UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 STITCHING RETREATS ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES
With Pat Archibald
Join me for a week of creativity in North Uist on the Outer Hebrides in my new studio home. Not only am I thrilled to be leading courses which will be based in my house, but I will also be giving you a lovely Hebridean experience. Your week with me will include lots of stitching inspired by your island surroundings, you will meet and work with other artisans in the area, enjoy Western Isles hospitality and you might even be able to try your hand at shearing some of my sheep! Every day at the croft you will enjoy coffee/tea/home baking and a soup and sandwich lunch. I can take groups of six. Dates can be flexible for folk coming as a group depending on the dates of your accommodation (I can’t offer accommodation at my croft house).
You can plan ahead and book for 2025!
See below.
DATES FOR 2025 ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
28 April – 2 May – Full
2 – 6 June – Full
16 – 20 June – one space available
7 – 11 July – Full
25 – 29 August – Full
8 – 12 September – Full
Click below for prices and a provisional outline of the course with me for 2025. Be inspired and then contact me for a Booking Form!
Outline of Escape to the Croft Stitching Retreat 2025 website2
Please note that if you are returning for another ‘Escape Retreat’ with me then I will offer different projects and some other visits for you.
Do contact me if you have any questions at all. With regards to accommodation then check out some options on http://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk.
2024 students have recommended Langass Lodge, a lovely hotel across the loch from me about 5 minutes drive, North Light Studio and the Otter House in Locheport (self-catering) about 3 minutes from me, The Old Manse and Flora’s Sheiling (both self-catering) and Temple View Hotel in Caranish about 10 minutes from me, Grenitote Pod near Sollas 30 minutes away from me.
Looking forward to welcoming you to the islands.
Pat
HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL
27 OCT – 4 NOV 2024
2024 will be the 50th Anniversary of Houston International Quilt Festival, the largest annual quilt show in the United States. Spend two full days at the show admiring the 1,600 quilts on display, shopping the 1,000 stalls or taking part in over 500 classes.
New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind destination, famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, jazz
music and historic architecture. Step back into the glamour of the riverboat era with a jazz dinner cruise aboard a Paddle-wheeler and learn the history of The French Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood in the city with our local guide.
Join me for an amazing few days at the biggest Quilt Festival in the USA and for a full day of stitching a project related to our travels and even more in New Orleans.
For more information and booking click on the link here
https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/houston-international-quilt-festival-new-orleans
NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE
30 NOV – 8 DEC 2024
Join me for an exciting voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline with a chance to experience the magic of one of nature’s most amazing phenomenon – the dazzling Northern Lights. There is plenty of time for workshops with me as the MS Polarlys cruises along a coastline considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Norway’s remarkable landscapes take on a special beauty at this time of year. Relax and take in the snow-cloaked scenery and wintry lifestyle of Norway’s remotest coastal communities or take the time to explore – the choice is yours.
For more information and booking click on the link here https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/northern-lights-stitching-cruise
Zen Stitching from East to West across Southern India.
4 – 17 January 2025
Join us to explore the hidden textiles of Southern India. Starting in Chennai in the east, a few of our textile highlights there will include meeting with fellow quilters to exchange ideas, exploring Kalamkari painting on fabric, and finding out about hand woven silk saris. Moving to Kerala in the west we will enjoy the luxury of a houseboat whilst navigating the lagoons and then onto the peace, calm and comfort of a lakeside retreat. There, we can enjoy mindful stitching in a creative environment interspersed with optional textile related visits and bird watching. A relaxed pace will be the keynote of this tour with a balance between visits to local experts and time to learn from our in-house textile expert Pat Archibald.
For more information and booking click on the link here
https://www.darjeelingtours.co.uk/mindful-stitching.html
NORTHERN CYPRESS HAND QUILTING
13 – 20 March 2025
Join me for a hand quilting retreat in Northern Cyprus. Spend the week at the 4-star Pia Bella Hotel, with breakfast and dinner included each day. Enjoy 2 full-day and 2 half-day workshops before exploring the local area on three included excursions, including a visit to a local handcraft organisation.
for more information and booking click on the link here
https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/northern-cyprus-hand-quilting-retreat
TEXTILE INSPIRATIONS OF MOROCCO
1 – 13 November 2025
Join me on a fascinating and inspiring textile journey through Morocco, a land where ancient traditions and vibrant modernity coexist in perfect harmony. This 13-day tour will take you from the bustling streets of Marrakech, renowned for its iconic landmarks and lush gardens, to the serene Atlas Mountains, where Berber hospitality and breathtaking landscapes await. You will be able to immerse yourself further into the intricate world of Moroccan textiles and handicrafts, often passed down through generations, as we visit Morocco’s capital city Rabat, vibrant Fez with its historic medina and artistic heritage, nostalgic Casablanca, and the charming enclave of Essaouira, nestled on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into Morocco’s diverse culture. In addition, the itinerary includes hands-on experiences and demonstrations led by local artisans, as well as hand-sewing workshops with your accompanying expert Pat Archibald.
for more information and booking click on the link here
https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/textile-inspirations-of-morocco