Stitch & Stay Cross stitch holidays

A new year is the perfect time to plan a holiday and what better than a retreat dedicated to your favourite craft? Get inspired with our guide to the best sewing holidays…

With our busy lives, it’s often difficult to find time to stitch for an hour – let alone a whole day, weekend or even a week. This is where sewing retreats come in – the perfect opportunity to swap chores and childcare for cross stitch and cake – sounds good to us… If, like us, your dream is to spend more time stitching, a retreat might be just the thing.

Luckily for us, there are dozens of stitch-based holidays all around the country so perhaps 2018 will be the year you pack up your needle and thread and get away from it all for a few days. Here’s how to do it…

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

Do you want to focus on cross stitch or learn a new craft? Many retreats encourage you to bring your own projects as well as trying their expert-run workshops. It’s a good idea to check whether the course is aimed at beginners or more experienced stitchers.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?

Would you prefer something local or do you fancy travelling? Many retreats are based in hotels in some of the UK’s most beautiful places. Of course, don’t forget to plan how you are going to get there – is public transport possible or will you need to drive or hire a taxi? If so, is there anyone you can share with?

HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO GO FOR?

Retreats can vary from a couple of days to a week or even longer. Some hotels let you stay on if you fancy a longer trip, others need you to check out first thing Monday morning.

ACCOMMODATION

Not all retreats offer accommodation – although the organisers can usually recommend nearby hotels and B&Bs. If they do supply rooms – check whether you will be getting your own or sharing with a fellow stitcher. Does the accommodation include food and drink, and if so, can they cater to any dietary requirements? Are they accessible for people with mobility issues?

OTHER PEOPLE

Find out how many people are doing the course – the lower the number, the more tutor-time you will get. Of course, your plan might be to make friends, so the more the merrier! Some courses allow you to bring friends or partners.

PRICE

A vital consideration! Work out how much you want to spend, and then check what you will receive for that price. Does the retreat include meals, tea and coffee, materials, workshops? Also, do you have to provide a deposit or pay in instalments?

EXTRAS

We all love stitching – but perhaps you might like to try other activities too? Many hotels offer spas , yoga classes or swimming pools for extra relaxation – or are surrounded by interesting towns or beautiful countryside to explore. Will you have time to take advantage?

WHAT TO BRING

Do you need to bring your own projects, tools or materials? Don’t forget to pack everything you need for other activities – swimming costume or walking boots. A book or iPad for the evening if you don’t fancy joining other stitchers. And of course, the correct glasses!