About

Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

Contact Mary

Connect with Mary

     

Archives

2024 (40) 2023 (125) 2022 (136) 2021 (130) 2020 (132) 2019 (147) 2018 (146) 2017 (169) 2016 (147) 2015 (246) 2014 (294) 2013 (294) 2012 (305) 2011 (306) 2010 (316) 2009 (367) 2008 (352) 2007 (225) 2006 (139)

Give-Away #5: Tree of Life Crewel Work Kit – for two!

 

Amazon Books

Time for the next episode in A Stitcher’s Christmas 2017, a series of pre-Christmas give-aways here on Needle ‘n Thread featuring some of the finest embroidery supplies, tools, kits, designs, and goodies available on the market.

Are you ready? Are you excited? I am, because today, it’s all about crewel work!

I’ll announce the winner of A Stitcher’s Christmas #4 (the slate frame and needle minder), and I’ll tell you all about a beautiful new Tree of Life authentic crewel embroidery kit from The Crewel Work Company!

Crewel Work Company Tree of Life Kit

First, winner business!

The randomly drawn winner of the slate frame and needle minder beautifully hand-crafted by Mark Harris of Mythic Crafts is Annamarie in Idaho.

Congratulations, Annamarie! I’ll drop you an email today to get the process going, so that you can enjoy using your new slate frame soon!

A huge thank you to Mark Harris at Mythic Crafts, where you can find exquisite hand-crafted slate frames with customizable options, as well meticulously designed and finished wooden boxes for mounting embroidery, and a wide array of wooden needle minders that feature just about any type of design you want!

New Tree of Life Kits from The Crewel Work Company!

This morning’s give-away comes to you courtesy of The Crewel Work Company, the world’s best source for authentic crewel work embroidery kits.

Crewel Work Company Tree of Life Kit

Philippa Turnbull has recently released a new – and stunning – Tree of Life design, which you can see featured in the photo above. You can get an even better look at it here, on the Crewel Work Company’s website.

The design features a stately dog and all the glorious attractions of a classic Tree of Life design. It’s a fantastic piece, perfect for lover’s of crewel embroidery and Jacobean designs!

The kit includes the design printed on The Crewel Work Company’s historically accurate z-twist linen twill specially woven for them in the Highlands of Scotland, all the required wool threads, a stitch chart, needles, step-by-step instructions for completing the Tree of Life, the beginner’s booklet The Essential Guide for Newcomers to Crewel Work, and a sturdy box to keep everything together in!

And on top of all that, today’s give-away is for two winners, each of whom will receive their very own Tree of Life kit (which increases your chance of winning significantly!).

Give-Away Guidelines

This give-away is now closed! Thanks to all who participated!

If you would like to participate in A Stitcher’s Christmas #5, please adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Leave a comment on this article on Needle ‘n Thread. You can follow this link directly to the comment form, if you’re unsure of where to go.

Please do not leave your comment as a reply to someone else’s comment. Comments submitted via email or left on any other page or social media page are not eligible. The comment must be left on Needle ‘n Thread, at the end of this article.

2. Please fill out the comment form correctly. Here’s what you need to know about filling out the comment form:

Use a recognizable name in the “name” line (this can be first and last name, first name with last initial, a nickname, your first name and where you’re from, etc.); use a valid email address; leave the website line blank if you do not own and operate your own website; do not put any personal contact information in the comment area itself.

3. Answer the following in your comment:

If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?

4. Leave your comment before 5:00 am Central Time (that’s Kansas, USA time), Monday, December 18th. The winners will be randomly drawn that morning and announced here on Needle ‘n Thread.

5. Only one comment per person, please. The give-away is open to everyone.

And that is it!

So, if you’d like a chance to create a crewel masterpiece in 2018, leave your comment today join in the fun!

See you on Friday, with another collection of monumental prizes in A Stitcher’s Christmas, 2017!

If your comment does not appear on the website immediately (it will read “awaiting moderation” or something to that effect), don’t panic and please don’t resubmit it. The comments are queued until I approve them. This prevents spam on my website. It will show up eventually. Thanks!

 
 

(1,104) Comments

  1. I’d scoop up my projects and head to the beach, if I could. Such a carefree atmosphere always inspires me to be creative and relax. 🙂

    What wonderful contests! Thank you so much and merry Christmas!

