Elegant Needlecase – September 2027

Elegant Needle case

Monday 27th September – 1st October 2027

Do you want to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in creativity? Why not join one of our inspiring stitching holidays and enjoy a truly relaxing experience dedicated to beautiful  Goldwork Embroidery.

Our Monday-Friday retreats are held throughout the year, they offer something suitable for everyone. Leave your chores and daily routine behind and enjoy the luxury of being completely looked after, from dinner on your day of arrival to lunch on your departure day. Spend your time stitching, unwinding and connecting with like-minded people who share your passion.

During this retreat you will learn the art of goldwork embroidery, how and why stitches are done in a certain way and how to perfect the skills that you already have,

• Essential techniques
• Why stitches are working in specific ways
• How to refine and perfect your existing skills
• Creating stunning 3D effects that will make your design pop

With our expert guidance you will create a stunning piece of work, which will showcases all the techniques you’ve learned. A material pack will be available to purchase

We are delighted to introduce our stunning Needle case of which will be a matching accessory to the pin cushion created in one of our 2026 retreats 

• Goldwork
• Stumpwork

This is a perfect project for embroiderers who love to learn, refine your skills and creating a piece of work with depth and impact, this design offers a rewarding and inspiring stitching experience from Start to finish. A material pack will be available for you to purchase or you are welcome to your own supplies if you prefer.

This retreat

What do I need to bring?

To do this project you will need to bring a Frame, we prefer bar fames you can see how to put these to via this link Set up your bar frame you will also need backing fabric, needles, scissors both serrated (for wires) and embroidery, beeswax, and a stand/clamp – such as a barrel clamp or seat frame so that you have your hands free (this is optional)

Do I need any experience? 

Absolutely not. Our stitching holidays are suitable for everyone, whether you are a complete beginner or you have done many goldwork projects before, we warmly welcome all levels and abilities.

Is there a particular stitch you have always wanted to master,  we  are here to help. Choose your design – whether this is the retreat project or your own design- settle in and enjoy the process – we will guide you every step of the way

Who is our tutor?

Your tutor for this retreat will be Sarah Rakestraw, who brings many years of experience in the world of Goldwork Embroidery. Sarah is also the author of the book Glorious Goldwork which is available to purchase on our website. With expert tuition, a supportive atmosphere and plenty or encouragement, you will feel confident and inspired, no matter what your current level is.

Venue Details

Our venue for this retreat is located in the Staffordshire countryside, located just 3 miles from Junction 14 of the M6 motorway and 6 miles from Stafford railway station. Stone  is just 3.5 miles.

All embroidery retreat residential’s include accommodation which is generally a on suite bedroom for one. Occasionally we will have other options available.

What is included?

• accommodation, usually a private en-suite room, we occasionally have other options available
• All meals – Breakfast, 2 course lunch and 2 course evening meal
• Tea, coffee and biscuits
• All tutor time

Terms and conditions and cancellation policy:

All bookings must be paid in full to secure your place, all details of any cancellations or amendments can be seen in the terms and conditions. Please ensure that you can attend before booking. You can view the full terms and conditions here.

Review of the venue from previous attendees

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 isn’t a menu with a choice of meal but they will also cater for dietary requirements. – Colleen – June 26 retreat

The venue, Shallowford House, is an old house set in 9 acres of grounds in lovely countryside. As well as gardens and meadows to wander around there are several permanent animal residents to see. Because the house is old it has some unusual and quirky features such as plug sockets on the opposite side of the room to where they could be useful and many different corridors to the rooms.  The workroom that we were in was well lit and roomy enough for all of us to spread out as well as Sarah’s space for giving her demonstrations – Mary F March and June 26 retreat

For more general information please check our retreats page