The Creative Spirit Retreats
Sewing Retreat ~ Sunday 14 to Wednesday 17 September 2025 ~ Residential (Payment Plan Available)
Sewing Retreat ~ Sunday 14 to Wednesday 17 September 2025 ~ Residential (Payment Plan Available)
ROOM UPDATE - 1 Snug / 5 Classic Rooms left - all single occupancy
“There was magic in the air last week in Dorset. A simple but profoundly felt thank you to everyone for an experience that I will never forget. It will continue to feed and energise me in many ways.” Carole
Our much-loved sewing retreats are back and they're more magical than ever! A stately manor nestled in the heart of the breath-taking Dorset countryside awaits. The perfect backdrop for relaxation, friendship and blissful sewing time. So, are you ready to dive into the world of sewing in the most charming setting possible?
Our retreats include:
✂ Accommodation - gorgeous single occupancy rooms with a bath & rainfall shower.
✂ Food - All meals including breakfast, lunch and a three course dinner in a charming restaurant. Chefs work with the seasons and local produce to produce the most mouth watering menus! We'll choose from specially designed set menus for each day. If you have specific dietary requirements pls check the menus with us before booking.
✂ A complimentary treatment at the spa
✂ Charming indoor & outdoor space to relax and socialise with your fellow guests.
✂ Dedicated workshop space - everyone has plenty of space to sew. Overlocker and cutting stations are provided. Irons/ironing boards and machines to borrow if you aren’t able to bring your own.
✂ An Avid Seamstress sewing pattern to make at the retreat. We're working on new pattern releases which you'll be able to choose from and make under our expert guidance.
The dates:
Sunday 14 September - check in for 3pm. Freshen up and join your fellow retreaters for a welcome dinner in the evening.
Monday 15 September - Sewing day
Tuesday 16 September - Sewing day
Wednesday 17 September - Sewing day (retreat finishes at 5pm)
On Wednesday you'll check out of the hotel (check out 11am) and spend the day in the sewing room. Guests are then free to travel home late afternoon or stay in the hotel for an extra night (at an additional charge).
Sewing Patterns
You'll receive your own printed sewing pattern in advance and, in some cases, be able to try on the sample before the workshop. This is the perfect opportunity to make one of our sewing patterns under our expert eye. We'll show you lots of tips to elevate your sewing. We'll talk through the options with you before the retreat and, if anything requires any pre-work, we'll support you every step of the way. We'll liaise with you on any pre-workshop pre required and can help you with fabric and fitting.
What you need to bring:
- Sewing machine (we have two machines that can be borrowed if your travel doesn't permit you to bring your machine)
- Overlocker (we do have three overlockers that will be set up and available to use)
- Fabric - prewashed (if required)
- Haberdashery for your project ~ zip / button / pins
- Matching thread
Your host:
Lisa and the team will welcome you with open arms. Our retreats are a warm, inclusive space for you to relax and unwind creating new friendships and experiences along the way.
Payment Plan: We offer a payment plan for our retreats which spreads the cost over as many months as possible. Click on the link below for more info.
Venue: Our retreats are hosted at Burley Manor - click the link below for the location details.
How to book: Open the tab below on room options and information on choosing the additional night. If you are unsure of the room you need, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@thecreativespirit.co.uk
Payment Plan
Payment Plan
We're thrilled to offer a smooth, manageable payment plan for our workshops and retreats. After an initial deposit, you can spread out the remaining payments over several months, with the last one completed a month before your workshop or retreat. It's our way of ensuring that the excitement of learning new skills and joining our supportive community is within everyone's reach.
Should you be interested in the payment plan at hello@thecreativespirit.co.uk or via our contact form here
Room Options
Room Options
Room Options
Choose between a snug double or classic double room with an extra night option for each.
Snug Double
Small and compact most with garden views. You'll find a double bed, dressing table with comfy chair and an en-suite bath & overhead shower.
Facilities:
~ Tea/Coffee Making Facilities
~ Internet Access
~ TV/Radio
~ Telephone
~ 24 Hour Room Service (not included in retreat rate)
~ Ironing Facilities
~ Hair Dryer
Additional Night Option
Check out is at 11 on the last day of the retreat. We'll make our to the sewing barn for the day with the retreat finishing at 5pm. Guests are then able to travel in the afternoon. Should you wish to add an additional night so that you can travel the next morning please note that the additional night rate includes breakfast on the morning of check out but not dinner the previous night. This can be arranged with the hotel.
