October 5th – 9th 2026
The Corsetry Retreat
Tutors – Elizabeth Moody and Emma Brackenbury
The Corsetry Retreat was held in Caer Beris, a grade II listed Monor in Wales, UK.
The October 2026 Corsetry Retreat included a full schedule of workshops with experienced tutors, as well as time to relax in the historic surroundings, meet with like-minded people, and unwind in the manors hot tub and gardens or cosy up beside an open fire.
• Day one was pattern drafting, guests were be given the opportunity to experiment with flat drafting as well as draping on the stand. Doing both methods allowed attendees to decide which one suits their learning styles best to create a bespoke pattern to their measurements that they are happy with.
• Day two consisted of toiling and fitting to ensure the corset fits perfectly and marking any alterations back to the pattern.
• Day three focused on construction techniques, with demonstrations covering all the techniques needed to create a corset, attendees were given the option to either sample these techniques or perhaps make a start on their final corset
Around the scheduled workshops Emma and Beth were on hand to help troubleshoot existing projects.
Included in the price of the room with ensuite bathroom, was four evening meals, breakfasts and a lunch of light bites and leftovers, three days of workshops, two experienced tutors were on hand for guidance throughout, and a swap table for the exchange of materials and embellishments.
In the evenings Beth did a talk titled ‘the history of your pants’ where attendees received a whistlestop tour of the history of underwear alongside dressing demonstrations and showing items from her collection. Emma did a hand sewing around the fire workshop, where attendees had a go at flossing with a hot chocolate (pjs and fluffy slippers were totally encouraged.)
On the final evening there was a finale dinner and an opportunity to dress up.
Prices and booking information
The price per person ranged from £650 (for triple occupancy of the family room) to £1,475 (for single occupancy of the Penthouse Suite).
The team needed a non-refundable deposit of £200 per person to secure a room. If attendees were booking a room for double or triple occupancy, they were prompted to enter the other occupant’s contact details during checkout after which a link was provided for them to pay the additional deposit.
Please Note: Until we had the additional deposits for a room we treated your booking as single occupancy. The remaining balance was due 8 weeks before the event start date – 10th August 2026.
Bursary
We were delighted to offer a fully funded bursary position on this retreat due to the generosity of donations we have received.
What attendees were told to Bring
• Your own trusty, sewing machine (please contact us if you are coming from overseas)
• A basic sewing kit
• Additional fashion fabrics and embellishments if you’d like to use them
• Any fabrics, embellishments, or haberdashery for the swap table
• Swimwear and a dressing gown for the hot tub!
• Your lovely self of course
Closer to the event we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Catering
Our wonderful caterers are adept at providing delicious meals for all dietary requirements from coeliac to FODMAP. Attendees were asked to give us details of requirements at sign-up. All catering listed below was included in the price of a room.
• Breakfasts – a buffet of toast, crumpets, cereal, fruit, milk, tea, and coffee will be provided so you can help yourselves.
• Lunch – a lunch incorporating leftovers plus other light bites will be available.
• Snacks – You are more than welcome to bring your own snacks for throughout the days, however, we will have a selection of fruit and other snacks.
• Alcohol – welcome drinks will be provided but beyond this please feel free to bring a drink for your evening meal (but no sewing after booze!)
Want to ask about booking, or just got a question?
Just drop us a message below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.