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 is our much-loved Intermediate to Advanced teacher and a favourite among students for her warmth, clarity and incredible depth of knowledge. Having studied at the illustrious East Sydney TAFE, Megan brings over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry as a pattern maker.
Alongside teaching, she works with a highly regarded fashion designer, continuing her hands-on industry practice. Megan is passionate about achieving the right fit for every body shape and loves sharing her expertise with students — from refining fit to incorporating industry tips and tricks that elevate garments to a beautifully professional finish. She also brings a deep understanding of fabric selection and how it works hand-in-hand with pattern choice.
Above all, Megan genuinely enjoys sewing alongside her students, creating a focused, encouraging and inspiring space to grow skills and confidence.
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.
ALI DIBLEY
Ali Dibley is an embroidery artist and sustainable fashion advocate. As well as studying fashion at UTS, Ali's experience includes many years of bridal dressmaking, teaching high school textiles and running a vintage dress hire shop. These days her focus is on encouraging people to enjoy fashion without buying new clothes.
Ali's favourite type of sewing is to re-work an older piece into something new, and adding sparkles to everything. You'll find Ali teaching beginner classes, embroidery classes and kids afterschool classes.
SHEENA LEE
Sheena’s love of fabric began early, inspired by the colour and creativity around her at home. Although her mother’s sewing machine sat mostly untouched, curiosity got the better of her — and she taught herself to sew, discovering the joy of making her own clothes.
She still remembers ordering her very first skirt pattern from a small ad in the Sydney Morning Herald. From that moment on, there was no turning back. Over the past 40+ years, she has built a rich and varied career in the clothing industry.
Sheena has worked across every corner of fashion — from the cutting room floor to design, patternmaking, sewing, made-to-measure bridal gowns and sales. She studied Fashion Design at RMIT in Melbourne and recently completed her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She has taught both computer and manual patternmaking at Ultimo TAFE, as well as sewing at Macquarie Community College.
In a world of fast fashion and disposable clothing, Sheena finds deep satisfaction in helping others create garments that are thoughtfully made, beautifully finished and perfectly fitted. She has a particular love of well-tailored pieces and classic silhouettes — timeless styles that never go out of fashion.
Sheena teaches the very popular Intermediate to Advanced BYO class
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.