Sewing Retreat (non residential) - 2, 3 or 4 day options - November 2024
Sold Out
We're inviting you to join us for our first non-residential retreat at our retreat location in the gorgeous Dorset countryside. Hosted over 4 days you have the flexibility of joining for two, three or all of the four days.
Perfect for those that would love to enjoy this stunning location but can’t commit to a residential retreat. For those that would like to stay locally, we can suggest many lovely B&B's nearby in the historic market town of Wimborne.
With a payment plan included, you can spread the cost of the retreat.
This venue is a makers dream - a purpose built workshop set on a working farm. Rolling countryside surrounds us and you’ll feel the "to- do" list melt away when you are in this creative space.
Each person has their own table to work with separate overlocker stations set up. A private kitchen and separate dining room is included where we’ll enjoy gorgeous lunches and sewing chats over tea and cake.
This sewing retreat is hosted by Lisa, our Founder and Amanda, well known as the overlocker queen from Cotton Onto Sewing! We’ll share our expert tips and support you making your Avid Seamstress garment (see below for exciting pattern news).
What’s included
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An Avid Seamstress sewing pattern of your choice (see below for options)
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Light lunch and refreshments
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Biscuits, cake, fruit and lots of tea & coffee
The Workshop options:
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2 Day Workshop - Thursday 7 & Friday 8 November
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2 Day Weekend Workshop - Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 November
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3 Day Workshop - Thursday 7, Friday 8 & Saturday 9 November (includes a 10% discount)
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3 Day Workshop - Friday 8, Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 November (includes a 10% discount)
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4 Day Workshop - Thursday 7, Friday 8, Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 November (includes a 15% discount)
PAYMENT PLAN OPTION available - email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk. Payment Plan info here.
Workshop timings
All days will start at 10am and finish at 6pm.
Should you be travelling far and need suggestions for local hotels, please contact us for suggestions.
The Workshop Details
We're including an Avid Seamstress sewing pattern for you to create at the workshop. This workshop covers all levels of sewing - we have students making their first garment to seasoned sewists making coats and blazers.
Fancy making a fully lined Coat? We are going to be releasing a full lining add on for The Coat very soon and this is the perfect opportunity to sew yourself a beautiful coat for winter over the retreat days.
If you’re a beginning a fancy making a fully lined coat, The Wimborne Coat is perfect for you. You can make this coat slowly and beautifully under our guidance.
Our next sewing pattern, The Pleated Blouse, is also releasing soon as this is a super garment to make over the gorgeous of a workshop like this.
You can choose one of the following sewing patterns:
Beginner
✂ The Pyjama Bottoms (these are great day/evening trousers too)
✂ The Sheath Dress
Confident Beginner - Intermediate (perfect for those that have made a few garments and are ready to try something new (buttonholes/concealed zips).
✂✂ The Blouse
✂✂ The Jumpset
✂✂ The Raglan Dress or Top
✂✂ The Gathered Dress
✂✂ The Culottes
✂✂ The Day Dress
✂✂ The City Trousers
✂✂ The Sun Dress
✂✂ The A-Line Dress
✂✂ The Wimborne Coat (this is such a super coat for beginners and those more advanced too)
Strong Intermediate (perfect for those that are confident following a sewing pattern and just need support at the tricky parts)
✂✂✂ The Everyday Shirt
✂✂✂ The Coat (fully lined version available)
✂✂✂ The Blazer
✂✂✂ The Blazer
If you would like to chat through which sewing pattern would be suitable please contact us at hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
You'll receive your own printed sewing pattern in advance and, in some cases, be able to try on the sample before the workshop.
What you need to bring:
Depending on the date options picked, we'll liaise with you on any pre-workshop required. We can help you with fabric choice and fitting guides.
- Sewing machine (we have two machines that can be borrowed)
- Overlocker (we do have three overlockers that will be set up and available to use)
- Fabric - prewashed (if required)
- Haberdashery for your project (zip / button)
- Matching thread
- Your own set of pins
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Fabric chalk
Venue:
Launceston Farm, Blandford Forum, DT11 8BY
Policies
By booking a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
Related Items
PRIVATE SEWING LESSONS with The Avid Seamstress (2 Hours)
£65.00
Size GuideEvery so often we all get stuck with our current sewing project. Regardless of how long you have been sewing or even if you can’t use a sewing machine at all, sometimes we all would appreciate that expert in the room to show us what to do.
Our 1-2-1 Workshops are designed to cater to what you need.
Your two-hour session will help you get to grips with what’s troubling you, support you in making amazing progress with your project, or the beginning of your journey in learning how to sew AND leave you with the confidence to continue on your own.
Once you have booked your session we will plan and tailor the time together to focus on the areas that you would like to develop.
Recent 1-2-1 workshops have included:
- Learning to use a sewing machine
- Learning how to use an overlocking machine
- Reading and understanding a sewing pattern of your choice
- Tackling a particular part of a pattern/sewing project such as sleeves or zips
- Learning how to create beautiful buttonholes
- Making one of our Avid Seamstress patterns under our expert guidance
Day, evening and weekend times are available.
Adult and children’s lessons available.
Once your workshop is booked we will get in touch to confirm the date and time or this can be pre-agreed before booking.
TEACHER
Our founder, Lisa Falconer, has been an avid sewist since childhood. She loves to spend time in her studio developing sewing patterns and teaching the incredible art of sewing.
Lisa’s mantra is “enjoy the whole journey; she will teach you how to enjoy each stage of creating a garment, from preparing the fabric, pinning and cutting to finally sewing. Each of these are integral parts of the process, and she loves to inspire an appreciation for each of these stages. She’ll teach you essential skills, tips and tricks, and you’ll have a great time along the way.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress. First Floor, High Lea Business Centre, Witchampton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AA. For more info on our venue click here
Policies
By booking a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
Macramé - Plant Pot Holder - Workshop - Saturday 22 June 2024 (10am - 4pm)
£60.00
Size GuideLearn to create your very own handmade Macramé plant pot holder.
