Norwich Sewcials Pattern Drafting Weekend Retreat
5th November - 6th November
The Stables – Royal Norwich, The Weston Estate, Weston Hall Road, Norwich, NR9 5JZ
Join us at this beautiful venue for a luxurious weekend of drafting your own
made-to-measure bodice block.
The Venue
We will be hosting this non-residential weekend retreat at The Stables, a beautiful building set in Royal Norwich golf course on 400-year-old parkland estate. Located just on the outskirts of Norwich, you’ll also see a hidden Triceratops as you wind your way up the driveway to The Stables.
In the spare time feel free to explore the surroundings or sit out on one of the beautiful terrace spaces.
Our sewing space is located in The Conservatory. A light and bright room where we’ll be teaching everything you need to know about drafting your bodice block from scratch.
Lunch and refreshments will be served in an adjoining dining room which also opens onto a patio terrace should you wish to use it.
Complimentary car parking is available on site, and you can also drive right up to the Conservatory doors to drop off any equipment and sewing machines as needed.
Wi-Fi is available throughout The Stables and grounds.
The Sewing
The retreat is an opportunity for you to create your own bodice block and sleeve drafted to your personal measurements.
We’ll start by ensuring everyone knows how to take their own measurements accurately, give detailed demonstrations set-by-step for drafting and go through the principles of Winifred Aldrich to create your technical drawings and bodice block.
Following the drafts, we’ll make muslin toile blocks and enter the world of fitting so you can take home your completed bodice block for creating your own dream wardrobe at home.
Beginners are welcome although some experience in sewing will be necessary for creating your toile garment.
You will need to bring your own sewing machine however we do have some available to borrow on request if needed.
Sewing machines can be left overnight and locked in The Conservatory.
The Food
We have a beautiful selection of food for you on this retreat, and the quality matches the surroundings.
On arrival you will be treated to morning hot drinks, pastries and a choice of yoghurt and granola.
We’ll be having a mid-morning break featuring The Stables’ own ‘Cookie Jar’ selection.
Later in the day we will be serving a 2-course buffet lunch (differing each day!) featuring beautiful local produce.
If that wasn’t enough you will also be treated to afternoon tea, brownies, and fruit.
For anyone wishing to stay on after the end of the session on Saturday night, there is also the option of joining us for drinks and an evening meal in The Paddock bar and restaurant.
Should you have any dietary needs please do let us know and these can be catered for.
Recommended Accommodation
This weekend retreat is non-residential therefore if you wish to stay overnight, we can recommend the following nearby locations:
· Stower Grange (1.3 miles)
· Riverside House (1.4 miles)
· Holiday Inn Express (1 mile)
The Stables is only 11 miles from Norwich City Centre where you can also find an array of accommodation and eateries.
The Weekend
The weekend will run from 9:30am – 5:30pm each day and a full itinerary will be provided to all attendees. Places limited to 8 people.
£210 per card-holder members and £230 per non-member
This includes all tuition, meals as stated (except optional evening dinner), use of facilities and equipment.
A non-refundable deposit of £100 is payable upon booking to reserve you place. The remainder of the payment shall be due on 31 August 2022.
How to book
Our cardholder members will receive priority booking as part of the membership benefits package. All remaining tickets will then be available to purchase by non-members.
** SOLD OUT **
NB. By booking onto the retreat you are agreeing to the T&Cs below.
Terms and Conditions
In the event that you cannot make the retreat for any reason, including for example, but not limited to, Covid19, unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for booking deposits. You may of course transfer your booking to another person however please do provide us with the new persons details. Do check with us as we may have someone on the waiting list who could take your place.
Whilst every care is being taken to ensure safety and security, Norwich Sewcials cannot be held liable for any for any loss or other damages including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or any other damages and unforeseen cancellation. We would suggest that personal/travel insurance is taken out.
Norwich Sewcials reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event due to any reason beyond our control such as, but not limited to, Covid-19
Participants must be over 16 years of age.
The retreat is a non-smoking venue inside.