Join expert sewing tutor Lauren Holloway on this 2-day intermediate dressmaking workshop and make your own summer dress

In this 2-day immersive workshop Lauren will teach you how to cut your pattern pieces, create in-seam pockets, darts, neck bindings and how to hem your dress. You will also learn essential tips and tricks for dressmaking that you can apply to your future projects.

You will be making The Iris Dress by Tessuti Fabrics which features an A-line shaped lantern skirt with side pockets and a clever exposed binding between the skirt panels. The pattern includes options for a sleeveless V-neck dress or a sleeved dress with a round neck. With no closures, the Iris Dress slips on easily over the head, it also looks fantastic made up in two tones.

You will leave this workshop with improved dressmaking skills and a timeless handmade dress ready to wear for many summers to come.

Tutor: Lauren Holloway
Date & Time: Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th August, 10:15am - 4:15pm
Venue: Scissors Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £190 (£0.00 VAT)

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this workshop for?
Basic knowledge and confidence using a sewing machine is essential. If you are a complete beginner please sign up to our Beginner Machine Sewing workshop first.

What you will need:
We will provide sewing machines and dressmaking haberdashery and notions, including interfacing and the Tessuti Fabrics Iris Dress pattern.

You will be required to bring a fabric of your choice along with a matching thread.

Recommended fabrics: lightweight or medium weight linens, cottons, medium weight drapey silks and lightweight wool crepe

Fabric requirements: 140 cm wide fabric: Version A or B, 2.00 - 2.50 m // Two-tone version - bodice and hem panel, 1.35 - 1.45 m // Two-tone version - skirt panel, 0.95 m.

Sizing: XXS – XL (approx. UK 8/10 – 18): Once you have made your booking, we will email you the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements.

If you need any guidance on fabric choice and quantity please get in touch with Lauren, hello@laurenholloway.uk

Accommodation: 
Residential option available. Find out about our accommodation, costs and how to book here.

Meet Your Tutor - Lauren Holloway

Designer and Maker Lauren Holloway has been running her own slow-fashion handbag and accessory brand since 2013. She specialises in making sustainable bags, purses, laptop cases and toiletry storage, all handcrafted in her Bristol-based studio.

She has extensive knowledge and experience in designing patterns and sewing anything from coin purses to backpacks. Lauren offers a range of sewing workshops from beginner to intermediate level, where participants can learn the basics of using a domestic sewing machine, brush up on existing sewing skills or develop new techniques to improve their craft.

Lauren hopes you'll leave her workshop with new-found knowledge and inspiration for future projects, plus you’ll take home a beautiful handmade bag you can enjoy for years to come.