SMOCKING WORKSHOP IN ITALY
Palazzo Borromeo, Arona, May 30 - June 02, 2027
Smocking is a traditional embroidery technique with a long history. You’ll often see it on English children’s and artistic dresses from the late 1800s and early 1900s — those beautifully detailed garments with soft gathers and delicate stitched patterns across the bodice, cuffs, or yoke.
What I love about smocking is that it still feels completely relevant. The technique can be used in a very modern way: on a simple blouse, a summer dress, a sleeve detail, a neckline, or even as a subtle texture panel in contemporary clothing. It’s timeless — and once you understand the structure, you can adapt it to your own style.
During this four-day retreat in my beautiful frecoed palazzo near lake Maggiore, you will learn the essential foundations of English smocking together with internationally renowned smocking teacher Margie Malcapine and couture teacher Maaike Andriessen.
We will guide you step by step through the techniques, so you build a solid understanding of the stitches, the pleating process, and how to create beautiful, even smocking.
Whether you are completely new to smocking or have always wanted to explore this beautiful craft, this retreat will give you the confidence and skills to start incorporating smocking into your own sewing projects.
Dates, times & location
Dates: May 30-June 2.
Times: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm each day
Location: Palazzo Borromeo, Via San Carlo 52, Arona, Italy (Lake Maggiore area)
What you’ll learn
Over four focused days you will:
- learn the foundations of traditional and temporary smocking step by step
- practise stitch patterns, spacing, pleating and finishing techniques
- create a set of beautiful samples you can keep as a reference
- learn how to apply smocking to modern garment details and designs
What’s included
- four full workshop days with Margie and Maaike
- lunches included each day
- tea/coffee breaks
- a calm, inspiring setting and a small group for personal guidance
Investment
€1,530 (lunches included)
Who this workshop is for
This workshop is for you if you:
- love handwork and traditional techniques
- want to learn a skill you can use for years
- enjoy a small group setting with personal guidance
- are curious about smocking — no prior experience is required
Booking
Places are limited for this workshop.
NOT INCLUDED
- Accommodation: Your stay in Arona is not included, but there are
many lovely hotels and charming B&Bs to choose from in both towns for every
budget. - Airfare: Flights to and from Arona are not included.
- Travel insurance: Participants are responsible for their own travel insurance.
CANCELLATION POLICY
You’re free to cancel your registration within 14 days of booking for a full refund.
After that, you can still cancel up to 12 weeks before the retreat begins and receive 80% of your payment back (minus a small €25 admin fee).
If you cancel between 12 and 8 weeks before the trip, 50% will be refunded. From 8 weeks before the retreat, unfortunately, no refund is possible.
MEET MARGIE MACALPINE
With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Margie Malcapine is one of Australia’s most respected smocking instructors. She has taught students across Australia and internationally, sharing her passion for the timeless art of hand smocking through workshops, retreats and international events.
Known for her exceptional craftsmanship, inspiring teaching style and deep knowledge of traditional techniques, Margie has helped keep the art of smocking alive for a new generation of makers. We are honoured to welcome her as the guest tutor for this special retreat.
ABOUT MAAIKE ANDRIESSEN
Discover the Art of Couture with Maaike at The Dressmakers Academy.
With over 25 years of experience as a couture dressmaker, working alongside renowned designers, in the theater with prima ballerina Igoné de Jongh and the United Ukrainian Ballet, Maaike brings a wealth of expertise and passion to The Dressmakers Academy, which she founded in 2019.
Maaike is dedicated to teaching what she loves most.
Maaike's philosophy is simple: if she loves it, she brings it to her students, ensuring they receive the finest education in couture and craftsmanship.
Are you ready to join her?