    2
  2. Dear Mary
    I’ll take my chance again
    If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why : I’ll will go either to Australia for Alison Cole and to meet with all these artits that work for Inspiration Magazin or to London at RSN for taking summer training at the RSN school.
    Hope I can winn one these two marvellous give away from the crewel work company !
    Thanks for this opportunity .
    regards
    Anne-Marie

    3
  3. 1 – UK – Royal School of Needlework short course or
    – a workshop or retreat from Crewel Company
    2 – Italy – anywhere in Italy

    Dreaming does cost nothing at all, isn’t it?
    Tanks Mary and Phillipa from Crewel Company – a great and nice business
    Merry Holidays and Peace, Love and Joy for New Year to you both and all Mary’s readers
    Happy stitching

    4
  4. Oh golly oh golly- seeing this really makes me miss doing crewl work. I hope I am one of the lucky ones. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. Here’s to another year of beautiful creativity and stitcher.

    6
  5. Just gorgeous. I would love to take a stab (with a needle, of course) at it. What a wonderful project. Merry Christmas

    8
  6. I have a list! But, my first dream stitching vacation would be to Hungary to the major embroidery regions and into small villages. My dream!

    9
  7. I think my dream vacation would be going to the RSN and traveling through the British Isles and learn the historical techniques since that is where my family is from.

    12
  8. I really enjoy your emails. I love to do needlework but arthritic hands only allow the simple pest techniques.

    13
  9. My dream needlework vacation would be to Japan for some embroidery classes! Or maybe to the Royal School of Needlework for a summer of study in their classes!! Or maybe……..

    14
  10. Hands down, my dream needlework destination would be England to study at the Royal School of Needlework.

    15
  11. I’d love to go to a needlework seminar in Germany. I’ve seen several advertised. My son is living in Austria and it would be so much fun to combine both loves.

    18
  12. I would visit London, and the V&A’s Clothworkers Centre for the Study and Conservation of Textiles and Fashion. The inspiration from handling real historical garments is unbeatable for me. I might pop in to Liberty’s while I’m there too!

    19
  13. I would love to visit the Harrogate stitching show in the UK. For many years
    I have heard from those who live in the UK, how wonderful it is.

    21
  14. Definitely England – New Zealand was an English Colony when I was growing up so we followed everything royal. I would love to visit England to see any embroidery related to the royal family – present and past.

    22
  15. I’d love to do an embroidery course at Denman College, the Women’s Institute’s own college, they have a course on Crewelwork

    23
  16. i would love to go in England with some friends and take lessons of different techniques including crewel. I like this kind of embroideries because it gave the possibility to make different kind of techniques.

    24
  17. I love what I call the Victorian like look of this design. It’d fit perfectly in my 1895 George Barber home! I have a space waiting for it. My dream stitching vacation would be Vermont during fall or winter. I haven’t been to Vermont, but how dreamy to sit by a fire and look through a window at a scenic view while stitching! Merry Christmas, everyone!

    26
  18. I would love to attend “Beating around the Bush” in Australia. The seminars seem interesting and varied, and the location is also marvelous

    27
  19. My favourite stitching destination would be Australia. Embroidery of all types seem to be huge there and the shops specialising in needlework are fabulous.

    28
  20. That is a beautiful tree of life design. Thank you for the opportunity to win this prize
    I’m not sure what you mean by a dream needle work destination but I would love to go to the Ireland. I can imagine sitting in the country stitching under shade trees overlooking rolling hills dotted with fluffy sheep.
    Merry Christmas & Happy New year.

    29
  21. I would love to go to the Royal School of Needlework and take a course on any type of needlework. I would be enthralled by the whole experience.

    30
  22. I would go to the Royal Albert Museum so I could stare for hours at their beautiful Victorian items.

    31
  23. I have always enjoyed the tree of life pattern and how everyone’s interpretation is different. I have not done a lot of crewel work but would like to do more.

    33
  24. Australia! Without a doubt. I would love to go to Beat Around The Bush.2018! It’s just a dream,but maybe one day.

    34
  25. Oh Mary! How beautiful is that kit?! I have been wanting to try Crewel for a long time and haven’t done it yet. I have been following Phillipa Turnbull and her tours for a few years and just to go on one of her tours would be fantastic. To see all of the historic works and all of the sites and experience her expertice would be a dream vacation for me.

