Dealer Focus: The Lorna Knight Sewing Academy in Bradnop, near Leek

Located near Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands, The Lorna Knight Sewing Academy offers countless sewing machines, haberdashery, fabrics and workshops in a picturesque location.

Workshops, machines and haberdashery near Leek

After running sewing workshops in church halls, museums and shops for over 15 years, I decided it was time to have my own base, so in July 2014 I opened my studio in a barn we renovated in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Starting with six Brother sewing machines and four tables for workshops, the studio filled up quickly with even more sewing and embroidery machines, haberdashery and fabrics - so much so that now, five years later, we are busy converting the next part of the barn so we can spread out further and increase stock.

My husband, Stephen, joined me in the business 12 months after opening the studio. As well as ordering haberdashery stock and buying fabric he received excellent training from the Brother engineers and is now qualified to repair and service all domestic sewing and embroidery machines.

A wide range of Brother sewing machines

As a Premium Brother Dealer we sell the full range of domestic machines, providing support in choosing and using the right one for you:

• Sewing and embroidery machines (L14s to XP1)
• Overlockers and cover stitch machines
• Embroidery software 
• Feet and accessories

Sewing workshops for every skill level

Our workshops provide tuition for all ages. We have classes for regular students as well as full-day and half-day sessions in dressmaking, couture tailoring, lingerie, soft furnishings, machine embroidery and lots more. Visiting tutors also come to the studio to teach embroidery software and patchwork/quilting techniques.

Everything is provided for most of our workshops, including materials, notes and use of the latest Brother sewing machines, plus on full-day classes a light lunch is also served. For certain sessions, for example, 'Sewing Machine Know How' and 'Get to Know your Overlocker', students may bring their own machines but there is always the opportunity to borrow a machine if necessary.

We love having the studio full of people, whether they are learning a new technique or relaxing and sewing with friends. And as well as our structured classes, we have more relaxed open days when people drop in, sew and eat cake!

People can book a place on a workshop from the programme or arrange bespoke sessions for themselves alone or for groups – we often host WI meetings here. Information about workshops taking place over the next few months can be found on our website or on our Facebook page . Alternatively, sign up on our site to receive updates, or request a list of upcoming workshops by email.

Sewing crafts amidst the Great British countryside

Our studio is located in Bradnop (just outside Leek) on the A523 Ashbourne Road. Look out for the sign on the gable end of the barn if you are travelling towards Leek. We have plenty of free parking and if you are coming to the area specially, there are other things to do too, including Peak Wildlife Park; Coombes Valley RSPB Nature Reserve, Churnet Valley Railway and the pretty market town of Leek, all within three miles.

Our self-catering holiday cottage is adjacent to the studio too, so you can come and explore the Staffordshire Moorlands and enjoy some sewing time while you're here!

Whether you want to come and sew, pick up some fabric and notions or buy a machine, we are here to help. Come and see us soon!

The Lorna Knight Sewing Academy
Bradnop
Leek 
ST13 7NX
01538 371682 / 07970 345628
info@lornaknight.com 

Opening hours:
Monday - 10am to 4pm
Tuesday - 10am to 4pm

All other days, please ring first, just in case we have popped out. We are generally open every day and you are welcome to call in if you are passing and the lights are on - at any time of the day!

Website - https://www.lornaknight.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thelornaknightsewingacademy
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/LKSewingAcademy