ARE you man enough to pick up a needle and thread?

Boys joining the classes at Dolly’s Sewing School have certainly proven they are, as in between karate practice and football they have been running up toys, clothes and Christmas decorations on sewing machines at the Academy Way centre.

But for two of the class’s budding tailors, sewing is not girly but just another way to have fun and show off your creativity.

Eight-year-old John Rakestraw from Woolston and nine-year-old Daniel Fox from Widnes are regulars at Dolly’s Saturday morning classes.

Daniel, who also enjoys art and karate, said: “My mum’s quite proud of me,she doesn’t sew herself.

“Now I would quite like to make my mum and dad’s birthday presents myself. I have a few ideas. I’ve got a sewing machine at home now and I’ve just made a pencil case for my art supplies.”

He added that although his great-great-grandmother was a hat maker, nobody else in his family sews and he enjoys making ‘unique’ items including pyjamas, shorts and Halloween toys.

Dad Michael said: “He’s very creative and enjoys practical hobbies. His mum takes him here and then I take him to karate - if he likes it and he’s good at it, I think we should encourage him.”

Owner of the school, Linsey Williams, said the boys are both talented and popular: “The girls love having the boys in class – everyone wants to sit next to them. Most of them don’t do sewing at school anymore so this gives them an opportunity to learn the skills.”

And Woolston C of E Primary School pupil John said it is a lot of fun: “I enjoy it, my mum does sewing too and we get to make lots of different things.”

So far, John has made toy foxes, Christmas stockings and bunting. And Linsey keeps a board on the wall where children can write requests for different items to make in class.

John’s dad Steve said he is pleased his son is developing his creativity and learning valuable skills: “It’s quite unusual for boys but it was a man’s job back in the day – tailors and shoemakers were men.

“John just likes making things, it’s great that he’s got an unusual hobby. My wife does goldwork embroidery, for things like altarpieces and signs, and I think she has high hopes for John. It runs in the family. I enjoy coming here too, it’s very relaxed.”