The Couture Retreat - 11th to 16th May 2025
11th - 16th May - 2025
This Retreat is all about Couture.
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. Since spending time with Claire Shaeffer, who is an internationally respected author, lecturer and columnist and has a collection of over 2000 couture garments many of which are Chanel, Claire has been inspired to do more couture sewing and share some of these skills.
On this Retreat Claire will be on hand to help you start a couture garment of your choice in the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere of Leeming House Hotel on Lake Ullswater.
The sewing room will have views over the lake, making this the perfect venue for our couture retreat.
On the first day we will visit Linton Tweeds who produce and supply to Couture houses such as Chanel, Yves St Laurent and Dior.
You can choose the fabric for your project here and we will be bringing a selection of linings & threads to match, should you wish.
Linton Fabrics are tricky to work with so this is retreat would be the perfect opportunity to learn all of the couture techniques you will need.
We will be creating a lovely sewing space at the Hotel, the perfect atmosphere for creating a Chanel Style Cardigan Jacket, Couture Skirt or Dress in a wonderful Linton fabric.
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 projects.
Tuesday to Friday - Each day you will be able to work on your project 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 are doubles and will be randomly allocated.
All of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms.
The Price of £2330 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.
If you would like to skip the stay on the Sunday night and join us at Linton Tweeds the price will be reduced by £275. Once you have made your booking please pop us an email requesting the Sunday night to be removed from your reservation.
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 garment. 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: Sewing Machines (for hire), Irons & Ironing Boards, Pressing Tools & a Haberdashery Shop.
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: 11th to 16th May 2025
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 2025.
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.