    36
  26. My needlework related dream vacation would be a trip to England to take a course at the Royal School of Needlework and unlimited access to the Victoria and Albert needlework and costume collection.

    37
  27. If I could pick a dream destination for needlework, it would be to the Canadian Embroiderers’ Association’s summer seminar in PEI! I’ve always found workshops and conferences to be invaluable in terms of inspiration found, contacts made, lessons learned.
    Thank you Mary – your blog is like a conference on the web!

    38
  28. This question was easy…. My dream stitching destination is Japan! The ability to study those techniques and have easy access to the exquisite threads…. a girl can dream.

    39
  29. It would certainly be France so I could tour around the shops in Paris and then to a week or two at Begonia D’Or studios in Rochefort to learn goldwork from the masters teacher there!

    40
  30. My dream needlework vacation would be a trip to check out all the lovely museums in the UK. Between the clothing, embroidery, and lacemaking, there are far too many to list, but the Victoria and Albert museum, and the RSN would be on the top of my list!

    41
  31. At this moment, I am absolutely wanting to visit Hampton Court Palace! Not only to visit/study with the RSN, but to see all the centuries of history that have happened there!

    42
  32. I would love to go to Norway. There are so many beautiful hand embroidered traditional costumes worn by men and women. I would love to learn the skills needed to make one. My family is Norwegian and I am very proud of my heritage.

    43
  33. My dream destination would have to be Australia ‘beating around the bush’ to meet and learn from all the wonderfully talented needleworkers who contribute to Inspirations magazine. I’d love to win one of the crewel work kits as it would be a challenge.

    44
  34. I’d love to spend a summer in the U.K., visiting historic castles and museums to see original crewel work, and if I were very lucky, I’d like to take a course at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court.

    45
  35. Spent Thanksgiving weekend in a restored, over a 100-year old forest service cabin in a wilderness area.

    Ah! Peace. Solitude. Beauty. Happy dogs and happy mom!

    Dreaming of stitching away…in lovely solitude.

    46
  36. My dream embroidery destination would be Hawaii because the weather is always near perfect. I could embroider outside without concerns over heat, humidity or on the other side cold and wind.

    47
  37. I would love to travel to London, UK to attend some of the needle work classes that are taught by the Royal School of Needlework.

    48
  38. If I were to pick a dream destination it would have to be a week at the RSN. My first love is cross stitch, but every book I invest in is about embroidery, white work etc. I can lose an entire afternoon in a magazine or book, fascinated by the beauty of the stitches.

    49
  39. I would love to win this great package. If I could go to a dream destination spot it would be to London to attend the RSN school. That would be an experience of a lifetime. Thanks for letting me participate.

    Nancy

    50
  40. Ever since I discovered the Embroidery and Crossstitch magazine in a needlework shop during a romantic vacation with my husband, I have wanted to go to Australia! I would love to go to some of there classes and comb through their embroidery shops. That would be just so wonderful.

    51
  41. My one needlework-related dream destination vacation would be to England!

    I would visit the William Morris sites and most especially the May Morris exhibition. In addition, I would take a tour of the RSN and perhaps take a class or two, and purchase a few kits in their shop. I would enjoy it so.

    52
  42. I love anything Jacobean, and this design is a beautiful example of the textiles of that era.
    This drawing is especially exciting to me, as it’s been years (probably about 45) since I have done any crewel work. At that time, crewel embroidery on cashmere sweaters was popular, and I did some work for an artist who designed patterns especially for these projects. It was great fun, but marriage and children took precedence. But now, I have the time to explore embroidery of all types (which I have been doing) and would love to try my hand at crewel work again.
    Thanks for all the information and encouragement you give.
    Martha

    53
  43. Travel around Europe to be able to see all the beautiful needlework and art from centuries ago.

    54
  44. My dream destination would be a needlework festival where my friend and I could take classes, gather inspirations, and stock up on supplies.

    This is a lovely gift pack today. I’ve always been attracted to Tree of Life designs.

    Merry Christmas Mary 🙂

    55
  45. A dream needlework vacation would have to be Australia. Needlework is definitely in the forefront there and I’d love to visit the InspirationStudio.

    56
  46. Definitely a pilgrimage to the Royal School of Needlework, with a side trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Sounds like England to me!

    57
  47. I know exactly where I’d go — I’d take a leave of absence and attend a semester at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court! Of course that is assuming I suddenly had more time and money 😉 I’d love to learn in such an immersive experience.

