The Creative Spirit Retreats
Sewing Workshop - Sat 6 & Sun 7 June
Sewing Workshop - Sat 6 & Sun 7 June
Join us for our 2026 non-residential sewing workshops set in the beautiful Dorset countryside.
Launceston Farm is truly a maker’s dream - a purpose-built workshop located on a working farm, surrounded by rolling countryside. The moment you arrive, the pace slows and the everyday “to-do list” gently fades away, leaving space for creativity.
Each guest has their own dedicated table, with separate overlocker stations set up around the room. The space also includes a gorgeous kitchen and a peaceful outdoor area - perfect for stepping outside, taking a breath and enjoying the surroundings.
These are non-residential workshops, giving you the freedom to immerse yourself in a full day of sewing before heading home in the evening. For those travelling further afield, we are happy to recommend lovely places to stay nearby in historic Wimborne, or you can contact Launceston Farm directly about their beautiful on-site cottages (sleeping two).
A payment plan is available, allowing the cost of the workshop to be spread over several months.
The workshop is hosted by Lisa, founder of The Avid Seamstress, and Amanda — known by many as the “Overlocker Queen” from Cotton Onto Sewing. Throughout the weekend we will share expert tips and guide you through making an Avid Seamstress garment (see below for some exciting pattern news).
What's included:
- An Avid Seamstress sewing pattern of your choice - posted in advance, so there's time to prepare.
- Expert tuition and guidance throughout from 2 teachers.
- Biscuits, cake, tea & coffee
PAYMENT PLAN OPTION available - email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk.
Workshop timings:
🕙 10am – 530pm each day
Should you be travelling far and need suggestions for local hotels, please contact us for suggestions.
The Workshop Details
We're including an Avid Seamstress sewing pattern for you to create at the workshop. This workshop covers all levels of sewing - we have students making their first garment to seasoned sewists making coats and blazers.
If you would like to chat through which sewing pattern would be suitable for you before booking, please contact us at hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
What you need to bring:
We'll liaise with you on any pre-workshop required. We can help you with fabric choice and fitting guides.
- Sewing machine (we have 3 machines that can be borrowed)
- Overlocker (3 will be set up and available to use)
- Fabric - prewashed (if required)
- Haberdashery for your project (zip / button / pins etc)
-
Matching thread
Venue:
Launceston Farm, Blandford Forum, DT11 8BY
Spaces are limited to just 10 per weekend with two teachers – making this an intimate, hands-on workshop designed to build skills and confidence.
Venue:
Launceston Farm, Blandford Forum, DT11 8BY
IMPORTANT - Please ignore the accommodation details and options as this is not a residential retreat.
Accommodation options and room details
Accommodation options and room details
A beautiful farmhouse in North Dorset awaits you. The perfect location to spend your days sewing with likeminded sewists, unwinding and enjoying the incredible location, swimming pool & sauna.
With a Georgian Farmhouse and two cosy cottages, there are plenty of options whether you are travelling with a friend, family member or on your own. With an indoor swimming pool and sauna, gorgeous views and fresh air, you'll never want to leave.
Room options:
THE FARMHOUSE - stunning farmhouse with 6 bedrooms:
- ROOM 1 - Double bedroom with shower. Single occupancy
- ROOM 2 - Double bedroom with shower. Single occupancy
- ROOM 3 - Twin Room with shower. Single occupancy
- ROOM 4 - Twin bed with a roll top bath in the bedroom & separate bathroom with shower. Single occupancy
- ROOM 5 - Twin bed with a roll top bath in the bedroom & separate bathroom with shower. Single occupancy
- ROOM 6 - Twin Room with separate beds. Very large bathroom with roll top bath & separate shower. Double occupancy.
THE BOTHY - self catering cottage:
The cottage is for 2 people to share and perfect for a sewing bestie break or a family member that sews. The cottage features:
- Lounge
- Self catering kitchen
- Private outdoor space with bateau bath
- Twin Bedroom
- Bathroom with shower
All on one level
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS:
Farmhouse
There is one room "Orchard" that is a large twin room with a super large bathroom that has a bath and a separate walk in shower. If booking this room for you and another guest, please both book at the same time or add two to the basket to secure the room. Please put "sharing with x" in the notes.
Alternatively, if you are travelling alone and happy to share, we will pair guests together.
Cottages
The Cottages are for 2 friends/family members to share. We will only pair up single attendees if the cottages remain unbooked. Please don't book the cottage if you are travelling alone or contact us to see if there is someone we can pair you up with.
Provided in each room:
- Bed linen
- One hand towel and bath sheet
- Faith In Nature toiletries (hair & body wash and conditioner)
- Hair dryer
- Toilet paper
- Coat hangers
In the Farmhouse the rooms are upstairs. We'll provide a packing list for the retreat. All properties are non-smoking.
Payment Plan
Payment Plan
We're thrilled to offer a smooth, manageable payment plan for our workshops and retreats. After an initial deposit, you can spread out the remaining payments over several months, with the last one completed a month before your workshop or retreat. It's our way of ensuring that the excitement of learning new skills and joining our supportive community is within everyone's reach.
Should you be interested in the payment plan at hello@thecreativespirit.co.uk
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The Workshop
The Workshop
The Workshop is a purpose built space with a large room that can be used for sewing. It is such a fantastic, creative space that you'll enjoy whilst at the retreats.
Each person has their own large sewing table made of sturdy wood. The space has an additional room that is set up with a large cutting table with cutting mats, irons & ironing boards and overlocking stations.
With haberdashery and fabric for sale, you'll have everything you need to create your Avid Seamstress garment. The workshop has it's own fully equipped kitchen that is filled with drinks options, fruit and treats through the day. The space is surrounded by the Dorset countryside and you'll be able to enjoy the fresh air or go for a swim/sauna during the day.
Our tutors will take you through each step of creating your garment. This retreat is for all levels so if it's your first garment, you'll be surrounded by a warm community and you'll pick up so many tips along the way. We have attendees making their first trousers, putting in their first concealed zips, making fully lined blazers and more!
