Since 2007, Thread Den 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.
The owner and one of several teachers at Thread Den. Danielle initially learnt to sew with her Grandma and by taking short courses and workshops – just like those offered at Thread Den.
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, 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. Danielle facilitates the Seams Legit sewing program for the City of Melbourne Libraries and has a Victorian Working with Children Check. Currently she is undertaking a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Jenni’s super powers come from; Her stand-up comedy experience – this lady can read a room! She runs an innovative fashion lifestyle brand – A Beaut Commute. Jenni also boasts many qualifications, including; an Honours Degree, a Diploma and a Certificate III all in Fashion Design. As well as a Certificate IV in Business Management.
Miss Lee is a Vintage Stylist who curated her style through a love affair with classic movies. She holds both a Bachelor and Diploma of Fine Art. While her signature vintage hair styles have been finessed through her own research, they are based on a Foundation Sculpture Course in Mens and Ladies Haircutting. A private party hosted by Miss Lee is an unforgettable experience.
You could say that Meagan was born for this, her Mum is also a sewing teacher. Her wardrobe is full of self-drafted fashion that is fun and inspiring. Meagan is also the Assistant Manager of Melbourne’s The Fabric Store. A graduate of The Melbourne School of Fashion, Meagan has made teaching a specialty career with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
While Amy is a skilled sewing teacher, her flair for crochet has seen her become Thread Den’s crochet specialist. Amy has taught at Thread Den over 10 years! During that time she lived in the United Kingdom for a while where she was able to attend a Crochet Retreat with Katie Jones! She boasts both a Bachelor and Diploma in Fashion Design.
When Lorena was undertaking her Textiles Design Degree she became obsessed with and also majored in knitting constructed textiles. Her real area of expertise has become knitting machines. Thread Den is spoilt to be able to add her skill to our line up. Her knitwear line Lore Lore launched in 2009.
As a High School student, Georgie balances her studies with her job at Thread Den. As Danielle’s daughter she unofficially started learning the ropes at Thread Den when she was only 7! Georgie’s caring nature and approachability in our school holiday program has seen her become a popular and requested teacher amongst younger learners.