Our first ever in-person cross stitch retreat is almost here and we're bursting with excitement to meet the Caterpillar community...
Imagine a room full of people who understand you—people who just 'get it'! The Caterpillar Stitch Retreat 2024 was designed for and by passionate cross stitchers.
Our greatest achievement is the community we have built together over the years, and this one-of-a kind event will be a real celebration of our online cross stitch family.
Ticket holders will benefit from undisturbed stitching time, small business shopping, a quiz, brag table, charity raffle, smalls exchange, and the chance to design their own cross stitch pattern.
The friendly Caterpillar team will greet you on arrival; from here attendees will receive an exclusive project bag and lanyard before heading into the main stitching room to secure a seat and make new friends.
Inside the project bag you'll find a unique cross stitch kit and needle minder, hand-dyed fabric and threads, an event brochure, and a chocolate lolly.
The retreat will take place at the luxury MacDonald Burlington Hotel on June 22 and 23. Easily accessible from anywhere in the country (or world), the venue is less than a 5-minute walk from Birmingham New Street train station.
Make a weekend of it! The stunning 4-star hotel is ideally located in the centre of Birmingham, with an abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions nearby.
Secure your ticket today and earn bragging rights for attending the first ever Caterpillar Stitch Retreat!
Guests will enjoy plenty of relaxing, dedicated stitching time, but there will also be heaps of enjoyable activities to participate in (all activities will be optional). The weekend will start with an introductory speech from Sally Wilson, Founder and Creative Director of Caterpillar Cross Stitch.
We'll then grab our WIPs and enjoy some uninterrupted stitching time before the quiz starts! Hosted by Sally, questions will be on a variety of subjects, with at least one topic suited to everyone. The winning table will each receive a prize.
The charity raffle will take place on Saturday afternoon, and tickets will be available on the day (£1 for 5). Proceeds will be donated to the local charity 'You Can Flourish', supporting girls who struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem.
There will be over 25 exciting raffle prizes available, including cross stitch patterns, hand-dyed fabric, needle minders, hampers, vouchers, and more, generously donated by some of our favourite businesses.
Bring along the cross stitch piece you're proudest of and display it on the brag table for the Caterpillar team and other stitchers to admire. Sally will choose and announce her favourites (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places) on Sunday and award them with colourful rosettes!
Do you have unwanted items taking up space in your craft room—magazines, a kit, spare supplies? Pack them in your suitcase and offer them to a new, loving home at the 'charity swap shop'. Donate an item and you are free to take something from the table!
For those who have nothing to exchange but wish to take home a donated item, there will be an honesty box on the table, and proceeds will be donated to the mental health charity MIND.
To participate in the smalls exchange, simply stitch a small nature or animal-themed project, bring it to the retreat, and we'll handle the rest. You'll receive a surprise keepsake stitched by a new friend in return!
Visit the Love It Stitch It stall and design the cross stitch pattern of your dreams. Experts will be available to help you create any project your heart desires.
Discover new, independent crafty businesses at the retreat! We're delighted to announce the businesses attending the event as a vendor:
These talented and crafty individuals have got you covered for framing, hand-dyed supplies, cross stitch kits, accessories, and other essentials! Small business shopping will be available all weekend.
Keep your eye out for retreat-exclusive discounts; we have some really generous reductions planned for the Caterpillar stall, so you can get your hands on the kit or accessory you've had your eye on for a while guilt-free!
The retreat is the biggest and most exciting event we have done to date, and we only have a few standard tickets left!
Standard tickets are £169.00 and include weekend entry, a full cross stitch kit, exclusive needle minder, Slabb chocolate lolly, hand-dyed supplies, an official event brochure, unlimited tea, coffee, pastries, and other nibbles.
Tap here to secure your ticket
This is a really unique opportunity to meet and learn from cross stitchers across the country—have nobody to attend with? Don't let that stop you from making unforgettable memories.
There are more members of our friendly community coming alone than with someone, and the Caterpillar team will be there to chat with and support you all weekend.
Don't miss out on the chance to connect with like-minded stitchers in person and make new friends!
Crafting isn’t just about making something beautiful (although that certainly is a huge advantage!), it’s also about finding something that makes you happy, calms your mind and brings you a sense of enjoyment and accomplishment.
For neurodiverse people, crafts can offer amazing benefits, from improved focus and confidence to reduced stress and anxiety.
