27-29 November 2026
Every November, while the world turns its attention to Black Friday sales, we take a different approach. Our annual Give Back Friday weekend brings people together through embroidery, shared knowledge and a love of traditional craftsmanship.
From 27–29 November, we will be celebrating the Eamont Tapestry, an ambitious ten-panel embroidery project marking the 1,100th anniversary in 2027 of the establishment of a united England under King Æthelstan. Through talks, workshops and a shared stitching project, we will explore the story behind the tapestry and the people bringing it to life.
The Eamont Tapestry: A story told in stitches
Designed by artist Ursula Hurst, the Eamont Tapestry brings a remarkable moment in history to life through thread and textile. Under the oversight of Phillipa Turnbull, volunteers are stitching the ten panels in our Appleby studios, building the tapestry one careful stitch at a time.
The project brings together historical research, artistic vision and traditional craftsmanship, with volunteers contributing their time and skills to create something lasting.
We will open the weekend with a welcome lecture from Phillipa and Ursula. Ursula will share the inspiration behind her design and take us closer to the stories woven into the tapestry.
Stitch the Eamont Deer with us
For Give Back Friday, we have chosen a design from the tapestry for you to stitch at home: the Eamont Deer. Phillipa Turnbull will lead two three-hour online workshops across Saturday and Sunday, guiding you through the embroidery step by step.
To take part, you will need an Eamont Deer materials pack. Place an order with the Crewel Work Company by the end of Give Back Friday weekend, Sunday 29 November, and we will send you the pack free of charge. If you would prefer to purchase the pack on its own, it will be available for £20 & postage.
These workshops are free to join, and your participation will help us raise funds in support of the Eamont Tapestry project.
You can join the workshops live even if your materials pack has not arrived. Both sessions will be recorded, so you can watch them later and stitch at your own pace.
Celebrating the future of craft
On Saturday evening, we will welcome a special guest to discuss the state of craft in Britain today and the importance of sustaining traditional skills.
We will close the weekend on Sunday with a final gathering and Q&A, reflecting on the event and looking ahead to what’s next, including the Lady Anne’s Festival in 2027.
We hope you will join us for a weekend of stitching, discovery and shared creativity, celebrating the Eamont Tapestry and the people who are bringing it to life.
