While there is no requirement to have done any corset making or drafting prior to the course, you will need to be experienced and confident using a sewing machine and have a good foundation knowledge of garment construction. We will be teaching you how to adapt and apply your pre-existing sewing knowledge into corset making.

We have a mailing list which gets first dibs on any places that become available and on newly announced events. You can sign up here.

If you would like to be added to a waiting list for a specific sold out event please contact us via the contact form below.

Attendees at the retreats must be 18 or older, this is due to our insurance. This applies whether joining the tutoring or not.

It’s not expected that you will finish a corset within the timeframe of the retreat, you will leave with a well fitted pattern to your own design and all of the skills and materials you need to complete a corset at home, plus the knowledge to complete many other corsets in future. We encourage you to sample construction techniques while you are at the retreat to help absorb the techniques and refer back to these at home.

During our XL retreats some more experienced attendees may finish a corset, but this is by no means the expectation, we still encourage sampling or making up half of your corset to help learn the techniques so you can finish at home.

Yes – we do have a small selection of spare machines that we prioritise for overseas attendees, but you will benefit more from having a machine you are familiar with if that is possible.

Yes, we will provide a list of sewing kit before the event. This is basic items such as needle, thread and scissors, plus a list of more speciality kit to bring if you have them; such as shears for cutting bones and pliers for attaching bone caps. If you are missing any items then we will have spares of everything available.

No, we will provide all materials to make a basic one layered corset, and they are included in the cost of the event. However, though you are unlikely to complete your corset, If you wish to use a fashion fabric or embellishment, and you think you might make a start on a final piece, or if you want to discuss using it with the tutors, please do bring that along.

We will provide you with basic fabric to make your corset (coutil in black, white or cream). Though you are unlikely to complete your corset, you may wish to bring your preferred fashion fabric if you want to make a start on a final piece, or if you want to discuss using it with the tutors.

We also have a swap area so you may want to bring some unwanted fabric to de-stash and swap with other attendees.

No, all catering is included in the cost of the event. We will provide a detailed menu close to the event.

We also provide a selection of fresh fruit and other snacks.

Our wonderful caterers are adept at providing delicious meals for all dietary requirements from coeliac to FODMAP. You will be asked to give us details of your requirements at sign-up.

Note: meals are served buffet-style so we cannot provide calorie-counted meals.

Non alcoholic drinks such as teas ,coffee and squash will be available throughout the event. We have a couple of drinks stations throughout the house to ensure you stay hydrated.

Alcohol wise, you will be welcomed with a glass of fizz (or non alcoholic alternative) on arrival, but we do not provide alcohol throughout the events. If you want to bring your own alcohol for the evening meals you are more than welcome, but we ask please so not continue to sew after you have had a drink.

We have a limited number of places at our retreats for non-sewing attendees, there is an additional cost for this to cover the catering. If you are bringing a carer to support you then we will ensure they are accommodated. Please contact us to ask about availability and pricing.

In the first instance, and if you cannot find a replacement attendee yourself, we will do our best to find someone for you. If we are successful then we will refund you in full, minus the charges incurred by our online shop provider, and a service fee of £20.

In the event that you/we cannot find a replacement then the following conditions apply:

Deposits are non-refundable.

Remaining balances will be repaid as follows:
• More than 8 weeks before the event: 100% of balance after the deposit and fees.
• Between 8 – 6 weeks before the event: 50% of balance after deposit and fees.
• Less than 6 weeks before the event: 0%

There are a number of airports close to Caer Beris. If you’re planning on hiring a car and driving to the venue after you land then we would recommend Cardiff, Birmingham or Bristol.

If you are going to travel onward by public transport then we’d recommend
Manchester or Birmingham. Alternatively, London is also feasible but the connecting
the journey is longer. The London airports may be more convenient if you are travelling long distances.

A detailed document is available on travelling to the venue can be found here.

We also have a private Facebook group for attendees once you have paid your deposit we will send a link to invite you. We encourage car sharing and attendees to help each other in providing lifts, although this is the responsibility of the co attendees and cannot be guaranteed.

We have a Patreon group for previous attendees which meets once or twice a month to discuss projects and provide additional support, you can find information here patreon.com/TheCorsetryRetreat

Our tutors, Emma (West Yorkshire) and Beth (Surrey) can also both provide personal tutoring services. If you contact us via the contact form then we will put you in touch directly.