    58
  48. My dream needlework vacation destination would be England- all over the country to see the different museums and the RSN.

    Thank you.
    Jean B.
    Kent WA

    60
  49. What a beautiful Crewel piece to stitch! I hope you will consider my entry even though I do not have a particular special place that I would like to visit to do some stitching. I have started stitching again (after several years) and am enjoying everything that I have tried in the last couple of years. I would love to go anywhere that I could learn a new technique or improve on one I have tried. I have done crewel work years ago but never something as exquisite as the Tree of Life.

    61
  50. No contest here. I would take one of Judith Baker Montano’s crazy quilt classes at her studio in Colorado. This is the last year she will be teaching at her studio. I have been lobbying for this as a Christmas gift.

    63
  51. I love trees. I would love to go to England for the history and museum with rich embroidery (William Morrisetc)
    Wishing you a Merry Christmas

    64
  52. My dream stitching vacation would take me to Hampton Court Castle in London. Stitching a Crewel Tree Of Life from start to finish. Of course, my dream comes with lodging and gourmet meals

    66
  53. My dream vacation would take me to Australia where I could meet and learn from folks at Inspirations.

    67
  54. Oh my goodness that is not even a question! The Royal School of Needlework. I feel like they have so much to teach, and I have so much I want to learn.

    70
  55. My ideal place is a little caravan site that we visit in Dumfries and Galloway, where I can sit in comfort and have the sea as a back drop, listening to the seabirds. I still enjoy it in the rain with the sound of rain on the caravan roof. Its warm, dry and stunning views. I never get bored of it even in the rain. Just totally relaxing!!

    71
  56. My grandmother taught me how to embroider about 60 years ago. One of her favorite types of embroidery was crewel work.
    I have done some crewel work, and enjoy it immensely. I have begun to get back into embroidery now that I am retired.

    72
  57. My needle work dream destination would be…Merry Olde England, of course! Just think of the possibilities! The castles with their incredible stitch work and tapestries! The elegant clothing once worn by Kings and Queens! And, of course, the museums that house hundreds of years of stitchery!

    73
  58. The place I would like to visit is Bayeux, Normandy, France tonsee the Bayeux Tapestry. I have only seen photos but my daughter, who does beautiful stitchers, has visited Bayeux and was enthralled.

    Maybe someday?

    Becky Hill

    74
  59. I’ve read about the Lady Anne Needlework retreats. I’d love to go to one of those in England!

    75
  60. My dream destination would be a mountain top chalet! It would be spring/summer time with green shades of the mountains either emerging or just coming into full blossom with blue skies. And it would be in the US. There’s no place like our country!

    76
  61. My needlework-related dream destination would be Kansas, your place, so I could learn to embroider one-on-one!

    77
  62. My dream needlework vacation would be to London to attend the RSN! That would be fabulous. Thanks for the great giveaway, Mary!

    78
  63. If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?
    The museums in England and scotland because of the needlework that they have. A second choice would be a course at the Royal School of Needlework

    79
  64. Dear Mary,
    I have been following your site since taking up embroidery after retiring. Thank you for all your help and inspiration. I have not ventured into crewel work as yet, I’m still exploring all stitchery, I belong to an embroidery association, very exciting, I look forward to more of your work on the newsletters I receive every week. Fidele

    80
  65. I think I would pick the U.K. There are so many textile treasure there to see. I’d love to visit the Victoria & Albert museum and the Mountmellick museum in Ireland and so many other great places to see historic pieces.

    81
  66. My dream destination – aside from some personal classes from Mary Corbett which would be AWESOME- would be to take a trip to Colonial Williamsburg and take some of the classes from the Williamsburg School of Needlework. Sometimes they partner with the RSN. The prices for instruction seem reasonable and I’ve always wanted to visit Williamsburg.
    I would love to win this prize – it is a lovely sampler.

    82
  67. This is a tough one, because I don’t know that much about needle work destinations. But i guess a place where I can sit outdoors in a beautiful setting and stitch all day.

    84
  68. Scotland! My family came from Scotland and it is a place I have always wanted to go. I can just imagine enjoying the beautiful peaceful scenery while stitching something beautiful.

    88
  69. Dream vacation? There’s a hand embroidery retreat in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, offered next spring. I would absolutely jump at the chance to attend. I would go because in addition to the workshops, the package offers guided tours of the area’s culture. I think it would be a wonderful way to visit the place, to be immersed in learning about the culture.

