The Makers Retreat
A Sewful Experience: Mindful Making in Motion
Slow down. Reconnect. Make something that’s completely, beautifully yours.
This isn’t just a sewing session.
It’s an invitation to step away from the busyness of life and return to the joy of making— with your hands, your style, your pace.
Led by fashion designer, lecturer and now private educator and owner of online sewing membership SEWsimple - Arzelle, The Makers Retreat is a mindful experience for those who want more than just another workshop. Over three calm, creative sessions, you’ll craft a flowy bottom (trousers, culottes, or a skirt) that fits you and suits your life.
With expert guidance and a focus on intention, not just to complete a workshop, you’ll rediscover the power of creating something meaningful — and wearable.
What makes this different?
If you’ve ever joined a class and walked away with an unfinished project or a piece that didn’t quite fit — you’re not alone.
The Makers Retreat is built differently.
It offers depth, personalised support, and a true sense of accomplishment. Designed by a fashion educator and designer with over 16 years of experience globally in design, pattern making, and technical instruction, it’s a retreat that gives you structure without pressure.
This isn’t a traditional class — but that doesn’t mean you won’t learn.
Every session is thoughtfully guided to build your confidence, develop your skills, and help you complete a garment that fits your body and your style.
You’ll be supported through each step:
Choosing a pattern that suits your personality and wardrobe.
Understanding how to work with your fabric.
Adjusting your pattern for fit and comfort.
Sewing a zip, adding a waistband and all other techniques required for your design (may vary).
Constructing your garment using top-of-the-line Swiss precision machines.
Learning high-end finishing techniques that elevate the final look (I teach them to all my beginner clients).
There’s no testing. No mass-made project. No sewing alone, wondering what to do next.
Just expert guidance, mindful making, and a clear path from fabric to finished.
Yes — you will learn.
But in a way that feels like freedom, not frustration.
It’s not about fast results. It’s about long-lasting joy.
👉 If you're looking for a quick fix, this might not be for you.
But if you're craving something meaningful, personal, and fulfilling — you’re in the right place.
What’s included
3 x guided sessions (4 hours each) in an intimate studio setting
1 x 2hr group guided fabric shopping experience, excluding fabric (valued at $80 for free)
Use of premium Bernina sewing machines
Personalised help with pattern fitting, adjustments, and techniques
Snacks, tea and coffee to keep the energy flowing
A warm, welcoming community of 3–4 like-minded creatives
*Fabric and pattern at own cost- you have the freedom to choose fabrics that suit your budget and style, including premium options like Liberty fabrics, hence the free experience.
*Optional additional sessions available, minimum three to be purchased.
Who is it for?
You might be living a busy, fast-paced life in Singapore, juggling work, travel, and responsibilities. You’ve been wanting to carve out creative time for yourself, but haven’t found the space — or the right setting — to make it happen.
This is your invitation.
Not to rush, but to slow down. Not to sew for the sake of it, but to make something that feels good on your body and in your soul.
You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be curious, open to learning, and ready to invest in yourself.
(Note: If you’ve never used a machine before, a separate starter session is recommended first to get familiar with a machine, contact me)
What to bring
Your cut out pattern: your choice, guided by the theme: flowy bottoms
Your pre-washed fabric and notions: chosen and bought at own cost during your guided shopping session
*You will be provided with links to videos on how to cut out the pattern paper only and prewash at home, after the guided experience.
Location & booking
Venue: Bernina Creative Studio
Dates: Starting Thursday 17 April (three sessions over a 4-weekend format with flexibility for you)
Spots: Limited to 4 participants only
To reserve your spot or express interest, fill in the booking form at the bottom of this page. All details and next steps will follow via email.
Your investment
$160 per session of 4 hrs ($40 p.h.) | Minimum of 3 sessions to be purchased
Total investment for 3 sessions - $480
Additional sessions: $40/hr or $160 for 4 hrs
Includes: 2hr group guided shopping experience worth $80 for free
Come make something that matters.
You’re not just here to sew.
You’re here to breathe. To create. To complete something for yourself.
And that’s worth every stitch.
Workshop dates
The workshop consists of 3 sessions, scheduled over four Thursdays: (flexibility if you can’t make one, or if you want to add a session)
Pattern & fabric selection: A FREE guided experience, to assist you in selecting the perfect pattern and fabric. —Monday14 April - 10am-10:45am (Fabric and pattern at own cost)
You do not need to join, but will need to buy your own either, poplin, or lawn cotton fabric.
Note: We will visit 2-3 stores and will make use of the MRT.
Session 1: 17th April 2025 – 10:00am to 2:30pm
Session 2: 24th April 2025 – 10:00am to 2:30pm
Session 3: 08th May 2025 – 10:00am to 2:30pm (tbc)
Session 4: 15th May 2025 – 10:00am to 2:30pm
Each session includes a 30-minute break.
