Bring your sewing project along and settle in for a calm, creative and enjoyable day in The Fabric Boutique Sewing Studio with Emma Smith. These BYO workshops are perfect if you want a guided, focused day to work on whatever dressmaking project you’ve chosen - whether that’s a dress, skirt, blouse, shirt, or trousers etc You’ll have the freedom to work at your own pace, with expert guidance on hand whenever you need it.

If you’ve ever hit a tricky point in a project -  perhaps a pocket that won’t sit quite right, a fiddly fly front, buttonholes causing frustration, a zip that refuses to behave, a collar that won’t lie flat, or getting the fit just right -  or if you’re simply starting a new project and would like a little extra guidance, Emma is on hand to help you move forward with confidence. Whatever your sewing challenge, this workshop is designed to support you, offering practical tips, problem-solving advice, and gentle encouragement so you can enjoy your make and achieve the best results.

Everyone brings their own project, making each workshop wonderfully varied, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, learn new techniques, and pick up tips you didn’t even realise you needed!

Your tutor: Emma Smith

The workshop is led by Emma Smith, a highly experienced dressmaker and tutor who teaches at a number of sewing schools across the UK. Calm, knowledgeable, warm, and kind, Emma goes above and beyond to support her students, offering guidance and encouragement throughout the workshop to help you progress, overcome challenges, and get the best results from your project.

Whether you’re a confident beginner or a more experienced dressmaker, these BYO workshops are suitable for a wide range of abilities. As long as you’re comfortable using a sewing machine and have some dressmaking experience, you’ll be supported with guidance that suits your project, your skill level and the areas you’d like to develop.

You’ll be supported whether you’re problem-solving, learning new techniques, refining fit, or simply looking to elevate your sewing to a more polished, professional finish. 

✨ Workshop details:

• A full 7-hour sewing workshop

• Use of Janome 5060 QDC sewing machines

• Use of brand new Janome ML654D overlockers

• Oliso irons and ironing boards

• Small group size of 5–6 people, ensuring plenty of individual attention

• Suitable for all abilities, provided you’re confident using a sewing machine

Lunch break

There will be a ½-hour break for lunch, giving you time to recharge before heading back to the machines. You’re very welcome to bring a packed lunch — there is a fridge available at the studio to keep your food fresh. Alternatively, Ashby has lots of cafés and food shops nearby if you’d prefer to pop out for something to eat or grab a takeaway during the break.

 Refreshments

Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake are provided throughout the day — sewing is always smoother with refreshments to hand.

What to bring

• Your sewing kit

• Your own dressmaking project

You may also wish to bring a water bottle and lunch. 

The studio & location

The Sewing Studio is located within The Fabric Boutique…

📍 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1AL

The studio is up a flight of stairs. During the workshop, you’re welcome to pop into the shop to purchase any fabric, haberdashery or notions you may need — IF YOU ARE ATTENDING A WORKSHOP AND SPEND OVER £25 IN THE SHOP ON THE DATE OF YOUR WORKSHOP, YOU GET 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE.

Parking

Please note that the car park next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard is a maximum stay of only 3 hours, which is not sufficient for the full workshop. For a full-day session, we recommend using the long-stay car park on South Street, a short walk from the shop (charges apply).

Arrival & booking

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the workshop start time so we can begin promptly.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Bookings can be made via the website or in-store. Unfortunately, places cannot be reserved without payment.

Terms & conditions

By booking a place on a Sewing Studio workshop, you agree to the following:

• Places are reserved once payment has been made

• Payment is required in full at the time of booking

• Fabric Boutique gift cards may be used in part or full payment for workshops

• Bookings are subject to the cancellation policy

• Workshops require a minimum of 3 bookings to run

• Workshops are for individuals aged 18 and over

Cancellation & refund policy

• If the workshop is cancelled by The Fabric Boutique due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient numbers, a full refund will be issued

• If you cancel 14 days or more before the workshop date, a full refund will be given or payment may be transferred to another date (subject to availability)

• Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop are non-refundable

• Eligible refunds will be issued immediately; please allow up to one week for funds to return to your account