MENTION stitching and chapels in the same sentence and you might be forgiven for bringing to mind hassocks and cassocks: tapestry kneelers and clergy robes. But a private sewing school has now moved into the North Chapel at Ilkley Cemetery, introducing a much more contemporary atmosphere and bringing a new lease of life to the Grade II-listed building on Ashlands Road.

Leonie Pratt first opened her sewing tuition business, The Sewing Shed, in 2010. Earlier this year, when the business outgrew her award-winning studio on Sedbergh Park, Leonie began to look for new premises with more space.

“I came across North Chapel and just knew it was perfect,” she said. “The refurbished chapel has a lovely feel, with so many of the original features still in place. And it’s flooded with natural light, which is ideal for sewing.”

North Chapel is one of a pair at Ilkley Cemetery dating back to the 1870s. They are classic examples of chapel pairs commonly built in garden cemeteries in Victorian England: one would be Anglican, and the other nonconformist. According to the Victorian Society website, “These architecturally interesting buildings have been largely forgotten and too many are now boarded up or derelict… [It’s a] depressing picture of neglect, with occasional glimmers of hope… the chapels which were designed to be attractive and accessible to the whole community are often defunct.”

Indeed, Ilkley’s own cemetery chapels, no longer needed for funeral services, had stood empty and derelict for years, during which time structural deterioration had set in. Thankfully, Bradford Building Preservation Trust bought the chapels 15 years ago, restored them, and connected them to utilities.

Careful consideration was given to finding appropriate new uses for the buildings (since they form part of a cemetery still in use) and to ensuring that they uphold Ilkley’s architectural heritage. Constructed from sandstone and gritstone, in a simplified Gothic style with some Romanesque detailing, the chapels have now both been sold to private owners. The chapels’ planning consent allows them to house offices and certain light industries.

Leonie Pratt asked award-winning interior designers Sturman and Co, who redesigned the interior of Ilkley Cinema, to style her space within North Chapel. This work was completed in August 2017. She also commissioned bespoke furniture for the new studio, including sewing workstations and cutting tables. The result is bright and modern while celebrating the chapel’s heritage feel.

“It may be an older building, but it’s been well-refurbished, so it’s cosy in winter and cool in summer,” said Leonie. “All you can hear above the whir of machines and chatter of students is birdsong!”

Leonie’s clientele come from all over Yorkshire and even beyond, and the town of Ilkley has proved a bonus attraction for students who make the trip from afar. “That’s why it was critically important for us to stay within the town – I have so many dedicated students from across the region who love coming to Ilkley,” added Leonie.

Thanks to the move, The Sewing Shed has been able to increase the number of classes on offer for people who want to learn to sew, and for the first time Leonie will be able to invite other specialist craft teachers to share the space and offer complementary skills. “There‘s been a real revival in craft, especially with people wanting to make clothes for themselves and their families,” she says. “From January, we’ll also be offering classes in upholstery.”

The Sewing Shed is now taking bookings for sewing classes and parties in the autumn. Students can learn to make clothes, accessories, soft furnishings, curtains and Roman blinds. Visit the website leonie@thesewingshed.co.uk or call 07525 029986 for more details.