Keep On Sewing Retreat, Coventry

11/05/2026

The race is on…

…emails with booking forms went out this morning.

Do not delay getting your forms back as it’s neck and neck for the front runners, to get the class you want you need to get your form back ASAP!!!!

07/05/2026

06/05/2026

Be Inspired leaflet.....so you can peruse over the weekend and make your choices before Pam emails the booking forms and Be Inspired leaflet on Monday xx

This time round, KOS has a ‘Zippy’ theme with all 3 tutors using zips in their projects! Our expert tutors guide you through their fab projects which are suitable for any skill level. Take a look and choose your favourite!

Class 1 - Zippy ‘ITH’ SweetPea Embroidered Bags - with Kim Suleman
If you’ve never tried ITH -In the Hoop - projects before (or maybe you just love making them!) – then join Kim this weekend for a fabulous digital machine embroidery session making 3 stunning bags using these gorgeous SweetPea designs – all with zips!
Kim provides your designs for the 150mm x 240mm (6” x 10”) hoop free of charge (but you can also purchase the complete sets in multiple sizes for future makes too). And for a nominal kit fee, Kim provides stabilizers and wadding for all 3 projects – so all you need to do is bring your fabric, thread and zips (and your machine of course)…Yay!
All 3 projects should be achievable in the weekend - OK, so there’s some making up to do on the sewing machine, but that can be done after the sessions in the evening or at home after the course – and you get all the making up instructions for free!
NB. It is essential for us to know your machine make and model number so Kim can provide the designs in your machine’s format - so don’t forget to put that info on the booking form!

Class 2 – ‘Bag Ladies’ - with Jules Moreton-Ford
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own handbag, this workshop is just the thing! Jules will be there to walk you through each step—no boring fabric tote bags here; you’ll craft actual real handbags, complete with linings, pockets, zippers, hardware, with 4 designs to choose from – the ever-popular ‘Rossi’, the Curvy, the ‘Slouchy’ and brand new one from Jules - especially for this weekend - LOL - the ‘Zippity’
Jules shares all those pro tips, so your bags turn out looking super chic and professional. Be warned, Jules’s bags class is always a sell-out! - so be sure to book early!
You’ll use soft leather or top-notch vinyl, so any quality domestic sewing machine will do the trick. Whether you’re totally new to sewing or already have some skills, as long as you can sew a straight line, you’re all set! And depending on how fast you work, you may even have time to make two!
Jules brings loads of zippers and cool hardware (think studs, rings, clasps, feet) for sale over the weekend and you’ll get a full list of what you need ahead of time.
Stop press! ManMade Fabrics will be at KOS on Friday, ready for you to grab your handbag materials and linings (you can pre-order and they’ll bring it to KOS for you) —more details on Jules’s needs list! Plus, of course they’ll have lots more fabrics and goodies for sale!

Class 3. Zippy Jackets ‘and Other Things’ - with Janice Croft
Continuing the Zippy Theme – if dressmaking and tailoring is more your thing, then join our dressmaking and tailoring guru Janice to make jackets and tops all featuring fabulous zips!! Biker jackets, jackets with zip pockets, denim jean jackets with zip embellishments – you get the drift!!
Of course, if jackets aren’t for you and you want to master making other types of garments – then that works too! Dress, skirt, trousers with fly front zip – or maybe something with an invisible zip – getting invisible zips to look professional can be tricky, can’t it? So, take this opportunity to learn from an expert!
Janice is very versatile and really loves to multitask - so anything you want to make in the dressmaking line would be just fine - with or without a zip!!! Just let her know beforehand what you want to tackle so she can be prepared! And if you’re coming on Thursday why not join Janice for her fab workshop too…

Class 4 – DIYers
We just love seeing DIYers dive into their sewing projects, whether it’s day or night—our sewing room is open until everyone’s ready to call it quits! It’s a great way to finally tackle those UFOs or PHDs, or maybe even jump into something brand new—with someone always around if you need a hand. If you like doing your own thing at your own pace, this is the perfect spot for you! And of course, your projects don’t have to include zips..LOL…

Optional Thursday Workshops
Want more sewing? Can’t wait til Friday? Want to miss the Friday traffic? Then join us for a Thursday workshop!! Thursday Workshops are open to any KOS weekend delegate whether resident or non-resident and no matter which KOS class you’re doing. We have 2 to choose from and both include a 3-course buffet lunch plus coffee/tea/cakes/fruit from when you arrive til you go to bed (or home)!
N.B. All Thursday Workshop fees are payable when booking your KOS weekend. All Kit fees (if applicable) are paid direct to your tutor in cash at KOS please.

