In October 2025, the Creative Experiences team is excited to welcome renowned embroiderer Kate Barlow to lead a week-long embroidery retreat in the stunning Algarve, Portugal.
Escape to the luxurious 5-star Vale d'Oliveiras resort, located in the heart of the Algarve, and unwind with a week of sun, sea, and stitching. Conveniently situated less than an hour from Faro Airport and just 15 minutes from Portimão, you can easily extend your summer and indulge in a relaxing getaway.
Under Kate's expert guidance, all levels of stitchers will have the opportunity to learn and create beautiful designs, with 30 hours of instruction over 5 teaching days. Take home a finished project to proudly display and impress your friends and family with newly acquired techniques from a tutor from the distinguished Royal School of Needlework.
As a part of this enchanting experience, take a moment to discover the local culture through a guided excursion. From traditional cork production to local artisan bakeries and museums, you'll get a taste of the Algarve's traditions and flavors.
At Creative Experiences, we go above and beyond to make your trip seamless and stress-free. We provide airport transfers, tuition, accommodations, excursions, and most meals, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your trip.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to soak up the autumn sun in the Algarve and unleash your creativity with Kate Barlow. Spots are limited, so book your place today.
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About The Host
Kate Barlow
Kate grew up in North Wales and originally studied costume at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and graduated in 2001 with a BA Hons in Theatre Design.
Following this, she worked at Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Welsh National Opera. In 2013, she decided to take the plunge and re-train as an embroidery tutor at the Royal School of Needlework, graduating from the Future Tutors Programme in 2016 with distinction.
During her course, Kate won The Elizabeth Elvin Goldwork Award and The Merchant Taylors Company Outstanding Achievement Award in 2015 and 2016 and was a Heritage Crafts Bursary winner. In 2015, Kate’s Advanced Silk Shaded budgie “Smuggler” was accepted and exhibited by the Royal Academy of Arts for their renowned Summer Exhibition.
Kate teaches for the RSN in person and online, and until 2019 was as a member of the RSN Studio team. In 2019, Kate moved back to North Wales to set up her own embroidery studio. She has taught for the RSN throughout the UK and in the United States, and has also taught for Creative Experiences, Embroiderers Association of Canada, Embroiderers Guild of America, Needlework Tours and Cruises and The Crewelwork Company.
In 2020, Kate was invited to become a Trade Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers and exhibited in their 400th anniversary exhibition, ‘Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire” at the Guildhall Art Gallery in London in 2023.
In 2023, Kate was honoured to be part of the Embroidery Studio team at the Royal School of Needlework who worked on a few items for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including The Queen’s Robe of Estate, the Anointing Screen, Chairs of State and Stole Royal.
In 2024, Kate became part of the Royal School of Needlework Fellowship, established to recognise the professional training gained by those who graduated from the Apprenticeship and Future Tutor Programme.