Carolyn Forster Quilting Retreat – Tunbridge Wells

  Event – Carolyn Forster Quilting Retreat – Tunbridge Wells – 5th – 8th October 2026 Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells 

Venue – The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells

Full Retreat Price – £999 

Non Residential Price £599

(5% discount applied if paid in full see T+C’s)

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Welcome to our Luxury Quilting Retreat 2026 with Carolyn Forster the Quilting Queen 🙂

We are delighted to invite you to an unforgettable creative escape at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, set amidst 14 acres of beautiful, tranquil grounds.

This will be Carolyn’s first hometown retreat, making it an especially unique and personal experience. The retreat will take place from 5th–8th October 2026 (3 nights), and spaces are limited to 12 residential places, ensuring a highly personal, tailored experience for every participant.

We’re also pleased to confirm that the venue is fully accessible, so all guests can enjoy the retreat comfortably and without limitations.

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ABOUT THE RETREAT

This immersive retreat is designed for sewists of all abilities — from enthusiastic beginners to confident makers looking to refine their skills. Over the retreat, you’ll enjoy expert-led workshops, personalised guidance, and plenty of hands-on sewing time in a friendly, inspiring environment.

Your weekend will be guided by our exceptional tutor:

Meet Your Tutor: Carolyn Forster

Celebrated British quilter and textile artist, Carolyn Forster studied textiles in Bath and holds a City & Guilds qualification in Patchwork and Quilting. Over her career, she has been featured in international magazines and on UK and US television, sharing her expertise and passion for quilting with audiences around the world.

Carolyn is renowned for her friendly, approachable teaching style, making complex techniques accessible to makers of all levels. She specialises in quilt-as-you-go techniques and enjoys inspiring students to experiment with creative layouts, fabrics, and embellishments.

In addition to teaching, Carolyn has authored multiple bestselling quilting books, contributed patterns to well-known publications, and runs workshops internationally, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to every class. Her teaching encourages confidence, experimentation, and a love of textile creativity, ensuring every participant leaves with skills they can use for a lifetime of sewing projects.

Included in your retreat price – £999

•    Three nights’ accommodation at the stunning Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells, in a spacious, top-end room with bed & breakfast
  • Three full days of expert-led sewing workshops with Carolyn Forster• All materials, kits, and sewing supplies included (unless otherwise noted)
  • Exclusive new patterns and templates released specially for the retreat
  • A mini project inspired by Tunbridge Wells Ware with kit supplied
  • Opportunity to bring your own patterns or projects for one-on-one time with Carolyn
  • Lunch provided each day and refreshments throughout the day
  • Afternoon outing to a local museum for a creative and cultural experience (optional on the Thursday)
  • Fully accessible venue for all guests
  • Price: £999

Optional Day Delegate- £599

•  Three full days of expert-led sewing workshops with Carolyn Forster
  • All materials, kits, and sewing supplies included (unless otherwise noted)
  • Exclusive new patterns and templates released specially for the retreat
  • A mini project inspired by Tunbridge Wells Ware with kit supplied
  • Opportunity to bring your own patterns or projects for one-on-one time with Carolyn
  • Lunch provided each day and refreshments throughout the day
  • Afternoon outing to a local museum for a creative and cultural experience (optional on the Thursday)
  • Fully accessible venue for all guests
  • Price: £599

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

This retreat offers participants a unique opportunity to explore a range of sewing techniques, guided by Carolyn Forster.

Across two immersive days, attendees will work on multiple projects, blending creativity, skill-building, and personal expression in a supportive environment.

Participants will:

• Create an exclusive hand-pieced retreat pattern, released specially for attendees, with a full set of templates included.
• Work on a mini project inspired by the historic Tunbridge Wells Ware, machine-sewn, with kits provided.
• Have the opportunity to bring their own project or pattern from Carolyn’s books for one-on-one guidance.

Key Techniques & Skills Covered

Participants will learn and apply:

• Quilt-as-you-go techniques, including mini quilts inspired by Siddi traditions from India
• Creative use of fabric scraps to make 10-inch sampler quilts
• Hand and machine piecing, applique, and embellishment techniques

Learning Objectives

By the end of the retreat, participants will be able to:

• Execute both hand and machine piecing with precision
• Apply applique and embellishment techniques to small and medium-sized projects
• Understand and apply quilt-as-you-go methods for sampler quilts
• Plan and execute projects using pattern reading, cutting, and layout strategies
• Create unique, personalised textile projects using both provided patterns and their own designs

Project Outcomes

Participants will leave the retreat with:

• A finished hand-pieced retreat project
• A mini Tunbridge Wells Ware-inspired project completed during the sessions
• Optional progress on their own ongoing project with expert input
• A collection of techniques and skills to use in future quilting and sewing projects
• Increased confidence and inspiration to explore new creative ideas

Materials & Resources Provided

• All fabrics, kits, templates, and sewing supplies for retreat projects
• One-on-one guidance with Carolyn for personal projects

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Payment & Booking Information

To reserve your spot, a £300 non-refundable deposit can now be paid either by Bank Transfer or via a secured PayPal link (details below)

Deposit by Bank Transfer Bank Transfer

Bank Transfer Details: (If paying by bank transfer, please email enquiries@artandcraftretreats.co.uk to confirm payment has been sent. We will reply with confirmation.)

Account Name: Art and Craft Retreats LTD
Sort Code: 04-00-03
Account Number: 04487572
Payment Reference: Your Name

Deposit by PayPal link below:

PayPal link:

Click Here to Pay Deposit Via PalPal

We expect this retreat to fill quickly due to the high level of interest, so early booking is recommended.

New for 2026 – Payment Plans
If you’d like to pay for the retreat using a payment plan, we can offer monthly payments via bank transfer. Simply email us and we’ll be happy to arrange this for you (enquiries@artandcraftretreats.co.uk)

Enquiries / Further Information

If you have any questions or require any further information, please feel free to contact us at enquiries@artandcraftretreats.co.uk, or visit our website www.artandcraftretreats.co.uk for details on all future retreats and featured tutors.

The Art and Craft Retreats Team 

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**Terms and Conditions**

To secure your place, a £300 non-refundable deposit is required.
The final balance is due 10 weeks before the retreat.
Cancellations after the final payment are non-refundable.
Payment plans can be arranged on request.

A full list of terms and conditions can be found on our website.

We advise all guests to purchase adequate travel insurance at the time of booking. This will ensure you are covered in the event of illness, unexpected travel issues, or the need to cancel.

*5% off the full retreat price applies to booking paid in full** – Available only on Bank Transfer Payments.