Sarah Oliver - Owner/Teacher/facilitator

A qualified Primary Teacher and long time sewer.

From sewing in the school holidays with my Mum, I have always loved crafting and creating. My favourite sewing projects have been my firsts, first dress, skirt and top…I will never part with these as they remind me of where I started and my journey of sewing. Plus, I still wear some of these pieces.

After having my two children, I started a small ecommerce sewing business which has now lead me to crafting this unique sewing experience for like-minded women. I had many queries from friends asking for my help to mend clothing or teach them how to sew. I know ‘Sip & Sew’ workshops will connect women together and continue the art of sewing through the generations. Coupled with my teaching degree it was a no brainer to start Sip & Sew Workshops NZ.

I look forward to sewing with you and sharing my passion for creating.

Laura Pendergrast - facilitator

I have been sewing since I was ten years old, I fell in love with creating something out of nothing. Even from a young age, I would disregard sewing patterns, much preferring to bend the rules to suit myself. That has translated into an easy ability to adapt and change clothes at will. 

I am now a mother of six and love whipping up clothes for the whole family… but mainly for myself 😅. My sewing strength is combining aspects from different garments and figuring out a way I can change it to suit my tastes. I love colour! The bolder the better, and very rarely wear black. 

I am looking forward to meeting you all at Sip & Sew, and can’t wait to give you the tools to start your own creative journey.