Join local quilter, quilting teacher and quilt pattern designer Kathleen Anderson for a weekend of quilting, friendship and relaxation in the heart of rural England.
With both residential and non-residential options, to suit your budget and circumstances, you’ll have the time, space and support to start a new quilt, finish a ‘work-in-progress’ and recharge your creative batteries.
Cowen Quilt School retreats are for quilters who yearn for a time away, quilting with company. We'll be a small, friendly group of like-minded quilters, all sewing our own choice of quilts and quilted projects.
The retreats take place at an historic coaching inn in the pretty market town of Uppingham, Rutland - nestled in the heart of England between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. With refreshments and lunches provided, plus bedrooms and breakfasts if you wish to stay over, you won’t need to go any further to enjoy your quilting mini-break.
To make the most of the retreats, you’ll be a quilter who is comfortable sewing independently, working on any patchwork and quilting project(s) you choose. Although my retreats aren’t taught courses, I'll be with you throughout to help, guide and encourage.
My quilting retreats are hosted at the Falcon Hotel, a 16th century coaching inn overlooking the ancient market place of Uppingham. Uppingham is a vibrant town in the south of Rutland, England's smallest county. It's a short drive from the A1 for north/south connections and other major routes.
The Falcon's bedrooms are individually designed with a modern, country feel and everything you'd expect for a comfortable stay. Staying in the town gives us flexibility to eat out for evenings meals, with choices to suit all budgets and appetites. Group bookings will be arranged for those who'd like to socialise over dinner.
Cowden Quilt School retreats run from 2pm on Friday afternoon through to 4pm on Sunday afternoon. You are welcome to join us for all or part of the weekend, as suits you. Read on for more information about all of the available options to take part.
2025 retreats are sold out.
Our sewing space at The Falcon Hotel is light, spacious and private. It's on the ground floor with direct access to the garden terrace for al fresco coffee, lunch or hand-stitching. The hotel car park lies just beyond the terrace for easy unloading.
We have exclusive use of the space and, to make the most of our time, lunches and regular refreshments are served in the room. The space is secure so we can leave our sewing kit out overnight; no tidying or packing up until the weekend is over!
The Falcon Hotel keeps us well fed and hydrated throughout the retreat.
For those staying at the hotel, generous breakfasts are included with your stay, with various options to choose from. For all quilters at the retreat, refreshments are served throughout the day along with delicious buffet lunches, all of which are included in your booking.
In the evenings, you are free to dine as you please. If you’d like to join me and your fellow quilters for a meal, I will arrange a table locally on both evenings. If you would prefer to eat out separately, picnic in your room or head home for dinner, you are very welcome.
Here’s what some of this year’s quilters had to say about their experience at Cowden Quilt School retreats.
“I really enjoyed the weekend. It was so well organised with a great venue and lovely other quilters. I learnt so much with the generosity of others in the group and yourself sharing ideas and tips.”
Angela, Cheshire
“I want to thank you for all your hard work over the weekend, nothing was too much trouble and you have a huge amount of patience when explaining things, for which I'm really grateful. Thank you for looking after us so well.”
Kelly-Jane, Essex
”What a fantastic opportunity, and a great set of people. So supportive and kind. A great combination of really focussed work, and lovely relaxation. Thank you sooooo much.”
Olivia, Leicester
“I had such a good time last weekend. It was so good just to focus on what I enjoy doing with such nice friendly like-minded people. Next time, I'd like to come for the full 3 days.”
Enid, The Wirral
"What a wonderful weekend, shared with lovely people. It was wonderful to be in that creative atmosphere enjoying time for me and loving seeing what others are creating. The venue was perfect and there was time to explore the town too. Roll on next year!”
Jacqui, Leicestershire
It’s important to me that Cowden Quilt School quilting retreats are accessible to as many quilters as possible. That’s why I’ve created options to enjoy the occasion to suit your budget and circumstances:
Take part in the retreat on both Saturday and Sunday, with lunches and refreshments included, then head home or arrange your own accommodation. This is a great option if you live locally, have friends or family nearby or plan to explore more of beautiful Rutland.
Arrive on Saturday morning and enjoy two days of quilting, with lunches, refreshments and bed and breakfast accommodation included until you leave on Sunday afternoon. This option is the ideal weekend treat: plenty of sewing and a night away with new friends.
Arrive from 2pm on Friday and leave on Sunday afternoon having spent the weekend quilting and enjoying two nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the hotel. This option is perfect if you’re travelling a bit further to join us or just want to switch off completely.
If you would like to add extra nights to your stay to explore Rutland, or if you would like to stay with a partner who will not be taking part in the retreat, I can make the arrangements with the hotel on your behalf.
Select from the available retreat dates below, choose your preferred option and secure your place with a deposit payment. Or, for any questions about taking part in a Cowden Quilt School retreat, please contact Kathleen Anderson.
