About us

At Gather & Stitch, we’ve created a warm, welcoming space where creativity thrives. Whether you’re new to sewing or rekindling a passion, our studio is here to inspire and support you.

A Space to Make, Learn & Connect

Our bright, cheerful studio is designed with community in mind. With plenty of natural light, colourful inspiration, and friendly faces, it’s a place where makers of all ages feel right at home. From after-school kids’ classes to adult workshops and creative socials, there's something here for everyone.

For All Ages & Abilities

We proudly offer sewing classes for both children and adults, catering to all skill levels—from absolute beginners to more advanced stitchers. Our mixed-ability classes foster independence, creativity, and confidence, while still offering all the guidance and encouragement needed to grow.

Modern Equipment, Timeless Skills

We’ve equipped our studio with brand new sewing machines and overlockers, giving every student access to high-quality tools as they learn. You’ll gain real hands-on experience in a modern, well-equipped environment—perfect for mastering the basics or experimenting with more advanced techniques.

Rooted in Community

Our school is more than just a place to learn—it’s a place to belong. Whether you're joining a six-week course, popping in for a workshop, or celebrating at one of our creative events, you’ll find a warm, supportive community ready to welcome you.

Meet the Team

  • Smiling woman using a sewing machine, wearing a floral shirt.

    Layla Totah

    OWNER & TEACHER

    Hooked on sewing since GCSE textiles, former English teacher Layla now runs Gather & Stitch in Crouch End, sharing her passion by teaching adults and young stitchers full-time. Her skills lay mainly in dressmaking, fitting and pattern making but turning her hand to most things is her best idea of fun!

  • Person with red hair and glasses, wearing a yellow sweater, smiles in a close-up portrait.

    Lydia Blagden

    SEWING TEACHER (adult classes)

    Lydia is a book cover designer and illustrator and has been sewing since 2017. She loves trying out new skills and techniques and can be found sewing anything from patchwork quilt wall hangings to Arsenal inspired underwear, cosy long coats and organisational homewares.

  • Person wearing a white knitted sweater, with plants in the background.

    Sarah Eyre

    SEWING TEACHER (children’s classes)

    Sarah has worked in education as a Speech and Language Therapist for many years. She started sewing with her Grannie and Mum and it has always been a creative outlet. More recently this has developed into not just making clothes but designing and making homewares and accessories which she sells at local markets. There’s always a new project buzzing around in her head!

  • Beth Johnston

    SEWING TEACHER (adult and children’s classes)

    Beth has been captivated by the processes of sewing and design since she was a teenager. She has 15 years experience of working in the fashion industry. Her real joy is in being creative in a sustainable way, often using previously loved fabrics, and then passing on her knowledge and results to others, of all ages.

  • Chloe McAllister

    SEWING TEACHER (children’s classes)

    Chloe learnt how to sew in lockdown - via Layla’s zoom classes! Having caught the sewing bug in a big way, Chloe now makes all her own clothes, from jeans, through to shirts, jumpsuits, dresses and coats. Creating your own wardrobe (and showing off about it) is a real joy, and Chloe is excited to share all the skills she’s learnt with her students.

  • Moyna Hamilton

    SEWING TEACHER (adult classes)

    Moyna has had an interest in textiles and sewing from an early age, first getting involved in her mum’s batik and tie dye in the 70s to screen printing and making my own clothes as a teenager.

    She attended London College of Fashion to study clothing technology and then worked in the fashion industry for 20 years making patterns from designers’ sketches, running her own textile company and then getting into primary and secondary education.

    For the last 13 years she has combined her teaching experience and fashion industry experience to teach sewing and pattern cutting to adults in various sewing schools around London