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UPCOMING EVENTS
2026 and 2027 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 up to 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).
If you have a group of six to eight people that would like to come to my Croft in 2027 for a bespoke week of stitching and other artisan workshops and visits on the island then don’t hesitate to contact me and we can look at dates and course content together.
You can plan ahead and book for 2026 and 2027!
See below.
DATES FOR 2026 AS FOLLOWS:-
27 April – 1 May – Full
11 – 15 May – Full
24 – 28 August – one space available
7 -11 September – two spaces available
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 2026
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. Or follow the recommendations of previous students below:-
HOTELS and GUESTHOUSES –
Langass Lodge, a lovely hotel across the loch from me about 5 minutes drive
Temple View Hotel in Caranish about 10 minutes from me
Orchid Cottage, Grenitote HS6 5BP, book directly on 07787153367 orchid.cottage@gmail.com, continental breakfast served,
Or book via Airbnb: airbnb.com/h/
SELF CATERING
North Light Studio in Locheport (self-catering) about 3 minutes from me
The Otter House in Locheport (self-catering) about 4 minutes from me
Kelp Cottage, Locheport, North Uist, 2 minutes from me
Flora’s Sheiling 10 minutes from me
Grenitote Pod near Sollas 30 minutes away from me.
CAMPSITES if you come in a camper van or want to hire a pod
Balranald Campsite and pods about 20 minutes from me
Moorcroft Holidays and pods about 10 minutes from me
Looking forward to welcoming you to the islands.
Pat
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
STITCHING TRACKS TOUR ACROSS INDIA
10 – 27 February 2027
Embark with me on an unforgettable journey across India where heritage, craft and slow, soulful travel come together in perfect harmony. Stitching Tracks is a lovingly curated expedition that threads through India’s most evocative landscapes – from the colonial charm of Kolkata and the sacred ghats of Varanasi to the regal grace of Lucknow, the Himalayan serenity of Shimla and the vibrant sprit of Amritsar.
Tour Highlights
- Tram ride through the City of Joy, sunset boat cruise under the iconic Howrah Bridge in Kolkata.
- Ride India’s legendary Calcutta Tram — old?world charm on wheels!
- Get hands?on with Kantha — stitch, shop, create… Bengal style!
- Varanasi — Sunrise on the Ganges… goosebumps guaranteed!
- Evening Ganga Aarti — fire, chants, drums, devotion… an explosion of energy!
- Silk Brocade weaving up close — meet the masters behind India’s finest textiles!
- Morning Yoga with a trained Yoga teacher.
- Lucknow — Explore the mind?twisting ‘Bhul?Bhulaiya’ maze!, Chikankari, learn India’s most delicate embroidery from the pros! Indulge in kebabs & Nawabi charm — flavours and flair everywhere!
- Shimla — Ride the UNESCO Kalka–Shimla railway line in YOUR OWN chartered vintage Railbus!
- Walk the historic Mall Road + explore the stunning Vice Regal Lodge!
- Himachali knitting workshop — mountain craft, mountain colours, mountain magic!
- Amritsar — The Golden Temple… glowing, shimmering, unforgettable!
- Wagah Border ceremony — high?voltage patriotic theatre!
- Phulkari workshop — bold threads, bold colours, bold Punjab!
- Epic travel moments — iconic trains, scenic drives, mountain curves & cultural deep dives!
- The tour is led by UK Textile Expert.
For more information and detailed itinerary click here https://www.darjeelingtours.co.uk/stitchingtracks.html
CROATIA HAND-STITCHING RETREAT
18 – 25 May 2027
Set against the sparkling backdrop of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, this carefully curated holiday combines cultural discovery and creative inspiration. Based in the charming seaside town of Vodice, you’ll enjoy a perfect balance of guided excursions and hand-stitching workshops with me. The fascinating programme will take you to some of Croatia’s most captivating corners: wander the cobbled streets of Trogir, a UNESCO-listed gem rich in medieval architecture, and explore historic Zadar. Beyond the cities, you’ll take in the country’s natural beauty with a visit to Krka National Park, famed for its cascading waterfalls and tranquil landscapes, as well as the unique character of Pag Island, renowned for its centuries-old lace-making traditions and distinctive local cuisine. Blending creativity, history and scenic exploration, this holiday offers a rich and rewarding experience in one of Europe’s most enchanting coastal destinations.
Click here for more information https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/croatia-hand-stitching-retreat
ALSACE AND THE CARREFOUR
EUROPEEN DU PATCHWORK BY RAIL
14 – 21 September 2027
Travelling by rail, join me and immerse yourself in textiles and patchwork in the heart of the beautiful Alsace region of France! The Carrefour Européen du Patchwork (European Patchwork Meeting), is a show with a difference taking place across the four villages of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Sainte Croix-aux-Mines, Liepvre and Rombach-le-Franc in the wonderful Val d’Argent, historical buildings, village halls and places of worship will be turned into galleries exhibiting over 1,000 textile works of art supplied by local and international artists and collectors.
The European Patchwork Show started in 1993 when the French Association of Anabaptism and Mennonite history organised, in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Amish movement. Over the years, the event has grown and now includes classes (bookable online), conferences, activities and a considerable commercial area specialising in everything ‘patchwork and textile’. Each year, visitors from around the globe are attracted to this internationally renowned event that is truly one of a kind!
We’ll stay in the charming Old Town of Colmar where cobblestoned streets and winding canals are lined with half-timbered medieval and renaissance buildings. We will also spend the day in Mulhouse, a city renowned for its rich textile heritage, before crossing into Germany to visit the Madeira thread headquarters near Freiburg in Breisgau. Two fantastic hand-stitching workshops with your expert are also included!
Click here for more information https://www.stitchtopia.co.uk/holiday/alsace-and-the-carrefour-europeen-du-patchwork-by-rail