Sumner, Brisbane

classes and kits: Sewing and Embroidery • Textiles • Print Making

4.9 (57)

1k followers

Hi, my name is Nicole. I am a retired Travel Agent with a serious passion for creating beautiful hand-made products using natural fibres and incorporating up-cycled materials.

I developed a fascination for Japanese Arts & Crafts in my early twenties when I first worked with Japanese Tourists and visited Japan. In 2019 I qualified as an Ikebana teacher (Japanese art of flower arranging - Sogetsu School) still attending classes and workshops on a regular basis, having recently obtained my 3rd grade teachers diploma.

Having attended various Boro & Sashiko workshops as well as having travelled through Japan on a textile tour in December 2018 I learned more about Boro, Sashiko and various other embroidery techniques such as Kogin and Chiku Chiku. And of course, stocked up my stash of vintage fabrics and embroidery threads.

I love sharing my knowledge and hold regular workshops in my Studio, situated on the Mezzanine Level of an Industrial Shed (stairs, no lift available) in Sumner Park.

Classes and kits

Design, Carve and Block Printing Workshop

5.0 (9)

Runs regularly

Sumner

1 to 6

$95 - $109

Boro and Sashiko Workshop for Beginners

4.9 (38)

Runs regularly

Sumner

1 to 8

$95 - $109

Cushion Cover Boro and Sashiko Workshop

4.9 (9)

Runs regularly

Sumner

1 to 8

$95 - $109

DIY Boro / Sashiko Zipper Pouch Craft Kit

5.0 (1)

Ships to you

$65

Reviews

(57)

Kim Rosanne Davis • Mar 2024

49 ClassBento workshops attended • 45 reviews

We had a lovely day with Nicole.
We were spoilt with her knowledge and love of this art
We pick our fabrics.
We picked our threads
We practice our stitches.
We ate amazing cake.
We loved this so much we can not wait to go back and put our pieces together.
And start on our next project.

Teacher's response

Thanks so much for your kind review Kim. Looking forward to seeing you ladies back in my Studio

Susan Harris • Feb 2024

Nicole is a very patient teacher who was happy to go over things until we understood. Small class size was great. Added bonus was gaining an understanding of the background and history of Boro and Sashiko. Really enjoyed this class!

Teacher's response

Thank your for your kind feedback Susan. It was lovely having you and Laura at my workshop.

Nicola Greig • Feb 2024

Great value for money, quality materials provided. Clear instructions from an experienced and informative teacher.
Lovely relaxed environment with yummy morning tea provided.
Highly recommend.

Teacher's response

Thank your for your kind feedback Nicky. It was lovely having you and your Justine at my workshop.

Pamela Smith • Feb 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed the class with Nicole. It was great to learn something new which I can use for future projects. Nicole was very helpful and had a great range of materials to choose from.

Teacher's response

Thank your for your kind feedback Pamela. It was lovely having you at my workshop.

Pamela (Pam) Christe • Jan 2024

Excellent teacher. Good materials provided, content well sequenced.

I highly recommend this class for anyone interested in stitching.

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Pam!

Cathy Molnar • Dec 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Nicole was a great teacher, friendly and welcoming, explained everything step by step, with demonstration and advice and was excellent at supporting us individually. The studio is well set up, everything we needed AND the best home made muffins! Such a lovely qay yo spend a Sat morningxxx
Cathy

Teacher's response

Thanks for your kind review Cathy, glad you enjoyed the workshop and the muffins

Jane Robinson • Dec 2023

Loved learning a new skill and Nicole was an amazing teacher! The Japanese history of Boro & Sashiko is fascinating. Looking foward to improving on my initial efforts and creating my own little works of art. Thanks Nicole!

Teacher's response

Thanks for your kind review Jane, glad you enjoyed the workshop, looking forward to seeing your finished work of art

John Uri • Nov 2023

22 ClassBento workshops attended • 20 reviews

Nicole is lovely and the Boro and Sashkita is a very changelling for me.
It is new experience for Nicole for having a Deaf student with Auslan Interpreter.

It is hard to watch the interpreter while sewing as very changelling for Nicole to work with a Deaf person.
The class are lovely people.