Classic Double
Slightly bigger than the Snugs, these rooms either have a feature double or king bed. All with en-suite bath and overhead shower. Mainly in the main house, with a few in our garden wing. Some with views of our garden or the neighbouring deer park.
Facilities:
~ Tea/Coffee Making Facilities
~ Internet Access
~ TV/Radio
~ Telephone
~ 24 Hour Room Service (not included in retreat rate)
~ Ironing Facilities
~ Hair Dryer
Additional Night Option
Check out is at 11 on the last day of the retreat. We'll make our to the sewing barn for the day with the retreat finishing at 5pm. Guests are then able to travel in the afternoon. Should you wish to add an additional night so that you can travel the next morning please note that the additional night rate includes breakfast on the morning of check out but not dinner the previous night. This can be arranged with the hotel.
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Location
Location
1 Ringwood Rd, Burley, Ringwood BH24 4BS
Burley Manor
1 Ringwood Rd, Burley, Ringwood BH24 4BS
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Car - Burley Manor is a very accessible location just 1.5 hours from Heathrow and 2 hours from London.
Train - There is a 2 hour train from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst train station where you'll connect and take the bus to Queens Head (21 mins). We can arrange to collect you from Queens Head or a taxi from Brockenhurst train station.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
Cancellation Policy
~ Cancellations up to 6 weeks before the event - 50% cancellation fee
~ Cancellations 4 weeks before the event - 75% cancellation fee
~ Cancellations 2 weeks before the retreat - 100% cancellation fee
Reviews
Reviews
November 2023
"This was my first sewing retreat and I loved it! From start to finish we were looked after so well. Sewing at the workshop was so relaxing with wonderful group of people. Lisa, Tess and Amanda couldn’t have been more helpful and encouraging. "
"I loved my “me” time away from the daily grind. It was great to have the freedom to work on my own choice of pattern at a pace that suited me. The help I received from both yourself and Tess and Amanda gave me confidence to complete my pattern and the other items I cut out. I also loved the concept of “slow”. It’s not about the end result but rather about the journey to reach the end. And also learning new techniques and skills to enable me to have the confidence to attempt more advanced patterns. "
"Very enjoyable weekend spent at Creative Spirit Retreat sewing Avid Seamstress pattern. Location and venue could not have been better. Facilities and food were excellent. Great support while sewing and watching everyone having fun creating their garments added to the experience. "
October 2023
"Lisa and the team provided a beautiful, restful retreat. Luxury surroundings, mindful breathing, massage, sewing, amazing food and lots of laughter - Heavenly"
"The retreat exceeded my expectations. Excellent tuition in beautiful surroundings with the added benefit of the pool, a massage and two breath work sessions. Was wonderful to be able to give time to sewing in such a setting."
"This weekend was just what I needed. A wonderful place to share and learn. The support and tuition was excellent. Everything was high quality. I would certainly go again"
June 2023
Our incredible group of creative sewists for our June 2023 retreat. They bought with them warmth, enthusiasm and immersed themselves in our retreat experience.
June 2023 reviews
"I was slightly apprehensive about attending on my own, but everyone was so lovely it turned into a very special experience. The support given by Lisa, Tess and Amanda was superb and despite choosing to sew a garment I’d never attempted before, with their help I managed much better than I thought I would. The venue was perfect, and extremely comfortable, and the food was delicious. The addition of meditation and a massage session was a real treat. Overall, a magical experience which I hope to repeat next year. I wholeheartedly recommend the Creative Spirit Sewing Retreat by the Avid Seamstress"
"I am so happy that I was able to attend The Avid Seamstress' Creative Spirit retreat. The experiences I had will stay with me for a long time to come - some of them were almost life-changing. I knew I'd have a good week sewing, but it was the added mindfulness activities attached to the retreat that really opened my eyes and imbued the week with so much of its magic. If you want a retreat where you can immerse yourself in sewing, meet great people and take time to reconnect at a slower pace, look no further. Thank you so much to everyone involved."
"This treat is exactly what I needed. A unique immersive experience. Surrounded by like minded creatives and the support from Lisa & Tess was amazing. My heart was full when I left the retreat and have used techniques picked up from the meditation in my everyday life. "
"A great venue for a sewing retreat. We were cocooned in tranquillity, great food, expert advice and unlimited patience from Lisa and her team. This is a sewers dream. "
