Creative Community Charity Event
Join Us for Sewing Fun
Ready, set, sew! A day of creativity and community with Pattern and Transformation Challenges, kids’ makes in the Corn Store, raffle and more. Tickets support Rising Sun, helping survivors of domestic abuse across Kent. Proudly organised with The Craftship, Ashford Sewing Bee and supported by our amazing creative partners.
📍Where?
Coachworks
Dover Place
Ashford
Kent
TN24 1HU
⌚When?
Saturday 11th October 2025
9am - 5pm
🎟️ Admission
£2 for spectators
all proceeds to go to Rising Sun
There's also much more to do than just watch!
Take part in our community bunting, kids activities*, mini market place* and anything else you can think of. Food and Drink available at CW*
*additional costs apply.
Book
Would you like to take part?
Book your place on the challenges below!
Take part in:
Meet Our Judge
Katie Higgins
We’re delighted to welcome Katie Higgins as the judge for this year’s Ashford Sewing Bee Challenge!
Katie is a Costume Lecturer at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, bringing a wealth of experience from her impressive career as a Costume Supervisor specialising in opera. She has worked with some of the world’s leading companies, including English National Opera, Berlin Opera, Madrid Opera, Bergen National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Portland Opera, Ghent Opera, Opera Ponte di Lima in Portugal, and Musica nel Chiostro in Italy.
Her costume design credits include The Little Mermaid (Mountview Academy), The Paper Bag Princess and Carmen (Bergen National Opera), as well as current projects Owen Wingrave (GSMD) and Cosi Fan Tutte (Merry Opera).
Katie also curated part of the Ocean Liners: Speed and Style exhibition at the V&A Museum, celebrating the elegance and creativity of fashion on the high seas.
With her keen eye for detail, creative flair, and passion for craftsmanship, Katie brings a world of experience—and a touch of theatre magic—to the Ashford Sewing Bee Challenge!
About Rising Sun.
Rising Sun provides life-changing and life-saving support for adults and children affected by domestic abuse in Canterbury, Ashford, and Folkestone & Hythe. Together with victim-survivors, professional agencies and our community, they empower survivors towards safety, recovery and rebuilding their lives. Rising Sun supports people aged 5+ through advocacy, mentoring, counselling, group programmes, emergency safeguarding, supported accommodation and weekly drop-in services. Your entry and donations directly help this vital work.
About The Craftship.
The Craftship — Creative Community Enterprise The Craftship is a vibrant social enterprise based at Coachworks and part of Made in Ashford. It champions creativity, collaboration and community through workshops, events and opportunities for makers of all ages. By supporting local artists, makers and creative businesses, The Craftship brings people together to learn new skills, share ideas and grow confidence — making it the perfect partner for Ashford Sewing Bee.
Booking, Arrival & What to Bring
Book online: Secure your place early — spaces are limited.
Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes before your session.
What to bring (adults): Sewing machine, basic kit (scissors, pins, unpicker), mannequin and fabric (for Pattern Challenge) or be ready to work with supplied denim (Transformation Challenge). Power leads and extension cords labeled with your name.
Provided on the day: Pattern (Emporia) and haberdashery (Ashford Sewing Centre) for the morning; denim for the afternoon; children’s machines and kits by The Craftship.
Accessibility: The venue aims to be accessible; please contact us with any specific requirements so we can help.
Supported by Our Local Creative Community
FAQs
Q: Can I rent a machine for the adult challenges?
A: Adults must bring their own machines for the Pattern Challenge. Transformation Challenge focuses on supplied denim, but you’ll still need your own machine.
Q: What if I'm late?
A: To keep judging fair, late arrivals may have reduced making time. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Q: Refunds or transfers?
A: Tickets are non-refundable as this is a fundraiser. If you can’t attend, you may transfer your ticket to another eligible participant — please email us at least 24 hours before the event.
Q: Can children under 7 take part?
A: For safety and supervision, the minimum age is 7 for the children’s Autumn make.
Q: Do I need to bring materials for the children’s sessions?
A: No. Machines, kits and materials are provided courtesy of The Craftship.
Q: Park and travel?
A: Please check Coachworks travel info. Public transport is encouraged where possible.
Questions or Access Needs?
Email: ashfordsewingbee@gmail.com Follow updates on Facebook: Ashford Sewing Bee (Made in Ashford co-hosted event)