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Winchester Machine Quilting Retreat
Your Tour Includes
- 1 half and 3 full-day workshops with Carolyn Forster using Bernina sewing machines, kit and tea/coffee included
- 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation
- 1 lunch and 2 evening meals
- Services of an experienced Tour Manager
Experts
Holiday Overview
Winchester is a charming city in the heart of Hampshire. As the former capital of Anglo-Saxon England, the city is steeped in heritage, which we’ll explore on our guided walking tour. Our other included excursions are to Whitchurch Silk Mill, the oldest working silk mill in the UK, and Jane Austen’s House, the writer’s former home, which offers a charming and intimate look at her life and works. We’ll also enjoy one half and three full-day workshops with Carolyn Forster using Bernina machines.
Image Gallery
Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 8 day itinerary
Workshop information: We will base our project on the Japanese Komebukuro (rice Bags). Using the sewing machines provided we will play with combining applique and quilting in Quilt as you Go techniques. You will have fun exploring the various stitches on the machine in combination with quilting your bag panels. The panels will then be sewn into a bag with the option of eight different finishings/toppings depending on your preference.
Check in to the Winchester Royal Hotel from 3pm. Meet Carolyn Forster, your Tour Manager and fellow guests for dinner in the hotel this evening.
Included Meals
- Dinner
This morning, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Winchester. Highlights of the city include King Alfred’s statue, the ancient city walls, Winchester College, Jane Austen’s house, Kingsgate Arch, and Cathedral Close.
This afternoon, we enjoy our first workshop with Carolyn.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Workshop
- Winchester Guided Tour
A full-day workshop with Carolyn.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Workshop
Whitchurch Silk Mill was built in 1813, on land owned by the Dean and Chapter of Winchester Cathedral. Originally it was a fulling mill (part of the finishing process of cloth weaving). In 1817, it was bought by William Madick who changed its operation to throw silk. By 1846. the mill employed 108 staff.
In 1866, the mill passed into the ownership of the Hide family with whom it remained until 1955. During this time, the mill wove silk for Burberry, who used it as coloured linings for their raincoats. Ede and Ravenscroft operated the mill up to 1985, producing legal and academic gowns. It was then acquired by the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust who, after renovation works, opened it to the public in 1990. In December 2012, the Trustees recommenced silk production.
During our guided visit of the mill, we’ll learn about its history and see the recently refurbished waterwheel and the Victorian machinery used to produce silk today. There will also be a chance to purchase items made from the mill’s exclusive silks in the shop. A light lunch is included today.
Return to Winchester mid afternoon for free time.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Highlights
- Whitchurch Silk Mill Guided Visit
A full-day workshop with Carolyn.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Workshop
Jane Austen's 17th-century house in nearby Chawton, where Jane lived from 1809 to 1817, is now a museum dedicated to her life. At the time of moving, the author had already written three of her novels in draft form, but it was here that she readied them for publication as well as writing a further three novels. The house contains an unparalleled collection of Austen treasures. Highlights include Jane’s jewellery, letters, first editions of her novels, and the table at which she wrote her much loved novels.
Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Winchester mid afternoon. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Jane Austen's House
Your final full day workshop with Carolyn.
Join Carolyn, your Tour Manager and fellow guests for dinner in the hotel this evening.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Highlights
- Workshop
Today you will depart after breakfast.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Tour notes: You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to get the most out of this holiday. Winchester is a hilly city, and the walking tour may include some steps. Jane Austen’s House is a historic property with low doorways and uneven surfaces underfoot. The upstairs of the house is accessed by climbing a historic wooden staircase. By their nature, walking tours, museum visits etc involve being on your feet for a significant amount of time. Whilst our excursions are taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group, you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
You will stay for seven nights at the Winchester Royal Hotel. The hotel has limited on-site parking for a charge of £15 per night.
