Sew Cumbria: The Capsule Wardrobe Sewing Retreat
Monday 16th November - Thursday 19th November 2026
Sew A Capsule Wardrobe!
**PLEASE READ FURTHER BELOW RE PAYMENT OPTIONS**
Join our 4-day sewing retreat in the beautiful Lake District. This retreat focuses on creating a thoughtfully designed handmade capsule wardrobe. Enjoy dedicated, uninterrupted sewing time, expert guidance throughout your stay, cosy and comfortable accommodation, and delicious meals — all in a relaxed, inspiring setting.
For 2026, we’ll be sewing three carefully chosen garments that work effortlessly together as a complete outfit, while also mixing seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. Think elevated everyday essentials: wearable, versatile pieces with beautiful details that make them feel truly special.
We’ve curated a selection of patterns that are stylish, flexible and packed with options, allowing you to tailor each garment to your personal style, fabric choices and lifestyle.
Your Patterns
Pietra Trousers – Closet Core Patterns
We’ll start with a beautifully designed pair of trousers. The Pietra Trousers feature a clean flat front, an elasticated back for comfort, deep pockets and elegant seam lines. Choose from a tapered leg, wide leg or shorts view to suit your style.
Blackwood Cardigan – Helen’s Closet
A much-loved classic and true wardrobe staple, the Blackwood Cardigan is perfect for layering. Designed for comfort without sacrificing style, it features two length options, patch pockets and a hem band, with plenty of opportunity for colour blocking.
Sewn in medium-weight knits, this is the kind of cardigan you’ll reach for again and again — the perfect cosy companion for your handmade capsule.
A Top or Dress – Choose from Two Beautiful Patterns
Cielo Top & Dress – Closet Core Patterns
A timeless woven tee, tunic or dress with thoughtful design details including shaped back shoulders, inseam pockets and multiple sleeve options.
Majorelle Shirt & Dress – Itch to Stitch
A modern, feminine take on the classic shirt or dress, featuring raglan sleeves, a flattering silhouette and beautiful collar variations.
Both patterns shine in a wide range of fabrics — cottons, linens, chambrays, viscose and silk — whether you prefer understated solids or bold, expressive prints.
During the retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to make three garments from the patterns listed above.
The retreat fee includes three patterns of your choice.
If you’re struggling to decide, you may purchase all four patterns for an additional £10 — though please note that it’s unlikely you’ll have time to sew all four during the retreat itself. No need to make a decision on this just yet. We will ask for confirmation nearer to the date of our retreat.
Due to the variety of sewing involved in this retreat, you do need to have sewing machine experience and have had some experience of sewing up some dressmaking garments.
Course Date: Monday 16th November - Thursday 19th November 2026
Arrival time on Monday 16th November: 10.00am
Departure time on Thursday 19th November: 4:00pm
We will be running a preparation evening session on Thursday 12th November at Just Sew, Penrith (5.30pm - 8.30pm). During this session we will prepare your pattern (picking our sizes, alterations etc) and start cutting your fabric, so you can really relax on your four days away! This is also the perfect time to meet your fellow sewists!
Don't worry if you are unable to make this session, instead you will have a zoom call with Lucy prior to the retreat to talk through what you will need for the retreat and help to prepare your pattern.
Location:
Leeming House Macdonald Hotel, Watermillock, Penrith CA11 0JJ
What's Included;
- 3 Nights Accommodation (Double Room, Single Occupancy, en-suite)
- Parking at the Hotel
- All your meals
- Breakfast (x 3)
- Lunch (x4)
- 3 Course Evening Meal (x3)
- Our own private room for sewing (with stunning views overlooking Ullswater!)
- Paper patterns and instruction booklet
- Sew Cumbria Goody Bag
What's NOT Included:
- Drinks/Alcoholic drinks
- Any additional drinks outside to what is provided in the fee will need to be paid for by yourself
- Any Supplemental Charges
- Any supplemental charges will need to be paid for by yourself
- Travel to and from the venue
What you will need to bring with you
- Fabric and supplies for your chosen projects.
- Furter details will be provided on booking.
- Sewing Machine and Sewing Kit (don't forget your paper scissors!)
- If preferred, for an additional £15.00 you can hire one of our sewing machines. Please notify us before the Sewing Retreat if you would like to hire a machine.
Payment
The full fee for the Sew Cumbria Retreat is £1,350 (this includes a 25% non-refundable deposit).
If you would like to just pay the 25% non-refundable deposit (£337.50) and then pay the remaining fee in instalments then simply use the below code at the checkout. After payment we'll send an email through with both confirmation and payment plans.
PAYMENTPLAN25
Please make sure to read the full T&Cs with regards to payment and refunds.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Please make sure to read our Sewing Retreat Booking Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions, please contact us first before booking.