Teacher's response

Hello John, thanks for your review. Yes, you were my first participant with a hearing impairment, that's why I consulted with your Auslan Interpreter, Natalie, before the class on how to make this experience work for you. I understand where you are coming from and I am sorry to hear that you found this workshop challenging. I do hope that you will finish the embroidery on the lovely pouch you started in class, I can always assist you with final assembly when you are ready. Regards Nicole

Matt Chappel • Oct 2023

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Good workshop. Would be good to have a second follow-up session to finish our projects.

Teacher's response

Thanks for your review Matt, I will certainly keep that in mind. I do offer one on one classes too, that might be of interest to you to finish off your project. Please contact me for further details.

Catherine Miller • Oct 2023

I really enjoyed the class & the instructions clear & were well paced for a beginner.
Everything was prepared for us & we had plenty of practice time & this gave us time for feedback
Great value for money

Teacher's response

Thanks so much Catherine, it was a pleasure having you and your sister at my workshop. Please let me see some pictures of your finished projects.

Anne-Marie Hendey • Sep 2023

An extremely enjoyable and insightful class. Nicole was extremely knowledgeable and demonstrated all the steps. The end result was a lovely tote bag and two beautiful tea towels. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone, from complete beginners to more confident students.

Erin • Aug 2023

69 ClassBento workshops attended • 12 reviews

Nice relaxed workshop to learn a new skill.
Lots of options to choose from as well as pre cut sets available for purchase if you were overwhelmed by choice.

Had a mini store full of inspiration, supplies and goodies to purchase

Teacher's response

Thanks so much for your review Erin, it was a pleasure having you in my Studio, looking forward to seeing your finished work of art.

Cath Younger • Aug 2023

Nicole was a fantastic tutor who kept us moving along to make sure we completed as much of our project as possible. Materials and instructions were great. Loved interacting with the other participants as it’s great to get different ideas. Nicole is very knowledgeable and I felt the instructions easy to understand and helpful. Lovely morning tea. Thanks so much Nicole.

Teacher's response

Thanks for your review Cath, it was a pleasure having you in my Studio. Looking forward to seeing your finished zipper pouch.

Kerri McElwaine • Jul 2023

Nicole was great - she explained the process very clearly and assisted each of us to achieve a good design. Very easy and accessible studio. The process of carving the block print was fun and relatively easy - I would definitely do it again

Lois Jewell • Jul 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

What a great morning with Nicole learning how to transfer my own designs into block prints. The instructions were great and the materials provided of excellent quality. I particularly liked the conversation in our small group on other shared hobbies and interests. Thank you

Jackie Jorgensen • Jul 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

A wonderful creative learning experience that I can easily continue at home. Quality supplies and products ensured I left with completed useable items which I love. I always find Nicole’s instructions cover the finer and practical details in an easy to understand lesson all in such a short space of time. Thanks Nicole for another fabulous workshop.

Cath Rogers • May 2023

Relaxed and friendly vibe, I learnt a lot! Sashiko is a beautiful art, and Nicole introduced it wonderfully

Linda Gordon • May 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

My son and I just spent a lovely morning with Nicole. Such a lovely lady, fabulous choice of fabrics and great instruction. This is the first time I have walked away from a class absolutely loving the project I made. Thank you Nicole and my fellow students.

Marg Drake • Apr 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Nicole's class was very relaxed yet so informative due to her experience and organisation as a teacher. She's a very talented artist who has definitely inspired me to do more Boro.

Judith Dillon • Apr 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Nicole was a great teacher very inspirational a good instructor
very patient and easy to understand
Materials supplied where of the best quality
All fabrics were in colour cordinated bags as was the threads
Nicoles tips and tricks made it easier to do
Morning tea was delicious with lots of options
The Carrot cake Nicole baked was moist and delicous

Judith Zenchyson • Mar 2023

Teacher very friendly and had a huge amount of fabric to shoose from. Explained the techniques and assisted well.

Penny Blackwell • Mar 2023

The workshop was a lovely experience. I enjoyed the feel of the fabrics, the tuition, the lovely group of women, and the time and space to create something new. Such a pleasant start to the weekend. Nicole was encouraging and knowledgeable. Her collection of fabrics and yarns was extensive. These things combined made for a lovely morning of creativity.I am looking forward to sitting quietly and using the techniques we learned to finish my cushion cover.