Workshop 1 - Zip Zip Hooray! with Janice. (starting at 11 am prompt) Workshop fee £80
Join Janice to make 4 fab projects – all with zips of course!! And yes, you’ll make all 4 on the day!! You just need to bring your machine and basic sewing kit because all your materials, fabrics, zips, vinyls, threads etc for all 4 projects are supplied by Janice for a total kit fee of just £18.00. Wow!! Places are limited so be sure to book early! Here’s what you’ll make…
1. Zipped Double Pocket Pouch with not one but two set in zipped pockets!
2. ‘2 ways’ Bound Double Pocket Vinyl Pouch (or make it into a Horizontal Hobby Bag)
3. ID Wallet with vinyl windows and small purse
4. Standing Pencil Case - Fully lined with no raw edges – so practical!

Workshop 2 - Thursday Social Sewing –Arrive anytime after 10am and enjoy social sewing with others just doing your own thing. Set up as soon as you arrive and sew til you drop, and you’ll be ready to start the weekend in earnest on Friday! Workshop Fee £50

19/04/2026

As the sewing room emptied out last night, with people drifting off to bed when they could no longer see straight 😵‍💫🤣 I managed to take a few pics of some of the work that’s already been produced.
So much talent in one room - well done ladies 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

18/04/2026

Day 2…

An early morning, empty sewing room

18/04/2026

For the eager beavers who come for an extra day on Thursday, this time there was three mini workshops they could do…and this was the results

14/02/2026

Lets not forget our......DIYers
We’re always inspired by all you lovely DIYers who seem to sew as many things as you can cram into the sewing time - which is all day (and night too if you can stand the pace – you know at KOS our sewing room doesn’t close til the ‘last man standing’ goes to bed!!). A great opportunity to get those UFOs & PHDs finished or maybe start something new - safe in the knowledge that someone is always willing to help if you get stuck! Choose this option if you’re happy to work on your own projects.
Thursday Workshops – For any KOS weekend delegate whether resident or non-resident.
Want more sewing? Can’t wait til Friday? Then join us for a Thursday workshop. We have 2 to choose from – a tutored workshop (starting at 11 am prompt) and a Social Sewing workshop any time after 9.30am. Both include a 3-course buffet lunch plus you’ll enjoy all-day refreshments - coffee/tea/cakes from when you arrive til you go to bed! N.B. Class fee payable when booking your KOS weekend.
Workshop 1 - ‘3 Tutors – 4 Projects!’
Following our popular session last year here are 4 - yes 4! - more mini workshops hosted by Pam, Rozzie and Helen. A total kit fee of £16 covers everything you need to complete all 4 projects – fabrics, threads, notions etc - (payable in cash on the day please)- so you won’t need to bring a thing - apart from your usual sewing kit and your machine of course! And in the evening why not do your own thing. Class fee £80
· Japanese Quilted Rotary Cutter Bag with Pam - or doubles up as a specs/scissors holder!
· Rozzie’s Origami and Box Bags. With no raw edges, 2 clever editions to any sewing room or use to gift wrap that special pressie.
· Cute Pincushion Mouse from Helen – makes a delightful gift or maybe keep it yourself!
Workshop 2 - Social Sewing – Enjoy social sewing with others just doing your own thing. Set up and sew til you drop, then you’ll be ready to start the weekend in earnest on Friday! Class Fee £50

13/02/2026

Final teaser for April...

