One thing leads to another…
Last autumn I decided to participate in Sewchet‘s Secret Stitching Santa – an exchange of gifts between crafty bloggers. I chose, as you will not be surprised, to get involved with the knitting/crochet version. I was allocated a person to send my gifts to and I immediately checked out as many blog posts as I could on Julia’s Creative Year. I had great fun putting together Julia’s parcel and I have continued to follow her blog. In February she wrote a post about a crochet retreat that she had attended called The Crochet Sanctuary and I immediately wanted to go. I checked out their web site and booked a place…
And so, last weekend I set off for my weekend of crochet bliss… and what a lovely weekend it was. My journey was a little more stressful than I would have liked, but the venue is promising from the moment you arrive, with a grand façade and sheep and cattle lined up at the front door:
We were greeted by Lisa and Lynda (creators of the experience) and a glass of bubbly (not standard, but compensation for weekend being in the “wrong” room). After this there was the goody bag containing the first project and introductions conducted with the aid of the Hogwarts’ sorting hat! It turns out that I am in Gryffyndor (I was really hoping for Ravenclaw)
There were happy people, cakes, sweets and hot drinks in abundance and projects aplenty… starting off with Mabel the rabbit and progressing on to hot water bottle covers (with the hot water bottle included in the goody bag), a lavender pillow and an amigurumi workshop with Heather Gibbs of Keep Calm and Crochet On UK, with whom we made Relaxing Ralph (a laid-back amigurumi kitty).
Although I probably wouldn’t have chosen any of the projects if I had been sitting at home, it was inspiring to have a go at some different things and use some different yarns. The atmosphere of the weekend is lovely – an abundance of friendship, laughter, food, drink and yarn. There’s someone on hand to help if you get stuck with your crochet and all the materials and equipment are provided. But perhaps the most valuable thing is time: it’s so rare to be able to dedicate a whole weekend to creativity.
You will know how much I enjoyed it, when I tell you I have booked to go again next year.
The Snail of Happiness 
nanacathy2
/ September 20, 2018Sounds like a wonderful weekend.
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The Wee House of Crochet
/ September 20, 2018So glad you enjoyed it Jan!!!!!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 20, 2018It was so relaxing… doctors should prescribe it to combat stress!
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The Wee House of Crochet
/ September 20, 2018Ha!! Love it!!!
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Ann Pole
/ September 20, 2018Jan paradise. 🙂
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thecontentedcrafter
/ September 20, 2018What a great idea! It’s so good just to do something completely different isn’t it. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it so much you will go again – what fun!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 20, 2018I don’t usually like being given a project to do, but just for a few days it was great not to have to make any decisions!
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katechiconi
/ September 20, 2018It looks lovely: calm, comfortable, companionable and creative. No big surprise you’re going back for more 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 20, 2018It was all those things – a perfect weekend for me really.
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Wild Daffodil
/ September 20, 2018Lovely!
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tialys
/ September 20, 2018Occasionally I think I’d like to go on a yoga retreat or to a spa for a weekend but, really, I’d much prefer to be eating cakes, chatting and crocheting/knitting/sewing. Just as good for you I’m sure.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 20, 2018I did manage to go swimming once, so it wasn’t completely sedentary!
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Going Batty in Wales
/ September 20, 2018So glad it was as good as you hoped! I presume Sam and Daisy enjoyed their doggy retreat just as much?!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 20, 2018Apparently they had a great time at the kennels – Sam ate well and I think Daisy put on a little weight.
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Tracey Lonergan
/ September 20, 2018It was wonderful to meet you and share an amazing weekend of crochet 🙂 Hope to see you on another one soon xxx
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 20, 2018It was, indeed, lovely to meet you. I’ve booked for next September – will you be there? I was so impressed that you finished your bunny – mine hasn’t even been out of the bag yet.
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wybrow1966
/ September 20, 2018If only I could crochet!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 20, 2018It’s worth learning just to go!
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AJ
/ September 21, 2018That sounds like such a wonderful weekend! I think I’d like to do a knitting version:)
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KerryCan
/ September 21, 2018I’ve gone for weeks full of weaving a couple times–I like just having the freedom to immerse myself in what I love! Your retreat sounds perfect!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 21, 2018It really was wonderful. I was nice not to have to do any thinking – the projects were provided and it was just a case of enjoying the experience.
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insearchofitall
/ September 24, 2018What a wonderful retreat to enjoy with like minded women. Good for the soul. Nothing could be nicer.
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Julia
/ October 10, 2018What fun! Ravenclaw– really? I’d have wanted Gryffyndor. Bravo, sorting hat! I have not forgotten that I owe you a nice long letter. Thanks for sharing this fabulous time with us.
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quietwatercraft
/ October 18, 2018Oooooh it looks so lovely! One day I’m going to make it to a retreat…
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Susanne
/ November 13, 2018Two yarn stores recently closed in Ottawa and one of them offered “knit your own project” classes that I used to attend regularly, mostly for the womanship (and occasional fellowship). I love knitting with others. The conversations are always wide ranging and even if there are differing opinions there’s always the yarn and needles to distract you. Your retreat sounds wonderful and I like the look of all those comfy chairs.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 13, 2018It’s so sad to see stores like this closing… our high streets are no longer the places they once were. I am lucky enough still to have a local yarn shop where we meet to knit together every Thursday night.
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Keep Calm and Crochet On UK
/ February 20, 2019An abundance of friendship, laughter, food, drink and yarn indeed! When are you back at The Sanctuary?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ February 21, 2019Not until September… I wish it was sooner.
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