What People Say

"Earlier this year I took private lessons with Sheryl on bias cutting. I have been a costume cutter and maker for the past 10 years but since my

studies I haven't had many opportunities to work on bias cut costumes. I was lacking confidence and felt I needed a refresher. I met Sheryl

working at Opera Australia and admired her work as a costume cutter. Sheryl is not only an amazing cutter but also an excellent teacher

and I feel very privileged to have had one on one lessons with someone with her experience and knowledge. Since these lessons I have had

the opportunity to work on bias cut costumes and was able to put into practice what I learnt from Sheryl and approach my work with greater

confidence."

Mathilde Montredon

Freelance Costume Cutter

"What an absolute delight it was to learn to sew with Sheryl. My sewing experience was very limited, let alone from many many years ago.

Now I have the skills and confidence to sew well, with good detail and offer goods for sale. Being in Sheryl's beautiful studio and under her

guidance really is a sewing experience. She has a wealth of knowledge, skill and passion for fabrics and textiles and offers an incredible

historical glimpse into fashions and trends over many decades. As much as I wanted to jump in and make stuff, the first lessons in how to

handle the machine, work with fabrics, understand stitches and practicing, really set the foundations to sew well. While making items, Sheryl

would offer tips and suggestions, her encouragement and support has really stayed with me and is evident in the things I continue to make.

Working alongside Sheryl has given me an enormous appreciation of the skill in making things well, details that finish an item off beautifully

and also how to tap into my own creativity and style. Being at the Cutting Table is an absolute joy."

Leigh Connell

LovLeigh Treasures

"I took a series of classes with Sheryl to learn about costume, from a design perspective. Sheryl is an absolute treasure trove of information

about the history of fashion and clothing as well as the costume industry in Australia. In addition, her love of costume is infectious, which made

each session a joyful experience. Each session was carefully prepared with ample references, examples and period garments to examine, and

I left buzzing with ideas and information and excited to learn more. I am positive I couldn't have found anyone better to help me explore the

line between period accuracy and the practical needs of a film or theatre costume." 

Catherine Steele

Designer/Illustrator

"Whilst a student at NIDA, I had the privilege of being taught period costume cutting and fitting by Sheryl. She is an inspired teacher

who is patient with students and always has more than one way to explain new concepts. Bring your A-game to lessons with Sheryl

and prepare to be a sponge because she has so much to share. I learned more from her classes than any other single source during my

studies and proudly acknowledge her exceptional influence on my professional costume making practice. "

Marianne Close

Freelance Costume Cutter and Maker

Costumes cut and made by Marianne Close - Tutor, Sheryl Pilkinton