Sew and Spa.....the perfect combination of relaxation and creativity

I have just returned from the first sewing retreat at the incredible Champneys Forest Mere in Hampshire.

I am feeling rejuvenated after some relaxing pampering, great healthy food and a chance to block out the rest of the world and just sew.

It has made me so happy to see what my fantastic guests have achieved also.

A beautiful coat, 2 fabulous quilted jackets, a stunning ruck sack and a lovely Christmas dress.

These lovely mix of sewists, joined me for 2 nights in a luxury countryside Hampshire location to enjoy peace, tranquillity, pampering, good food and lots of time sewing.

They arrived at 11am to unload all their sewing equipment into our dedicated sewing room, which has panoramic views of the lake and forest surroundings.

A big table each was allocated plus a few more for cutting out space. More than enough space to spread out and get creatively 'messy'.

We were welcomed with the scents of calming fragrances throughout the resort and at once felt the wave of relaxation flow over us.

The sewing room greeted us with a delicious array of welcoming snacks including smoked salmon bagels, croissants and a fruit platter. More than enough to keep us going until lunch at 1pm.

The ladies got set up and began their cutting out to the sound of birdsong and a visit from the local duck squad. Other than that, just the sounds of scissor on fabric and the ring of sewing machines could be heard.

At 1pm we retired to the lunch room for a fantastic buffet of both hot and cold food, nutritious soup and scrummy desserts. Perfect to set us up for the afternoon of more sewing.

At 4pm we decided to either enjoy the pool areas with a relaxing swim or for the first of the included treatments. Either a Champneys Spa Heaven Cocoon or a Champneys Radiance Renewal Facial. Both were amazing and we felt we had really chilled out ready for our evening meal in the Mere Restaurant, where we were greeted with a glass of Prosecco.

Dinner was delicious and it was time to just chat about our day or retire to our luxury rooms ready to awaken refreshed for day 2.

Day 2 began with a buffet breakfast.

Cereals, fruit, continental choices, toast and all the teas, coffees and fruit juices to help you start a day of sewing right.

For the early risers there was an option to enjoy a run around the stunning surrounding countryside, a swim in the pool or a session in the gym.

For most of us we just enjoyed the buffet and began the mornings sewing in the studio room.

The sun was shining and was so warm we could enjoy the open doors and the countryside sounds of the wildlife. (The ducks came to join us again and found us highly amusing......quack lol)

We were treated again to more refreshments in case we were feeling peckish before lunch........danish pastries, croissants and a healthy fruit platter again with tea and coffee to maintain our energy levels.

The students really were productive and after the cutting out the previous day, the serious sewing began. Toiles complete, machines threaded and ready to go.

A glorious sound filled the workroom.

With only lunch to disturb us we sewed until it was time to down tools and have another treatment. Yet more pampering......it was truly a tough few days......

There was time to also enjoy the whirlpools and steam/saunas or to take advantage of the setting and get some fresh air with a walk around the lake.

After yet another delicious dinner, there was time to enjoy some twilight sewing. We really wanted to make the most of the space while we could before having to sadly pack up and leave the following morning at 11am after breakfast and a cheeky bit of retail therapy in the resort shops. Champneys products, Elemis or Clarins. A few bargains were to be had and was a great end to this mini break.

I am now home and already planning the next break and really hope you may be interested in joining us for a truly immersive sewing and relaxing mini break next year. I will be organising dates soon so please get in touch if you would like to be added to the waiting list.

Many thanks to Champneys for their care and service and providing a beautiful setting for us.

Many thanks also to the first guests I welcomed who I hope enjoyed their stay as much as I did.

Your company was brilliant and made the visit really fun and creative and a joy to host.

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www.thesewingstudioiow.co.uk

For information on Champneys resorts and their services, please visit

www.champneys.com