Sew Different brings you their new sewing retreat set in the amazing mill complex of Dean Clough in Halifax. Spend a long weekend browsing fabrics, learning new techniques and creating a stylish piece of clothing that is completely unique. In between stitches you can indulge in a delicious afternoon tea and chat with like-minded sewists.
Choose your project from the Sew Different range of sewing patterns and, with the help of our expert advice and tuition, create a dress, top or jacket that fits you beautifully.
YOU CAN SEE FOOTAGE OF A PAST RETREAT HERE
Please note, the venue has changed since the filming of this video.
The Course
Our sewing retreat is suitable for all levels of experience. There is tuition on hand for beginners and intermediate sewists who have perhaps done some small sewing projects or made simple garments in the past.
The more experienced will enjoy the communal sewing spirit, the creative atmosphere and the trip out to the lovely Fabbadashery in Halifax where there will be time to browse and select from their beautifully curated range of fabrics. There will be help and advice in choosing your fabric from the resident experts.
After this, it is back to our dedicated sewing studio where you will have the benefit of a small teaching group (max 10) so that there is plenty of opportunity for one-on-one help if needed.
Our sewing teachers, Emma (right) and Tara (left), have many years experience with beginners, as well as more able sewists. Help and advice is there every step of the way, from choosing your fabric, to cutting your pattern and putting your garment together.
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.
Choose your project from the Sew Different range of multisize patterns. The designer, Laura, is often there on day one to “show you round” the patterns and assist with your choice.
We will be very happy to guide you towards a project that is right for your level of expertise and there are plenty of clothing samples in the studio to inspire you.
In the past we have helped to customise and pattern hack for our sewists to reflect their creative urges(!) so that each project is unique.
Our Machines
Our sewing retreat is sponsored by Bernina. We use one of their high quality entry level models – the Bernette b35.
More information about these machines can be found here.
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 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 • Friday – Sunday
- 10am Meet at the studio on Friday for coffees, teas and an introduction from *Laura and Tara, where you can browse our samples and choose your project from the Sew Different range of patterns.
- 11am Our minibus arrives to take us fabric shopping to Fabbadashery where there is on-hand advice for selecting your fabrics. You will have an hour or so to browse and purchase all the fabric you want – no limit as long as you can carry it!
- 1pm Lunch is served back at the Dean Clough café
- 2pm Meet our other expert seamstress and tutor, Emma. We make a start on taking measurements, choosing sizes and cutting our patterns. The studio closes at 5pm.
- 9.30am Arrive Saturday at the studio to crack on with your projects. Whether you need help with the basics or fine tuning for a professional finish, you can work at your own pace knowing that there is always help at hand. There are plenty of tasty snacks to keep you going, but save yourself for the delicious afternoon-tea-style lunch at 1pm. The studio stays open for sewing until 5pm.
- 9.30am The studio opens again on Sunday morning. You can request a demonstration and extra tuition of any techniques you would like to learn and get help you with your finishing. For those who finish their garment early, they can make a start on their Quick Makes pattern. Lunch is served in the studio so that those who are focused on their finishing their projects can graze at their own pace and the afternoon is for you to finish off your sewing.
- 4pm The studio closes leaving plenty of time for those of you who have come from afar, to travel home.
- *Please note that although Laura is there most of the time, she is not always present on the retreats as she is can be away at events
What’s included
- Dedicated studio sewing with expert teaching – max 10 students
- Design, colour and styling advice
- A fabric shopping trip to Fabbadashery with 10% off fabric purchases under £100 or £15% off purchases over £100
- Sew Different main line paper pattern of your choice
- Sew Different Quick Makes paper pattern of your choice
- Help and advice choosing your fabrics
- Lunch everyday with an afternoon-tea-style lunch with Prosecco on Saturday
- A delicious grazing board platter lunch on Sunday and lunch out on Friday.
- Teas, coffees and snacks available every day in the studio
- A 25% discount on all other Sew Different patterns purchased on the retreat
- A 10% discount on Sew Different fabrics
Cost £350 – £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:
2024 – available dates
6th – 8th September 2024
4th – 6th October 2024
8th-10th November 2024
29th Nov – 1st Dec 2024
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 [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
