Fiber College of Maine Touchstones Workshop: Sept 9-13, 2026
SEW THE PERFECT BUTTONDOWN LINEN SHIRT
Create your unique linen shirt designed for everyday wear with Leah Widdicombe
In this workshop, we’ll be making a classic linen button-up shirt designed for everyday wear across the seasons. With its clean silhouette, 3+ sleeve length choices, and subtly textured details, this garment works equally well as a standalone shirt or layered as a light jacket— ready for life's adventures, big and small! This shirt can be easily tailored to different body types, and all gender identities are welcome to join this workshop.
Throughout the weekend, Leah will guide you through the full garment-making process, from preparing fabric and adjusting fit to sewing collars, inserting sleeves, and creating buttonholes. If any of those steps make you think “oof, maybe not for me,” don’t worry—this class is all about breaking those skills down into clear, doable steps that actually make sense! You’ll learn approachable methods that help build confidence, not perfectionism.
Rather than rushing from step to step, this workshop invites you to slow down and really sink into the process. Leah is known for helping students get a great fit no matter their height or body shape, and for creating space to make each garment feel personal. Along the way, you’ll pick up techniques and mindset shifts you can carry into future sewing projects—long after the weekend is over.
Students will be sewing with 100% linen, plant-dyed and OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring the fabric is free from harmful chemicals and gentle to wear. Fabric will be pre-washed and softened for comfort and ease of sewing. Leah will reach out before the event to get your color preferences.
This class is open to beginner through advanced sewists who have some prior experience working with sewing patterns. Whether you’re building confidence or refining your skills, you’ll receive individualized support throughout the weekend!
Sizing:
The pattern will be available for bust measurements up to 55”. If you require a larger size, please contact Leah in advance to discuss options.
Class and retreat fee: $1090
Materials fee: $90 (Natural White or True Black)$150 (Plant Dyed by Leah)
Materials description:
To make things as stress free as possible, each student will receive a pack containing their chosen fabric, the Wren pattern, and all the sustainable sewing materials needed to complete your project: matching thread, buttons, interfacing, and garment labels.
Please email Leah with your color choice after you have registered for your class
You will need to bring:
Please bring your usual sewing supplies, a sewing machine in good working order, and your sewing machine manual. If you need to borrow a machine for the weekend, contact us ahead of time to inquire about availability.
Students often share that Leah makes sewing feel approachable and empowering, helps everyone achieve a great fit regardless of body size or height, and creates an experience that feels both technically grounding and creatively expansive.
For questions about this workshop, please contact:
Leah Widdicombe
Hi! I'm Leah Widdicombe
I'm a visual artist pursuing projects that investigate our relationship with earth, animals, and ecosystems. I'm the founder of Charlie Darwin Textiles, for which I'm also the self-taught fashion designer, the seamstress cursing loudly at my sewing machine, the natural dye scientist, and your typical 5'1" fashion model. On top of all that, I conduct social science research on human-animal relationships. I've been sewing since I was 11 years old and, like many of you, am passionate about building a meaningful relationship with the earth.
Touchstone Retreat Schedule
Over five days, you’ll move between studios, shoreline, and gardens. We give you permission to follow your curiosity and learn from each other. While you stroll, we invite you to reach down and pick a touchstone for your pocket.
WEDNESDAY
Settle into this magical world
Our cobbled beaches are a delight for your senses. Rocks ground us with their solidity and remind us to pay attention to textures, curves and temperature while we feel their weight in our hands. We invite you to start your retreat by walking down to the beach, breathing the salty air and searching for the stone that speaks to you.
3:00-4:30 Free Bonus class with Kathleen Farnsworth: Maki-Agi shibori stitched bandana. Stitch and dye with natural indigo.
4-5 Register, pick up our tote bag presents to you, share a cider, catch up with friends old and new. A food truck will be available for those looking for an on-site meal.
5:30-7:30 Join us for cocktails/mocktails and snacks. We'll visit each studio for show & tell by our teachers followed by a campfire in the garden. Retreat Attendees and friends are welcome.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY and SATURDAY
Dive deep into your passion
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Garden Lunch (veg & GF friendly)
12-2 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
2-5 Class
5-7 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
Thursday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly) Followed by a guided music jam and informal performance in the garden with hot chocolate (bring an instrument and a favorite addition to your hot cocoa if you'd like)
Friday: Dinner on your own OR
Chef Chris Toy will be leading a bonus workshop for a traditional Chinese Hotpot meal in the garden kitchen. Follow this link for details.
The studios will remain accessible and we'll have a campfire in the garden for your pleasure.
Saturday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly)
6:30ish-8:00ish Open Studios...see what everyone's been creating. This will be an opportunity to buy teachers' work and supplies. If the weather is cooperative, we'll light a bonfire on the beach.
SUNDAY
Re-emerge Gently
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Chair with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage)
12:30 - 3 Lunch, last chance to shop, pictures and goodbyes (veg & GF friendly)
For those who would like to extend their retreat, we'd be happy to provide a personalized itinerary of our beautiful mid-coast region