Need A Little Help Making Your Outfit For The Dressmakers Ball?
Need A Little Help Making Your Outfit For The Dressmakers Ball?
I’d love to work with you to create something truly special!
Find out more about how we can work together…
Lessons and Retreats
Escape, Learn, and Create in a Historic Setting
Join Us for a Skill-Packed, Creative Retreat!
Date: Wednesday 16th – Friday 18th September 2026
Venue: Bosworth Hall Hotel and Spa, The Park, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton CV13 0LP
Price: £495 (£200 Deposit payable at time of booking). Non-residential. Lunch and daytime refreshments included.
Full payment will be invoiced via email and payment is required one month before the retreat date.
Immerse yourself in a transformative 3-day fitting and pattern cutting retreat at the stunning Bosworth Hall Hotel.
This is your chance to refine your skills or start fresh in the art of fitting and pattern making, surrounded by like-minded creators in a beautifully historic country house.
At the MHW Fitting and Pattern Making retreat you’ll dive deep into the world of fitting and pattern cutting with expert guidance from Sarah Laws, designer of My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns, and Emma Smith, a seasoned tutor and passionate dressmaker.
Weather you want to create a fitted bodice block to use as a base for your designs, copy a garment you own and make it again and again, tackle any tricky fitting challenges or design and bring to life a dress or garment for a special occasion, your tutors, Emma and Sarah are well equipped and happy to help you achieve your goals.
We love welcoming new retreat attendees and many sewists return to us to build and develop their skills too!
What our customers say about our retreats…
“What a superb retreat. Location, accommodation, staff, facilities were all excellent nothing was too much. Sarah and Emma as tutors were fabulous. Their knowledge and ideas encourage and inspire you to have a go and create. We met as strangers with a common goal and left with new found friends with similar minds. I would recommend these retreats to anyone from beginners to experienced sewing fans. I find these weekends are full of lessons to learn, fittings to improve, methods to learn, laughter to share, friends to make all under the careful tutorage of Sarah and Emma. On my weekend, I worked on and finished a pair of self drafted trousers, Winnie culottes and made a lined denim jacket. Thankyou” - Jo - May 2025
"I had a brilliant time at the Retreat and learned so much! The course definitely met my expectations, and I came away completely inspired. I genuinely feel that the Retreat has given me a huge confidence boost, and that I'm at the start of an even more exciting part of my sewing journey." - Tina - January 2025
"I cannot thank you enough for the retreat, you really are a pleasure to be around. The retreat exceeded any expectations I had. The whole retreat was so well organised, so well thought out and the number of people present perfect. I've booked for May and can't wait!" - Teressa - January and May 2025
What’s included:
Materials: The MHW bodice block and fitting guide, Calico (up to 3m pp), pattern paper, card and a range of pattern making and fitting notes handouts.
Equipment: Specialist equipment including pattern masters, overlockers and irons and pressing tools are provided. Reference books are available to use.
We ask you to bring basic sewing tools and your own sewing machine as we find most guests prefer to use their own machines, however a small number of Brother F420 sewing machines are available to hire by prior arrangement for an additional £50 - please make a note in the booking form and Sarah will be in touch to confirm
Meals: Delicious lunch on days 1, 2 and 3, and refreshments with cake and biscuits throughout each day.
Extras: Access to a pre-event virtual meet-up, retreat attendees WhatsApp group
Accommodation is not included. However there are many fabulous places to stay in the charming Historic Town of Market Bosworth (see below for details)
Itinerary and Timings:
Day 1
9:30 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: Introduction to Pattern Making. Learn the basics, including the difference between a block and a pattern, how to determine your ease preferences, how to manipulate darts and move them around the body to create a 3D garment from a flat pattern. Engage in pattern experimentation using half-scale blocks.
12:30 PM: Lunch. Enjoy a delicious light buffet lunch while discussing your morning session with new friends.
1:30 PM: Beginners will focus on Bodice Block Creation. Take your own measurements and create a bodice block. You’ll then make a toile and fit your bodice, accompanied by discussion on best practices in pattern making. Those continuing their learning, will explore copying a pattern or creating your own design. This is ideal if you have joined us for the a block fitting workshop or pattern making retreat previously and want to start exploring pattern making further.
