Meet Your Teachers
CAZ ADAMS
Sewing is my jam! I can't get enough of it. I started at my mothers knee when I was around 9years old and haven't stopped.
I began Usefulbox as people would always ask me to teach them how to sew on their machine that was still in the box. So I gave it a go and LOVED it! Seeing someone sew something and how proud it makes them, makes my heart sing!
Sewing is my creative outlet and my me-time activity. I love to sew with woven fabrics for myself and my family. My wardrobe would also exclusively me-made and that makes me feel so proud and individual. My kids also love to order their own outfits and costumes.
I'm also a huge supporter of sewing for mental health and really do believe that sewing, or any craft, has healing properties. I know it has gotten me through the high and lows of life.
The classes I take are the beginners day classes & courses, social sews and project based classes.
KELDA RICHARDS
In 2008 Kelda started teaching sewing in her own studio to teenagers and adults. She knows that there's nothing like the satisfaction of making your own clothing and home furnishings. She will teach you all the shortcuts to save time when sewing to allow you to finish garments to a high standard.
Kelda loves unusual and quirky fabrics. Designing or finding a new pattern and making it her own is always exciting. When she's not sewing, her other passions are baking, pottery and spending time with her family and friends. She loves learning anything creative.
Kelda believes that everyone can sew. You just need the right teacher and to have fun while you do it!
You can find Kelda in the Beginner & Beyond classes, Zips & Buttonhole masterclass along with plenty of other project based classes.
Megan Mckee-Griffith joins Usefulbox this year as the Intermediate to Advanced teacher. Having studied at the illustrious East Sydney TAFE, Megan has over 30 years in the fashion industry as a pattern maker. When not teaching, Megan currently works for a very high profile fashion designer as a pattern maker.
Megan is passionate about achieving the correct garment fit for every shape of body. She just loves to pass on her knowledge to her students with plenty of industry tips and tricks to create high end finishes for professionally made garments, plus working with and learning about appropriate fabrics for pattern choice. But above all, she enjoys the fun of sewing with her students.
Megan teaches the Intermediate to Advanced BYO class, along with the regular Copy it Class. Other advanced classes are in the works! But be quick, she is very in demand!
JENNY RADWAN
Jenny brings not only a wealth of talent and knowledge to her classes at Usefulbox but also her lovely calm kind nature. Jenny has so much experience in the fashion industry from alterations, bridal couture, mass production and also home sewing. Jenny is no fuss and down to earth in her teaching and just loves to guide her students to the best and easiest way to sew at home.
You'll find Jenny in beginner classes, Stretch Essential & Overlocking classes along with garment project classes.
LORENA URIARTE
Lorena is a world renowned, prize winner Quilter. Known for her highly colourful and stylish quilts, Lorena is a creative whizz. With her teaching, Lorena is so generous with time and knowledge, and gives such great advice to make your project the best it can be.
Lorena loves to combine hand and machine techniques with a bold use of colour, in both commercially printed and plain fabrics. She aims to create engaging quilts with a lot of movement, quilts that start a conversation. With previous experience in the education and hospitality sectors, Lorena is now passionate about teaching patchwork and quilting. She encourages others to live a fulfilled and creative life to cope with modern day stresses.