The more seasoned knitters among you will know that learning a craft can quickly turn from a passing interest into a lifelong passion. This transition can happen with speed and stealth and before you know it, you’re hooked!
While local clubs, online groups and social media threads provide valuable inspiration, the joy of crafting can also be a global experience. Every nation has its own unique approach to stitching, sewing, knitting and making. Could your passion take you to far-flung nations, meeting new people and on the trip of a lifetime?
Here's how to find the perfect crafting holiday to suit you.
Travel far and wide
Offering a broad range of trips across the full gamut of disciplines, Stitchtopia is the UK’s number one tour operator for craft holidays. From Europe to South America and South East Asia to the Middle East, each tour has been designed by Stitchtopia experts. Destinations are selected for their unique crafting traditions and trips are designed to inspire all crafters, from knitters, to stitchers to quilters.
Journey to Iceland and enjoy expertly planned workshops among the dramatic vista of volcanic mountains, spouting geysers and hot lagoons. Explore the unique textile traditions of Uzbekistan on a journey that follows the Silk Road. Or embark on a wonderful quilting retreat in Switzerland, spending three and a half days at the Bernina Creative Centre. Difficult to choose, isn’t it?
Happy travellers
Guests who sign up to a Stitchtopia trip can expect a varied itinerary featuring workshops with renowned experts and the opportunity to learn new techniques. Sharing projects with like-minded travellers makes the journey even more special.
Stitchtopia prides itself on providing quality support throughout the trip. From arrival on day one until the last wave goodbye, guests are assisted by the Stitchtopia team. And if the logistics of travelling is not your forté, Stitchtopia hand-picks hotels and provides a fully escorted experience for intimate group sizes.
“For me, this was the holiday of a lifetime,” says Christine MacCallum, a traveller with Stitchtopia. “I was astounded at the level of organisation – absolutely perfect. Our guide was amazing, very friendly and knowledgeable. The hotels were top-notch... The workshops were interesting... I can honestly say I have never enjoyed a holiday so much – it was worth every penny.”
Struggling to choose a destination? Hold on to your needles, knitters, there are two special trips that we think you’ll love.
Top knitting destinations: Faroe and County Kerry
The Faroese knitting tradition is steeped in centuries of history with its unique colourwork, circular needles and shawl making. Guests on this trip will meet in Edinburgh, then journey on to the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. Once arrived, travellers enjoy two and half days of private workshops with local knitting expert Katrina í Geil to create a Faroese project. When the work is done, guests can explore this remote and beautiful Atlantic outpost and learn about its history, traditions and culture.
No less dramatic in scenery is County Kerry in Ireland. Guests will spend eight days enjoying knitting and crocheting in the rugged beauty of this wild landscape. The expert leading the way is author, designer and colourist Sarah Hazell, who is known for her relaxed style of teaching. “I love that feeling of enabling somebody to learn a new skill,” says Sarah. Explore the Dingle Peninsula, Ross Castle, the Ring of Kerry, and learn all about the 17th century Kerry Woollen Mills on an unforgettable trip.
Time to book
With so many different destinations, crafts, experts and experiences to enjoy, there is a trip for everyone at Stitchtopia.