For the first time ever we are offering a four day Quilt Retreat. You asked so we delivered! As well as three full days sewing in the studio we will also go on a group trip to visit the quilt archives at the American Museum in Bath. This will allow you to take inspiration from beautiful traditional quilts which are not usually open to the public. Our tour guide at the museum will teach us about the history of how the quilts were made and who made them. Once we have fully submerged ourselves in the archives we will come back to the studio the following day and create our own designs inspired by what we have seen.

During the sewing days you will take a deep dive into a range of quilting techniques with our resident quilt specialist Rachel Preston. The joy of having consecutive days to focus on your quilts is that you can work your way through the whole process in that time. From the initial designing to the final binding, we will take you through the entire process with clear demonstrations. It might be that you want to make the quilt for yourself, or as a family heirloom to be passed on; either way, we love it when a quilt tells a story!

What will be included:

• Three days of teaching at the studio with Rachel, our in-house quilt specialist and Lydia who founded MMW.

• One day visiting the American Museum in Bath with a guided tour of the quilt archives and access to the rest of the museum, cafe and gardens. This will happen on the Tuesday.

• Delving into our epic patchwork fabric collection, you can pick out a whole array of fabrics to make your quilts. We will also supply the batting for the centre, the backing fabric and the binding for the edge

• A library of patchwork and quilt books will also be provided to use as references and get your design ideas flowing

• Together we will explore patchwork, appliqué, hand quilting and many more sewing techniques

• A full demonstation of machine quilting, backing and binding techniques will be given during the class and extra guidence on an individual basis through out each session

• A full induction on how to use our top-of-the-line PFAFF sewing machines

• Tea, coffee and biscuits will be kept flowing throughout the retreat

When: Monday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd, Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th June 2025 - 10am till 3.30pm

Where: Made My Wardrobe Studio, 27 Portland Square, Bristol, BS2 8SA & The American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD

Who: This course will be taught by Rachel Preston. Whilst working in London making costumes for the National Theatre and period films (such as Little Women and Phantom Thread), Rachel always maintained a personal art/making practice including clothes, quilts and drawing. Rachel then completed her studies in printed textiles and adult education. She is now based in Bristol, sharing sewing skills and her love of textile objects that can become part of people's lives, all the while empowering people to nurture creative confidence. To see more of Rachel’s work check out her website here.

FAQs

Is this workshop open to beginners?

• Yes, we are welcoming all levels of sewers on this workshop, however we imagine you will get more out of it if you have some previous experience using a sewing machine. We often find having varying degrees of experience adds to the atmosphere for all involved. We will form a supportive, encouraging, creative environment for one another.

What about food, accommodation & transport?

• We’ll provide the drinks and sweet treats

• We will take a one hour lunch break each day so that we have time to recharge. We can recommend lots of cafes and tasty spots nearby for lunch. There is also a lovely green square just outside the studio if you want to bring a packed lunch and eat in the sunshine. For cooler days, we have a spacious kitchen you are welcome to use.

• We have decided to ask participants to make their own accommodation arrangements on this occasion. There is a beautiful boutique hotel next door to the studio called Artist Residence if you feel like treating yourself.

• If you are visiting Bristol from out of town, we have a handy guide full of top tips here

• Once you have booked we will send you details on how to get to the American Museum in Bath on the Tuesday, it’s very easy from Bristol via Train/Bus or you are welcome to drive.

What is your cancellation policy?

• If you can no longer attend a workshop please let us know as far in advance as possible. We can usually re-sell your place and give you a 75% refund, but we cannot guarantee this if you cancel at the last minute.