Description
These Bring Your Own sewing sessions are designed to give you complete freedom with your dressmaking projects.
There’s no set garment to follow - you can bring along whatever you’re working on, whether that’s something you’ve just started, a piece you’ve become stuck with, or a project you simply want to refine and improve. With experienced tutor Emma Smith on hand throughout the day, you’ll have gentle, expert guidance whenever you need it, helping you overcome challenges, improve fit, and move your sewing forward with confidence. It’s also a wonderful way to spend a creative day in a warm, friendly studio alongside like-minded makers.
Whether you’re tackling a tricky construction detail, trying to perfect the fit of a garment, or simply wanting a supportive environment to enjoy your sewing, these sessions are designed to meet you exactly where you are in your sewing journey.
These Bring Your Own sewing workshops run regularly throughout the month, with multiple dates available across the year to suit a range of schedules.
Your Tutor
The workshop is led by Emma Smith, an experienced dressmaker and sewing tutor who teaches across a number of sewing schools throughout the UK. Emma is known for her calm, patient and encouraging teaching style, offering clear, practical support tailored to each individual project. She is always on hand to help you troubleshoot issues, refine techniques, and build your confidence as you sew.
Who is this workshop for?
These sessions are suitable for a wide range of abilities, as long as you are confident using a sewing machine and have some basic dressmaking experience.
They are ideal if you:
- Are partway through a project and feeling stuck
- Want help improving fit or construction
- Would like support with specific techniques (zips, collars, buttonholes, etc.)
- Are starting a new garment and want reassurance along the way
- Or simply want a relaxed, creative sewing day with expert guidance and like minded people
Workshop Details
• Full 7-hour sewing workshop
• Small group size (5–6 people) for plenty of individual attention
• Use of Janome 5060 QDC sewing machines
• Use of Janome overlockers
• Oliso irons and ironing stations
• Hands-on support and guidance throughout the day
• Suitable for adults aged 18+
Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake are provided throughout the day.
A 30-minute lunch break is included. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch, with fridge storage available in the studio, or visit one of the nearby cafés and food shops in Ashby de la Zouch.
What to bring
• Your sewing kit (scissors, pins or clips, needles, seam ripper, marking tools etc.)
• Your current dressmaking project
• Water bottle and lunch (optional)
The Studio & Facilities
The Sewing Studio is located within The Fabric Boutique:
📍 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1AL
The studio is accessed via a flight of stairs above the shop.
Facilities include a toilet and handwashing sink within the studio, and a small fridge for drinks and lunch items.
You are very welcome to pop into the shop during the workshop for any fabric, haberdashery or notions you may need. Workshop attendees receive 10% off purchases over £25 made on the day of their class.
Parking
Please note that the Rushtons Yard car park next to the shop has a maximum stay of 3 hours, which is not suitable for the full workshop.
We recommend using the South Street long-stay car park, which is a short walk away (charges apply).
Arrival
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the workshop start time so we can begin promptly.
Booking Information
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking
• Places are confirmed once payment has been received
• Gift cards can be used towards workshop fees
• Minimum of 3 participants required for the workshop to run
• Workshops are for adults aged 18+
Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations 14 days or more before the workshop: full refund or transfer (subject to availability)
• Cancellations less than 14 days before: non-refundable
• If The Fabric Boutique cancels due to low numbers or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued
• Refunds are processed promptly, but please allow 7–10 working days for funds to appear in your account