RETREATS/HOLIDAYS: Dates for 2025


...we have a waiting list. If you like the look of a retreat please let us know and we'll add your name to this list. We also have a general waiting list (happy to attend any event), so if you prefer this option please contact us.


BEDROOMS


TBL bedroom: 1st floor, largest twin-room, sea-view, 2 x small double beds + en suite bathroom (with bath + separate shower)
KFB bedroom: 1st floor, smallest cosy single room, sea-view, 1 x small double bed + own shower room (opposite bedroom)
SSK bedroom: 2nd floor, twin-room, sea-view, 2 x small double beds + own bathroom next to bedroom (with bath + separate shower)
PSSO bedroom: 2nd floor, largest single sea-view bedroom, 1 x double bed + own bathroom next to bedroom (with bath with shower)
YO bedroom lower ground floor, largest single bedroom, kingsize bed, small sofa + shared shower-room with M1 (no sea-view)
M1 bedroom lower ground floor, 2nd largest single bedroom, kingsize bed, small sofa + shared shower-room with YO (no sea-view)

+ 1 or 2 FULL-TIME - staying off-site DAY GUESTS- here for the whole weekend from breakfast to bedtime - (not staying at TKH) - please note day guests do not miss out on the fun. Most DGs book a bed (just board) at the B&B across the road; they are still part of the magic, they just don't sleep here.

If you are interested in coming to visit us please get in touch. We will send you the BOOKING FORM, T&Cs and RUNNING ORDER.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR up-to-date AVAILABILITY -

katherine@theknittinghotel.co.uk (Katherine is supporting us in all things admin.) or info@theknittinghotel.co.uk

Hosts for the 3 day retreats are Belinda Harris-Reid and Brenda M. Watson + tea and cake, sea, luxury yarn, wonderful projects to make, laughter, wine, delicious food, knitting and more knitting + crochet and chat ... oh and paddling (if the sea is warm enough). Full board except for one night when you have the option of dinner (paid for by guest): either joining me (with 99% of guests)at The Ivy (in Exeter - short train ride away, take our knitting/crochet, chat and look out to sea and the estuary), go to a local bisrto or stay at TKH (maybe pop something in the microwave in our guest kitchen).

ALL EVENTS: Thursday 4pm until Sunday 4pm with the option of staying Sunday night, leave after breakfast on Monday (for an extra charge).



LEARNAWAY .|.

January 16th – 19th/20th .|.

EVENT: Private party...
Host: Sue Bamford and Anniken Allis

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Hand-dyeing and toe-up socks



GETAWAY .|.

January 23rd to 26th/27th .|.

EVENT: Bring Your Own Projects
Hosts for weekend: Belinda Harris-Reid and Brenda M. Watson

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No specific workshop, bring your own projects to work on + a new design in your goodie bag; knit, eat, chat, knit and crochet some more.



NEW: LEARNAWAY .|.

February 6th to 9th/10th .|.

EVENT: Along Avec Anna - small wintery accessory (TBC)
Host for one day workshop: Anna Dervout

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Ethical Yarns & Timeless Knitting Patterns; Since 2017, our mission is to help knitting play a creative, calming, confidence-building and all round positive role in people’s lives by placing accessibility and sustainability at the forefront of everything we do. Our natural fibre bases are entirely cruelty free and certified and we took care to work with spinning mills that respects animals, humans and their surroundings, thus reflecting our own values as a company.

Authentic, accessible, sustainable and creative, our approach is both human and educational. It is based on step by step, detailed patterns and accessible to as many people as possible.

We create ethical yarn, unique patterns, and custom accessories to provide beginners and experts alike with all their crafting needs.

More info on the project coming soon....an example of what's possible below: Snow Drop Hat




LEARNAWAY .|.

February 20th  – 23rd/24th .|.