Suitable designs
This retreat is based around flows bottoms, designs to avoid would be structured and tailored. No fly zip etc, but rather soft flow, or loose fit with elastic waist or side zipper.
Have a look on Simplicity’s website before heading to the fabric store, to get an idea of patterns you like. Write their numbers down, select more than one as some might be out of stock. (if the pattern has long sleeves and you want short, we can easily adjust it)
Here are a few to start looking at, but not limited to:
Pants
S9956. S3105. B7000. M8223. B6750. M8098. M7786.
Skirts
N6729. N6721. N6659. S3108. S9958. S9786. S9472. S8885. S1069.
*NB each person to buy own pattern, strictly no sharing.
Meet your instructor
Arzelle is a highly experienced fashion designer, mentor, and lecturer with over 20 years of expertise in the fashion industry. Having designed bespoke wedding dresses, her own ready-to-wear collections, and taught students at the university level globally, she brings a wealth of technical knowledge and creativity to her teaching.
Now based in Singapore, Arzelle focuses on empowering beginner and intermediate sewists to unlock their potential through approachable, skill-building workshops. Her teaching style blends precision, encouragement, and fun to help participants feel confident and supported at every step of their sewing journey.
Secure your spot now!
Fill in the form and submit to book and secure your spot. We only have 8 spots.
Indemnity:
- I agree to follow instructions & safety guidelines provided by Sew on & Sow Forth (by The Curious Collective).
- I understand that Sew on & Sow Forth, (by The Curious Collective), is not liable for personal injury during the activity.
- I acknowledge and comprehend the nature of the activity that I will participate in.
- I grant permission for any filming or photography for publicity & marketing purposes by Sew on & Sow Forth(by The Curious Collective) and BERNINA SG. If otherwise I do not wish to be featured in marketing materials, I will inform Sew on & Sow Forth(by The Curious Collective) and BERNINA SG.
- By participating, I voluntarily assume all associated risks and release Sew on & Sow Forth (by The Curious Collective) from any liability for injury, loss, or damage.FAQ
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Ready to join the Create Your Dream Shirt Workshop? Follow these simple steps to secure your place:
Fill in the booking form
Complete the booking form to express your interest in the workshop.
Wait for confirmation email
You will receive an email from hello@sewonandsowforth.com within 2-3 working days with further details and an invoice for payment.
Make payment and confirm
Once you receive the invoice, please proceed with payment.
Reply to the email with confirmation of payment to secure your spot.
Final confirmation
Only after we receive your payment confirmation will you be officially added to the workshop.
Important:
If we do not receive a response within 5 days of our first email, we will assume you no longer wish to participate, and your spot will be released.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to confirm your booking as soon as possible.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at hello@sewonandsowforth.com.
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WeLife happens — we get it. Here’s how we support your schedule.
We want you to get the most out of your retreat experience. If you’re unable to attend a session or need more time to complete your garment, here’s how it works:
Missed a session?
Our retreat is scheduled across four Thursdays or Saturdays, but only three sessions are required to complete your garment. This gives you flexibility — especially if you’re travelling or something unexpected comes up.We recommend attending in sequence, particularly the first session, as it lays the foundation for the rest.
If you miss a session, you may reschedule one session during the retreat period — just let us know at least 3 days in advance.Please note: missed sessions without notice are non-refundable.
Need extra time?
Most participants finish their project comfortably within three sessions, especially when following the guidance provided.
But if you'd like to take things slower, add extra design details, or simply avoid feeling rushed, you're welcome to purchase an additional session ($160 for 4 hours or $40/hour).This retreat is about presence over pressure.
We’re here to help you finish with confidence, calm, and a garment you’ll love to wear. -
We understand that sometimes plans change, so we’ve outlined our cancellation and refund policy to ensure clarity and fairness.
Full Refund: If you need to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund if the request is made at least 7 days prior to the start date of the first workshop session.
No Refund: Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the first workshop session will result in the full workshop fee being forfeited.
This policy allows us to secure the venue, equipment, and ensure a great experience for all participants. If you have any concerns or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
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In the unlikely event of unforeseen circumstances, Sew on and Sew Forth reserves the right to reschedule or cancel a workshop session. This may include, but is not limited to, instructor illness, venue-related issues, or other unexpected disruptions beyond our control.
If a session is rescheduled, participants will be notified as soon as possible with a new date and time.
In the most unlikely event, if a workshop or session is cancelled, a refund will be issued for any unused sessions only. No refunds will be provided for completed sessions.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in such situations. If you have any concerns, please contact us at hello@sewonandsowforth.com.
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Have a look on Simplicity’s website before heading to the fabric store, to get an idea of patterns you like. Write their numbers down, select more than one as some might be out of stock. (if the pattern has long sleeves and you want short, we can easily adjust it)
Here are a few to start looking at:
Pants
S9956. S3105. B7000. M8223. B6750. M8098. M7786.
Skirts