Glow Sew retreat March 2024 Fforest Farm

This upcoming Spring, I’m excited to be a part of a new weekend retreat – ‘Glow Sew.’

Glow Sew 2024 Thursday, March 7th – Sunday, March 10th Fforest Farm, Wales

There’s a unique magic to sewing, from delicately threading needles to stitching with care, whether it’s mending cherished items, crafting garments, or adorning patches that weave tales of our journeys. As we emerge from a challenging winter, the possibilities seem boundless, inviting us to immerse ourselves in the joy of stitching, surrounded by wonderful women. It’s an opportunity to slow down, connect, feel grounded, and nourish ourselves for the year ahead.

Join us for a weekend in Wales, for the “glow sew retreat” at fforest farm Wales, filled with inspiring sewing sessions led by my dear friend and skilled maker, Lizzie Everard (as featured on Great British Sewing Bee, here we are together plotting and drinking coffee), along with us, her talented team.

Lizzie, known for her passion and generosity, will guide you through practical machine projects, a hand-stitch mending and darning workshop, and a session to create a lasting memento of the weekend.

Your Tutors

Ali Clifford, (that’s me!) with a background in ethical fashion marketing and a recent TEDx talk on sustainability, advocates for a shift away from fast fashion towards slow living. She shares her love for textile repair through her @incredibusy social media platforms and private speed loom workshops.

Saffron Darby, a seasoned clothes designer with over 18 years of experience, co-owns ‘Brown in Town’ in Bristol. Inspired by a sustainable approach to textiles, Saffron, previously Womenswear designer at TOAST, initiated Bristol Textile Quarter’s Meet Make Mend program, fostering a slow stitch mending collective.

Vanda Campbell, an artist-maker with over two decades of experience, teaches extensively at her studio in Saffron Walden, Essex, and conducts courses and workshops nationwide.

Here’s the itinerary:

Thursday March 7th, 4 pm: Welcome, tea, and cake / Meet everyone and settle in 7:30 pm: Nourishing supper

Friday Woodland walk 8-9:30 am: Breakfast 10 am: Machine sewing with Lizzie Nourishing lunch 2 pm: Mending and darning with Ali and Saffron 5 pm: Sauna sessions 7:30 pm: Delicious supper Fireside chats

Saturday Woodland walk 8-9:30 am: Breakfast 10 am: Machine sewing with Lizzie 1 pm: Nourishing lunch 2 pm: Memento-making with Vanda 5 pm: Sauna sessions 7:30 pm: Delicious supper Fireside chats in the little Fforest pub Y Bwthyn

Sunday Woodland walk 9:30 am: Brunch breakfast 11 am: Goodbyes 🙁

Come and be inspired by the exchange of ideas, laughter, comfort, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced sewer, these sessions cater to everyone. Enjoy creative spaces or simply relax in a chair, knit, listen to the birds, or read a book. The focus is on the experience, leaving you glowing and refreshed.

Feel free to come alone or with a friend, relishing the company and comfort of this intimate gathering in serene surroundings with delectable and nourishing food.

book here https://www.coldatnight.co.uk/sewing-glow

*Please note that the schedule and activities may undergo slight adjustments.

*We hope for sunny and dreamy sunsets all weekend, but we have no control over the weather, so pack accordingly for all conditions.

photos with thanks to Leia Morrison and Heather Birnie and the creators/tutors above.

Breaking news – we have another Glow Sew Retreat planned for October 2024 – please sign up to my newsletter and I’ll email you when the dates go live…