Sharing Skills, Creativity & Sustainable Craft: What We Offer
At Saskia Cole, we believe creativity grows when it’s shared. Passing on skills, uplifting new makers, and demystifying the world of fashion and craft is at the heart of everything we do. With a background in education, sustainability, design, and over two decades of industry experience, we’re passionate about helping others build confidence in their craft—whether that’s knitting your first scarf or preparing a portfolio for university.
We teach across Further and Higher Education in fashion, business and retail in London, and we design and deliver workshops on sustainability for both consumers and emerging brands. We also support a local creative network with realistic, practical sustainable guidelines that are accessible to all makers—because sustainability should feel achievable, not overwhelming.
Our Experience
With a BA (Hons) in Fashion, an MSc in Research Methodology, a Level 4 Certificate in Teaching and Coaching, and a full DBS, our teaching is grounded in both academic rigour and industry know-how.
We excel in Excel, data, and retail analysis, and bring 20+ years of experience working in London buying offices—creating commercial product ranges, selecting materials, managing sales and stock, and blending the worlds of craft, design, fashion, and the science of making. Our approach to knitting and crafting combines creativity with technical precision, helping makers understand not only how to create, but why things work.
Workshops & Events We Offer
Available for small groups, community events, (London only) or online sessions (UK time).
1. Learn to Knit: Absolute Beginners
A gentle introduction to knitting using medium-weight yarns. You’ll learn how to cast on, knit garter stitch, and begin a simple, satisfying project: your first scarf.
2. Knit for Advanced Beginners
Already started knitting but stuck somewhere along the way? Bring your project and we’ll troubleshoot together. Learn simple shaping, stitch patterns, and how to read your knitting with confidence.
3. Crafternoons
Creative, relaxed, seasonal making sessions using wool, fabric, and fibres.
Includes:
- Pompom wreaths
- Bunting and pompom garlands
- Upcycling and embellishing clothing or knits
- Fun craft projects for all ages and abilities
Perfect for groups, celebrations, or cosy creative meet-ups.
4. Sustainability in Fashion & Making
Bring clarity to a word that often feels confusing.
We cover:
- What sustainability really means in fashion
- How to make more sustainable choices as individuals
- How to investigate a brand’s sustainability policies
- Clothing care for longevity
- Understanding circularity and the Sustainable Maker Charter
- Resources and tools to support your own sustainable practice
Ideal for new brands, students, and curious consumers.
5. Portfolio & Personal Statement Reviews
Applying to Higher Education in the arts? We offer supportive, realistic guidance on portfolio structure, content, and presentation. We can also help refine your personal statement so it reflects your strengths and potential.
6. Collaborations
We love working with others—brands, makers, venues, and creative communities. Visit our Collaboration page to see our recent projects and get in touch about hosting an event together.
7. Sewing for Beginners
We sew too (and we crochet—though we rarely stray far beyond the granny square!). If you’re new to sewing, we can guide you through the basics:
- Threading your machine
- Changing bobbins and thread colours
- Sewing straight lines and turning corners
- Simple first projects
A friendly, confidence-building introduction for anyone starting their sewing journey.
8. Excel for Knitters & Makers
Yes—Excel really can be creative.
Learn how to use spreadsheets to support your knitting and design work:
- Calculate stitch counts and scaling for different sizes
- Convert gauge measurements
- Create charts, colourwork motifs, and pattern grids
- Track pattern development and yarn usage
- Build your own simple tech-editing tools
Perfect for designers, new pattern writers, and anyone who loves the mix of maths + making.
If you’d like to learn with us, host a workshop, collaborate on an event, or chat about a project idea, we’d love to hear from you. Creativity is more fun when it’s shared—let’s make something together.
