Quilting Retreat 2024

Name: Quilting Retreat 2024
Start: 2024-09-24
End: 2024-09-25
Location: The Spa Hotel

Come and spend two indulgent days at a fabulous spa hotel joined by a friendly group of fellow quilters.

This is a relaxed retreat where you can do as much or as little as you like.

You’ll be working on your own projects, with help and support from our expert tutors. You can embark on an ambitious new quilt, with time to make loads of progress. Or enjoy the satisfaction of finally finishing off all your ‘work in progress’.

Plus there’s the added fun of an optional half day workshop (materials supplied ) as well as helpful how to sessions where we share our top tips and you can learn specific skills.

This really is the ultimate gift to yourself – two days away from home, completely immersed in the wonderful world of quilts. And maybe a dip in the pool.

The venue

Our retreat takes place at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells. Originally a Georgian country mansion, it opened as a decadent hotel in 1880, with 14 acres of landscaped grounds and easy access to the historic town centre.

Each of the individually designed rooms has an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, Wifi, complimentary toiletries, iron, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Use of the indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym is included, and you can also book a treatment in the spa (for an additional charge).

We’ll enjoy meals from the award-winning restaurant (served in a private room), with the option of a drink in the stylish Zagatos Bar.

Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

A sociable space for crafting

Our dedicated sewing room in the hotel is large, light and airy.

Everyone will have their own personal sewing table, with plenty of room. No need to pack anything away between sessions!

Quilting in this communal space allows you to talk as you go, share ideas and see what everyone else is up to.

A chance to develop your quilting skills

As well as having our tutors on hand, to answer your questions and give you handy tips, you’ll have the chance to attend short ‘how to’ sessions on a range of topics.

There will also be on optional half-day project for you to enjoy, if you wish.

It’s entirely up to you whether you join in with any of this, or carry on engrossed in your projects.

What level of ability is the retreat for?

While you don’t need to be an expert, this retreat is designed for people who know the basics of quilting and can work independently. Rather than being a course, it’s a chance to work on your own projects, with support available.

What do I need to bring? What equipment is provided?

Please bring along your own sewing kit (needles, scissors, thread, pins etc). We’ll have a stock of essential equipment in case of forgotten items.

We also recommend that you bring your own sewing machine (and overlocker, if you plan to use one). However, it’s possible to book one of our machines for £20 per day. Just get in touch to request one.

You’ll have access to one plug socket at your sewing station, so please bring an extension lead if you need more. We’ll also set up ironing stations around the room.

“A place you can enjoy what you love with likeminded people.”

Your weekend in detail

Day 1

Arrival at 9:30 for a 10am start in the sewing room. We’ll have enough time to meet up and introduce ourselves before the quilting begins.

A buffet lunch will be served between 1 and 2pm. You’ll have time for some fresh air in the beautiful gardens before an afternoon back at the machines.

Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, with short mid-morning and afternoon breaks.

The optional half day workshop, for those who want to join in, will take place in the afternoon.

A delicious three-course dinner will be served in a private room.

What you do with the rest of the evening is up to you. You can return to the sewing room, relax in the bar or enjoy some of the hotel facilities. Or make the most of peaceful time to yourself in your luxurious room.

Day 2

Start your day as early as you like. The hotel breakfast is served between 7am and 9:30am, and the sewing room is open from 9am.

There will be helpful ‘how to’ sessions, and another buffet lunch at 12:30, before the retreat draws to a close at 4pm.

Meet your tutors

We’ll be on hand for help and guidance whenever you need it.

Sarah Brangwyn

Owner of Made and Making, Sarah has been sewing all her life. Her passion is helping others to gain the same level of enjoyment from mastering these creative skills. She’s known for her infectious enthusiasm, her endless knowledge and for her knack for explaining things clearly, leading to lots of ‘aha!’ moments. You may well have seen her recently in as a guest designer on the TV sewing channel Sewing Street.

Louise Cray

Louise can turn her hand to all kinds of crafts – dyeing, felting, weaving, stitching and patchwork – and is currently a bit obsessed with hand sewing hexagons! She loves sharing her techniques by teaching an assortment of craft courses. She also works behind the scenes, keeping both Made and Making craft centre and Sarah Brangwyn Retreats running smoothly.

Vanessa Cordell

Having trained and worked as an accountant, Vanessa only took up sewing once her two daughters started school. She found real joy in creating things for others. As well as dressmaking, she loves patchwork and making things for the home. (Her husband thinks there are more than enough cushions already!)

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person.

50% deposit is payable at time of booking, with the balance due on 31st July 2024. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
If full payment has not been received by 31st July 2024 we reserve the right to reallocate your place.

The price includes:

one night’s accommodation at the Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells
buffet lunch and three-course evening meal on day one
breakfast and buffet lunch on day two
refreshments served throughout each day
use of the 10m pool, two gymnasiums, steam room and individual male and female saunas
free parking
free Wifi throughout the hotel.

If you’d like to extend your stay, you’re welcome to book with the hotel independently.

Refunds & Cancellations

If you change your mind, or are unable to attend for any reason, please let us know, in writing, as soon as possible.

We will give you a full refund if your place can be taken by someone else. If this is not possible then we regret that no refund will be possible.

In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the retreat you will receive a full refund.