Check out this amazing run of catwalk shows taking place at Sewing for Pleasure and Fashion & Embroidery. No need to pre-book, simply turn up, grab a seat and get inspired!

13.00            FRIDAY

 FOR THE LOVE OF VIVIENNE Hosted by Brenda Killigrew, IDC College

The final of the Schools Fashion Design Competition 2024, takes place this lunchtime in an exciting catwalk showdown, who will be crowned the winner?

Students aged between 13-18 were asked to research the late undisputed queen of British fashion Vivienne Westwood’s career. Her innovative genius was acknowledged worldwide and she was revolutionary in her designs, a fearless non-conformist, but with a real passion for tradition.

Participants had to create three mood boards showing their own take on one of her iconic styles. The ten selected finalists will battle it out on the runway, having made up their designs, to see who will be taking home a fabulous Janome sewing machine for themselves and their school, along with many other prizes, with thanks to our sponsors, to help them on their creative journey.

14.30            FRIDAY

DRESSMAKING WITH HELEN RHIANNON Hosted by Helen Rhiannon

Dressmaking The Easy Guide has transformed dressmaking for so many people!  The book teaches the reader to make a sample/toile to fit their unique body, before drafting their own dress, top and skirts in their favourite styles.  Finally, women are making clothes that fit!  Join Helen and her followers, on the catwalk to see the beautiful clothes, which have been made by each lady, to fit their own unique self.  

15.30            FRIDAY

 INSPIRED BY THE MET GALA Hosted by Tiffani Trench, Fashion/Textiles Lecturer, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Sutton Coldfield.

At Birmingham Metropolitan College students studying fashion and textiles get to explore a wide range of different topics. The course gives them the opportunity to develop their practical skills and gain knowledge in the creative industry.

The college runs a live project every year where the students work with an industry professional. This year the project was to design and create a garment based on the Met Gala. They had five themes to choose from covering various years of the event. This project was a chance for the students to experiment with not just traditional fabrics but reuse other materials and think outside the box. Their creations are showcased on the catwalk today.

11.00            SATURDAY

14.00            SATURDAY

WE SEW TOO Hosted by Clive Bruder, We Sew Too

The “We Sew Too” Catwalk welcomes all regardless of who you are or what you sew! Whether you’re a seasoned sewing enthusiast or just starting out, Clive invites you to join him for a celebration of diversity, creativity and passion for sewing. “No matter your age, gender, or skill level, we believe that everyone has a unique perspective to share.” So, come and see this exciting runway set as sewists and ‘TV stars’, strut their stuff, expressing their style and enjoy being part of this inclusive and empowering event.

12.30            SATURDAY

MY HANDMADE WARDROBE Hosted by Sarah Laws, My Handmade Wardrobe

My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns enable you to sew the clothes you want to make and wear everyday. The range of patterns for classic styles with fashion inspired details will help you to fill your wardrobe with handmade garments that will stand the test of time. On the catwalk we showcase a selection of the best-selling patterns styled for the new season, and a preview of some upcoming patterns in development.

Sarah is also delighted to welcome the organiser of the “Sew Yellow for Endo” campaign, Jess Porritt, to showcase garments made by herself and fellow supporters of the cause, using yellow fabric and My Handmade Wardrobe patterns to support Endometriosis Awareness Month.

15.30            SATURDAY

THE DRESSMAKERS BALL Hosted by Sarah Laws and Freya Gilbert, Crafty Sew & So Events

The Dressmakers Ball is an annual event held in Leicester, which brings together sewists from across the country and beyond to celebrate our wonderful dressmaking community together. 

Dressmakers of all levels of experience are invited to sew and wear their own creations strutting their stuff at the catwalk, dancing to live music and sharing their makers stories with fellow sewists at this sophisticated dinner and dance event. On the catwalk we showcase some of the wonderful makers wearing their creations from previous Dressmakers Balls!