The Couture Jacket Retreat - 23rd to 28th May 2027
23rd - 27th May - 2027
This years retreat is all about learning the skills to make a classic couture jacket in the style of top French designers.
Couture sewing takes time and patience. Much of the construction is done by hand often because the fabrics are tricky and there could be complicated design details. Many years ago I spent time with Claire Shaeffer, who was an internationally respected author, lecturer and columnist and had a collection of over 2000 couture garments many of which were Chanel, I was inspired to do more couture sewing myself and have been sharing these skills ever since.
On this retreat, you will learn some of the secrets of couture many of which are used in the classic cardigan jacket. From cutting out, tacking and hand stitching. Choosing which fabrics to use for linings, buttonholes, pockets as well as what needles and threads to use. We will also look at how to make trims similar to those used on couture jackets.
I will be providing a jacket pattern for you to use. There is a choice of two - the classic round neck jacket which can have a button front or be made edge to edge, or a jacket with a collar and shaped sleeve vents. These patterns are from the Custom Couture Collection which Claire Shaeffer did for Vogue - the patterns are no longer available but I was lucky enough to buy Claire's remaining stock so I do have quite a few copies.
Once I have your measurements I will trace a pattern and send it to you so that you can make a toile ahead of the retreat. On the first evening you will have a fitting so that we can make any alterations that may be needed.
On the first morning we will visit the famous Linton Tweeds, the mill that provides fabric for many of the top design houses and has a long relationship with Chanel. The mill is a short distance from our hotel and you will be able browse samples of the many fabrics and, if you haven't already, purchase fabric for your project.
Back at the hotel we will set up in the beautiful room which overlooks Lake Ullswater and start construction on your jacket. As mentioned before, couture sewing takes time so you will not complete your jacket on this retreat. You will make a good start and go home with the knowledge you need to finish it.
Each day I will be demonstrating couture techniques and talking you through the process as well as showing details on original garments as well as those I have made.
The price will include 5 nights' accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day and 4 1/2 days of Sewing.
Sunday - Check in to your room at the hotel, you will be allocated a 15minute slot with Claire for a fitting of your pre-made toile, then drinks in the lounge before dinner.
Monday - We will travel to Linton Tweeds after breakfast on the Monday morning (around 40 minutes journey).
We will enter the Linton sales room in small groups (whilst the remainder enjoy tea & cake in the Bobbin Cafe) where you can see the whole range of Linton tweeds to purchase.
We will then head back to Leeming House together in time for Lunch.
After lunch there will be a welcome talk from Claire and you will be able to get started on your jackets.
Tuesday to Friday - Each day you will be able to work on your jacket as much or as little as you like.
Each night there will be dinner in the Restaurant at the hotel but you can of course decide to go out for dinner. There are a few local restaurants around Lake Ullswater you may wish to explore.
All of the rooms have double beds.
All of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms.
The Price of £2595 is for Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon with all accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included plus lots of Tea, Coffee & Cake. Additional Drinks are not included and can be charged to your rooms separately.
What You Need To Bring: A ready-made toile for fitting, the pattern, Linton fabric (unless you are buying on the Monday) linings etc and other notions to start your jacket. Your sewing box and we suggest an extra light as hotel lighting is never as good (especially for hand sewing!) Sewing Machine.
What We Will Provide: The pattern, Sewing Machines (for hire), Irons & Ironing Boards, Pressing Tools & a Haberdashery Shop with all of the couture notions you will need.
There will also be a Couture inspired gift!
Please note that all arrangements, timings and activities are subject to change.
We have decided to keep this retreat small and special so it is limited to only 10 people. Each attendee will be allocated a 4ft table, so plenty of room to work on your project.
Maximum Number of Attendees: 10 Residential
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Venue: Leeming House Hotel https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/leeming-house
Dates: 23rd to 28th May 2027
Start/End time: 9.00am - 5pm
Duration: 5 days, 5 nights
Tutor: Claire Tyler
Deposit
A 10% Deposit is required at the time of booking which is non-refundable. The final balance is due on 1st March 2027.
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason you cannot make the Sewing Retreat, you may obtain a refund or a transfer less the deposit to a different date within 8 months of the original booking, subject to availability. You may also transfer the booking to a different name. Should you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify us before the Final Payment is paid. If you cancel after final payment is made we are unable to refund you any monies paid or transfer to another event.
Deposits paid are non-refundable and not transferrable.
Any transferred bookings will be charged at the price of the new date selected.
Any cancellations made after the final payment is paid, will not be refundable or transferrable.
We suggest that you consider course cancellation insurance to protect you in case of illness, injury or other unforeseen circumstances
In exceptional circumstances, we may have to cancel a Sewing Retreat. If that happens we will give you as much notice as possible and will try to accommodate you on a different date, or refund your fee paid, whichever you prefer. We do not accept liability for travel or other costs.