Create Beautiful Textiles with Willow and Hare Stitching
- x -Bringing my designs to you - x -
Join me at workshops and retreats, where I share my techniques and inspire and encourage you to embrace your creativity. Discover the therapeutic nature of stitching, and finding mindfulness in every stitch.
Please see below for details about my various dates and venues for workshops and retreats. If you have a specific request or query, please do get in touch with me.
Needle, Thread & Figgy Pudding, Winchester Cathedral
**SOLD OUT**
Six-Day Retreat
Sunday 28th November to Friday 3rd December 2027.
Hosted by Becky of Willow and Hare Stitching and Sally of The Humble Bumble Stitcher at Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England
We hope we have the opportunity to welcome you to the beautiful and historical city of Winchester, and to immerse ourselves in the warmth and cosiness of the festive season. We will step back in time to enjoy and experience a Victorian Christmas and will be stitching at Winchester Cathedral in the heart of the Christmas Market held within the Cathedral grounds.
Retreat Overview:
The theme for our Needle, Thread and Figgy Pudding Retreat is a Victorian Christmas.
We will spend six days stitching three exclusive projects designed for the retreat by textile artist and designers Becky of Willow and Hare Stitching, Sally of The Humble Bumble Stitcher and Clare Kingslake. The projects will be whimsical and primitive using a combination of various textiles and techniques, including Hand Applique, Embroidery and English Paper Piecing, Counted Cross-stitch and Finishing.
Included in the retreat
- Exclusive venue at the majestic medieval Winchester Cathedral
- Three exclusive projects and kits using quality textiles including hand dyed fabrics and threads
- Full guidance and tuition over five days with textile artist and designers Becky of Willow and Hare Stitching, Sally of The Humble Bumble Stitcher and Clare Kingslake
- Unique and memorable gift
- Talk by Winchester Cathedral Head Broderer
- Guided tour of Winchester Cathedral
- A Dickensian Candlelit Christmas Carol Service in Winchester Cathedral
-Unlimited access to the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
- A special ‘Christmas Day Fayre’ with pop up shops, demonstrations and mini workshops with some of the leading textile artisans from the UK and abroad. The day will include free stitching time, Mulled Wine and Roast Chestnuts, Victorian Christmas games and a Victorian Christmas Dinner in the evening
- Gastronomical delights including daily treats and snacks, refreshments and lunches, and two evening dinners
- Opportunities for shopping and sightseeing
- Surprises!!
Not Included in the retreat:
-Accommodation
- Transport to and from the venue
***SOLD OUT***
Upcoming Workshops 2026
Summer Stitching at Whitchurch Silk Mill, England
Come and spend a whimsical Summers day with me at the beautiful Whitchurch Silk Mill, Hampshire, England.
We will be making my popular 'Four Seasons In a Day Pincushion'.
The price includes the pattern, hand dyed woven wool from Blackberry Primitives, English paper pieces, a full day of tuition for all levels, and refreshments.
Saturday 25th July 2026
Price: £150
SOLD OUT
Christmas Stitching at Whitchurch Silk Mill, England
Come and spend a cosy, whimsical winters day with me at the beautiful Whitchurch Silk Mill, Hampshire, England.
We will be making my 'The Holly, The Ivy and The Hares Mini Quilt'.
The price includes the pattern, hand dyed woven wool from Blackberry Primitives, English paper pieces, a full day of tuition for all levels, and refreshments.
Saturday 28th November 2026
Price: £150
Jane Austen House, England
Embroider Jane Austen's House and birthday, and complete as a small Pillow with Diamond English Paper Pieced backing.
As we look forward to Christmas, and Jane Austen's birthday, take a day to slow down and stitch, surrounded by literary history...
This cosy, creative day will be hosted by myself. Join
me to create my 'Jane Austen Birthday Celebration Pillow' - an exclusive design
created in honour of Jane Austen's 250th birthday in 2025, and celebrating
aspects of Jane Austen's House and collection.
The day will begin with an early -morning guided tour of the House, before it opens
to visitors. As part of a small group, you'll walk in Jane Austen's footsteps and
discover the House she knew and loved.
Then, as the site opens for the day, you'll adjourn to the cosy Learning Centre
situated in the museum garden, for a welcome cup of tea and a peaceful day of
soul -soothing embroidery.
Come and stitch with Becky at Jane Austen House and create a beautiful and memorable piece to treasure. Ticket prices include a guided tour of the house and a full kit to make the project.
Saturday 10th October 2026
SOLD OUT
Book now at www.janeaustens.house - go to the Events page and scroll to October or simply click on the link below
Nicki Franklins 'The Stitchery', Ecton, England
Come and spend a whimsical day with me at Nicki Franklins beautiful studio, The Stitchery in rural Northamptonshire, England.
We will be making my popular ' Lapboard & Accessories for Stitching'. The price includes the pattern, hand dyed woven wool to make the applique on the board from Blackberry Primitives, English paper pieces, a full day of tuition for all levels, and refreshments.
Friday 21st August 2026
£120
Limited Spaces Remaining
Thistle & Thread Blackberry Primitives Workshop Scotland
Hosted by Tonja from Blackberry Primitives with Guest Designers including myself, Maggie Bononomi & Stacy Nash - x -
Two or Four Day Workshops
7th to 10th September, 2026
To enquire or book contact Tonja https://blackberryprimitives.com/retreats/
Join me at the historic Springkell Castle for workshops at the Thistle & Thread Retreat!
Take a two-day class with either myself, Maggie Bononomi or Stacy Nash. If you choose, you can add on a second two-day class with another one of us teachers and stitch with us for the full 4 days.
It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in beautiful projects, meaningful connection, and focused creative time in an unforgettable setting. I hope to see you there!
Included in the Workshops
* Your chosen teacher will give you expert tuition
* You will receive the kits to complete a project exclusive to the Thistle and Thread retreat, with inspiration for the designs taken from Scotland and its historical textiles
*A delicious lunch provided each day
*A special goodie bag with extra treasures
*A talk from each designer
*Stitching in a fabulous historic property
*Shop with specialist vendors
Booking and Information:
Contact Tonja through her website
https://blackberryprimitives.com/retreats/