Avid Seamstress Sewing Pattern Weekend

Spend a weekend creating a garment you'll love to wear.

There's something incredibly satisfying about dedicating a whole weekend to sewing. No distractions, no rushing - just time to slow down, learn new skills and enjoy the process of creating beautiful clothes.

Our Avid Seamstress Weekends are held at The Avid Seamstress Studio, nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside. With small groups and plenty of individual guidance, they're the perfect opportunity to build your sewing confidence while creating a garment you'll be proud to wear.

Whether you're making your very first handmade wardrobe or you're an experienced dressmaker looking to tackle your next project, we'll support you every step of the way.

Before the weekend, you'll choose your favourite pattern from the complete Avid Seamstress collection. We'll help you prepare by offering guidance on sizing, fabric choices and any pre-workshop preparation, so you can arrive ready to enjoy two inspiring days of sewing.

At a Glance

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Duration: Two-day workshop

Workshop Times: Saturday 10 am – 5.30 pm / Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

Group Size: Maximum 8 participants

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and homemade cake included

Parking: Free on-site parking

Your Weekend Includes

• An Avid Seamstress sewing pattern of your choice, posted to you before the workshop

• Personal guidance and expert tuition throughout the weekend

• Pre-workshop support with choosing your pattern, fabric and sizing

• Your own dedicated workspace

• Spacious cutting and sewing areas

• Access to overlockers, irons and ironing boards

• Tea, coffee and homemade cake throughout the weekend

• A relaxed, friendly and inspiring sewing environment

A Weekend for Every Sewist

One of the things we love most about these weekends is seeing sewists of all abilities learning alongside one another.

Some guests are making their very first garment, while others arrive ready to tackle coats & jackets. We believe sewing isn't about keeping up; it's about enjoying the journey. Everyone works at their own pace, choosing a pattern that's right for their experience, and we'll support you every step of the way.

If you're feeling a little nervous about coming on your own, please don't be. Many of our guests arrive without knowing anyone, and by the end of the weekend, they've shared tips, encouraged one another and made new sewing friends.

Our workshops are relaxed, welcoming and supportive, and we're here to make sure everyone feels comfortable, confident and inspired from the moment they arrive.

What to Bring

Once you've booked your place, we'll be in touch to help you choose your pattern, discuss fabric requirements and answer any questions before the workshop.

To help you make the most of your weekend, we'll also let you know if there's any preparation to do before you arrive.

Please bring:

• Your sewing machine*

• Your chosen fabric (pre-washed where appropriate)

• Matching thread

• Haberdashery required for your pattern (zips, buttons, elastic etc.)

• Basic sewing tools

• Lunch, or enjoy a visit to the wonderful Chettle Farm Shop nearby, where you can pick up breakfast, lunch or sweet treats during the weekend.

Bringing Your Sewing Machine

You're very welcome to bring your own sewing machine so you can work on the machine you're familiar with at home.

Before attending, please ensure your machine is:

• Clean and in good working order

• Complete with its power lead, foot control and any accessories you'll need

• Safe to use, with no visible damage to the plug, cable or machine

When you arrive, we'll carry out a quick visual check before your machine is plugged in. If we have any concerns about the safety or condition of your equipment, we may ask that it not be used during the workshop.

If you don't have a sewing machine or would prefer to travel light, studio sewing machines are available. Please contact us to reserve a machine before booking.

If you're unsure whether your machine is suitable, please get in touch before booking, and we'll be happy to help.

Making a Weekend of It

Why not turn your sewing weekend into a relaxing Dorset escape?

The Avid Seamstress Studio is nestled in the beautiful village of Chettle, surrounded by rolling countryside, independent shops and wonderful places to eat and explore.

If you're travelling from further afield, we'd be delighted to recommend nearby accommodation, whether you're looking for a cosy B&B, a country pub, a boutique hotel or a self-catering cottage.

Simply get in touch, and we'll happily share some of our favourite local places to stay.

Location

The Avid Seamstress Studio
Crabtree Workshops
Chettle, Dorset, DT11 8DB

Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside with free on-site parking and the wonderful Chettle Farm Shop just a short stroll away.

Good to Know

• Suitable for beginners through to experienced sewists.

• Places are limited to just eight participants, allowing plenty of individual guidance throughout the weekend.

• A payment plan is available. Please get in touch if you'd like to spread the cost of your booking.

• If you have any questions before booking, we'd love to hear from you. 

We can't wait to welcome you to The Avid Seamstress Studio.