EVENT: Learn to Spin (wheel and drop spindle) + plying yarn; understanding your yarn better
Host for two day workshop: Jackie Millichap

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Understand where wool comes from. How fleece can differ depending on breed of sheep. How the fleece itself influences what you do with it and how to prepare it. Using a spinning wheel; setting up, tension, getting it rotating the correct way, spinning a basic 'single', plying 2 singles resulting in a small skein of wonderful yarn. Different types of sheep fleece; looking at a whole fleece / which bits are best etc.. Prepping fleece ready for spinning; dagging/ washing etc.. Carding / combing fleece (and when to do which method).

Woollen / worsted spinning / art yarn. Using a drop spindle. Designing yarn; what fibre to blend / how much twist is required / what method of spinning etc..

The group will dictate the order in which things are covered. I will supply some basic handouts to cover all the above. 4 wheels we be available for guests - NB: Jackie will Host two sessions on 'how to spin'; 4 guests in each session.







GETAWAY .|.

March 6th – 9th/10th .|.

EVENT: Bring Your Own Projects
Hosts for weekend: Belinda Harris-Reid and Brenda M. Watson

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No specific workshop, bring your own projects to work on + a new design in your goodie bag; knit, eat, chat, knit and crochet some more.





NEW: LEARNAWAY .|.

March 20th to 23rd/24th .|.

EVENT: Stars and Hexagons - crochet colour magic
Host for two day workshop: Jo Smith

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Crochet is the perfect medium for playing and experimenting with tessellating shapes to make blankets, bags, cushions etc. My absolute favourites are stars and hexagons. I’ve been making them with different stitches and colours for years and am continuously surprised and amazed by how different a simple tessellating pattern can look in different colourways.

I'll bring a glorious range of colours for you to choose from and I’ll show you different ways I’ve made the motif shapes with a range of simple stitches.

Together we’ll have fun experimenting with colours and stitches, trying different layouts, inspiring each other with our colour combinations and making joyous fabulous crochet work.


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LEARNAWAY .|.

March 27th – 30th/ 31st .|.

EVENT: BRIOCHE workshop and more + the option of making Brioche Beaded bag (beginner and more advanced)
Hosts for a two day workshop: Belinda Harris-Reid and Brenda Watson

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The technique is fun but complex; it's not easy, which is why it is so perfect to have a few focused days really getting to grips with the basics. Then getting your head around the more complex increases/decreases and moving sts. Brenda (all things tech. knitting/crochet whizz) and I are here from 10am to late Friday to Sunday. So you will have an experienced soul on-hand to help and support you through the challenging brioche experience.

For those that can't brioche, do not be detered by this interesting technique we will start you on your journey making a 17st simple brioche headband, (or if you want to make a small project over the weekend).

I'm Going Shopping (beaded brioche Bag): I have created this design to give you and understanding of basic brioche and then when you are familiar with the technique moving into more complex increases and decreases and then working beads into your brioche work.







GETAWAY .|.

April 24th - 27th/29th .|.

EVENT: Bring Your Own Projects
Hosts for weekend: Belinda Harris-Reid and Brenda M. Watson

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No specific workshop, bring your own projects to work on + a new design in your goodie bag; knit, eat, chat, knit and crochet some more.



LEARNAWAY.|.

May 1st – 4th/5th .|.

EVENT: Funky Crochet foot stool cover
Host for a two day workshop: Zoe Potrac



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LEARNAWAY .|.

May 15th – 18th/19th .|.

NAME OF EVENT: Jeanette Sloan, work on one of her exquisite designs - (Hidden Star Mitts)

Host for workshop: Jeanette Sloan

Colour is very important to me and my design process often begins with a search for an intriguing stitch that will inspire creative juices to flow or a decorative detail that will add a stylish, contemporary edge. I’ve worked as a freelance textile designer and tutor teaching both machine and hand knitting and as 'an accessories obsessive' have written 4 books on hand knitting. I’ve been very lucky to work with some of the best hand knitting brands in the UK and my designs have featured in several UK knitting magazines including Knitting Magazine where I am a regular contributor responsible for the ‘Ask Jeanette’ letters page, Yarn Reviews and A-Z of Techniques.

Jeanette is championing diversity and representation. She is actively bringing these vital and essential conversations to our attention.

