This April, a wonderful group of stitchers gathered in Catalonia for ten unforgettable days of creativity, culture, and connection. From the historic heart of Barcelona to the peaceful beauty of the Pyrenees, our Barcelona Retreat offered something truly special, an experience shaped as much by the people as by the places.
A Warm Welcome in Barcelona
We began in the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, where the elegant Mercer Hotel became our first home. Tucked between ancient stone walls and sunlit squares, it was the perfect setting to ease into the rhythm of the retreat.
From our very first morning together, coffee in hand, introductions flowing, it was clear this was going to be a special group. Old friendships were rekindled, new ones formed, and that familiar retreat magic quickly took hold.
Over the next few days, we explored the city through a creative lens. From discovering hidden textile and craft spots on our walking tour, to an unforgettable evening at the Palau de la Música, Barcelona revealed itself in layers, vibrant, artistic, and endlessly inspiring.
A highlight for many was our visit to the Picasso Museum, followed by a special workshop led by Natalie Dupuis, drawing directly from the lines and forms we had just seen. It was a perfect example of what makes these retreats so unique: learning not just in the classroom, but through direct connection with art and history.
From City to Mountains
Leaving the city behind, we travelled north into the Catalan Pyrenees, watching the landscape soften into rolling hills and then rise into dramatic mountain views.
Our home for the week, Torre del Remei, offered something truly rare: complete tranquillity, exclusive use, and a sense of space that allowed everyone to fully relax and settle into their stitching.
Set in the heart of La Cerdanya, this beautiful hotel quickly became more than just a place to stay, it became a home. Days unfolded at a gentle pace, shaped by stitching, conversation, and the quiet luxury of time.
Stitching, Learning, Creating
At the heart of the retreat were the workshops themselves, thoughtfully designed and deeply rooted in Catalonia’s rich textile heritage.
Each participant worked closely with our exceptional tutors, Phillipa Turnbull, Natalie Dupuis, and Zina Kazban, exploring techniques, building confidence, and bringing to life designs inspired by extraordinary historical pieces.
There was a real sense of focus in the classroom, balanced with laughter, shared discoveries, and those small, satisfying moments when a stitch finally falls into place.
From Phillipa’s delicate Barcelona Frame, to Natalie’s richly detailed Moragas Pocket, to Zina’s elegant Rocamora fan, each project carried a story, connecting past and present through thread. Each of these designs was created exclusively for the retreat, drawing directly from Catalonia’s textile heritage and reinterpreted through the hands of our tutors.
Beyond the Frame
While stitching was at the heart of each day, the retreat offered so much more.
We explored the remarkable Textile Museum in Terrassa, where we were given the rare opportunity to view treasures brought out from the archives up close, including the original cassaca that inspired Natalie’s Moragas pocket design, bringing centuries of textile history vividly to life.
Closer to home, there were gentle walks to nearby villages and moments simply spent soaking in the stillness of the mountains. Evenings brought shared meals, engaging talks, and plenty of laughter.
And throughout it all, there was a strong sense of place, thanks in no small part to Laura’s deep connection to the region. This isn’t just a destination we visit; it’s somewhere we know and love, and that personal connection shaped every part of the experience.
A Special Kind of Community
What truly made this retreat unforgettable, however, was the group itself.
There is something unique about bringing together people from different backgrounds, all connected by a shared love of embroidery. Over the course of ten days, conversations deepened, friendships grew, and a real sense of community emerged.
Whether gathered around a stitching frame, sharing stories over dinner, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the garden, these connections became just as important as the work itself.
Time and again, it’s this spirit that defines our retreats, not just what you learn, but who you share it with.
Until Next Time…
As we made our way back to Barcelona, projects carefully packed and cameras full of memories, there was a shared feeling that something meaningful had taken place.
This retreat was more than a workshop, more than a holiday, it was a chance to step away from the everyday, to learn, to create, and to connect in a truly beautiful setting.
Looking Ahead
While we’re still finalising details, more retreats are already on the horizon, including future gatherings in Askham. If Barcelona has sparked your curiosity, keep an eye out… there is much more to come.