Rikki Apps • Mar 2023

Very informative and a really enjoyable experience.

Jackie Jorgensen • Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

I enjoyed my first class so much I have just done another class with Nicole and have enrolled in a third. The class is super relaxing and this type of needle work is very forgiving for a beginner.

Gillian Cook • Feb 2023

Very relaxed environment to learn the techniques of shashiko and boro
Nicole was a very patient and informative teacher

Anita Agapow • Feb 2023

My second workshop at 4everBlue creations.
A great morning spent under Nicoles expert tuition planning out and stitching this cushion cover. All materials supplied and zipper already stitched into the back fabric (a big plus for this zipper challenged sewer.) Huge variety 9f contrast fabrics and threads to get the creative juices flowing. A delicious morning tea is provided.

Meg • Feb 2023

Nicole was really well organised for this class. Her studio was easy to find and there was ample off street parking. The materials were very well set out and great quality - especially the beautiful linen t-towels. The instruction was very clear and not over-whelming. I really liked how well she explained why we had to do things a certain way. My finished block print exceeded my expectation. It was exactly how I hoped it would turn out. I was very happy with the process and outcome. I would highly recommend this experience.

Christine Pigott • Jan 2023

Had a wonderful experience making block prints and then printing on a variety of materials. The teacher was patient, calm and very thoughtful, even providing a beautiful morning tea. The class was small and personal and I would recommend this class and look forward to participating in another class.

Samantha Low-Choy • Jan 2023

I learned a lot today from Nicole, who provided a welcoming, calm space full of inspiration. She had a wonderful selection of fabrics to choose from, and a phenomenal variety of threads. Although she taught us so much about all the basic materials, pressing, basting and boro stitches this was always fun, interesting and unrushed. Yet we packed in so much! Wish we could keep going back for top up sessions!

Margaret Warry • Jan 2023

Nicole was an excellent teacher. She was well prepared, gave clear instructions and was very encouraging.
The materials provided were excellent, allowing plenty of choice and variety which suited all class members.
I left feeling confident to continue with project and enjoyed the morning very much

Janine Lay • Dec 2022

It was a special experience being part of Nicole's workshop. She is incredibly knowledgeable about textiles and decorative techniques and has a fabulous collection of very special japanese fabrics and threads to choose from. She is very generous in sharing her knowledge and was great in guiding my creative process to incorporate my ideas with her experience. Thoroughly recommended!

Helen Verhey • Dec 2022

Great zipper pouch
Thank you
I will come and do a class in new year
Looks great

Bronwyn Edwards • Nov 2022

It was a wonderful workshop, and Nicole was a very helpful and lovely teacher. I really enjoyed learning the basics of this beautiful craft, and picked up some great tips that I never would have known had I tried to teach myself. The time fly by - I just wish there had been the time (in my life, not just in the workshop) to sit and stitch all afternoon as well :)

Kym Laws • Sep 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Nicole is so lovely, beautiful seamstress and excellent teacher. Her class is very organised and informative. The time flew by but we all felt relaxed in our lovely environment. I will be returning to do another one of Nicole’s classes .

Catherine Purdon • Sep 2022

Nicole conducted a very enjoyable workshop. She took the time to give a brief but informative background story about how Boro/Sashiko originated.
Available at her studio were many fabrics and threads to choose from. Nicole patiently helped with the selection and colour combinations and gave clear instructions on how to do the Sashiko stitching. I would certainly recommend her workshop.

Robyn Beveridge • Sep 2022

Venue and nibbles were perfect. Instructor very clear and assisted when necessary. All supplies provided and future assistance if required offered. A lovely experience.

Kathleen O’Hara • Sep 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Great class. Well organised with lots of fabrics and examples. Nice to learn a new skill

Jacqui Reed • Jul 2022

15 ClassBento workshops attended • 11 reviews

Another fab workshop with Nicole, great fun and so happy with the t towel prints

Leonie McDonald • Jul 2022

Really great learn a lot of skills to improve my hand sewing skill. Very relaxing to just sew and not think about anything else

Jennifer Harvey • Jul 2022

Thoroughly enjoyed our sashiko/boro class. Nicole had everything organised plus a delicious morning tea. We learnt a lot along with the history behind the art form. Nicole is really thoughtful, attentive , informative and i left feeling confident to continue. I will be back for other classes. Loved it

Jane Warnick • Jun 2022

Enjoyed the venue. Although a little industrial, it was fit for purpose, comfortable and interesting.
Materials were very well put together, explanations easily understood and questions all answered in a helpful, uncritical manner.

