Weaving Retreat in the Heart of the Orkney Islands

Weaving Retreat in the Heart of the Orkney Islands

Join us for an unforgettable weaving retreat in the picturesque Orkney Islands! Immerse yourself in the rich textile traditions of this stunning location, where creativity, heritage and nature intertwine. Starting on Fri Oct 4 2024, until Fri Oct 11 2024, this week long retreat will take place at the enchanting Merchants House, on the Stromness waterfront.

Discover the joy of weaving in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, surrounded by like-minded individuals. Whether you're a beginner (with no weaving knowledge!) or an experienced weaver, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and indulge in your passion. Our expert weaver, India Whitwell, founder of Orkney Cloth, will guide you through sampling your ideas and creating your own project, ensuring you gain valuable knowledge, confidence and inspiration.

Throughout the retreat, you'll have the chance to explore the captivating beauty of the Orkney Islands. From the rugged coastline to ancient archaeological sites, this location is a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders. Take breaks from your loom to breathe in the fresh sea air on the doorstep, soak up the breathtaking views, and let your creativity flow.

Indulge in delicious local food, connect with fellow weavers, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to weave your way through the heart of the Orkney Islands! Register now to secure your spot at the Weaving Retreat in the Heart of the Orkney Islands.

In a bit more detail...

You’ll be staying on the seafront in the heart of Stromness, in a lovingly restored plaster pink fishermans cottage, Merchant’s House, with beautiful views over the Hamnavoe bay from every room and luxuriously furnished for a comfortable, cosy stay (the log burner is a particular highlight for us!)

We’ll be using the peaceful location of Stromness as our base for inspiration and exploration. During our week-long retreat, we will explore Stromness as a start point for our weaving project, including a trip to the Pier Art Centre and a look through their collection and archive.

The retreat includes at least 28 hours of weaving tuition on your own Ashford table loom. We’ll discuss your potential project before the retreat during a Zoom session, so we can prepare for any resources, materials and inspiration that you may need.

Meals will be cooked in house, and we will provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout your stay with us.

Students will come away with an increased weaving confidence and knowledge, as well as a finished project of their choice; a scarf, table runner, or your own woven and designed fabric are all possibilities!

We look forward to welcoming you to our home in the Orkney Islands, and to the heritage craft of weaving.

What’s included in your weaving retreat?

• An hour long video consultation prior to the weaving retreat to decide your project and set your intentions for your week in Orkney.
• A total of 28 hours of dedicated weaving tuition.
• Access to your own Ashford, 8 shaft loom for the week.
• Access to our weaving tools and equipment, including x4 warping mills, beaming and threading equipment.
• Access to our library of weaving materials, which are all 100% wool, including Supersoft wool, and Shetland yarn.
• 7 days accommodation at The Merchant’s House, in one of 4 double rooms. We have two twin rooms which are ideal for friends or partners.
• Travel around the island during our day visiting local crafters (please note this won’t include travel to and from the airport or ferry, although the ferry terminal is a 15 minute walk away).
• Visit to Jane Cooper, author of The Lost Flock, and her rare Orkney Boreray sheep. We will have a chance to sample and spin the fleece. In the afternoon, we will visit a selection of local craftspeople around the island.
• All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner at the cottage. One night night we will have an optional meal at the Hamnavoe Resturant (price not included). Please see their seasonal menu here.
• A visit to the Pier Arts Centre and collection.

Prices and deposits

The weaving retreat costs £1500 for the week to secure your place on our first weaving retreat. The cost includes all meals, your own loom, equipment and yarn, as well as one day visiting local crafters in the island.

Please note this is an introductory price, as this is our first weaving retreat.

Once you've booked using our Eventbrite landing page, we'll be in touch with your invoice.

Any questions, please feel free to email us at orkneyclothcompany@gmail.com

Weaving Retreat Itinerary

A detailed weaving retreat itinary will be sent to you nearer the time (including our menu for the week!), but below is what you can expect from your weeks stay with us.

Day one- Friday

Arrival at The Merchant’s House from 5pm.

Day two- Saturday

AM

A look around the Pier Arts Centre exhibitions and permenant collection.

Spend the morning gathering research and inspiration for your project.

PM

Introduction to loom weaving, covering the outline of the course, additional learning materials and equipment.

Loom weaving sampling. Your looms will be set up and ready to go to sample different colours, patterns and textures.

Day three- Sunday

AM

Continue sampling chosen patterns, structures and colours.

Finish sampling, including learning hemstitch and wash samples.

PM

Design your project- you will be guided through our step by step guide on how to design your project, using the inspiration you have gathered from our visit to the gallery.

You will learn our weaving design principles, to assist with choosing design.

We will calculate our yarn quantities, ready for winding your warp.

Day four- Monday

AM

Visit to Burnside farm, to see Jane Cooper, author of The Lost Flock, and her famous Orkney Boreray sheep.

We will sample the fleece, and have a go at spinning the fibre.

PM

Visit to a variety of makers on the island.

Day five- Tuesday

AM

Beam the warp

Dress the loom, including learning to thread your heddles, sley the reed and tie on.

PM

Begin weaving your sample, hemstitch and begin your project

Day six- Wednesday

Weave your project

Day seven- Thursday

Weave your project

Finish and wash your project

Day eight- Friday

Check out by 10am

Meet your host

India Whitwell, weaver and founder of Orkney Cloth will be your tutor and host for the week- on hand for all of your weaving questions and dilemmas!

India has studied weaving for the last 6 years, learning to use her industrial looms- which she carefully restored, and set her own award winning weaving business. Since then, she's ran courses and workshops throughout Orkney and sells her products around the world.

When she's not teaching or weaving, she likes to take long walks around Hoxa with her greyhound Peggy and husband Jack.

Travel arrangements

Please ensure you allow a few days flexibility either side of the retreat to ensure you arrive in time as sometimes travel to Orkney can be weather dependant if there is a storm.

There are regular flights to Orkney from Kirkwall Airport by Loganair, flying from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Shetland, and even London. We are also lucky to have multiple ferry options including Northlink, which sails from Scrabster to Stromness, or Shetland/Aberdeen to Kirkwall.

Please note, travel to and from the island and transfer to the cottage is not included. However, we are more than happy to advise and lend a hand.

The Merchants House

We will be staying in the picturesque Merchant House, run by Wendy at Orkney Escapes. The plaster pink house is situated in the centre of Stromness, a small fishing town in the heart of the Orkney Islands.

The house has four beautiful double bedrooms, and is furnished with beautiful details, including artwork and textiles from the island.

The house boasts sea views from every room, and opens out onto its own stone build pier garden and quay, looking out to the sound.

You'll see the ferry coming and going, as well as Orkney's wildlife and exquisite skies, providing all the inspiration you'll need for your stay.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel your order before 4 weeks prior to your trip, you are entitled to a 50% refund on the ticket price (excluding your travel costs).

Any cancellations after this point will be non refundable.

We will strive to accomadate your booking, but we are not liable for cancellations due to weather or cancelled transporatation. As such, we recommend that each participant takes out adequate travel insurance.