GOOD READ and 7-9 December, with one-day passes available on Saturdays. Next July, Louisa and her team will also be hosting their first glamping crochet retreat at Gredon Lakes in Northamptonshire. “This stunning location will allow guests to get back to nature while enjoying the luxury of the fantastic yurts,” she says. “The weekend will be filled with workshops. We already have a great line-up of spinning, dyeing and felting, plus, of course, crochet. We also have a hot tub at this venue!” For both types of retreat, accommodation, food, workshops, advice from craft experts, yarn, goody bags, relaxation and fun are all included. Find out more at www. komodokrafts.com/bigcrochetstayaway. NORTHERN BEAUTY Gartmore House in Scotland’s Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is ideally situated for crochet retreats with jaw-dropping backdrops, and with workshops led by Samira Hill, you’re likely to come away with some exciting new skills too. Their crochet activity holidays are suited to crocheters of all abilities, from beginners and up. “For those learning to crochet, we run a workshop where you’ll learn to make colourful granny squares,” says Samira, “and for those with more experience, there are a variety of advanced crochet workshops to choose from, encompassing colourwork, shaping techniques and textured stitches.” We’ve got our eye on Samira’s brand new Crochet Cables workshop, “where crocheters can learn how to make beautiful Celtic cables and interfacing plaits panels to make a beautiful blanket or throw.” The Tunisian Crochet workshop is also high on our list. “It’s suitable for anyone with a basic knowledge of crochet,” Samira assures us. “Participants will learn the fundamentals of Tunisian Crochet while making a sampler of various stitches and shaping techniques, and then move on to follow a colourwork pattern to create a lovely double-sided cushion cover. Our Entrelac Tunisian Crochet workshop is available for those with a little Tunisian Crochet experience already. In this one, guests create a gorgeous and striking cushion cover to accessorise their home while learning this beautiful technique.” During these crochet holidays, everyone works at their own pace. You’ll go home equipped with some new techniques, and with plenty of gorgeous creations to prove it. Samira says: “I love to watch everyone’s progress whilst enjoying the crafty chats and the creative, inspiring and relaxing Subscribe at www.simplycrochetmag.com
atmosphere on the Gartmore retreats.” Each retreat includes en-suite accommodation in Gartmore House, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and expert crochet tuition. If you book for four nights or more, you can also take optional trips to Loch Katrine or The Scottish Wool Centre. The activity breaks take place all year round. Find out more at www.gartmorehouse.com. T I M E TO R E V I TA L I S E Gillian and David Booth run indulgent Escape To The Crochet retreats at their farmhouse in rural Northumberland. “We’ve gone from strength to strength in 2017,” says Gillian. “Everyone seems to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, great food and company and the well-stocked Teeny Tiny shop full of yarny goodness. In fact, most people can’t wait to book a return visit.” Full weekend retreats, plus a midweek day, are hosted every month and are ideal if you need to revitalise your energy. “Guests can stay over in the comfortable B&B accommodation or just pop in for the day,” says Gillian. “Group days are also popular and can be arranged for private parties such as WI or crafting friends.” The food on offer is all part of the attraction. “‘Sometimes we wonder whether people come for the food as much as the crochet!” exclaims Gillian. “There will be homemade cake, maybe delicious scones or biscuits too, as well as freshly-brewed tea and cafetières of coffee.” David cooks a wonderful three-course lunch including delicious homemade bread and soup, all served in the conservatory. “It’s an important part of the day.” The retreats begin at 10am. “Guests are welcomed into the lounge which is decorated with lots of colourful crochet to set the mood,” says Gillian. “New for this year is the log burner, which gives a wonderful atmosphere.”
From top: The Big Crochet Stayaway is held on a farm – a great location to relax in; visiting the alpacas.
Crocheters from absolute beginners and up are welcome to come along, although there aren’t formal workshops. Instead, Gillian provides easy-going tuition, along with hooks and plenty of yarn. “It’s more a chance to bring the projects you are currently working on and enjoy some quality ‘me time’, with a whole day of nothing to do but crochet and share the love and expertise with like-minded people,” says Gillian. “The emphasis is on leaving all your cares and worries behind.” Find out more at www.escapetothecrochet.co.uk or you can call 01670 791320. Written by Judy Darley
Relaxed crochet and chat at the Escape to the Crochet retreat .