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Join us in the beautiful Tweed Valley for 5 days of tranquil surroundings, relaxing evenings by cosy log fires, home cooked lunches and cakes, and of course, sewing.
The Sewing Table has teamed up with Kailzie Estate to offer truly relaxing and indulgent sewing retreats to brighten your winter.
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The Location
The perfect place to unwind
The retreat takes place on the Kailzie Estate, just 5 minutes outside of Peebles in the Scottish Borders.
We will be based in a peaceful courtyard made up of four charmingly converted cottages, the cafe and the sewing room. After a relaxing evening by the fire you will only have to wander across the courtyard to start our sewing day.
In between sessions you will enjoy exclusive access to Kailzie's 17 acres of woodland, where you can wander the well laid paths along trickling streams and take in one of the best laid arboretums in Scotland. Kailzie's designed woodland was first laid down over 300 years ago, and features both native and exotic trees, including Scotland’s oldest larch.
The Accommodation
You will each stay in one of four charming cottages, all of which have recently been renovated and beautifully designed to provide a luxurious countryside escape.
These hidden gems are perfect for a truly relaxing countryside retreat, decorated with bespoke Scottish furnishings, cosy log burners, well equipped kitchens and freestanding bathtubs. The first three cottages have a double room each, with a further two double rooms in a shared cottage offered at a reduced price.
A chef will be on-site to provide a two course lunch every day, and your evenings will be your own either to stay cosy by the fire in your charming little cottage, or head out for dinner and drinks in the nearby town of Peebles. There is no additional charge for the accommodation if you want to bring a partner along, and there are plenty of things to keep them busy in the local area while you enjoy your sewing during the day.
The Retreats
We are running two retreats this winter; a Pattern Drafting retreat, and then a classic sewing retreat. Choose from either a private cottage, or a private room within a shared cottage.
The whole thing has been super fun, I've absoluely loved it. Every day there has been something that made me go "WOW"
Chris
The Tutor
Sara spent 17 years working in stage and screen costume as a pattern drafter and costume maker, creating costume for national theatre and opera companies, film and tv. She started teaching classes after being asked by a friend, and The Sewing Table quickly grew from there.
In just three years, her classes and short courses have welcomed hundreds of students, many of whom return again and again.
She draws on her years of experience and deep understanding of patterns and construction to create her comprehensive courses, which are suitable for all levels.
Her teaching is based in her belief that a professional approach to bespoke sewing can be learned at any stage, from complete novice to experienced home dressmaker.
Sara is both highly knowledgeable and exceptionally patient .. I highly recommend her class to anyone looking to improve or refine their sewing abilities.
Hazel
Peebles
The historic Borders town of Peebles is just a 5 minute drive away from the retreat and is a delightful place to visit. If you take a wander down the high street you’ll find gift shops, books shops, art galleries, bakeries and cafes, including the renowned Cocoa Black Chocolate cafe. The Eastgate Theatre has a busy calendar of events including cinema, theatre and exhibitions, so it’s always worth popping in to see what’s on.
The Tweed Valley is also a real destination spot for those who enjoy the outdoors. The forest of Glentress offers some world class mountain bike trails, and there is locked bike storage available on the estate. There are also three golf clubs neardby in Peebles, Cardona and Innerleithen. Or why not take a walk along the river Tweed, past castles and viaducts, and see if you can spot some of the local otters, herons or kingfishers.
There are further gardens and grounds to be explored at nearby Traquair House, which is Scotland’s oldest continuously-inhabited house. The house itself closes for the winter, but the walled gardens and extensive grounds are a lovely place for a stroll. Alternatively, you could head to the lovely Dawyck Botanic Gardens which are only a short drive away, and a true hidden gem for nature lovers.