She writes: […] there are those who will say that conversations like this are unnecessary and that bringing race or skin colour into knitting and craft is being divisive or perhaps even ‘political correctness gone mad’. To those people I would ask them to imagine not seeing themselves represented on the pages of the magazines and publications they read and thinking how that would make them feel. Unwelcome? Invisible? In some way ‘less than’?….

We are thrilled to be welcoming Jeanette to TKH.




LEARNAWAY.|.

June 5th – 8th/9th .|.

EVENT: Toft (crochet wonderland)
Host for a two day workshop: Kerry Lord or team Toft

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LEARNAWAY .|.

June 19th – 22nd/23rd .|.

EVENT: Stranded Colour Work Fairisle Cushion
Host for a one day workshop: Anniken Allis

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More info to follow



LEARNAWAY .|.

July 3rd – 6th/7th .|.

EVENT: Kay's Bouquet Crochet wonder + learn Tunisian Crochet
Host for one day workshop: Kay Coombes

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Have fun learning how to crochet flowers for a bouquet using basic crochet skills. We will learn how to use wires to shape the flowers and make them posable for your vase or arrangement. I will also show you finishing techniques to make your bouquet look professional. Please bring your own DK yarn (must be acrylic yarn) in the colours you want your blooms and bring your own hooks in various sizes. We will be making lavender, sweet peas, tulips, carnations, daisies, alliums, roses and more!! I will provide everything else you need in a goody bag.

These 'Forever Flowers' won't wilt or die and will always make you smile. They are great to make for gifts or keep for yourself.







LEARNAWAY .|.

July 17th – 20th/21st .|.

EVENT: Project; a knitting Workshop with the fabulous Sasha Kagan
Host for a two day workshop: Sasha Kagan

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Sasha continues to be a regular contributor to publications such as Rowan Magazine, Vogue Knitting, The Knitter, Woman's Weekly, Knitting, Let's Knit, Inside Crochet, and Interweave Knits. She continues to inspire hand-knitting enthusiasts throughout the world. Sasha has spent her career helping promote the tradition and techniques of hand-knitting, and regularly lectures and runs workshops sharing her expertise. Sasha Kagan has been part of the fibre industry for over 40+ years - this workshop is not to be missed!







LEARNAWAY .|.

July 24th – 27th/28th .|.

EVENT: Professional Finishing Techniques
Host for a one day workshop: Anniken Allis

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It is often the finishing details that make the difference to a garment and this workshop will show you techniques to make sure your garment has a professional finish. You will learn how easy it is to sew up all your unfinished projects using mattress stitch. Topics include: How to sew up various styles of garment, mattress stitch, shaping to make sewing up easier etc..




LEARNAWAY .|.

August 27th – 30th/31st .|.

NB: Wednesday to Saturday/ Sunday

EVENT: Work on one of Erika's Exquisite Designs
Host for Friday workshop: Erika Knight

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Erika Knight is a highly respected British knit and crochet designer, as well as the creator of the Erika Knight yarn collection. Originally from a Fine Art background, with a successful career in the fashion industry, her trend forecasting work reignited her passion for the handmade. With her ‘simple’ ethos, Erika has a unique interpretation of craft: her mission is to simplify and communicate her insight and passion for handknitting with accessible yet enticing projects in order to inspire everyone to experiment and about all enjoy creating. The author of numerous highly acclaimed books on knit, crochet and craft, Erika has lectured at the V&A Museum in London, as well as leading art institutions and universities.

We are thrilled to be welcoming this powerhouse of design; a matriarch of the knitting industry. Opening up a wealth of creative possibilities for designers, as well as innovative uses of traditional techniques.




LEARNAWAY .|.

September 4th - 7th/8th .|.

EVENT: Beginner Brioche
Host for workshop: Anniken Allis

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Brioche knitting remains very popular. In this workshop you will learn single and two colour brioche starting with a basic brioche rib and moving on to increases and decreases, reading brioche patterns and how to fix basic mistakes.

