✂️ Stitching Up Joy: Creative Experiences' March Retreat with Cathy Emmott
In March, Creative Experiences hosted a delightful four-day craft retreat with the wonderfully talented Cathy Emmott of Dear Emma Designs, and it was every bit as inspiring and heartwarming as we hoped it would be.
Held at the charming Bank House Hotel in Worcester, the retreat welcomed eight lovely attendees from all across the UK, ranging from seasoned stitchers to those rediscovering their passion for sewing.
Cathy led the group through the whimsical world of free-motion machine embroidery, guiding everyone step-by-step as they created beautiful street scenes and adorable fabric bowls. From selecting the perfect fabric scraps for tiny houses and trees to ironing, stitching, and learning to "let go" of straight lines, every detail of the project encouraged creativity, exploration, and confidence.
🧵 “Not sewing straight lines is so creative!” was one of the joyful refrains of the week — and we couldn’t agree more.
Each participant left with at least one completed piece, and many even started their second before heading home.
The excitement and inspiration in the room were palpable, and several guests expressed how motivated they were to continue using their sewing machines more often.
The venue played a perfect host to the event. The Bank House Hotel provided a spacious, naturally lit workshop room that let creativity flow freely. Guests enjoyed fresh pastries, tea, and coffee breaks daily, while the hotel’s indoor pool, spa treatments, and delicious dining added a relaxing, luxurious touch to the experience.
From comfy rooms to the cheerful reception team and the bar staff’s great sense of humor, every detail of the stay added to the magic of the retreat.
A big thank you to Cathy for sharing her warmth, talent, and creativity with us, and to all the wonderful attendees who made this retreat so memorable.
Stay tuned for more creative adventures coming soon!