Dressmaking Weekend

2026 Workshop Information: This weekend is all about creating a beautiful Hove Dress by Sussex Seamstress, with a unique twist – incorporating fabric manipulation tucks and pleat techniques into the pockets for a truly decorative finish. Over the course of the weekend, you will experiment with fabric manipulation techniques made popular by Jenny Rayment and learn pattern adaptation skills to add a stunning detail to your garment. You’ll leave with a customised pattern and new fabric manipulation skills allowing you to recreate decorative details into you sewing garments and projects time and time again.

Skill Level: This retreat is best suited to advanced beginners. You should be comfortable using a commercial dressmaking pattern and have some basic dressmaking experience, including sewing seams, hems, and threading a machine. While you may not complete your dress during the retreat, you will have a well-fitting pattern, a nearly finished garment, and all the skills needed to finish at home.

Requirements List: Sussex Seamstress Hove Dress pattern, fabric (opt for 100% cotton or linen/cotton blend fabrics. Plain fabrics will draw attention to the fabric manipulation panel, but prints are also suitable if paired with 0.5m of contrasting plain fabric for the front panel. Avoid polyester which may not hold creases effectively when ironed), your own sewing equipment (fabric and paper scissors, pins, unpicker, etc.), 0.5m calico for making fabric manipulation sample (e.g. unbleached medium Calico), rulers or pattern masters, basic stationary including pens, pencils, erasers etc.