Japanese Embroidery in the Scottish Highlands with Rob Jones 2nd - 6th October 2026

Your creative retreat has been thoughtfully curated to provide a seamless, enriching, and restorative experience in the heart of Scotland. This package includes:

Accommodation
Relax in comfort at Murrayshall Country Estate, a historic manor nestled in the peaceful Perthshire countryside. Choose from elegant single or double occupancy rooms, offering modern amenities, heritage charm, and warm Scottish hospitality.

Meals
Enjoy a full-board dining experience with daily breakfasts, light lunches, and seasonal three-course dinners. Meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced Scottish ingredients and served in the estate’s acclaimed restaurant.

Stitching Workspace
You’ll have exclusive access to a dedicated stitching room filled with natural light, ergonomic seating, and magnifying lamps—designed to create a focused and inspiring environment for your embroidery sessions.

Tuition Fees
Benefit from 18 hours of expert instruction with Japanese embroidery artist Rob Jones. Across three immersive days, you’ll explore a range of traditional Sashiko techniques in a series of standalone classes. Each session includes live demonstrations and individual guidance to support your creative development.

While your retreat package covers most essentials, the following items are not included:

Travel to and from Murrayshall
Guests are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Murrayshall Country Estate in Perthshire, Scotland.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and remains the responsibility of each guest.

Beverages
Drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, are not included unless otherwise stated.

Airport or Rail Transfers
Transfers between your arrival point (such as Edinburgh Airport or Perth Railway Station) and Murrayshall are not included but can be arranged during the booking process for an additional fee.

Gratuities
Gratuities for hotel staff and tutors are not included. If you wish, you’ll have the option to pre-pay a gratuity during final booking.

Project Materials / Tutor Kit
Project materials are not included in the tuition fee. A specially prepared materials kit will be available to purchase directly from Rob Jones. Rob will contact all participants prior to the retreat with full details and ordering information.

Murrayshall Country Estate is nestled in the scenic Perthshire countryside, just minutes from the city of Perth and easily accessible from major transport hubs across Scotland.

By Air
The nearest international airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost—please contact us if you would like assistance with this.

By Rail
Perth Railway Station is the closest mainline train station, just a 10–15 minute taxi ride from Murrayshall. Regular services run from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and other major cities.

By Car
Murrayshall is easily reachable by car and offers free on-site parking. The estate is located approximately:

• 10 minutes from Perth city centre
• 1 hour from Edinburgh
• 1.5 hours from Glasgow

Private Transfers
We are happy to help arrange private transfers from Edinburgh Airport or Perth Railway Station for an additional fee. Please let us know your travel plans in advance if you wish to take advantage of this service.

Your stay at Murrayshall Country Estate combines elegant comfort, rich heritage, and warm Scottish hospitality—an ideal backdrop for a focused and inspiring creative retreat.

Accommodation
Relax in a beautifully appointed single or double occupancy room, located either within the historic manor house or its charming courtyard buildings. Each room blends traditional character with modern luxury, featuring plush bedding, ensuite bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities to ensure a restful and rejuvenating stay. The estate’s peaceful grounds provide the perfect setting for a reflective walk after class.

Dining
Your retreat includes a full-board culinary experience:

• Daily Breakfasts – Enjoy a nourishing start to your day with a choice of hearty Scottish or continental breakfast options.
• Light Lunches – Served on each full teaching day, these lunches are designed to keep you refreshed without disrupting your stitching rhythm.
• Three-Course Dinners – Unwind each evening with a seasonal three-course menu, freshly prepared by the estate’s talented chefs using locally sourced Scottish ingredients.

We’re happy to accommodate dietary requirements—please let us know your preferences when booking.

To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your creative retreat in Scotland, we recommend packing the following essentials:

Clothing for All Weathers
Scottish weather can be changeable! Bring layers, including a light waterproof jacket, so you’re prepared for both crisp mornings and sunny afternoons.

Comfortable Footwear
Pack supportive shoes for walking tours, excursions, and strolls around the scenic Murrayshall estate and surrounding countryside.

Sun Protection
Yes, even in Scotland! Sunglasses, sun cream, and a hat are useful for bright days, especially during our Scone Palace excursion.

Embroidery Equipment
Bring your preferred stitching tools such as scissors, needles, magnifiers, or any personal items you like to use. Project-specific kits curated by Hannah Mansfield will be available for purchase separately.

