Level 4 - Advanced Beginner Dressmaker

3 Day Summer Sewing Mini Retreat

Do you crave some time away to just focus on sewing? Are you looking for your next sewing challenge but need some help and guidance to get you through?

We have brought back our popular 3-day mini sewing retreat, hosted by Lauren and Layla, that gives you 3 full days of blissful sewing in our beautiful studio!

We’ve decided to have more of a social spin on this workshop. Get to know your fellow retreaters in an evening welcome drinks reception at the shop before the 3 days commence. Also included in the price is lunch each day from a gorgeous local cafe, Damascena, and optional evening dinner on the second day with the rest of the group in a local restaurant. Click here to see a full itinerary of the retreat.

Additionally, prepare to get the most out of your special sewing time with a pre-retreat video call with Lauren and Layla to plan your projects.

About this workshop

We have decided to keep this retreat very open and flexible to whatever sewing projects you would like to work on.

You can use the sewing time of the retreat in any way you wish, whether that is making use of our lovely high cutting tables, our machines and overlockers, getting help with fitting and sizing.

Do you have g&g Sewing Society kits that you have been hesitant to start and would like to get extra support with them? Bring them along too!

If you need some guidance or inspiration on what to work on during the retreat, for the Summer date in July, we suggest thinking about a shirt or shirt dress to get to grips with features like collars, plackets and buttonholes/button bands. Or why not try a summery pair of trousers in some linen or viscose linen to pair with pretty 'me made' tops. A jumpsuit is also a lovely project to work on in the summer!

Or if you are coming along to the September dates, why not tackle a coat or jacket project, or even a pair of jeans? Both Lauren and Layla are very experienced in making and teaching these type of garments so will be able to support you through that.

The choice really is yours, no matter what your skill level is or what type of project you would like to work on!

Please note that our retreats have slightly different cancellation terms and conditions - please ensure you have read and understand these prior to booking by clicking here.

Further Information

  • How to adapt your chosen pattern to take into account style variations and sizing adaptions as needed
  • How to work with the appropriate fabrics for your project to get the best results and finish
  • Although there is no set tutorials or demonstrations, the tutors can assist you with any other techniques or methods relating to the projects you are working on.
  • There will be a chance to learn techniques from other students who are working on different projects to you and who will be getting assistance from the tutors with that.

Level 4-6 - Advanced Beginner Dressmaker to Advanced Dressmaker. Please read through the levels by clicking the highlighted text.

Depending on the projects that you choose and your past level of sewing experience you may have to finish the projects at home.

  • A 20 minute zoom call with Lauren and Layla prior to the retreat to help plan and inspire your retreat and help ensure you get the most out of it.
  • Use of our beautiful sewing studio and all the machines and equipment we have
  • An experienced tutor on hand to guide and assist you with your individual project
  • Lunch for the 3 days from local café Damascena
  • Drinks reception on the first evening with light canapés
  • 10% off any full priced fabric purchases from our shop during the class and for any materials needed for the project you are making during the class that are purchased prior to the start.
  • A sewing goodie bag
  • If you require accommodation there are some lovely looking air bnb residences within short walking distance which you can browse in this link. Alternatively there are the larger chain hotels in the city centre which is approx 15-20 away via public transport or taxi.
  • The projects you would like to work on including the pattern, instructions, fabrics and any notions you need. The shop will be available to you through the retreat should you need any additional items.
  • A note book to jot down points from the demonstrations

Layla Totah

Layla has been teaching for over 15 years and sewing for 10 years. She started as a secondary school English teacher in London and later moved to Beirut, Lebanon where she set up a small school teaching sewing to ex pats and locals.

Since moving back to London Layla has taught sewing in many different studios around the country and to many different levels learners, however dressmaking is her expertise.

She sews almost all her own clothes and those of her husband but draws the line at her cats!As well as sewing (pretty much all the time) she also teaches English at a secondary school and knits.

Dates & Times

Sorry there are no sessions planned in at the moment, but do get in touch and we’ll let you know about future dates.