Sewing Weekend Retreat 2024
- Sat 9th November - Sun 10th November 2024
- East Sussex National hotel, near Uckfield, East Sussex, UK
- Residential places from £360
- Approx 30 people
This is a chance to settle into a fabulous hotel and enjoy two days of uninterrupted sewing. With chat, laughter and plenty of tea.
There will be an optional half day workshop with all materials provided.
You can bring along all those jobs that have been waiting for your attention, whether it’s cushions, curtains, clothes or quilts. Alternatively you can start something from scratch and see it all the way through to completion. There will be no other demands on your time.
Plus you’ll have tutors on hand to give advice and answer any questions.
The venue
The 4-star East Sussex National Hotel is set within 1,100 acres of quintessential English countryside, and features two peaceful golf courses. Don’t forget your swimming costume if you want to make use of the Horsted Health Club and Spa.
Every bedroom has stunning views of the estate, en suite bathroom (shower and bath), TV, Wifi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, complementary toiletries, iron and hairdryer.
The cost shown is based on sharing a twin room, but if you’d prefer a room to yourself it’s just £39 more.
All your meals in the excellent hotel restaurant are included too.
A sociable space for crafting
Our dedicated sewing room is large, light and airy. You’ll have your own personal sewing table, but we’re ‘together’ enough that you can chat as you work.
You might want to take a stroll around the room to see what other people are doing. There’s always so much variety.
Optional half day workshop
During the course of the weekend you will have the option of joining a half day workshop where all materials are provided and all abilities are welcome.
What level of ability is the retreat for?
What do I need to bring? What equipment is provided?
You’ll need to bring your own sewing kit, including items such as scissors, pins, thread, needles and rulers, as well as the fabric and other materials you need for your project(s).
If you bring your own machine, which we recommend, don’t forget the leads and foot pedal. (Believe us, this has happened!) Also, please note that your machine must be PAT tested before the event. A local electrician will be able to do this for you – do get in touch if you need any guidance.
Alternatively, you can book one of our own PAT-tested machines at £20 per day. Just contact us to request one. Overlockers are also available on request.
Your personal crafting table will have one plug socket and you’ll have access to irons. If you need any extra plug sockets please bring an extension lead with you.
We’ll also have a supply of essential kit in case of forgotten items.
Your weekend in detail
Day 1
Your retreat begins at 9.30am on the Saturday. (If you’d like to stay at the hotel the night before, please book directly with them.)
We’ll have time to introduce ourselves before the sewing begins at 10am.
After a morning of sewing, we’ll be served a hot and cold buffet lunch. It’s then back to the sewing room for the afternoon.
Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day with short mid-morning and afternoon breaks.
In the evening, you’ll be served a delicious three-course-meal, with a choice of three different options for each course.
You can then relax in the bar, enjoy the spa facilities or watch a film in bed. Whatever you fancy.
Day 2
On Sunday morning, breakfast is served between 8am and 9:30am. The sewing room will be open from 9am. It’s up to you whether to make an early start or emerge later after a lovely lie-in.
The optional workshop will take place during the morning and we will supply everything needed.
You’ll enjoy another buffet-style lunch at 12.30pm. Then there’s more sewing, learning and happy conversation until you say goodbye to your new friends at 4pm.
Meet your tutors
Sarah Brangwyn
Louise Cray
Pam Monk
Vanessa Cordell
Terms & Conditions
The cost of your booking will depend on whether you choose a private or shared room, or daytime only.
Also included in the price are:
- Buffet lunch and 3 course evening meal on day one.
- Large buffet breakfast and buffet lunch on day two.
- Refreshments throughout each day.
- Free use of the health club 7am to 8pm, including pool, spa pool, sauna and steam room. (Treatments at the award-winning Horsted Spa can be booked separately.)
Free parking. - Free Wifi throughout the hotel.
50% deposit is payable at time of booking with the balance of the account due on 31st August 2023. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable. If full payment has not been received by 31st August 2023 we reserve the right to reallocate your place.
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.
