Make a Retreat Bag with Lia Rosina
Regular price £60.00Join us for a three-hour workshop to create the popular Retreat Bag. This simple zippered pouch features a wide base and a structured opening held in place by two internal wire frames.
During the session, you will learn how to install a zip, attach zip tabs, and work with different interfacings—including fusible fleece—to give your bag a professional structure. This is an ideal project for those looking to move into bag making.
By the end of the class, you will leave with a fully assembled, structured Retreat Bag.
What You’ll Learn
- Installing a zip into a bag
- Attaching zip tabs
- Working with fusible fleece and interfacing
- Constructing a structured bag with internal wire frames
What to Bring
- Sewing Machine: Your own working sewing machine
- Frames: Style “A” internal wire frames
- Zip: 16” zip and pull
- Exterior Fabric: 1 fat quarter
- Interior Fabric: 1/2 metre
- Interfacing & Fleece: 1/2 metre fusible fleece and 1 metre light–medium interfacing
- Thread: High-quality sewing thread
- Optional: Metal bag label
Pattern: You'll need to download your own free copy of the instructions from Emmaline Bag here
Skill Level
Students should be able to use a sewing machine independently.
Class Size
Maximum of 4 students for plenty of individual support. Please be aware that we need two students enrolled on the class; otherwise, it is subject to cancellation.
Dates
- Tuesday 31st March (10:00 – 13:00)
- Tuesday 7th April (10:00 – 13:00)
- Tuesday 5th May (10:00 – 13:00)
Location
Our Basingstoke Shop, Unit 14, Hassocks Workshops, Stroudley Road, Basingstoke, RG24 8UQ.
Meet Our Teachers - Lia Rosina
Lia is a highly organised and empathetic instructor with a background in service supervision and workshop delivery. With a strong foundation in Psychology and Counselling skills, she excels at breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps and supporting students of all levels with a patient, ‘can-do’ approach. An avid dressmaker who manages her own garden sewing sanctuary, Lia combines professional project management skills with a genuine passion for textiles. Her sessions are structured, encouraging, and designed to help every student complete their project to the highest standard.
Once we receive your order and cleared payment, we aim to ship it within 2–3 working days.
We currently dispatch orders on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.
If your order is urgent, please contact us before placing it.
UK Shipping
We offer the following delivery options within the UK:
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Royal Mail 48 Tracked – £3.50 (approx. 2–3 working days)
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Royal Mail 24 Tracked – £5.00 (approx. 1–2 working days)
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Next Working Day Delivery – £9.00
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Orders must be placed by 10am on a shipping day
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Orders shipped on Friday will be delivered on Monday
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🎁 Free standard shipping on all UK orders over £50
International Shipping
We ship worldwide using Royal Mail International Tracked service.
Please note:
Import taxes and duties are not included in our prices. These will be collected by your country’s customs or postal service on delivery. We do not charge or collect taxes on their behalf.
1) European Shipping
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Up to 250g: £8.00
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250g to 1kg: £12.00
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1kg to 2kg: £16.00
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Over 2kg: please contact us for a quote
🚚 Express courier delivery available — please contact us for pricing.
2) Rest of World
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Up to 250g: £10.00
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250g to 500g: £13.00
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500g to 1kg: £15.00
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1kg to 2kg: £20.00
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Over 2kg: please contact us for a quote
🚚 Express courier delivery available — please contact us for pricing.
If you have any questions about shipping, or need help choosing the best option, feel free to contact us at hello@purple-stitches.com.
Last updated: 31th May 2025
📦 Shipping & Delivery
When will my order be dispatched?
We aim to dispatch orders within 2–3 working days after receiving cleared payment. Currently, we ship on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.
If your order is time-sensitive, please contact us before placing it.
What are your UK shipping options?
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Royal Mail 48 Tracked – £3.00 (2–3 working days)
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Royal Mail 24 Tracked – £5.00 (1–2 working days)
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Next Working Day Delivery – £9.00 (order by 10am on a shipping day)
Orders shipped on Friday will be delivered the following Monday.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! We offer free standard UK shipping on orders over £50.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide using Royal Mail International Tracked. Shipping costs vary by weight and destination.
Please note: Import taxes and duties are not included and are the responsibility of the buyer.
🔄 Returns & Refunds
Can I return an item?
Yes, you can return items in their original condition within 7 days of receipt for a full refund. Please contact us before sending any returns.
Are there items that cannot be returned?
Yes, we cannot accept returns on:
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Cut lengths of fabric, trims, or haberdashery (unless faulty)
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Gift cards
How do I initiate a return?
Email us at hello@purple-stitches.com with your order details. Make sure the items are unused and in original packaging.
We recommend using a tracked service, as we can’t be responsible for returns lost in the post.
🧵 Fabric Sizes & Cutting
How are fabrics sold?
You can choose the length you need when ordering.
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For quilting cotton, a quarter metre can be cut as a Fat Quarter or a Long Quarter
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For dressmaking fabrics, a quarter metre will be cut as a Long Quarter
Fabric measurement guide:
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ONE Fat Quarter = approx. 50cm x 55cm
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ONE Long Quarter = approx. 25cm x width of fabric
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ONE Half metre = approx. 50cm x width of fabric
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ONE 0.75 metre = approx. 75cm x width of fabric
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ONE 1 metre = approx. 100cm x width of fabric
Can I get fabric in a continuous length?
Yes! Unless otherwise stated, all multiple units will be cut and sent in one continuous piece.
What is a Fat Quarter?
A Fat Quarter is a quarter metre of fabric cut to approximately 50cm x 55cm—wider and shorter than a standard long strip. It’s great for quilting and smaller craft projects.

🎟️ Retreats
Are retreat payments refundable?
Retreat payments are non-refundable. However, you can transfer your place to someone else — just let us know their details.
What if Purple Stitches cancels the retreat?
You’ll receive a full refund if we cancel the event.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — we strongly recommend that all retreat participants take out travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
🛍️ Orders & Products
Can I modify or cancel my order?
If your order hasn’t been shipped, we’ll do our best to help. Email us as soon as possible at hello@purple-stitches.com.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Digital gift cards are available in various amounts — perfect for fabric lovers.
Do you offer digital patterns?
We do! We stock a selection of downloadable sewing patterns that can be downloaded after purchase.
📞 Contact Us
How can I reach you?
📧 Email: hello@purple-stitches.com
📞 Phone: 01256 477 101
Where are you based?
Purple Stitches Limited
Unit 14, Hassocks Workshops
Stroudley Road
Basingstoke
RG24 8UQ
United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays
Last updated: 4th May 2025


