Heritage Wool Sewing Retreat
Yorkshire Wool Heritage Retreat
Join us for an immersive three-day retreat starting at one of the country’s oldest textile mills, where they design their own distinctive fabrics. Hear about the full design journey from inception to completion, explore an exquisite selection of textiles, and create your own stunning heritage wool jacket.
Itinerary
Begin your journey in the Sew Different studio, where you’ll select from four beautiful lined jackets and a selection of dresses. We’ll then visit a historic textile mill nestled in the scenic Calder Valley, dating back to the 1850s. Browse their exclusive range of tweeds, tartans, and handcrafted blankets, and learn how they collaborate with talented weavers and finishers to bring their innovative fabrics and accessories to life.
Meet Mike, part of the passionate husband-and-wife team behind From the Mills. He says, “West Yorkshire is celebrated worldwide for its wool weaving heritage, and it’s a privilege to be part of this vital and beautiful chapter of British history.”
Over a cup of tea and biscuits, you’ll discover the intricate wool fabric process from start to finish, along with the captivating history of the mill itself.
Working with Tweed
After selecting and purchasing your fabric, we’ll return to the Sew Different studio. With guidance from our expert tutors, you’ll begin crafting your own bespoke jacket or dress. You may choose to line it with luxurious viscose or soft cotton from the Sew Different range for added comfort and style. Our tutors experience and textile knowledge will help you to get the best from your fabric.
On day 2, you can break from your sewing to enjoy a creative button-covering workshop. Whether you opt for tweed-covered buttons to match your jacket or soft and sophisticated leather to accentuate its colours, you’ll personalise your piece to make it truly yours. You may choose traditional machine-made button holes or you can join the tutor-led group to learn how to hand-stitch your own.
By day 3 you will be coming to the finish of your jacket. For those finishing early, we offer various small projects, from hairbands to bags, to use leftover scraps—ensuring that none of your beautiful fabric goes to waste.
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Every project is individual so we can tailor it to your own style and ability level. You can feel confident tackling new techniques knowing that technical help is always to hand. While we can tailor projects to suit your skills in most cases, this course is not suitable for complete beginners.
Our sewing teachers, Tara (left) and Emma (right), have many years experience. Help and advice is there every step of the way, from chalking out, cutting your pattern and matching your checks to putting your garment together. You will have the benefit of a small teaching group (max 8) so that there is plenty of opportunity for one-on-one help if needed.
Shopping
There will be plenty of opportunity for browsing/ purchasing the beautiful blankets, throws and fabrics produced by From the Mill. (Please note that we are not see the weaving or manufacturing process at this mill).
There will also be the usual selection of Sew Different’s own range of bespoke cottons and viscose fabrics at the studio, along with a small selection of plain colour lining fabrics.
Hours
Day 1 – 9.30 – 5pm
Day 2 – 9.30 – 5pm
Day 3 – 9.30 – 4.30pm
The Venue
Sew Different is located within the Dean Clough mill complex in a dedicated sewing studio with lots of natural light. All equipment is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you prefer. We are located on the first floor with lift access.
Dean Clough is a thriving 22-acre mixed-use mill complex, stretching half a mile in length and consisting of 16 Grade II listed Victorian mills. Where it was once a working textile mill, it is now a community encompassing work spaces, art galleries, a theatre, restaurants, bars, shops and a hotel!
The Area
Halifax has some stunning Victorian architecture and a strong industrial heritage. The Shibden Hall Estate (home of Anne Lister) and the Piece Hall are on your doorstep.
Yorkshire is famous for its rolling green countryside and hosts some fantastic places to visit further afield, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Cannon Hall, Leeds city centre with its Victorian shopping arcades. There are also great walking and cycling routes for anyone who is thinking of bringing along a non-sewing partner!
Travel & Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the retreat. However there is a Travel Lodge on site located a 2 minute walk from the studio, a (slightly smarter) Premier Inn ja 7 minute walk away, as well as many hotels in Halifax centre. Halifax town centre, bus station and train station are a ten minute walk from the studio. There is parking on site.
Itinerary
What’s included
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- Dedicated studio sewing with expert teaching – max 8 students
- A trip to Shaw Lodge Mills including a talk about their design process and the history of the mill
- Opportunity to purchase fabrics, throws and blankets “From the Mill”
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- Help and advice choosing your fabrics
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- Sew Different main line paper pattern of your choice
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- A fresh and delicious lunch everyday
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- Teas, coffees and snacks available every day in the studio
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- A 20% discount on all other Sew Different patterns purchased on the retreat
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- A 10% discount on Sew Different fabrics
Cost £435 – £100 deposit required to book your place and the full balance required 6 weeks before the retreat starts. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. Available dates:
Heritage Wool Sewing Retreat
£100.00
Private mini-retreats for groups of 4 or more people can be arranged. They can be run to a similar format as our listed retreat but you would have the studio to yourselves. The advantage of this is that we can customise the itinerary to suit you. For example, if there are things that you would particularly like to learn we can prepare demonstrations for you, there are other fabric shops in the area that you may want to visit and there are often events at the on-site gallery and theatre that you may want to tie in. Prices may vary according to what you would like, but need not be any different from the usual price. Please email laura@sewdifferent.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
