Luxury Hand and Machine Sewing Retreat

🎨 Join Us for an Unforgettable Creative Getaway in Bath! ✨

October 17–19, 2025 | Bailbrook House, Bath, Somerset

We’re thrilled to announce the very first luxury retreat from The Arts and Crafts Retreats Company and we’d love for you to be part of it!

Set in the stunning city of Bath, this exclusive weekend promises inspiration, creativity, and relaxation in a truly beautiful setting.

Whether you’re coming to create, unwind, or connect with fellow makers, our retreat is designed to nourish your soul and spark your imagination.

🌟 What’s Included :

🧵🪡✂ our inspiring workshops (2 hand sewing & 2 machine sewing)

🏨 2 nights full-board accommodation at the luxurious Bailbrook House — from dinner Friday to lunch Sunday

🧑‍🏫 Expert tuition from 4 renowned craft tutors

🧵 All materials & refreshments included

🚗 Free on-site parking

💷 Price: £899 (Single occupancy in modern hotel rooms; twin/double available on request, check with James)

♿ Accessible room options available, do check with James

👥 Only 40 spaces available

Workshop Highlights:

•      Suzie Duncan – Stitch a beautiful Alice Bag
•      Carolyn Forster – Discover Kawandi Quilting
•      Rebecca Reid – Create an Amber Makes Zippy Traycase
•      Tilly Rose – Hand sew a charming Vintage Memory Keeper

The Deadline for deposits has now passed, but you can still book on using Paypal at the full price of £899.

Alternatively, you can pay by Bank Transfer:

• Account Name: Art and Craft Retreats LTD
• Sort Code: 04-00-03
• Account No: 04487572
• Reference: Your Name

Either way, James will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

Do check out our DAY PASS option!

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ITINERARY

On arrival, you will be assigned a group (A-C). This will be your teaching group for the weekend. If you wish to be grouped with a friend, please let me know in advance 

 

• Complimentary on-site car parking for all delegates
• Dedicated hand-picked host on hand from the moment you arrive (James)
• Main meeting room hire with fast Wi-Fi Tabletop multi-plug adaptors 
• Tea and coffee on arrival with fresh fruit and pastries
• Morning break with tea and coffee, fresh fruit, savoury snacks and smoothies 
• Seasonal conference lunch with main course, salads, freshly baked breads, cold meat, cheese or fish platters and dessert 
• Afternoon break with tea and coffee, fresh fruit, sweet snacks and smoothies 
• Three-course restaurant dinner or a more relaxed option on request
• Free sewing machine hire available upon request
•  Overnight accommodation in a Classic bedroom
•  Full traditional and continental breakfast
• There is an option to stay the night before (16th October) or the night of the last day (19th October), please email any requests to James enquiries@artandcraftretreats.co.uk

 

Friday 17/10/25

• 0800 – 0915 Arrival and refreshments in The Brunel Suite
• 0930 – 0945 Welcome meeting and introductions
• 1000 – 1300 Workshop One (Refreshments available during this workshop)
• 1300 – 1400 Conference Lunch in The Lansdown Restuarant
• 1400 – 1700 Workshop Two (Refreshments available during this workshop)
• 1700 – 1830 Own time to collect your key and freshen up
• 1830 – 1900 Pre-dinner drinks 
• 1900 – 2000 Q+A session with the experts
• 2000 – 2200 Conference Dinner in The Lansdown Restuarant

**Sewing Rooms will be open until late to work on projects**

 

Saturday 18/10/25

• 0730 – 0930 Breakfast
• 1000 – 1300 Workshop Three (Refreshments available during this workshop)
• 1300 – 1400 Conference Lunch in The Lansdown Restuarant
• 1400 – 1700 Workshop Four (Refreshments available during this workshop)
• 1700 – 1830 Your time to relax 
• 1830 – 1900 Pre-dinner drinks
• 1900-2000 Q+A session with the experts 
• 2000 – 2200 Conference Dinner in The Lansdown Restaurant including a Quiz hosted by John Scott

**Sewing Rooms will be open until late to work on projects**

Sunday 19/10/25

• 0730 – 0930 Breakfast including Quiz results/prizes for the winner.
• 0930 – 1100 – Farewell and Goodbyes – Take this time to relax, reflect, and say your goodbyes. If you’d like to continue working on your projects, the hotel offers several comfortable rooms where you can unwind and create at your own pace..

I hope you have a truly enjoyable stay and that we’ll see you again at one of our future retreats. Thank you sincerely for being part of our very first retreat—your presence has made it extra special.

The Deadline for deposits has now passed, but you can still book on using Paypal at the full price of £899.

Alternatively you can pay by Bank Transfer:

• Account Name: Art and Craft Retreats LTD
• Sort Code: 04-00-03
• Account No: 04487572
• Reference: Your Name

Either way, James will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

Do check out our DAY PASS option!

James Wheeler
Founder, The Art and Craft Retreats Company

_______________________________________________________________________

Workshop Information and Description

** We will be providing irons and ironing boards**

 

Suzie Duncan – Alice Bag

Suzie will guide you through creating the Alice Bag – a roomy handbag or small tote that is fully reversible. The handle is cleverly incorporated into the bag body using an innovative sewing method.

The design also features an optional button and loop closure.

You’ll have the opportunity to add extra stitching details as you construct your bag, making each piece unique and personal.

Suitable for all abilities.

Kit provided: Everything you need to complete the project is included.Please bring: Basic Sewing kit to include: scissors, pins, tape measure, marking pen/pencil, hand sewing needle

 

Tilly Rose – Vintage Memory Keeper

Join Tilly to create your very own Vintage Memories Keeper using a beautiful selection of vintage and antique laces.
This project explores surface stitching, slow stitching, and embellishment techniques, allowing you to craft a truly unique piece.

Suitable for all abilities.

Perfect for use as a journal cover or memory pocket.

Kits provided: Everything you need to complete your project is included.
Optional: Bring your own treasured pieces from your craft stash to make your Memory Keeper extra special.

 

Carolyn Forster – Kawandi Quilt

Carolyn will teach the fascinating Kawandi Quilt technique – a traditional quilt-as-you-go method originating with the Siddi people of India.

You’ll use fabric scraps to stitch a 10-inch square mini quilt, practicing the characteristic elements of this beautiful design style.

Suitable for all abilities.

Kit provided: Everything you need to complete the project is included.
Please bring: A basic sewing kit and any favourite fabric scraps to personalise your mini quilt.

*Basic sewing Kit to include:  

• Fabric scissors 
• Thread snips/small scissors 
• Short applique pins if you have them, if not regular pins 
• Thimbles if you use them 
• Needles you can thread with 12wt thread. I do supply needles (embroidery size6 and Between size 6), but you may want your own. 

 

Rebecca Reid (Amber Makes) – Zippy Tray case

Rebecca will teach you how to make the Zippy Traycase and you’ll learn how to insert a zip and make this clever zipped Traycase with matching mini pouch. It features original Amber Makes illustrations of a collection of sewing tools and accessories with a vintage vibe.

Suitable for all abilities.

Kit provided: Everything you need to complete the project is included. 

Please bring: 

Sewing machine (including a zip foot): If you don’t have your own, we can provide one—just let us know in advance. 

Basic Sewing kit to include: scissors, pins, tape measure, marking pen/pencil, hand sewing needle

Any questions regarding the projects please email – enquiries@artandcraftretreats.co.uk

 

* Timings subject to change

#EatSleepCraftRetreat

James Wheeler – MD