Meet the Teachers
The boss lady and evil leader – Danielle
Danielle is the owner and one of several teachers at Thread Den. Danielle initially learnt to sew with her Grandmother and also by taking short courses and workshops – just like those offered at Thread Den. Thread Den was established in 2007 and since then has been teaching Melbourne’s modern guys and girls how to sew their own clothes. The most popular course is the Sewing Basics 3 Week Course – where we teach students to sew right from the very beginning. Students can continue on at the studio to learn more skills in our project garment classes, in theory workshops, and all the way through to learning the skill of pattern drafting.
Danielle left a corporate marketing role in 2012, after a 15 year career in retail property management that saw her win international awards as part of the team that rebranded DFO. She has a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in marketing and retail management. It’s all experience that now enables her to operate and grow Thread Den. Danielle designs patterns for the class projects, grades class pattern sets, sews the samples and writes the technical instructions. When time permits she sews for herself and her 2 children, with a focus on bra-making and lingerie, sewing with knits and reproducing vintage clothes. Highlights of 2019 for Danielle have been mentoring an RMIT 3rd year student project launching Semble – a fashion sewing pattern brand, and being a technical judge for the AATFA casual wear and formal wear categories in their national finals.
Hair & Beauty Goddess – Miss Lee Vintage Stylist
A retro loving lady who looks like she stepped out of a 1950s Home Journal everyday of the week. Not only can you join in one of her amazing workshops to learn the hair and beauty look of many eras, but you can also choose to have her host you for your own private party! Many a group of hen’s or birthday celebrating guests has stepped out the Thread Den door looking utterly gorgeous and ready for an evening out on the town. To read more about our private parties – click here
Funny gal, pattern drafting & sewing teacher – Jenni
Jenni’s super powers come from; Her stand-up comedy experience! Her innovative fashion lifestyle brand – A Beaut Commute, her years of experience in business, import/export, as well as sales and sales administration. Not to mention her education! Jen holds an Honours Degree, a Diploma and a Cert 3 in Fashion Design. As well as a Cert 4 in Business Management. Jenni is always laughing and leading her students on a romp.
Art & sewing teacher, performer plus puppeteer – Allanah
As well as teaching art in Primary Schools, Allanah teaches sewing – with a fun, quirky style. Her brands express her approach to life and style: Smarty Pants and The House of Arax. Sewing and stilt-walking! What is there she can’t do???
Fabricophile – Meagan
Meagan works at The Fabric Store and at Thread Den (jealous? we are!) and she also boasts Tesutti as a former workplace – she knows all the best fabrics! Meagan graduated from The Melbourne School of Fashion and has used her skills also volunteer teaching.
Globetrotter, crochet addict & sewing creative – Amy
After a couple of years overseas, Amy is back teach at Thread Den! A bright, bubbly and super enthusiastic teacher, Amy will be teaching the odd sewing class and bringing us exciting new Crochet classes. Amy’s final collection presented for her RMIT degree showcased not only her sewing technique, but also her originality and amazing crochet skills.
