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About Us

Hello! My name is Jolanta Cerniauskiene, a professional sewing teacher and founder of the Online Sewing School.

With 30 years of experience in fashion and further education, I have set up this online resource to make high-quality technical sewing

education accessible to as many people as possible. I believe that having the right skills can unlock endless creative possibilities,

which is why I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others. The school offers a curated, step-by-step digital sewing library

with online support for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced users. Whatever your specific needs or goals are, this resource

is here to support you!

My Story

Before we begin, let me share my own story with you, from sewing my first stitches as a child to my years as head sample machinist

in a top London fashion studio, and now, as a Technical Tutor on the BA Fashion course at a London university and founder of the

Online Sewing School.

Where it all began

My sewing journey started at age 7 at my godmother's studio, where I spent many of my summer holidays. I watched in awe as she

created outfits tailored to her clients' measurements. Seeing her transform just a few metres of fabric into beautiful, one-of-a-kind garments

was fascinating. From then on, I was inspired. My godmother taught me how to use a sewing machine, take accurate body measurements,

create patterns, and sew. I was captivated by the hands-on experience and continued to hone my skills by sewing my own clothing and

pursuing further education at college.

Couture Techniques

Fast forward a few years, and I moved to London, where I took on the role of head sample machinist for the iconic fashion and textile designer, Dame Zandra Rhodes, working there for 12 years. Collaborating with Zandra and her team to sample and produce couture collections was one of the most exciting periods of my career. I enjoyed the discipline of working with complex prints and delicate fabrics using intricate couture techniques. Zandra's studio was a couture house in the true sense, where we developed new colours, prints, and shapes. All collections were designed, printed, cut, and sewn within the same building. The collaborative process was inspiring, as each department worked closely with the others. I feel fortunate to have met and worked with many creative and fascinating people in the studio, such as textile designers, print technicians, pattern cutters, stylists, and embroiderers. This experience has given me valuable knowledge and insight into couture techniques, which I look forward to sharing with you all on this platform.

The Sample Studio

I established a sample making studio where I took on freelance projects for a range of designers, from major high-street brands to top couture designers, such as Eley Kishimoto, Erdem, Gallery58, Emma J Shipley, and Kitty Joseph, among others. I enjoyed the challenge and the technical problem-solving required to sew samples and find solutions for the most appropriate finishes, bearing in mind each client's suitability, style, and budget.

One of my most rewarding collaborations was with Kitty Joseph, as I supported her as a sample machinist and a technical consultant from her very first collection at the Royal College of Art, right through to where she is today with an established brand 10 years later. From the outset, I worked with Kitty to adapt her designs, fabrics, and printing techniques to meet her customers’ needs. In her early collections, we experimented with a variety of fabrics, including neoprene, jersey, velvet, PVC, and quilted layers. As a sewing specialist, I found all those fabrics to be an exciting challenge. We always worked closely to ensure all the garments were finished to the highest standards. I love working with young brands like Kitty Joseph, and I'm very happy my experience and knowledge helped her get to where she is now. It has been great to be part of a brand's journey from the very beginning and see it grow over time. Helping new designers bring their ideas to life through fabrics and finishes is my passion, which I also bring into my teaching work, and that is at the centre of what I do at Online Sewing School.

Teaching

With all these years of experience under my belt, I felt it was time to share my knowledge and skills with others.

This led me to pursue a career in further education and ultimately to my current role as a Technical Tutor for the BA Fashion course at London Metropolitan University. I was privileged to be among the first staff members hired in the early years of the course. I was involved from the start in the collaborative process of designing the course and developing its structure and syllabus, along with other tutors and course leaders. I teach students at all levels about the technical aspects of fashion design, particularly garment cutting, construction, and sewing. Over the years, I have helped many students gain the necessary skills to pursue successful careers in fashion.

The Fashion and Textile Museum

Alongside my work at the university, I also teach Couture Techniques once a month in person at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London. In this workshop, I share my knowledge of working with luxurious fabrics like silk, chiffon, and satin, and demonstrate the couture techniques used on high-end fabrics.

A bit about me

I am originally from Lithuania but have lived in London for over 20 years. I am a proud mother of two wonderful sons and am delighted to call London my home. When I am not working, I enjoy staying active, with my passion being weightlifting. I love spending time with friends, and my ideal evening would be relaxing with them over a glass of wine by the river.

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I can't wait to share my knowledge with you and to be a part of your journey. 

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Jolanta x