Appliqué & Embroidery Retreat

The retreat

Your time at the Manor

Day by day

• Dates 17–22 July 2026 · 6 days / 5 nights
• Skill level All levels welcome

Step into a world where memory, fabric, and stitch intertwine. Over six inspiring days at Court House Farm in Somerset, join acclaimed textile artist Darren Ball to explore how your personal memories—whether quiet moments or vivid snapshots—can be transformed into richly layered textile art.

Working with appliqué and free machine embroidery, you’ll learn how to turn photographs, treasured fabrics, and everyday imagery into expressive, textured compositions. Darren’s warm, encouraging approach makes this retreat ideal for both beginners and experienced stitchers.

A special guest will join us during the week, bringing a curated collection of vintage fabrics and haberdashery—fragments of the past ready to be stitched into something new. You’ll be invited to browse and gather pieces that speak to your story, adding unexpected textures and hidden histories to your work.

Through playful experimentation and expert guidance, you’ll build confidence with embroidery techniques, develop your own creative voice, and complete a finished piece that tells your story in thread. Whether you’re reconnecting with your creativity or looking to refine your practice, this immersive textile retreat offers a joyful, supportive space to stitch your memories to life.

What you’ll do

•  Day 1: Arrivals & Introductions
•  Settle into the peaceful surroundings of Court House Farm and meet your fellow retreat guests.
•  Darren will introduce the retreat with a presentation of his richly layered embroideries, offering insight into his creative process.
•  A relaxed group discussion will outline how the workshop will unfold, followed by a gentle creative activity to begin exploring imagery and ideas for appliqué and free embroidery.
•  Day 2: Inspiration, Exploration & Play
•  We’ll gather as a group to share personal inspirations and talk through possible starting points for your own stitched stories.
•  Darren will demonstrate key appliqué and free embroidery techniques, encouraging experimentation and playful discovery.
•  Throughout the day, you’ll begin developing your ideas with guidance and encouragement.
•  A special visit from a vintage textiles seller may spark further inspiration, offering the chance to find unique fabrics and trimmings for your piece.
•  Days 3 & 4: Development & Studio Time
•  Now fully immersed in your project, you’ll spend focused time bringing your ideas to life.
•  Darren will support you as you compose and develop your individual piece, offering one-to-one guidance and suggestions for deepening and refining your work.
•  Techniques such as satin stitch, hand embroidery, and embellishment will be explored to add richness and detail to your creation.
•  Day 5: Completing & Sharing Your Work