Camera or Smartphone
Capture the beautiful setting, your work-in-progress, and the memories you’ll make throughout the retreat.

Travel Adapters
If travelling from outside the UK, please bring a UK plug adapter (Type G).

Personal Items
Pack any medications, toiletries, chargers, or comfort items that will help you feel at home and relaxed throughout your stay.

Bringing these items will ensure you’re well-prepared to fully enjoy your creative experience, both in the classroom and beyond.

Health and Accessibility

We want every guest to have a safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience during their time at Murrayshall. While we strive to accommodate a wide range of needs, there are some important considerations to be aware of before booking:

• This retreat includes light walking on the Murrayshall grounds and a half-day excursion to Scone Palace, which may involve standing for periods, navigating historic interiors, and walking on uneven surfaces.
• The Scottish weather in late September can be mild but changeable—please pack appropriate layers and footwear for comfort throughout the retreat.
• Guests with limited mobility, ongoing health conditions, or concerns about walking distances are encouraged to contact us in advance to discuss their specific requirements.
• While we do our best to support individual needs, any special arrangements must not adversely affect the overall experience for the wider group.

We’re committed to making your time with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions or would like to talk through your personal needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What will I learn?

In this class you will how to mark up and stitch Moyozashi Sashiko embroidery patterns.

This class focuses on Moyozashi Sashiko (pattern sashiko) where the patterns change direction to make a larger one. They are characterised by a series of dashed line running stitches of even size where the stitches never touch each other.

In this class you will learn how to mark up your patterns from scratch without the use of templated patterns. This is a key feature of this class as this skill will enable you to continue your practice with any pattern rather than just the limited number of plastic templates available on the market.

Your tutor's work was featured on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic Japanese threads and tools for use in his classes.

Content:

– How to markup Moyozashi sashiko embroidery patterns using a variety of different techniques
– What the best tools are for Sashiko work
– How to use and keep Japanese sashiko thread without it getting tangled
– How to tie the quilters knot
– How to tie an end knot that sits very close to where the thread leaves the fabric on the back
– How to stitch neatly in the style of Sashiko with even stitches and spacing between them
– The rules of Moyozashi sashiko for intersecting lines, ‘T’ junctions, corners and passing stitches
– How to connect your sewing thread to a fresh thread using a “Hatamusubi” (loom knot)
– Various different sashiko patterns will be shown at the Beginners and Intermediate level. You will start at least two different patterns during the workshop and have other patterns explained
– A pack of patterns will be provided for you to take home and continue your practice

Who is this class for?: Beginner / looking for an introduction to Japanese embroidery. You must be able to sew by hand. Experience of embroidery is helpful but not required.

Projects

Juji Kikko (cross tortoiseshell)

In Japan, “kikko” means “tortoiseshell and relates to hexagonal patterns. This is a good introduction to Moyozashi as the marking up of this pattern is fairly straightforward and it offers the opportunity to work with different colours.

Tsuzuki Yamagata (continued mountain form)

This pattern is more complicated to markup because it contains different crisscrossing elements.

Toridasuki (crossed birds)

This pattern is of stylised birds linked by a crossover (Dasuki). The pattern offers the opportunity to practice crossing lines and passing lines.

NOTE: You may not complete the sewing on all these patterns during the day but will leave understanding how they can be created and stitched.

Duration: 1 day as two sessions

What is provided?

Your tutor will provide the following in a pack available for purchase prior to your workshop.

Price £35 + Postage and Packaging:

• 1 white cotton tote bag and a black cotton tote bag to stitch on
• 3 coloured skeins of sashiko/embroidery thread
• a handmade Japanese sashiko needle
• a sheet of fine sandpaper
• an erasable fabric marker pen
• a pack of patterns

In addition, tools and equipment needed to take the class will be available for use.

What do I need to provide myself?

• a small pair of sharp scissors
• a non-slip quilting ruler
• Optional - Some people like to use a thimble and/or a needle threader when sewing. Please bring these if you have them and like to use them

What will I learn?

In this class you will how to mark up and stitch Kugurizashi Sashiko embroidery patterns.

This class focuses on Kugurizashi Sashiko (woven one-stitch sashiko) where the patterns are stitched to a grid. They are characterised by a series of running stitches of even size where the stitches typically touch each other to form solid or woven shapes.

