Golden Hinde Goldwork Retreat - fabulous flames
On Monday 8th June we held our Fabulous Flames retreat at Shallowford house in Staffordshire this was a small group of 8, the attendees mostly decided to complete the project offered on this course although they did have the option to create their own design or on going project
Our Embroidery Retreats are far more than a traditional embroidery workshops. It is an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life, immerse yourself in creativity, and explore the stunning art of goldwork embroidery this retreat had a striking flame-inspired design, although attendees were welcome to do their own project if they wanted.
The whole week is planned out with mealtimes, lots of stitching and free time, giving a balanced social week with quite time if needed. This event was held at our Staffordshire venue Shallowford house a dedicated retreat centre with a in house chef, and meals are generally served family style
Learning, Creating & Inspiring
Throughout the retreat, attendees worked through a beautiful goldwork project while receiving expert guidance and support from our tutor Sarah. The design incorporates a variety of traditional goldwork embroidery techniques, including padding, leather work and plate, this gave the participants the opportunity to develop their skills while creating a unique and eye-catching piece. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace, and with the retreats being inclusive everyone helps each other and share and tips they may have picked up in their embroidery journeys, they are suitable for all abilities, the retreat welcomes both complete beginners and experienced embroiderers.
More Than an Embroidery Retreat
One of the things that makes Golden Hinde retreats so special is the sense of community they create. Many of our attendees tell us that they have formed strong friendships during our retreats, friendships are just as valuable as the embroidery skills they learn. Bringing together people who share a passion for goldwork, hand embroidery, and textile art creates a welcoming atmosphere where ideas, techniques, and inspiration can be shared freely.
Stitching is a craft that connects people, and our retreats provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow embroidery enthusiasts, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the artistry of hand embroidery together.
Retreat Reviews
I asked a few of the attendees of this retreat if they could put their thoughts down as an honest review so that I could share it with you :
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In June I went on my fourth goldwork retreat with Golden Hinde. The fact that I, and many of the other attendees, keep coming back is a testament to the quality of these retreats. However, we also had a lady who came for the first time. She fitted in straight away and has already booked herself on another retreat. It is lovely to spend time with other stitchers.
The title of this retreat was Fabulous Flames. Sarah is a lovely tutor who is very patient and she provides demonstrations to the group and also on an individual basis. There was a choice of designs and a kit (with choice of colours), but you could also do your own design or even work on another project. There is a timetable of sessions where Sarah is available to demonstrate to the group and offer individual tuition with plenty of breaks for refreshments and leisure time, and you can also carry on stitching during the leisure time if you wish.
I learned a lot of useful techniques and tips; including how to prepare and lace a slate frame, apply plate and create padded leather shapes. Although I didn’t complete my piece (goldwork is quite time consuming), I left with the confidence that I could complete my design.
Sarah also brings her shop of goldwork supplies which is a great opportunity to add to our stash. All the ladies in the group were also happy to share tools and supplies (and useful ideas) if anyone needed them.
The venue in Stone, Staffordshire is a lovely old house with good facilities. Breakfast was buffet style (cereals and toast) and two course meals for lunch and dinner, with generous portions. Because they cater for small groups, there wasn’t a choice of meal but they will also cater for dietary requirements. The chef also asked us about what we would like and was happy to adjust his menus. Bedrooms are mostly en suite and plenty of room, although the layout varies and plug sockets are not always in the best place so I would recommend taking an extension lead. There is a train line quite close so if you’re a light sleeper you might want to bring earplugs.
Colleen – Attendee at the Fabulous Flames retreat
On the 8th of June 8 keen goldworkers gathered at Shallowford House between Stafford and Stone. Seven of them had been to a retreat before and the one newcomer was soon part of the group and became part of the wider retreat family.
Shallowford House is a retreat and conference centre set in extensive grounds. The original house has been extended and there are bedrooms in both the old and new part of the house. On the ground floor are the lounge, the dining room, 4 bedrooms, the chapel and a number of meeting rooms. Meals are mainly home cooked and special diets are well catered for. The food was varied and good, and the chef was eager to be sure we were happy with the food.
The grounds are part garden and part meadows which are managed as a wildlife reserve. There are mown paths through the meadows making it a pleasant place to walk. In addition, the grounds are home to two peacocks and a peahen (with two chicks), an alpaca, two pygmy goats and a large pig.
We were in a room which had windows on three sides making it very light and ideal for the work we were doing. It also had a door to the outside which made it easy to bring things in from your car.
The topic for this retreat was ‘Flames’ and provided practise in felt padding and working with leather, plate and purl. We had a choice of three designs and freedom to choose the colours we wished to use. Several of us mastered the intricacies of mounting our work on a ‘no-sew’ frame, some with more success than others. I prefer to use a slate frame and was pleased with the ‘no-sew’ one.
The timetable is arranged so that there is a break after lunch when you can have a rest or go for a walk if you wish, and there is no teaching after dinner. However you are free to continue working after lunch and after dinner so long as you do not require help from the tutor.
As usual Sarah kept us busy and entertained. We had a demonstration of a technique we would need whenever it was necessary. She is always ready to help and advise, as well as helping put it right if something went wrong.
Although the retreat subject was Flames one member of the group was finishing a project she had started at a previous retreat. This is not unusual and ‘doing your own thing’ is permitted at some of the retreats.
Although the weather was not kind to us and it rained for part of every day we all had an excellent time and all of us will be coming on another retreat. In fact, several of us have already booked another one.
Sue – Attendee of Fabulous Flames retreat
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Sounds like a fabulous retreat, I can’t wait to join you on the white rabbit retreat 🐇🪡
Hi Jane, Thank you for your lovely comment, we look forward to seeing you at our White Rabbit retreat in July 2027