AccuQuilt Retreat Week with Karen Purdew
Sunday 6th - Friday 11th October 2024
Let your creativity soar among the stars!
Karen Purdew is Quilt Direct's own AccuQuilt Specialist, and has been an enthusiastic crafter for all of her
adult life. Following a thirty year career in teaching, she now uses those skills to pass on her passion for patchwork and quilting.
She has long been interested in die-cutting, and has found great success in using the AccuQuilt Fabric Cutting System.
As well as using the whole AccuQuilt range of traditional design dies, block-on-board dies and appliqué dies, Karen is noted for her imaginative uses of dies in innovative and unexpected ways.
When Karen looks at a die, she likes to imagine the possibilities that it presents beyond the obvious and find ways to expand its potential.
Course Content
During the Retreat Week you will make a sampler or quilt of your choosing, using one of more of the AccuQuilt 'star' block-on-board dies.
Karen will assist you with:
- Choosing a block suitable for your level of experience.
- Planning blocks and fabrics.
- Tips and tricks for using the dies and sewing.
- Basics of sewing patchwork, ¼“ seam, etc.
You will work at your own pace and ability, within the supportive atmosphere of the group.
Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, while you enjoy making a beautiful sampler or quilt.
Materials Required:
- Sewing machine in good working order (machines are available to hire, if required)
- Accent and co-ordinating fabric
- Thread
You are welcome to bring your own AccuQuilt 'star' Block on Board die if you would like to use that.
We have a selection of Moda Grunge, Moda Bella Solids and Moda Designer Collection Pre-Cut fabrics available, if you wish to purchase new fabrics for this project. We also stock an extensive range of thread by Aurifil and Mettler.
You will have a pre-retreat consultation with Karen to discuss your project and confirm the requirements of fabric and notions you need to bring with you.
Lydford House Hotel
Accommodation is included on a bed and breakfast basis at Lydford House Hotel, Lydford.
Operating as hotel for over 100 years, Lydford House provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere within the Dartmoor National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The hotel has a graceful double aspect lounge with views over the gardens, furnished with comfortable sofas and plenty of room to relax around the open fire. There's also a snug bar offering a good range of alcoholic and soft beverages.
Breakfast, catered by your host Jodie, is in the cosy dining room. You will enjoy full English and continental breakfast options, including a honey bar courtesy of Jodie's bees!
Each bedroom has its own style and charm, and all are delightfully decorated with quality linens and bathroom accessories. The bedrooms are on the first and second floors. One of the rooms has its own kitchenette and sitting area, and can be booked on a first come first served basis at a supplement of £100.
The picturesque village of Lydford is a short drive away, with its historic Castle and the White Lady Waterfall at Lydford Gorge. The ancient Stannary town of Tavistock is also nearby.
In this part of Dartmoor, we are spoilt for choice for dining options. There are several characterful and traditional pubs nearby serving quality food made with local produce, and Tavistock has a great range of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Please note, this is a residential-only retreat. There are no places available for day bookings.
Your Itinerary For The Week
Sunday 6th October
Check in to Lydford House Hotel, make yourself at home, and meet your fellow 'retreaters'. At 7pm, join Karen and Quilt Direct owner Katherine in the lounge for a glass of fizz and canapés for a welcome to your week ahead. A light buffet supper will be provided.
Monday 7th October
A good breakfast will set you up for an exciting day ahead. Make your way to the Quilt Direct studios for 9am. We can arrange transport if required.
Katherine will welcome you to the studio and then Karen will commence your tuition. There will be breaks for refreshments throughout the day, including a delicious buffet lunch at 1pm and homemade cake at 3.30pm. The day's tuition ends at approximately 5pm.
Dinner at your leisure (not included in cost).
Tuesday 8th October
Same format as Monday.
Wednesday 9th October
Today, the choice is yours! As a free day, this is your opportunity to explore Dartmoor or visit the local Stannary town of Tavistock. The team at Quilt Direct will be full of good advice and ideas for your day off.
You are welcome to use the studio facilities and continue with your project if you wish.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure (not included in cost).
Thursday 10th October
Same format as Monday and Tuesday.
Remember to bring your party clothes, as tonight Katherine and Karen are your hosts for a very special Farewell Gala Dinner.
This fine dining experience will be at the Lydford House Hotel; a wonderful three course meal created for you by chef Jay Barker-Jones. Jay has his own hotel and restaurant nearby, The Dartmoor Inn, but tonight he will be cooking exclusively for the 'retreaters'. Menu choices will be sent you in advance.
Wine included.
Friday 11th October
Alas, your final day! Same format as Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Karen will bring the week's tuition and journey to a close, leaving you with not just skills, but happy memories and new friends.
Retreat Week ends at 5pm.
Where we are
Quilt Direct, Pitts Cleave, Union Mine Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 OPW. 01822 810877.
Places to visit:
This is a beautiful part of Dartmoor, there are so many things to see and do. There are areas of outstanding natural beauty, rivers, valleys and forests to explore.
Golden sands and Atlantic waves are also in easy travelling distance, historic naval Plymouth is not far away, and beautiful Exeter and its Cathedral are within an hours drive.
Getting here:
Transport links from across the UK are excellent to Plymouth, Okehampton and Exeter by train. The nearest airports are Exeter and Newquay. Plymouth also has continental ferry links.
We can organise private transfers from the above locations on request. Please ask at the time of booking.
Retreat includes:
- 5 nights accommodation in a double room for single use, including full English and continental breakfast.
- 4 full days tuition from Karen Purdew with a maximum of 8 persons
- Lunch and refreshments throughout the teaching days.
- Use of the Quilt Direct studio on the rest day.
- Support of the Quilt Direct team throughout.
- 3 course farewell gala dinner with wine.
- Fizz, canapes and light buffet on arrival.
Please note, dinner is not provided at the hotel (other than the Sunday night buffet and Thursday night gala dinner).
£1395 per person
To book your place on this retreat:
- Click on the link below to pay the full amount, or call the office on 01822 810877 to arrange to pay a 25% deposit.
- We'll send you our terms and conditions, and a booking form. Please read these, and return the completed booking form to us to secure your place on this retreat.
- The balance is payable 10 weeks before the retreat commences, which is 28th July 2024.