Kuguri literally means 'go through' where you can create beautiful designs by threading or weaving thread, often in a different colour, through simple rows of running stitch.

Content:

– How to mark up and stitch Kugurizashi sashiko embroidery patterns using a variety of different techniques
– What the best tools are for Sashiko work
– How to use and keep Japanese sashiko thread without it getting tangled
– How to tie the quilters knot
– How to tie an end knot that sits very close to where the thread leaves the fabric on the back
– How to stitch neatly in the style of Sashiko with even stitches and spacing between them– The rules of Kugurizashi sashiko for intersecting lines and weaving threads
– NOTE: 3 different Sashiko patterns are included with the class
– How to get good tension with your woven threads
– How to connect your sewing thread to a fresh thread using a “Hatamusubi” (loom knot)
– Various different sashiko patterns will be shown at the Beginners and Intermediate level. You will start at least two different patterns during the workshop and have other patterns explained
– A pack of patterns will be provided for you to take home and continue your practice

Who is this class for?: Beginner / looking for an introduction to Japanese embroidery. You must be able to sew by hand. Experience of embroidery is helpful but not required.

Projects

Senbagarasu (Crow's flying)

This pattern introduces simple weaving between offspaced rows of gridded running stitch.

Asagao (Morning glory)

This pattern weaves through crosses stitched to the grid in two directions

Ajisai (Hydrangea flower)

This pattern creates a bold diamond pattern, weaving through crosses stitched to the grid and point stitching in two directions

Duration: 1 day as two sessions

What is provided?

Your tutor will provide the following in a pack available for purchase prior to your workshop.

Price £35 + Postage and Packaging:

• 1 white cotton tote bag and a black cotton tote bag to stitch on
• 3 coloured skeins of sashiko/embroidery thread
• a handmade Japanese sashiko needle
• a sheet of fine sandpaper
• a pack of patterns
• Optional - Some people like to use a thimble and/or a needle threader when sewing. Please have these handy if you have them and like to use them

In addition, tools and equipment needed to take the class will be available for use.

What do I need to provide myself?

• a small pair of sharp scissors
• a non-slip quilting ruler
• Optional - Some people like to use a thimble and/or a needle threader when sewing. Please bring these if you have them and like to use them

What will I learn?

Kogin embroidery is a type of counted thread Sashiko embroidery stitched on an evenweave fabric.

It is stitched from side to side typically using an uneven number of threads (one, three or five in length) to make up geometric, symmetrical patterns, usually in squares in the form of diamond shapes.

There are around 45 patterns known as “Modoko”, which form the main set from which traditional Kogin is stitched.

The name “Kogin” derives from the Japanese word “koginu”, “ko” being “small” and ginu meaning “wear”, the name of a long Japanese jacket, which was often decorated with this technique.

Content:

How to form the three basic length stitches and count threads

• Where to start and how to neatly tidy your starting and ending threads on the back of your piece
• How to prevent your thread from getting tangled in your sewing
• How to unpick your work cleanly when you make a mistake (this is normal when learning this technique)
• How to start the next row without pulling in your stitches
• How to sew a border pattern
• How to sew one of Modoko Kogin patterns
• How to neatly tile your work to create larger groups of a single motif
• How to work with colour to make pleasing designs
• How to start creating your own designs

• A pack of patterns (including some of the tutor’s original designs) will be provided for you to take home and continue your practice

Who is this class for?: Beginner / looking for an introduction to Kogin counted thread Sashiko embroidery

Projects

Modoko – Danburiko (Dragonfly)

You will learn how to stitch the simple square diamond Modoko pattern of the dragonfly and how to tile this motif to make a larger pattern in different colours.

Musubi bana no ito hashira (thread pillar bound flower)

This is a striking border pattern. You will learn you to repeat the pattern across a number of sections and how to join a second colour neatly to look continuous

“Crossings” original Kogin

Learn how to stitch the tutor’s own Kogin pattern and how to design your own patterns using a spreadsheet or graph paper.

Duration: 1 day as two sessions

What is provided?

Your tutor will provide the following in a pack available for purchase prior to your workshop.

Price £35 + Postage and Packaging:

• a piece of pre-prepared Kogin even weave fabric
• a Kogin needle
• 3 skeins of Kogin/embroidery thread (in a choice of colours)
• a pack of patterns

What do I need to provide myself?

• a small pair of sharp scissors
• Optional - Some people like to use a thimble and/or a needle threader when sewing. Please bring these if you have them and like to use them

Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.

