sewing studio residency
(winter 2026)
we’re close to securing a new shared sewing studio in south london.
if things go well, we’ll be selecting a range of you to join us as sewing studio residents for the next 4 months (with the possibility of staying on if a good fit).
(the above is an ai generated image of what the space could look like once fully set up. at the moment the space has pink walls, the other option would be to go for a bolder interior design style tbc)
what’s happening?
we’re looking for people who want a consistent place to sew, design, make and build alongside myself + other creatives. whether you’re starting a fashion brand, studying, making costumes, offering alterations or simply want a dedicated space to create, i’d love to hear from you.
this form is simply to register your interest. there’s no commitment at this stage.
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the residency will run for an initial four-month period.
the aim is to create a stable, shared workspace where you can work on their own projects while being part of a small creative community.
if everything runs smoothly, you’ll have the opportunity to continue beyond the initial four months.
i’m intentional about keeping the first group small to help shape the space together before opening it up further.
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the studio is expected to include:
✓ industrial sewing machines
✓ overlocker
✓ large shared cutting table
✓ pressing station
✓ pattern-making equipment
✓ shared sewing tools
✓ fabric storage
✓ pattern storage
✓ wi-fi
✓ tea & coffee
✓ shared seating area
the exact equipment and layout may evolve as the studio develops.
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you will also get access to:
✓ the success circle
an online small group led by rebecca our in house business coach / accountability partner. 45-mins, held on google meet with others of a similar practice to you.
✓ monthly 1:1 with the founder
a 30-minute check-in each month. talk through how things are going, what you need from the studio, your work, ideas, mindset or anything we can help you move forward.✓ riónce arts club whatsapp community
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we’ll document some of the making along the way + give what comes out of it somewhere to be seen.
✓ annual riónce arts club exhibition ✓ biannual riónce arts club magazine
if you’re part of the residency, we’d ask that you’re generally happy to be photographed or filmed while you’re in the studio. it helps us show the great things happening in the room + celebrate the people making them.
you can always let us know when you’d rather not be on camera + we’ll respect that wherever possible.
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the studio will be fully functional from day one, but it won’t be completely finished.
over the course of the residency we’ll continue furnishing and improving the space. features such as the mezzanine storage, spiral staircase and additional storage solutions are expected to be completed later as the project grows.
the residency fee reflects this journey. by joining early, you’re helping bring the studio to life while benefiting from a workspace that continues to improve over time.
riónce arts club is a small independent creative organisation founded by myself, oleta semple & genuinely believe there’s power in numbers. I can’t build this alone, and i’d love to build it with you.
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you get to choose how much shared sewing studio time you want each month.
16 hours / month — £270
4 hours a week. enough regular time to keep making, develop your work + have somewhere for it all to live.32 hours / month — £480
8 hours a week. more room to properly get into your work, take on bigger projects + build a consistent studio practice.64 hours / month — £680
16 hours a week. for people who need the studio to become a real part of their working week.—————
your hours guarantee your place in the shared sewing studio, with a limited number of you working in the space at the same time.
and we’re not strict about the clock. if there’s space either side of your booking, you’re welcome to come earlier or stay longer. we’d rather the studio was being used.
(please note that your 1st month’s payment + depost is due ahead of beginning your residency)
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rather than asking residents to contribute beyond the residency fee, we’re asking everyone to consider hosting one workshop during the four-month residency.
this could be anything from beginner sewing and alterations to pattern cutting, quilting, embroidery, upcycling or another skill you’d like to share.
don’t worry if you’ve never taught before; we’ll support you with planning, promotion and bookings.
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this residency is ideal for:
fashion designers
clothing brands
tailors
seamstresses
upcyclers
costume makers
textile artists
fashion students
bridal makers
creative hobbyists looking for a dedicated place to sew
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click here to express your interest.
if seemingly aligned, we’ll invite a small number of you to have a conversation with the founder - which will give us the chance to learn more about what you’re making, how you work and whether the residency is the right fit for you.
if all goes smoothly, you’ll receive your residency agreement, payment details and move-in information.
we’re looking forward to building something special together.
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by joining the residency, you’re agreeing to help create a respectful, welcoming and productive shared studio.
as a resident, you’ll agree to:
✓ treat the studio, equipment and fellow residents with care and respect.
✓ leave shared workspaces clean and ready for the next person.
✓ report any damage or maintenance issues as soon as possible.
✓ use equipment safely and responsibly.
✓ respect booked workshops, events and shared studio activities.
✓ store personal belongings within your allocated storage area.
✓ be happy to host one workshop during your four-month residency.
✓ be comfortable appearing in photos and videos captured within the studio. as we build the space and community, we’ll regularly document what we’re creating together and may share this content across our website, social media, press, printed materials and other marketing channels. this helps raise awareness of the studio, our residents and the wider riónce community.
✓ contribute to creating a welcoming, encouraging and inspiring environment for everyone.
this is a collaborative residency. the more everyone contributes, the better the space becomes for all of us.
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we’ll continue investing in and improving the studio throughout your residency.
we’ll communicate openly about changes, listen to resident feedback and work hard to create a space that’s practical, inspiring and enjoyable to work in.
we’ll actively promote the studio and its residents wherever possible, creating opportunities to showcase your work through content, events and collaborations.
as the studio grows, so will the facilities available to residents.
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your place is only confirmed once your residency contribution has been received.
residency fees are payable in advance unless otherwise agreed.
as places are limited, residency fees are non-refundable once the residency has begun.
if you’re no longer able to take part, your place may be transferred to another resident with written approval from riónce.
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this residency isn’t just about hiring a workspace.
it’s about building something together.
i’m looking for people who are kind, proactive, respectful and excited by the idea of helping shape a creative home from the very beginning.
everyone starts somewhere.
everyone has something to teach.
everyone has something to learn.
there’s power in numbers <3
SOMETIMES,
YOU’RE JUST A
STONE’S
THROW AWAY.
“I know what it’s like to sew from a confined space and need more room to think, to organise yourself + make bigger + better things.”
~ oleta semple, founder