4-8 November 2024
As a new group who were only formed 23 months ago, we seem to have packed a lot in our time together. We’ve enjoyed workshops, visiting speakers, trips, sewing sessions, challenges, exhibitions and so much more. Many of our members have exhibited their work in a variety of venues and shows, and we have many competition winners amongst us as well as those just starting out on their textile adventure. What else can we do…? How about a retreat?
Hands up who’s interested…?
So, one of our brilliant committee members organised a retreat to the Peak District.
I set off on Monday 4 November, and the drive was easier and more pleasant than I was expecting. The destination: a stunning converted farm near to Leek called Hamps Hall & Barn. The venue had the wow factor but don’t take my word for it, read the reviews (hampshallandbarn.co.uk)
Thirteen of us called this stunning place our home for the next five days. Although we knew each other from the meetings, we didn’t really know each other. You know how it is, you get a chance for a quick catch up, but once the meeting starts you become fully immersed in the activity of the day and then people drift off at the end. The retreat would be an opportunity to get to know each other better.
We all took our own sewing projects. It was interesting to see what everyone was working on. Some people took their sewing machines and others took hand sewing or knitting. I took a small quilt I was working on for a competition. I decided to learn to embroider but I didn’t have any particular knowledge or skills. To my delight we had some fabulously talented embroidery teachers and I was so grateful for all the support and encouragement I was given.
Sitting on the oversized Chesterfield sofas we got to know each other while sewing, eating, drinking and laughing. There was lots of laughing. We shared stories of our lives and connected through our love of textiles.
We visited two amazing mills and learned how textiles had shaped the area: Paradise Mill in Macclesfield, thesilkmuseum.co.uk; and Quarry Bank Cotton Mill in Wilmslow, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/quarry-bank. There was of course time for refreshments and retail therapy. It was fascinating to get so close to the looms and machinery, and learn about the workers during the heydays of the mills.
I can honestly say I felt so relaxed at the retreat. We shared food, walked to a pub, visited the local towns, some sat in the hot tub, we had a movie night and we talked and sewed.
What more could you want…?
To do it again next year…?
Count me in!
Written by Yvonne Phennah