UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 and 2026 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 studio, 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 and enjoy Western Isles hospitality! Every day at the croft you will be indulged with coffee/tea/home baking and a soup and sandwich lunch. I can take groups of eight. 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 and 2026!
See below.
DATES FOR 2025 ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
28 April – 2 May – Full
2 – 6 June – Full
16 – 20 June – Full
7 – 11 July – Full
25 – 29 August – Full
8 – 12 September – Full
DATES FOR 2026 AS FOLLOWS:-
27 April – 1 May
11 – 15 May
24 – 28 August
7 -11 September
Click below for prices and a provisional outline of the course with me. 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
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
ORIENTAL LEAF CIRCLE
SEWING MACHINE RETREAT
Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside.
2-6 March 2026
On this retreat, I will introduce you to a leaf-themed project using some Japanese forms of design. This can either be a square wall hanging or a large square cushion cover with leaf appliqués tumbling across it. There will be an opportunity to do some of your own design work as well. We will discuss colour options in some detail so, for anyone who may be nervous, you can push back the colour boundaries! We’ll have three days together so we can work in a relaxed way, but you will have a very nearly finished project at the end of the retreat.
Click here for more information https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/oriental-leaf-circle-sewing-machine-retreat
STITCHTOPIA FESTIVAL
Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside.
6-8 March 2026
By far the most popular event in our programme, Stitchtopia Festival is back! This is the ultimate weekend residential event for all knitters, crocheters, quilters and textile lovers. Eight of our experts will be offering workshops across the weekend and the fun continues after dinner with optional evening entertainment.
Combine this weekend retreat with my Oriental Leaf Circle Sewing Machine Retreat 2nd to 6th March 2026 to make a full week of creativity. I will be teaching the following workshops over the Festival Weekend.
Click here for more information https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/stitchtopia-festival
- Quick and Easy Flying Geese (Machine Stitching)
Work along with Pat to learn how to make the quickest and easiest ‘flying geese’ blocks – and better still, there is no waste! This technique is addictive and is a great way of using up scraps of fabric to bust the stash. By the end of the workshop, you will have made a number of blocks that can be combined into a cushion front or added to at home.
2. Oriental Blossoms Panel (Hand Stitching)Work with Pat’s oriental templates to create a delightful cherry blossom design, accented with gently curving waves of Japanese quilting. The workshop will cover Bondaweb appliqué, sashiko style stitching, gilding and foiling, and how to add beautiful wavy borders to enhance your designs. These templates are sure to transform your work.
3. Kantha Stitched Jewellery or Gift Bag (Hand Stitching)
Enjoy the process of hand stitching in the style of Indian kantha work to create a little bag with either a bird or elephant design (or both). There will be an option of stitching a shi-sha mirror to enhance your design and add another traditional Gujarati influence into your work. You should have a finished project by the end of the session.
SOLOIST QUILT
SEWING MACHINE RETREAT
Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside.
5 – 7 June 2026
Workshop Information: This delightful quilt is centred around the use of a larger scale feature fabric along with other coordinating and contrasting fabrics. This fabric will be the starring solo role in your quilt. The feature fabric is used in four large squares which are approximately 6 inch square but set on point. Three other supporting fabrics plus a border are required. The overall measurement of the finished quilt is approximately 36 inches (95cm) square.
Skill Level: Skills in rotary cutting and basic machine piecing will be a big advantage. Not suitable for absolute beginners.
Requirements List: A requirements list will be supplied so that you can choose your own fabrics and colours.
Click here for more information https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/soloist-quilt-sewing-machine-weekend
CAPE TOWN, THE GARDEN ROUTE AND SOUTH AFRICAN QUILT FESTIVAL
26 June – 12 July 2026
Join me on a unique and inspiring journey as we explore South Africa – a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and incredible experiences. We begin in Cape Town, a vibrant city nestled between the majestic Table Mountain and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. After, we then travel to Stellenbosch, set in the world-renowned winelands region and surrounded by beautiful vineyards and fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. We continue to the charming, rural Karoo town of Prince Albert before then joining the famous Garden Route, a spectacular coastal drive through lush forests, rugged cliffs, tranquil lagoons and picturesque neighbourhoods.
We will also go in search of the ‘Big Five’, where under the guidance of experienced rangers, we will track animals in their natural habitat, as well as appreciate the mesmerising flora. After, we will spend two days at the 23rd South African Quilt Festival, where a diverse range of styles, techniques, and cultural influences will be on display, bringing an end to what promises to be an unforgettable adventure!
Click here for much more information https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/cape-town-the-garden-route-and-south-african-quilt-festival
TEXTILES OF ROMANIA
2 – 12 October 2026
Join me on this tour which delves deep into the heart of Romania’s picturesque landscapes and explores the country’s intricate weaving, embroidery, and fabric craftsmanship. From the charming villages nestled in the Carpathian Mountains to vibrant cities steeped in history, Romania is home to a wealth of traditional skills passed down through generations. During the holiday, we’ll visit local workshops and museums, meet skilled artisans and enjoy two half-day hand stitching workshops with myself.
Click here for more information https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/textiles-of-romania