After the success of our first two Screen Print & Sew Retreats, we are delighted to offer you some new dates in early October. Across three days, learn the art of screen printing with the wonderfully talented Jessie De Salis. Then use the fabric you have screen printed to sew up a fully custom garment in the Made My Wardrobe studio.

On Friday we will begin by doing a full day of screen printing under the expert guidance of Jessie in her screen printing studio. Nestled away in a barn on her family farm in Yarlington, Somerset (transport info below), Jessie will give you a full introduction to the screen printing process and teach you all the skills you need to print your own fabric. There will be the option to use Jessie’s existing motifs and designs - or you can create your own shapes entirely. Weather depending, there will also be time to jump in the outdoor pool next to the barn to cool off at the end of your screen printing session!

On Saturday and Sunday we will be based at the Made My Wardrobe sewing studio in Bristol. Lydia and the Made My Wardrobe team will show you how to turn your fabric into a well-fitted garment. You will be given an epic choice of sewing patterns, shown how to find your size and lay out the pattern pieces on your printed fabric, and then taught a full range of sewing techniques.

When: Friday 4th, Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th October, 10.30am till 5pm on Friday, 10.30 till 4pm on Saturday & Sunday.

Where:

• Friday - Jessie De Salis’ Studio, Yarlington House, Yarlington, Somerset, BA9 8DY (If you are coming by public transport we can pick you up from Castle Cary Train station, or we can arrange lift shares from Bristol)

• Saturday & Sunday - Made My Wardrobe Studio, 27 Portland Square Bristol, BS2 8SA

Whats included?

• Three days of teaching from Jessie, Lydia and the Made My Wardrobe team

• A full introduction to screen printing using a range of tools and equipment

• Fabric and haberdashery to make your garment, plus extra fabric to practice screen printing on.

• Introduction to using our PFAFF passport and PFAFF coverlock sewing machines

• One-on-one fitting advice

• Intimate class size with lots of space for discussion and creativity

Meet Your Teachers:

The screen printing will be taught by Bristol born and bred textile designer and screen printer Jessie De Salis. Jessie studied in Falmouth as well as Manchester School of Art before returning to her home town and setting up a screen printing business. She set up (quite a DIY) studio in an old barn that she rents from her grandparents in Somerset with a 10 meter long print table where she prints fabrics, cushions, curtains and lampshades. It is such a lovely thing to be able to hand print fabrics - each piece is completely unique and tells its own story.

The sewing section of this retreat will be taught by Lydia Higginson with assistance from the Made My Wardrobe team. Lydia started MMW in 2016 - since then she has taught over 500 people how to make their own clothes in workshops across the UK. When she’s not facilitating workshops, she’s a costume maker for theatre and live performance. She loves demystifying the tricky bits of sewing and getting folks flying on well-oiled sewing machines. She’s a big believer that everyone is creative, folks just need the time and space to let it out.

FAQs

Is this retreat open to beginners?

• Yes, we are welcoming all levels of sewers on this retreat. You do not need to have any experience of screen printing to join us. This will be the perfect introduction.

What about food and accommodation?

• We’ll provide teas, coffees and biscuits throughout the weekend. On Friday Jessie and I will have prepared a lunch using local ingredients. It will include salads, dips, bread, fruit and cheese. On Saturday and Sunday we recommend you pop to one of the lovely Bristol cafe’s to grab a bite to eat or bring a packed lunch and eat in our spacious studio kitchen or under the trees of Portland Square. (Please let us know in the booking form if you have any dietary requirements).

• 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 in Bristol 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, including lots of cafés & accomodation ideas.

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.