Cancellation charge:

Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable

Deposits

For any holiday, we require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of holiday cost. If your deposit payment is not received within 7 days, the holiday may be offered to other interested parties.

Payment of holiday cost

The balance of your holiday cost must be settled 8 weeks prior to the commencement date of your holiday. If your holiday booking is made within 8 weeks of commencement, payment must be made in full immediately on booking. If payments are not made in accordance to this schedule, bookings will be treated as cancellations and deposits will not be refunded.

Insurance

Every person for whom a holiday is booked with Creative Experiences must have adequate insurance cover and must be able to show us proof of insurance upon request.

Cancellation by the client

Cancellation shall take effect only when Creative Experiences receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to Creative Experiences, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences. In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to Creative Experiences.

Cancellation charge:

Cancellation within 8 weeks; 40% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 7 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable

Alteration by Creative Experiences

If in the unlikely event that there have to be any alteration made by Creative Experiences, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you one of the following options.

1. I) To accept the new arrangements
2. II) To cancel your holiday and receive a full refund.

We will not be liable for refunding any expenses, which have been occurred as a result of the booking.

Our holidays require a minimum amount of guests to be able to to continue with the holiday. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone the holiday in case the minimum number has not been achieved.

Changes

Should you wish to change your booking, Creative Experiences will endeavour to accommodate any changes subject to any differences in price and availability, but cannot guarantee that changes can be made. Creative Experiences will make an administration charge of £50 for any change in booking. Bookings cannot be changed within 2 weeks of the start of your holiday.

Responsibility

Creative Experiences will not be liable for any loss or damages occurred to any client as a result of:

Any event or circumstance which could have been avoided if the client had taken reasonable care.

Any circumstance or event which Creative Experiences or its suppliers could not have foreseen or prevented even with all due care and attention.

Circumstances out of the reasonable control of Creative Experiences such as strikes, wars, civil or political unrest, quarantine restrictions, terrorism, government actions, natural or nuclear disaster adverse weather conditions including injury or illness to staff thus reducing level of service.

Injury, illness or death due to any activity at any time during your holiday, except where such injury or death is caused by the negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences.

Loss of, theft of or damage to any of your belongings at any time of your holiday, whether within the chalet, in the neighbourhood or otherwise.

Injury, illness or death associated with the consumption of any food or drink we may supply except where such illness, injury or death is caused by the wilful negligence or fraud of Creative Experiences or its directors, officers or employees.

Excursion days

We do not accept responsibility if an artisan or person does not show up or cancels private booked excursion such as walking tours, artisan lessons, cooking lessons, wine tastings etc. Should this situation arise, Creative Experiences will try their very best to book another excursion and find an alternative at no cost to the client.

Our suppliers

Creative Experiences is working with third party suppliers such as hotels, villas, transfer companies and others. We are more than happy to discuss any of your requirements such as food allergies with hotels, specific room allocations, pick and drop off times with transfers companies, however we cannot guarantee that your request can be fulfilled. In case of special client requirements not being accepted by the third party, we will be contacting you at our earliest convenience to let you know.

Complaints and Problems

In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday, you must immediately inform the Creative Experiences representative and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to our representative and the supplier as soon as possible. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot begin to solve it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return to your home country giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint. We regret we do not accept any liability in relation to any complaint or claim which is not notified entirely in accordance with this clause.

Website Accuracy

Please note that the information and prices shown on this website may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website and prices, regrettably errors occasionally do occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. The website is the sole responsibility of Creative Experiences. It is not issued on behalf of and does not commit any independent organization/carriers whose services are featured in it.

Emergency

Creative Experience will provide you with assistance in case of emergency during your holiday with us. We can help you bringing you to health services, working with local authorities and international consulate in case you lost your passport or important papers.

If you have an emergency because of your own negligence, Creative Experiences may ask you for a fee occurred during the process such as extra transfers, missed bookings with third parties and more.

Conduct

When you enjoy your holiday with Creative Experiences, you are responsible for any damage or loss caused by you. In case of damage in a hotel or villa (third party supplier), the client has to pay the damage charges directly to the supplier.

We do reserve the rights to cancel your holiday, in case you put others in danger through your actions, verbal abuse and by causing significant distress to other holiday makers who are joining that group. We do not tolerate violence or abuse in any form to our clients or staff members.