Testimonials feature

I had a wonderful stay and experience, and came home with a head (and heart) full of inspiration and ideas. Also the realisation that I do not have to rush! Waaah! Katie and Elwen are great teachers, I picked up so much! I must say I've eavesdropped quite a lot when you were explaining to the other students. I think the whole package was an ideal mix. We had lots of sewing time, but also enough downtime. The Grove is a very beautiful and inspiring place to stay - truly, what you have put together couldn't have been better. I would love to come back next year!

I cannot begin to express what a beautiful experience it was to attend this workshop. The company was so lovely, and the Grove was beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for your willingness to work with a novice; Katie and Elwen are such talented, patient teachers, and you bring a lot of joy to your instruction. Because of you I feel empowered and inspired to continue sewing. I am so proud of my bag (it has already gotten a lot of action), and I can't wait to tackle the Florence dress.

I don't know if I can convey in words how much I loved my time there at Merchant & Mills and at The Grove. I'm sure I would be tempted to pile on with too many superlatives! So, I'll just say, it was the BEST and I'm hoping to be able to come again next year. Katie and Elwen were so patient with all of us, and I learned so much. Everyone at M&M was so pleasant and helpful and I loved all the shop dogs being there every day! The accommodations at The Grove were lovely and comfortable. Beautiful decor, linens, well-equipped kitchen, and the whole aesthetic of the house. As a group, we concluded that everything had been so well thought-out and considered.

From the moment we arrived on Monday to when we left you could not have made us feel more at home. No 4 The Grove was a delight, and we were just so comfortable there. Then came the sewing! The most patient and encouraging tutors, anyone who can work with me all week with fabric behaving like some sort of slippery snake and teach me how to cope with it. The lovely thing about the retreat is that I learnt so much about sewing from you all but also my fellow students. I have also made some wonderful new friends which has been an added bonus.

I absolutely loved everything about the retreat: the house, the lessons, the food, the great atmosphere and all the friendly people. For me personally this has given me a huge confidence boost in getting on with sewing at home.