, where you'll learn how to craft your own bespoke lampshade from start to finish. Anna Maria is a professional lampshade maker and interior designer with a passion for beautiful, functional design. With years of experience in the interiors industry, I love sharing my knowledge and helping others bring their ideas to life. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to expand your creative skills, my workshops are fun, relaxed, and suitable for all levels. All materials and tools are provided—just bring your own fabric and get ready to create something truly unique!