Farm to Table 2023

This weekend, 12 sewists traveling from Illinois to Delaware, Pennsylvania and beyond attended Madalynne’s 5th sewing retreat at a private lodge on the Eastern shore of Maryland. Hosted by Bijou Handmade Studios, the students made Madalynne’s newest pattern with Simplicity, the S9779 over the course of three days. Sewing wasn’t all we did. We also made time for stopping by the local farmers market, a group sushi dinner, a barbecue, a campfire, a trip to an amazing and award-winning winery and a photo shoot at a flower farm. To say that I am floored by the work the student’s accomplished would be an understatement. Even though the S9779 isn’t a true corset by any means, it’s not an easy or quick DIY project and everyone nailed it.

Get the full recap below and see all the fun we had! Interested in attending a retreat? Sign up for the retreat in October 20-22 to make Madalynne’s next pattern with Simplicity, a holiday dress.

DAY 1: Class prep! After getting settled, there was a brief introduction with a history lesson on corsets. By no means is the S9779 a true corset, so what is a corset, what is its history and how does it differ than its true meaning? Then, the students got started sewing by basting the bodice together. We fit, made alterations, and then assembled the bodice. I’m so glad we did because no body is the same or a sample size and many had to make significant changes.

The students hit the ground running and I’m glad they did. With anything I do, I like to start strong. It’s motivating and the students ended the day feeling pumped for day two. We closed out the day with a group dinner and a local sushi jaunt.

DAY 2: With word that there were cinnamon rolls at the local farmers market, a few students scooted out before the class started to fulfill their sweet tooth and get presents for their dads. There were only a few steps left to finishing the S9779, but it was the most meticulous and time consuming. Again, I’m glad they started strong and made lots of progress on Friday because it took the entire day to insert the hook and eye, assemble and attach the skirt and install the zipper. Exhausted, we relaxed with a barbecue and a bonfire that night

DAY 3: Yay! We finished. Yup, I even completed my own S9779 and we stopped by a local flower field to document our me-mades. What I love most about the sewing community is seeing all the different versions everyone makes and this is no exception. It also is extremely fulfilling to see their faces light up with excitement.

Too many laughs, jokes and smiles to count… many memories and friendships formed. Thank you everyone for an incredible weekend, to our sponsors Oliso and PFAFF sewing and I hope to see them again at a future workshop or retreat!