We finish day 1 at 5:00 PM
6:00 PM: Optional Group Dinner at Softley’s, a delightful local restaurant in Market Bosworth (approx. 5 minutes walk from the hotel)
Day 2
9:30 AM
Beginners will continue Block Development. Finalising fit, and finalising your block. Create, toile and fit a sleeve.
Continuers can develop their own designs. You can also create a mood board, design sketches, and refine your ideas into a working pattern. For those interested, bring images, garments, and resources that inspire you.
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: Pattern Development and Toile Fitting. Continue working on your pattern, make adjustments, and fit your toile. We can also discuss fastenings, construction, finishing methods, and how to write your own instructions.
We finish day 2 at 5:00 PM
Day 3
9:30 AM: Design Creation. Use toile fabric or your own choice of fabric to start making your final design. Our individual fit and design clinics will fill in any gaps and address any questions you may have.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch. Another delicious meal to keep you energised for your final afternoon.
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Final Touches and Next Steps. Complete your final design in toile fabric or your chosen fabric. Leave with a finished pattern, a bodice block on card, ready to use at home, and an inspirational mood board and/or design sketches. You may even leave with a wearable first toile or garment!
We finish day 3 at 4:00 PM when we will say farewell and conclude the retreat with new skills, newfound confidence, and a network of new sewing friends.
Max 10 spaces. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your dressmaking and pattern cutting skills in a luxurious setting.
Accommodation and dinning options:
The Bosworth Hall Hotel itself is delightful. 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. Optional spa services are available at the hotel to residential and non-residential guests.
You can book your room and other services at Bosworth Hall Hotel direct here: https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/bosworth-hall-hotel-spa/
Alternatively we highly recommend a stay at Grade II Listed Softleys with en-suite rooms and intimate a-la carte dining or The Dixie Arms Hotel, a 16th-century establishment blending elegant charm with modern comforts. Both hotels are 5-10 minutes walk from the retreat venue.
There are also a number of private Airbnbs in the local area. click HERE to take a look.
The Black Horse serves high-quality traditional cuisine using local ingredients The Black Horse Restaurant in Market Bosworth in this award-winning market town.
We will arrange an optional group meal on the first night which you are very welcome to join if you wish.
Why not bring a guest? Partners or non-sewing friends are more than welcome to join us for the evening meal on the first night and they will enjoy the beautiful location during the day whilst we sew. There’s plenty for them to explore in the surrounding area, including a visit to the historic Bosworth Battlefield, exploring 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.
More information:
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. All food during the day will be served in an accessible area just outside the sewing room.
Whilst Jennys Restaurant at the Bosworth Hall Hotel 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.
The local restaurants are a short walk (5 to 10 minutes) from the hotel. However if you have any mobility issues and you would like to join us for the evening meal and require transport or assistance, we will be happy to help.
For specific accessibility requirements, please let us know at the time of booking and we will work with Bosworth Hall Hotel before your stay to ensure all needs are met. This will help guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience during your pattern cutting retreat.
Directions to Bosworth Hall Hotel
Address: Bosworth Hall Hotel & Spa The Park, Market Bosworth Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 0LP, United Kingdom
By Car: Bosworth Hall is accessible from the North via M1, from the South via M40, from the East via A14/M1 and from the West via M6
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!
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at myhandmadewardrobepatterns@gmail.com
Master the Block - Learn to fit patterns to your body
There's nothing I love more than helping people achieve a perfect fit, and the ideal starting point is learning to fit a bodice block.
I'm delighted to offer this opportunity to get you started on your pattern-making journey and equip you with skills you'll use for every garment you create.
What You'll Learn
✓ Take precise measurements and make basic pattern alterations to create your first toile (approximately 3-4 hours). I'll explain the reasoning behind each adjustment so you can apply these principles to all your future projects.
✓ Fit your toile, adjust the pattern, and create additional toiles as needed based on the alterations required (typically 2 hours).
✓ Make and fit a sleeve or skirt for the bodice block (usually 1 hour)
✓ Refine your pattern, and trace your final block onto card—ready for you to create your own patterns or adapt commercial ones (usually 1 hour)
✓ Use any extra time to discuss how to use your block to create your own patterns or check and amend commercial patterns.
How It Works
This course builds on the bodice block and fitting guide book which is included in the course fee or a pre-made trouser block. I will guide you through the entire process with direct support and expertise.
If you would prefer to work through the first part of the process independently, you can purchase the Bodice Block and Fitting Guide separately, complete the pattern prep and first toile and then book in for a fitting session with me instead. Trouser/skirt making and fitting is currently only offered as part of a 2-day course.