The technique is fun but complex; it's not easy, which is why it is so perfect to have a few focused days really getting to grips with the basics. Then getting your head around the more complex increases/decreases and moving sts. Anniken Allis will hosting a brioche workshop on Friday and Belinda + Brenda will be consolidating techniques etc... on Saturday. Brenda (all things tech. knitting/crochet whizz) and I are here for nearly 2 whole days. So you will have an experienced soul on-hand to help and support you through the challenging brioche experience. Please bring: DK yarn (two colours), 4mm or 4.5mm needles and knitting notions.

Skills needed: Confident basic knitting skills: knit, purl, cast on and cast off.




LEARNAWAY .|.

October 2nd – 5th/6th .|.

EVENT: Gorgeous Beaded Clutch Bag/Project Bag
Host for a one day workshop: Anniken Allis

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MATERIALS NEEDED
Dk yarn (I used merino/cotton), 120m per 50g x 2 balls
Size 6 seed beads 300 beads - can use one or more colours
3.25mm circular needles (60cm long)
0.75mm crochet hook
Tubular clutch frame, 10x20cm
75x50cm/30x20in felt fabric (or cotton fabric with interfacing)

Basic sewing kit (needle or a sewing machine & pins) - I hand sewed one lining & machine sewed another. Easy enough to hand sew but machine is quicker but not essential.

BEFORE THE WORKSHOP PLEASE KNIT THE BASE

Base
Using 3.25mm needles & dk yarn, cast on 45 sts.
Row 1 (WS): P to end.
Row 2 (RS): K to end.
Continue working in stocking stitch for a total of 10cm (4in), ending with a RS row. Should measure approx 18cm wide x 10cm long. DO NOT cast off.



LEARNAWAY .|.

October 16th – 19th/20th .|.

EVENT: Introduction to Fairilse and Steeking + Norwegian Fairisle Selbu Mittens
Hostfor a two day workshop: Anniken Allis

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LEARNAWAY .|.

October 30th – November 2nd/3rd .|.

EVENT: Knitted Collage or A Built World
Host Georgia Farrell - for one or two day workshop (TBC):

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Georgia Farrell is a British designer, with a passion for creating architecturally-inspired design for hand knitting and beyond. Georgia combines a methodical approach to visual research with a more organic approach to creative exploration, and she loves to share the stories and concepts behind each of her designs.

'Knitted Collage' this is a very accessible creative class with the added knitting content of intarsia and combining intarsia with texture. Using architectural images as inspiration, we will get creative with coloured paper and pencils to create graphic collages that we will then translate into chart form, ready to make your own unique knitted collage from. We will cover how to translate basic blocks of colour and texture from your collages, into a knitting chart, the basics of intarsia, and how to combine colour and texture to add depth to your design. This class will give you a real insight into how I created many of the designs from my collection 'Abstract'.




Coleman Street (an example of GF's work)



LEARNAWAY .|.

November 20th – 23rd/24th .|.

EVENT: Professional Finishing Techniques
Host for a one day workshop: Anniken Allis

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It is often the finishing details that make the difference to a garment and this workshop will show you techniques to make sure your garment has a professional finish. You will learn how easy it is to sew up all your unfinished projects using mattress stitch. Topics include: How to sew up various styles of garment, mattress stitch, shaping to make sewing up easier etc..




LEARNAWAY .|.

December 4th – 7th/8th .|.

EVENT: Festive Frolics - Hottie Bottle Cover - colourwork + Christmas baubles
Host for a one day workshop: Anniken Allis + Belinda Harris-Reid and Brenda Watson

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Christmas winter time projects; utterly delightful stuff to make + mulled wine, crackers and more.




LEARNAWAY .|.

December 11th – 14th/15th .|.

EVENT: Festive Frolics - Hottie Bottle Cover - colourwork + Christmas baubles
Hosts for a one day workshop: Anniken Allis + Belinda Harris-Reid and Brenda Watson

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Christmas winter time projects; utterly delightful stuff to make + mulled wine, crackers and more. Choose from 3 different stranded colour work designs and knit your own small water bottle cover.