Description
Tuesday 8th December 2026 | 9:30am–4:30pm
Tutor: Emma Smith
Skill Level: 2/4 (Beginner Friendly – Wardrobe By Me Rating)
A casual jacket is such a useful addition to your wardrobe, particularly at this time of year when an extra layer is always welcome! The Painter Jacket by Wardrobe By Me is a wonderfully versatile design, perfect for wearing over a cosy jumper or your favourite shirt.
With its relaxed, oversized fit, dropped shoulders, straight sleeves and fabulous large patch pockets, it’s a practical jacket with plenty of style.
And it’s amazing how much your choice of fabric can change the whole look of the jacket! Make it in denim for a relaxed, casual style, choose a lovely cotton twill for something a little smarter, or perhaps a beautiful corduroy for added texture and warmth. Depending on the fabric you choose, your Painter Jacket can be as smart or as casual as you like!
About the Workshop
Throughout the day, our wonderful tutor Emma Smith will guide you through making your Painter Jacket, from understanding your pattern and preparing your fabric to constructing the jacket, attaching those lovely patch pockets and working through the finishing details.
You’ll learn useful dressmaking techniques along the way, with plenty of individual help and guidance whenever you need it.
Our workshops are kept small, with just 5–6 participants, ensuring everyone receives plenty of attention and support.
One of the loveliest things about our workshops is spending the day sewing alongside others who share your enthusiasm, with our highly experienced and knowledgeable tutor, Emma Smith, on hand to offer help, advice and encouragement whenever you need it. Whether you’re returning to sewing after a little break or have years of dressmaking experience, there’s something rather lovely about setting aside a whole day to enjoy your hobby in the company of like-minded people. It’s a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere where everyone is welcome!
The Painter Jacket is designed to be completed in a day, although everyone sews at their own pace, so you may have a few finishing touches to complete at home. If that’s the case, please don’t worry! Emma will make sure you have all the guidance and advice you need to finish your jacket with confidence.
What’s Included?
- A full day of dressmaking tuition with Emma Smith, 9:30am–4:30pm
- Your very own Wardrobe By Me Painter Jacket paper sewing pattern to keep
- Friendly, expert guidance throughout the day
- Small group sizes of 5–6 people
- Use of our Janome sewing machines and overlockers
- Use of our cutting tables, mats, irons and ironing stations
- Tea, coffee and delicious biscuits or cake throughout the day!
What Will I Need to Bring?
- Your chosen fabric – medium-weight woven fabrics such as denim, cotton twill, canvas or corduroy are lovely choices.
- Matching sewing thread
- Fusible interfacing
- Five buttons for the front fastening
- Your usual sewing kit – fabric scissors, pins or clips, tape measure, marking tools, seam ripper and any other sewing essentials you like to use.
Everything you need for your project is available to purchase at The Fabric Boutique! You’re very welcome to bring your own fabric and sewing supplies, but please don’t worry if you haven’t got everything ready beforehand. We have a lovely selection of fabrics, buttons, threads, interfacing and other sewing essentials in the shop, and we’re always happy to help you find just what you need, whether you pop in before the workshop or pick up a few bits on the day.
Workshop attendees receive 10% off in-store purchases of £25 or more on the day of their workshop, excluding workshop bookings, sewing machines and overlockers.
How Much Fabric Will I Need?
Please refer to the photograph of the back of the pattern envelope in the product images, where you’ll find the fabric requirements for each size.
The Painter Jacket is a unisex pattern available in sizes 2XS–4XL.
Please note: Fabric and haberdashery are not included in the workshop price.
Workshop Suitability & Age Requirements
Although Wardrobe By Me rates the Painter Jacket as beginner friendly, this workshop is not suitable for complete beginners.
You must be confident using a sewing machine and have made at least one garment before attending.
If you’ve previously joined us for an Introduction to Dressmaking course, this would be a lovely follow-on project. Equally, if you’ve learnt to sew at home or have been dressmaking for years, you’ll be very welcome!
If you’re completely new to sewing or dressmaking, we’d recommend joining one of our Introduction to Dressmaking courses first.
Please note: Our workshops are for adults aged 18 and over.
Lunch & Refreshments
Tea, coffee and biscuits or cake will be provided throughout the day.
We’ll take a break of approximately 30 minutes for lunch.
You’re very welcome to bring a packed lunch, and we have a small fridge in the studio if you’d like to keep anything chilled.
Alternatively, Ashby de la Zouch has plenty of lovely cafés, bakeries and places to pick up something delicious, all within a short walk of the shop. There’s even a café directly opposite us in Rushtons Yard.
The Sewing Studio & Facilities
Our lovely Sewing Studio is located upstairs within The Fabric Boutique.
The Fabric Boutique
5 Rushtons Yard
Ashby de la Zouch
Leicestershire
LE65 1AL
The studio is fully equipped with Janome sewing machines, overlockers, cutting tables and ironing facilities, so there’s no need to bring your own sewing machine.
Please note that the studio is accessed via a flight of stairs from the shop floor.
For your comfort and convenience, there is a toilet and handwashing sink within the studio, along with a small fridge for refreshments and lunch items.
For everyone’s safety, we strongly recommend wearing covered-toe shoes rather than open-toed footwear. Our studio is a busy working environment where we use sharp tools such as pins, scissors and rotary cutters, alongside equipment including irons and sewing machines. Covered-toe shoes offer additional protection against accidental drops and injuries.
Parking
There is a car park immediately next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard. However, please note that this has a maximum stay of 3 hours and charges apply, so it isn’t suitable for a full-day workshop.
We recommend using the South Street long-stay car park, which is only a short walk from the shop. Parking charges apply.
Arrival & Booking Information
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the workshop begins so that everyone can get settled and we can start promptly at 9:30am.
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.
- Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
- Places cannot be reserved without payment.
- Fabric Boutique gift cards may be used towards the cost of workshops.
- A minimum of 3 participants is required for the workshop to run.
- Bookings can be made through our website or in-store.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
We completely understand that sometimes plans change and unexpected things happen. However, as a small independent business, a great deal of time and preparation goes into organising each of our workshops.
By booking a place, you agree to the following cancellation terms:
- 14 days or more before the workshop: A full refund or transfer to another available workshop date.
- Less than 14 days before the workshop: Unfortunately, bookings are non-refundable.
- If The Fabric Boutique cancels: Should we need to cancel due to insufficient bookings or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.
Refunds are processed promptly, although please allow 7–10 working days for the funds to appear in your account.