Dressmakers Workshops

Alison Smith of 'Alison Victoria School of Sewing' will be holding 30-minute sewing workshops showing how to create a more professional finish to your garments. The workshops are designed for sewers who can already sew and are comfortable with a sewing machine, but want to learn a few tricks of the trade. The workshops are free, with places for a maximum of 10 people, on a first come, first served basis.

'The Duchess' Costumes

A superb capsule collection of stunning OSCAR and BAFTA winning costumes from the celebrated British film 'The Duchess' starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes The film traces the controversial life of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who shared strikingly tragic similarities to Diana, Princess of Wales. Although born two centuries apart, both women were Spencers, married to older, wealthy men. Like Diana, Georgiana suffered a complicated love life, but found consolation in the outpouring of public affection. Both charismatic women, they became celebrated fashion icons of their time, guaranteeing celebrity status. Why not enter an exciting Fashion Design competition in the theme of The Duchess! sponsored by Sew Hip Magazine. Click here for full details: Page 1, Page 2

Above and Below the Waves

Visit the Learn to Knit stand and find out how to take part in Above and Below the Waves, Alison Murray's most ambitious knitting project to date, which will raise money for the RNLI's Train One - Save Many campaign. There will be a tunnel, representing under the sea, through which people can walk - and above the tunnel, there will be waves, lighthouse, lifeboat and the beach!

Media Hub

Meet the teams from all your favourite sewing magazines in our Media Hub, including established names Sewing World and Sew Today, plus new titles Sew Hip and Sew.

Customization Station

Following the success of last years Customization Station, we will be once again featuring talented designers showing you how to be eco-friendly, and make do and mend your clothes. The message is still "Why bin it when you can swap it or customize it?" Our designers will show you how, with some brilliant ideas, which are both fun and easy to achieve, in a truly 'GokWan' style.

Pattern Bar

Our Pattern Bar gives you the opportunity to peruse all the latest pattern books and place orders for the patterns you wish to purchase. You will also be able to meet dressmaking expert Thelma Judge, who worked for many years as the Dressmaking Advisor for John Lewis's flagship store in London's Oxford Street. Thelma will be on hand with advise on cutting-out and making-up your garments, plus all you need to know about the latest dressmaking 'notions' and where to find them in the show.

Junior Stitch Club

Calling all Girls and Boys, aged 8-16! If you've never had a chance to try out a sewing machine at home or school before - then here's your chance! Workshops are free of charge, and with places for a maximum of 4 children at a time, on a first come, first served basis.

Sewing Experts

Want to improve your sewing or learn a new technique? Come and meet our talented Sewing Experts, who each run their own sewing schools and workshops. They will be on hand throughout the show with their expert tips and advice:

Leicestershire based Michelle Pye runs a selection of dressmaking and tailoring courses up and down the country.
Gill Arnold offers inspirational training for beginners and professional dressmakers at her studio in Birmingham.
Sara Radford teaches informal workshops for dressmaking, boned bodices and period corset making at her Devon home, she also runs a regular weekly sewing surgery on Friday afternoons.
Janet Moville runs the 'Modern Approach Sewing Schoo' in Lancashire, teaching modern methods of dressmaking and tailoring to all ages and abilities.
Pen Harrison has a wealth of experience in soft furnishings and runs a thriving business in the West Midlands.

Jane Greenoff's Itch to Stitch Workshop

For all cross stitchers and counted thread enthusiasts, we are proud to present once again Jane Greenoff's 'Itch to Stitch' workshops. Come and join in an instant stitch lesson with Jane; try cutting Hardanger, or working hemstitch; learn how to embellish your embroideries with perfect French knots, and much more. Jane will also be giving problem-solving advice and you will have the chance to see The Silverwood Sample completed at last!

All this and 2 other shows too!

Your ticket to Sewing for Pleasure will give you free access to Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch and the Hobbycrafts show over the same time period and at the same venue..