Recommended Package
Full Bodice (with sleeve or skirt) block/Trouser block preparation and fitting: 2 days of 4.5 hours each (with a 30-minute lunch break daily) Fee includes all calico, card and paper needed plus Bodice Block and Fitting Guide/trouser or skirt block pattern.
Fitting only (Bodice and sleeve): 1 day of 4.5 hours (with a 30-minute lunch break). You must have prepared a bodice and sleeve toile to fit before the class and please bring the original pattern or block with you.
All fees include any paper and card plus additional calico needed.
Location
I'm flexible about location and can travel to most areas of the Midlands within 1 hour of Leicester. You can work at my studio (a shared studio space in the Makers Yard in Leicester city centre) or I can visit you at home. Please note that if you'd prefer me to come to you, there would be additional travel costs involved.
If there is a small group of you that want to learn the same thing, please do get in touch!
Preparing for the lesson
If attending my studio, you do not need to bring any equipment or materials but please do bring you bodice block and fitting guide and a notebook.
You may also wish to bring lunch or there are several cafes and shop nearby. We have a fridge and microwave. I will provide tea and coffee but please let me know if you have any dietary requirements, for instance, non-dairy milk, decaf tea or coffee.
Please wear close fitting clothes that are easy to put the bodice toile on top of - a t-shirt and leggings is ideal.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to master the skills that will transform your sewing? Get in touch to book your dates and let's create your perfect-fitting bodice block.
My usual available days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am–2:30pm
Want to take your skills further?
After completing this course, you can arrange additional follow-up lessons or consider enrolling on the Module 2 Pattern-Making Courses at Carolyn Rose School of Sewing, running again in March/April 2026.
Details: https://schoolofsewingcarolynrose.co.uk/products/pattern-cutting-course-bodices-module-2
Contact me with any questions
Need help with a garment making project or specific techniques? Want to draft your own bodice block? Need an extra pair of hands to fix those frustrating fitting issues?
Book a one to one or small group lesson with me in your home or sewing venue or in my studio!
Please contact me to check availability before purchasing at myhandmadewardrobepatterns@gmail.com
Sessions are a minimum of 2 hours and a travel charge will be added if travelling to your venue (this may vary depending on distance).
Sessions held in my studio are in a shared creative space in the Makers Yard in the City Centre. On and off-street Parking is available close by on Queen Street and surrounding roads.
Pattern paper, all sewing tools and equipment including sewing machines and overlockers are included. Calico and other fabrics are not included, please bring this or check availability with me before the class.
Need long-term help with a project? Talk to me about booking a series of sessions at a block-booking rate.
Draft Your Own Pattern
The Bodice Block and Fitting Guide includes a full colour printed block pattern and a comprehensive illustrated A4 ring bound instruction booklet to help you make AND most importantly, fit your own bodice block - an essential tool for exploring pattern making.
A sleeve block is also included in the pattern pack with fitting instructions for this too.
The package includes:
Printed A0 pattern
Front and back bodice in our expanded size range 1-10 (covering UK size 8-28)
Sleeve block to fit the bodice block
Full instructions of how to prepare, construct and fit your toile
A thorough fitting guide including alterations tutorials with clear diagrams, covering typical fitting issues you may need to address to achieve a well-fitting bodice block
My Handmade Wardrobe is on a mission to empower sewists like you to embrace your own true style and Be Your Own Designer. The Bodice Block and Fitting Guide is part of a collection of online courses and guidebooks to enable you to realise your design aspirations and design and make a wardrobe full of clothes to express and celebrate your own unique personal style.
Need some extra help with your fitting? Book a 1 to 1 fit assessment session with designer, Sarah Laws.
This Online self-led course will help you learn the fundamentals of pattern cutting and start adapting commercial patterns to create your own designs.
£27
This will be one of the most useful tools to own for learning about pattern making! Use this half scale bodice block to experiment with pattern cutting techniques, make mini-toiles of your designs and she you ideas come to life in 3-D.
Learn how to use the block and practice dart manipulation with the Introduction to Pattern Making Online course. This self-paced course will introduce you to the key knowledge and concepts of adapting commercial patterns to your own designs and help you to start making your own patterns.
Want to make a full size bodice block to fit you? Order your Bodice Block and Fitting Guide Now!