Perfect Positioning Designs with Jamie Warren

This workshop is suitable for owners of the following embroidery unit machines: -

HUSQVARNA VIKING DESIGNER SERIES Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire 85, Epics 1, 2 or 3

PFAFF CREATIVE SERIES Vision 4.5, Sensation Series,

Expression 750, Icons 1 or 2

With Jamie’s help, this is the perfect class to get your head around your embroidery machine’s facilities to match and join up your

designs perfectly - no matter what size project you want to make in

the future.

Using Pfaff’s ‘Precise Positioning’ or Husqvarna Viking’s ‘Design

Positioning’ you’ll make a stunning quilt sample which could be made into a large cushion - or make more for a table runner –

and even more to make an extra-large quilt! The choice is yours! Just think - no more sending your quilts to be long arm quilted – you’ll be able to do it yourself using your own machine and embroidery unit!

Jamie also helps you to get the best of your machine’s decorative stitches too. Make your work unique by using your Husqvarna Viking’s ‘Omnimotion’ or ‘Themed Decorative’ stitches or your Pfaff’s ‘Maxi’ or ‘Ribbon’ stitches to embellish your borders like the

samples here (these pics just don’t do them justice!!)

You can use your standard 260mm x 200mm hoop - but to make your life easier - the large metal hoop 240mm x 150mm plus 4 extra magnets is even better. For Designer Epic 3 owners, the brand new large 360mm x 230mm magnetic hoop is perfect. For the decorative borders - especially for sideways motion stitches – Jamie recommends using the multi-line decorative foot. (Don’t forget, if you’d like any hoops or accessories these can be ordered in advance from Pam with the usual KOS 20% discount)

13/02/2026

Here's your next teaser...

Teddy Bear’s Picnic with Helen Smith



We're delighted that Helen is back to teach her much-loved workshop! You may recognize her from Quick and Easy sessions at Festival of Quilts - she's a regular at KOS weekends too. Helen doesn't just teach though - she runs a thriving business making Memory bears, dolls and quilts too!

When it comes to stuffed toys, getting them just right can be tricky. Too little stuffing or features that aren't shaped quite the way you want, and you might end up with a bear that's more quirky than cute - though, let's be honest, some people love a wonky nose! Over the weekend, Helen will guide you through all the best techniques, making sure you pick up plenty of tips to avoid those little errors, so you’ll create bears to be proud of.


Helen’s bears are approx. 18 inches tall—and made complete with moveable joints! Whether you're making one to remember a loved one, as a gift, or just for fun, your bear will be something to treasure. All the bits and bobs you'll need - pattern, stabilizer, special stuffing, joints, bead weights, eyes, etc.- come as a kit for around £45, payable to Helen during the weekend (a bargain compared to shopping for each piece separately!). Helen will also advise the best places to buy your fabrics – such as the boucle or cuddle fleece (see bears above) from trusted suppliers.

And if you're super keen and want to squeeze in an extra project she'll have a pattern for a smaller, non-jointed Memory Bear (like the adorable blue one) for you too!

09/02/2026

Here’s your first workshops teaser for the April KOS 17th -19th

The full ‘Be Inspired’ leaflet listing all the workshops and a booking form will be emailed within the next couple of weeks to everyone on Pam’s email list so make she has your details! You have to be in it to win it!!

Abstractions – Modern Quilting with a Twist with Gill Clark

Bored with the usual traditional patchwork and quilting? Think it’s too difficult? Hungry to learn new techniques? Want to finish a quilt in a day? If the answer to any of these is YES, then try this workshop for size!! I did this one at KOS in 2023 and I loved it!!
Gill enjoys breaking all the rules with a more contemporary style and anyone – yes anyone - can master her techniques very easily! You don’t even need to stitch in a perfect straight line or free motion quilt to produce stunning results, and your finished pieces can be used for quilts, wall hangings, cushions, bags, book covers, table runners, whatever takes your fancy.

In this workshop you’ll learn to have fun with your fabrics by using Bondaweb (lots of it!) and crafting circles and other shapes to produce your very own masterpieces - and you can guarantee that no two pieces will be the same!!