Back-Basting Appliqué Weekend

Back-Basting Appliqué Weekend 2026

Tour Now Completed

16th – 18th October 2026

On this fantastic weekend retreat led by expert Carolyn Forster, you’ll learn a method to create very accurate hand appliqué using a classic block. We’ll cover two different methods to work the technique and see how different variations can be created. We’ll also look at how the block creates different designs and how these can be put together using quilt-as-you-go techniques.

Skill Level: Confident beginner.
Requirements List: The kit will include enough fabric, thread, batting and backing to make a one-block quilt to be used as a 16-inch cushion front or as the basis to start a quilt, along with instruction sheets and templates. Please bring with you a basic hand sewing kit and any fabric or threads that you may wish to substitute for the ones supplied in the kit.

Itinerary

Day 1 Friday Arrival
Check in to your room from 3pm. Get to know Carolyn, your Retreat Manager and fellow guests over dinner this evening.

Included meal: Dinner

Day 2 Saturday Workshop
We’ll start the day by preparing our fabrics and planning a design. We’ll look at fabric application and decisions on cutting, as well as selecting hand appliqué threads and needles. We’ll sew samples to try out the different methods that Carolyn will demonstrate or get started on sewing our designs.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 Sunday Workshop & Departure
Today we’ll continue stitching our designs, piecing blocks together and quilting. We’ll layer and baste the block and look at different quilt-as-you-go methods for making a whole quilt.

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation

You will stay for two nights at the Blunsdon House Hotel.

This stylish and contemporary 4-star hotel is ideally located in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside. In a convenient location, Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club is easily accessible from the M1, M6, M40 and Birmingham Airport, and is just a short drive to Northampton and Coventry.

Set in 30 acres of beautiful countryside, the 4-star Blunsdon House Hotel is situated in the village of Broad Blunsdon. All the individually decorated bedrooms have flat screen televisions, a safety deposit box, telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. There are two restaurants and three bars to relax and enjoy a drink after a day of exploring or alternatively take a swim in the hotels indoor heated swimming pool or take a walk around the beautiful grounds of the hotel.

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