Join Jackie from Bonnie Lass Create for an exciting Macramé Workshop at The Avid Seamstress. Discover the art of macramé and learn how to create stunning designs using various knotting and beading techniques. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this hands-on workshop is perfect for anyone looking to explore their creative side. An absolute must for any plant lover (a potted plant is included in this workshop).
During this indulgent workshop, your experienced instructor, Jackie, from Bonnie Lass Create, will guide you through the process of creating your own unique macrame plant pot holder. You'll have the opportunity to experiment with different colours and beads, allowing you to express your personal style. The friendly, accessible and supportive space ensures that you'll have a fun and enjoyable experience.
Morning session:
- Introduction.
- Be inspired by Jackie's collection of plant pot holders.
- Discover and learn macrame knots required to make your plant pot holder.
- Design and start creating your own plant pot holder from a wide choice of yarns.
- You'll be supported and guided with Jackie's expert knowlege and passion for macrame.
Lunch and Afterrnoon session:
- Learn how to measure up your plant pot holder to fit your desired pot creating a unique and personalised finish. A potted plant will be provided, but if you have a favourite one at home please feel to bring this along and Jackie will show you have to create your hanger to fit your own pot.
- Take your skills to the next level with Jackie's inside knnowledge and top tips to master this beautiful craft.
- Time to reflect and ask questions so that you leave with a sense of achievement, a new skill and of course a stunning handmade macrame plant pot holder as a reminder of your experience.
So, grab a friend or come solo and immerse yourself in the world of macrame with Bonnie Lass Create. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn a new skill and create your own beautiful masterpiece. Reserve your spot today!
Skills needed: This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and also those with some experience looking to develop skills.
Teacher: Jackie - Bonnie Lass Create
Jackie is a passionate macrame artist and lover of all things handmade; she is on a mission to share her experience and knowledge of macrame. You'll be in safe hands as Jackie gently encourages you to explore your creativity and be inspired with colours and beads to create something truly unique.
Timings:
10am - 4pm
Tea, coffee and water plus biscuits, cake and fruit will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch, you are welcome to use the fridge onsite to keep it chilled.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress. High Lea Business Centre, Witchampton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AA. For more info on our venue click here
Free parking. Ground Floor.
Policies
By booking a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
Trouser Fitting Masterclass - 2024 - Sat 13 July - One Day
Sold Out
Got the technical skills pinned down, but perfecting that fit causing you issues? This trouser masterclass is dedicated to perfecting your fitting technique, giving you the skills to apply to all your trouser projects hereon. Taught by our Avid Seamstress pattern cutter, Tamara, this course will give you the skills to adapt your trouser patterns to fit YOU. Only 4 spaces available.
Common trouser fitting issues:
- Lengthening/shortening crotch
- Lengthening/shortening rise
- Full tummy adjustment
- Swayback
- Full/flat seat adjustment
- Waistband adjustments
- Calf / thigh adjustment
- Leg adjustments
Each person will receive a printed trouser fitting guide to keep.
We'll use The City Trousers as our base as we already have the garment made up in all the sizes UK6-22 so you can try on the different sizes.
You'll learn how to:
✂ Take accurate measurements
✂ Make a muslin/toile
✂ Evaluate Fit
✂ Learn about fitting adjustments
You’ll make a muslin/toile and then Tamara will work with you to look at the fitting adjustments you need. We are keeping the numbers to 4 for these workshops so that you receive 1:1 time with Tamara and Lisa to obtain the perfect fit.
Please note that this is a fitting workshop and you will only be making the garment out of toile fabric. The focus for this weekend is fit. You’ll take home a pattern that has been adjusted to fit you perfectly.
If you wish to sew the trousers with you us you can join a Sewing Weekend and we'll provide you with a 15% discount voucher to redeem against the Sewing Weekend cost.
We are pleased to offer a payment plan for this workshop. Please contact hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk if you would like to set up a payment plan.
Class size
The class size for this workshop will be a maximum of 4. Each person will have their own space to work from.
About your teacher - Tamara Green
Coming from a fashion family its was inevitable that Tamara would follow in their footsteps. Growing up in the 80’s, Tamara would accompany her father to delivery his patterns to all the factories in the East End of London, igniting her love for pattern cutting.
Having worked in the industry for over 20 years and for both high street and designer brands, Tamara's excellent pattern cutting has formed the foundation for The Avid Seamstress sewing patterns that you have love.
Working with our founder, Lisa, turning her designs into patterns, Tamara's passion for clothes and fit is evident in our great fitting garments.
Workshop timings
This workshop will start at 10am and finish at 530/6pm.
We’ll have a break for lunch and a lovely selection of cakes will be offered in the afternoon.
Should you be travelling far and need suggestions for local hotels, please contact us for suggestions. We suggest that hotels are held on a fully refundable basis through Booking.com This avoids any disappointment if the workshop is cancelled out of our control.
What you need to bring:
- Sewing machine (or borrow one of ours)
- Haberdashery - sewing pins, fabric marker or chalk, unpicker, 250m reel of thread
Sewing machines:
Various sewing machines will be provided, however, we promote people bringing their own sewing machines. If you are bringing your own sewing machine, please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk after booking so that we can confirm your machine is suitable. If you bring your own machine, please bring an empty bobbin for the machine and all the parts that came with the machine. Don’t forget the foot pedal and cords.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress. First Floor, High Lea Business Centre, Witchampton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AA. For more info on our venue click here
Policies
By booking a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
Corporate
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THE DROP SLEEVE TOP
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