MEET ME

Irene Olic

Hi, my name is Irene Olic. I’m mother to a daughter who has always loved all sorts of crafting and I realised that if she was interested in learning to sew, then there must be lots more young people out there equally interested in learning how to make cute and practical accessories, to stitch a cushion, create new outfits for their dolls, and even to sew some fashionable clothes for themselves.

I’m a lifelong sewist with a 35+ year background in the fashion industry and a love for sharing my skills with like-minded enthusiasts. Starting Sewing Time in 2016 was the perfect way to blend my two passions and teach a new generation of young sewists this fantastic life skill!

Professionally, my passion for sewing and fashion has taken me around the world to Paris, London and Sydney. After returning to Australia I worked for several high end fashion houses, which eventually led me to run my own made-to-measure bespoke bridal and eveningwear business in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs for 18 years. I have also taught Pattern Making at The Whitehouse School of Fashion, and Couture at the Fashion School of East Sydney Technical College.

My Sewing Time students follow a specially designed project-based curriculum where they learn and develop proficiency in fundamental sewing skills. I strongly encourage my students to use their creative flair and let their personalities shine in our classes. I love seeing their confidence grow over each term… and the smiles on their faces when they take home their finished projects to proudly show off are overwhelmingly satisfying to me!

Sewing Time courses are a wonderful after-school activity where friendships are made and new skills are learnt, while enjoying an uplifting creative outlet after the stresses of the school day.