Hello, I'm Sarah

I run The Sewing Retreat and here you'll find out more about pattern cutting, ethical sewing and timeless wardrobe creation

Grab a cup of tea and come and join me

Oct 7, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Seam and Hem Allowances for Drafting Your Own Sewing Patterns

In the world of sewing and pattern cutting, seam and hem allowances play a crucial role as they serve as the finishing touches to...

Jan 18, 2023

It's time to face the fear of sewing and pattern cutting your own swimwear and DIVE right in!

Learn how to create bikinis and swimsuits! Yep, you read that right... It's time to face the fear of pattern cutting & sewing swimwear.

Jan 18, 2022

Ethical and sustainable sewing shops around the world - online and in-store

An A-Z sewing shop directory. This list is full of amazing fabrics stores, both online and in-store, which sell organic sewing supplies.

Jan 10, 2022

How to sew a shirt - A step by step guide and easy to follow video tutorials

Improve your sewing skills by learning how to sew a shirt from start to finish. Sew along tutorials included and step by step instructions.

Nov 18, 2021

Sewing Equipment - Our recommendations for sewing machines, notions, furniture and more

A complete list of sewing equipment that we recommend. I've included product links, pros and cons, useful tips and so much more!

Oct 6, 2021

How to draft and sew an all-in-one facing - The burrito method

An all-in-one facing is perfect for sleeveless tops. Learn how to draft an all-in-one facing for your pattern and how to sew it together.

Aug 4, 2021

What is an overlocker/serger and what can they do?

Overlocker/sergers 101. Learn exactly what they're used for, how to easily thread them, what to do when it's not working and so much more!

May 12, 2021

5 top tips for sewing in a set-in sleeve & my easy method

Learn 5 top tips for sewing in a set-in sleeve along with a step by step video tutorial

Apr 26, 2021

Sewing and pattern cutting terms, annotations and symbols

Discover a list of essential sewing and pattern cutting terms and learn exactly how to annotate your sewing patterns

Feb 25, 2021

5 pro tips for creating perfectly fitting clothes - Part 3/3

It's so frustrating when you create something and it just doesn't quite fit but I'm here to help you create clothes that fit you perfectly!

Jan 27, 2021

The one thing you need to know to upgrade your sewing game - Part 1/3

With just a basic understanding of pattern cutting, you can really transform your sewing projects and go from OK creations to dream garments

Dec 1, 2020

Sustainable Gift Wrapping - 3 ways to wrap sustainably

Discover 3 ethical ways to wrap your presents this season. Turn on your favourite Christmas playlist and let's get wrapping!

Dec 1, 2020

4 fun and simple ethical Christmas sewing makes

It's time to get in the festive spirit and put your creative skills to use!

Oct 12, 2020

How to design and make your own clothes - Sewing- Part 4/4

This is both the most exciting and most scary time in any project. You're excited to see your creation come alive but terrified to cut out y

Oct 7, 2020

How to design and make your own clothes - Toiles- Part 3/4

You've pattern cut your design and now it's time to cut out your pattern pieces and create your top.

Sep 20, 2020

How to design and make your own clothes - Pattern Cutting - Part 2/4

Pattern cutting is like writing a recipe for a cake (for me that's a chocolate cherry roulade at the moment!).

Aug 21, 2020

How to design and start making your own clothes - Designing - Part 1/4

You don't have to be a designer to design your dream clothes.

Jun 10, 2020

Natural fabric dyeing with avocados and bamboo silk

Naturally dye your own fabrics and trimmings with avocado using this step by step recipe guide

Jun 9, 2020

Book review - Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas - An insight into the fashion industry

A truly eye-opening, up to date, read on the impact the fashion and textile industry is having on our world and our people

Jun 9, 2020

Book Review - Metric Pattern Cutting for Womenswear by Winifred Aldrich

A bible for anyone wanting to make their own sewing patterns and create better fitting garments.

Hello, I'm Sarah

I run The Sewing Retreat and here you'll find out more about pattern cutting, ethical sewing and timeless wardrobe creation

Grab a cup of tea and come and join me

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