Robyn Battis • Jun 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

The class was really interesting but more involved than we thought it would be. Greatr help from the teacher

Jane Myners • May 2022

8 ClassBento workshops attended • 8 reviews

Nicole is lovely, patient and encouraging.

Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and would definitely attend other workshops Nicole holds.

Jacqui Reed • May 2022

15 ClassBento workshops attended • 11 reviews

Great teacher who always goes the extra mile, home made morning tea was a lovely treat, the lesson was informative and I learnt a lot!

Anita Agapow • May 2022

Can highly recommend this class to anyone interested in the Sashiko and Boro methods. Our instructor was just wonderful. Knowledgeable and helpful. I learned alot. We got to choose a base colour for our project and from there your imagination can run wild as to the detail that you include in the bag. The kit is of high quality and all materials for the project are provided or you can choose to bring some embellishments with you to include.
We organised a private class as there were four of us wanting to attend and I felt that this was a good number of people.
We also had a lovely morning tea with thanks.
A really enjoyable way to spend a Sunday with some like minded friends.

Tracy Scholte • May 2022

Fun class. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable teacher. Good range of fabrics and threads to choose from. Looking forward to finishing my project at home.

Tracie Austin • May 2022

Such an enjoyable class with a lovely teacher who explained the process well. Very well organised with lots of materials to select from.

Wendy Kelly • Apr 2022

Nicole was a lovely teacher with an obvious creative talent. The location is in an industrial area which was confusing at first but didn’t take away from the experience. We were given lots of material to choose from and had free rein over what we wanted to use. I learnt how to successfully stitch sashiko and whilst you don’t go home with a finished project, you have full instructions and material to do so

Susan Wiles • Apr 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Nicole was amazing. Very friendly, informative , helpful and patient. I enjoyed the learning, the interacting and the space. I have already signed up for many more classes in my head.

Jacqui Reed • Apr 2022

15 ClassBento workshops attended • 11 reviews

This was by far the best lesson/workshop I have done! Such a wonderful group of women and Nicole was such a great instructor. Nothing was too much trouble. The materials were just gorgeous, and everything was pre prepared for us. The cuppa and yummy morning tea topped off a great morning!

Kymberly Graham • Mar 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

I would gladly do this class again! Not only to work on my carving but just because it was fun. It can be as done as simple or as intricate as you want it to be, and whats more you get to take home a stamp to keep creating.

Jackie Wilkinson • Mar 2022

Fantastic workshop. Teacher was patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. I learnt so much in a relaxed environment. Would highly recommend the workshop.

Jan Manning • Mar 2022

6 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews

Class was terrific! Keiko-san and I really enjoyed learning this type of patchwork and teacher Nicole was very thorough and explained everything really well. Resources were amazing! and we both felt it was great value for money. Thankyou Nicole!

Deb Thompson • Mar 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Nicole was a great teacher & was very happy to impart her vast knowledge.
I am very interested in learning more of these skills from the Japanese culture.

Jane ? • Feb 2022

I had the best work shop learning about Sashiko. Nicole provided all the materials and guided us gently through the process. Morning tea was also delicious. Highly recommend this class for anyone wanting to learn more about this beautiful craft

Chi Nguyen • Feb 2022

Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and company!

Marie Kennedy • Dec 2021

7 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews

I throughly enjoyed my Boro and Sashiko Workshop.
Nicole is a great teacher, and her knowledge of this subject helps you understand the origins of this art form.
I would highly recommend this class to anyone who loves sewing, or wants to start.

4 Ever Blue

location_on Sumner, Brisbane

local_activity classes and kits: Sewing and Embroidery • Textiles • Print Making

Reviews

Sumner, Brisbane

classes and kits: Sewing and Embroidery • Textiles • Print Making