May 2025- 2-day Creative Dressmaking Retreat at Bosworth Hall

Course Overview:

Join us on an inspiring creative retreat where you’ll dive deep into the exciting world of pattern hacking and significantly level up your dressmaking skills. Under the expert guidance of Sarah Laws, the designer of My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns, and experienced tutor Emma Smith, who is also a passionate dressmaker, you will have ample opportunities to learn and grow. Bring along a pattern that you would like to hack or alter, ideally one you have made before a know fits reasonably well, along with your design notes and ideas. Together, we will create a customised pattern and garment that reflects your own unique style and personality. You’ll leave with an amended pattern, a toile, and you’ll make a strong start on your final garment with our dedicated help. Throughout the retreat, you will pick up a wealth of new skills and gain the confidence to bring your creative designs to life, enriching your dressmaking journey significantly.

Venue: Bosworth Hall Hotel and Spa, The Park, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton CV13 0LP

This timeless, elegant venue offers a luxurious retreat atmosphere, perfect for creative immersion. With spacious rooms and stunning surroundings, you’ll find it the ideal place to relax, learn, and create.

Find out more about the hotel at https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/bosworth-hall-hotel-spa/

Your Tutors:

Sarah Laws and Emma Smith will be with you every step of the way, sharing their extensive knowledge and ensuring you’re equipped with skills you’ll use for years to come. Both tutors bring a wealth of industry and tutoring experience.

What’s Included:

• Materials: Calico, pattern paper and course notes.

• Meals: Breakfast, dinner, lunch on both days and refreshments throughout each day.

• Accommodation: 1 night at Bosworth Hall Hotel with a 2-course meal in the evening.

• Extras: Exclusive WhatsApp group, and optional spa services at the hotel.

You will need to bring your own sewing machine. I do have a small number of sewing machines available to borrow. If you would like to borrow a machine, please contact me at Myhandmadewardrobepatterns@gmail.com

Itinerary and Timings:

Day 1 - Thursday

• 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Arrival, meet and greet with refreshments. Start your journey by getting to know your fellow learners and tutors in a relaxed setting.

• 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Introduction to pattern alterations. Make a first fitting toile if required. Design Development, create a mood board and design sketches to refine your ideas. For those interested in exploring design further, bring images, garments, and resources that inspire you. Make a design plan and start amending your pattern.

• 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch. Enjoy a delicious light buffet lunch while discussing your morning session with new friends.

• 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Amend your pattern and make a toile of your design. Start fitting your toile.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner. Unwind with a 2-course meal at Jennys Restaurant in the hotel.

Day 2 - Friday

• 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Continue fittings and amend and confirm your final pattern. Cut out garment in final fabric and start making up.

• 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch. Recharge with a nutritious lunch to prepare for an afternoon of creativity.

• 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Continue constructing your final design with the help of your knowledgeable tutors.

• 5:00 PM: Farewell, you will leave with an amended pattern, fitted toile and an in-progress or finished garment.

Flexible Options:

• Residential Package: Includes accommodation, meals, and full course participation, with a comfortable room at Bosworth Hall Hotel.

• Luxurious Suite Option: Upgrade to a luxurious suite for an enhanced stay, offering extra space, premium amenities, and added comfort throughout your retreat.

• Non-Residential Package: Participate in the course during the day, with lunch and refreshments provided, while arranging your own accommodations nearby.

Why not bring a guest? Partners or non-sewing friends are more than welcome, and there’s plenty for them to enjoy in the surrounding area, including a visit to the historic Bosworth Battlefield, exploring the beautiful Bosworth Country Park, or discovering the charm of Market Bosworth with its quaint shops, cafes, and local attractions like the Ashby Canal and the Market Bosworth Railway. To arrange a twin room sharing with a guest who is not participating on the course please contact us.

Accessibility: Bosworth Hall Hotel offers several accessibility features to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The hotel provides a limited number of accessible rooms with wider doorways, lower beds, and bathrooms equipped with grab rails. The main entrance is wheelchair accessible with ramps and automatic doors, and lifts are available to access all floors.

The sewing room is fully accessible with plenty of space. Whilst Jennys Restaurant is accessible on the lower level, there are 4 steps up to the buffet area, so staff will be available to assist guests with mobility needs by serving food from the buffet. Designated accessible parking spaces are located close to the entrance for convenience.

For specific accessibility requirements, please let us know at the time of booking and we will contact Bosworth Hall Hotel before your stay to ensure all needs are met. This will help guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience during your retreat.

Directions to Bosworth Hall Hotel

Address: Bosworth Hall Hotel & Spa The Park, Market Bosworth Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 0LP, United Kingdom

By Car:

1. From the North (M1):

   • Take the M1 southbound.

   • Exit at Junction 21A to merge onto the M69 towards Leicester.

   • Continue on the M69, then take the A5 towards Hinckley.

   • Follow signs for Market Bosworth and the hotel will be on The Park.

2. From the South (M40):

   • Take the M40 northbound.

   • At Junction 15, merge onto the M42 towards Birmingham.

   • At Junction 7, take the M6 northbound.

   • Exit at Junction 1 for the A5 towards Hinckley.

   • Follow signs for Market Bosworth and the hotel will be on The Park.

3. From the East (A14/M1):

   • Take the A14 westbound and merge onto the M1 southbound.

   • Exit at Junction 21A to merge onto the M69 towards Leicester.

   • Continue on the M69, then take the A5 towards Hinckley.

   • Follow signs for Market Bosworth and the hotel will be on The Park.

4. From the West (M6):

   • Take the M6 southbound.

   • Exit at Junction 1 for the A5 towards Hinckley.

   • Follow signs for Market Bosworth and the hotel will be on The Park.

By Train: The nearest major train station, travelling on the Battlefield line, is Hinckley, approximately 5 miles from the hotel. From Hinckley station, you can take a taxi or bus to Market Bosworth.

By Bus: Market Bosworth is served by local bus routes. Check local timetables for services that stop near The Park.

By Air: The nearest airport is Birmingham Airport, approximately 30 miles from the hotel. From the airport, you can take a train to Hinckley or a taxi directly to the hotel.

Parking: The hotel provides ample on-site parking for guests.

For additional assistance or specific travel arrangements, please contact Bosworth Hall Hotel directly.

Book Your Spot: Secure your place in this unforgettable experience.

A deposit is required at the time of booking, the final payment is due 30-60 days before the event and you will be invoiced for this via email. Cancellations 60 days before the event date are fully refundable.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at myhandmadewardrobepatterns@gmail.com