    89
  70. Oh how I would love to win this! Need to work on a Crewel linen twill piece for further hand and finger therapy and have been wanting to do a larger tree of life design for a while now.
    Needlework related destination would be China, specifically for Suzhou embroidery.

    90
  71. My dream stitching themed vacation would be to go to London and take a short course of study with the RSN over the summer. Thanks for sponsoring another great holiday giveaway Mary!

    91
  72. What a gorgeous design. I particularly love the dog and the little rabbits at the base of the tree.

    A dream needlework vacation would be attending the yearly national seminar of the Embroiderers Guild of America.

    92
  73. This one I didn’t even have to think about! London to spend hours in the V&A and hopefully to take a class with the RSN

    93
  74. My needlework related dream location would be anywhere near the sea. The idea of stitching, in the sunshine, listening to the lapping of the waves as well would be Bliss!
    Julie

    94
  75. My dream needlework trip would beto England and Scotland to see the magnificent royal and ecclesiastical embroidery. I would love to take a class at the Royal School.

    95
  76. Oh, my needlework dream destination vacation! My problem is not taking enough time for needlework or sewing which I have always loved. My dream destination would be to just spend time with people who share my love and spend time with those who would inspire me. When I am around people who embroidery or quilt I find peace, happiness and joy. I’ve learned much by my mistakes and look back at the progress I’ve made through the years and think of all the wonderful people I’ve met along my journey. But I still have so much more to learn! I love your website Mary, that you personally take your time to share with me and others. A special thank you and I wish you a blessed holiday this season. Barbara

    96
  77. I have not been stitching crewel work for very long, but it has become my favorite. This is such a beautiful piece, and I would love to have the opportunity to stitch it. Happy holidays!

    97
  78. I would love to spend time browsing the embroidery collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

    (Close runner up would be classes from the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court, but I don’t have that much vacation time.)

    98
  79. My dream is to visit Australia, home to
    beautiful needlework by exquisitely talented individuals. I would love to have instruction from there.

    99
  80. Venice Italy , hands down a dream vacation for many reasons, including the textiles of all sorts.

    100
  81. The dream destination for needlework for me would be the UK. I love many types of needlework, and in addition to beautiful surface embroidery I would be able to see extant examples of bobbin lace, blackwork, and maybe even some early tablet weaving. There are spinning and knitting traditions in the Shetland Isles I’d love to see as well A visit to the V & A museum would be so wonderful!

    101
  82. My needlework dream vacation is a stay in London that includes classes at the Royal School of Needlework.

    102
  83. My dream place is home with my family – I get my two favorite things stitching and my family!
    England would be my second choice because of all the museums, schools, and history encompassing a variety of stitching techniques.

    104
  84. That is a very difficult question because the Chinese and Japanese have made incredible embroideries throughout history. But, my heart does go out to England so that would be my pick. To narrow it down further is really, really hard and would require a great deal of research.

    105
  85. Ooooo! I always wanted to try one of those crewel kits and that design is gorgeous! Thank you for the opportunity.

    I think I would want to go to Australia. They seem to have all the cool classes, kits and so many awesome materials. I love history (history major here) but when it comes to needlework I like doing more than examining. So I would want a trip to take classes and meet designers etc.

    106
  86. My dream needlework destination, not a specific place, but it would need to be on the coast with the waves crashing on the rocky shore. Sandy rock pools dot the shore line and forest on the other side of the flower filled meadows behind me. Lots of wildlife with the birds serenading all day long. The temperatures would be constant and range from 68 to 75 degrees. Nice and warm but not too warm. Why, because here my spirit would be comforted, allowing my creative dreams and endeavors free reign to be completed.

    108
  87. I would love to go to Lady Anne’s retreat. Combining travel and historical homes and needlework just couldn’t get any better.

    109
  88. Thanks so much for the opportunity! I would love to travel the U.S. in an RV and visit every imaginable needlework shop. There always seems to be something in their shops that is specific to their area and customers. You would then have to hit the skies and visit other countries to see their different techniques and styles. So much fun!

    111
  89. If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why? Scotland.
    I would like to learn Ayrshire embroidery. Along with all the other great techniques that come from the land of the Picts and Celts.
    I ran across several beautiful christening gowns from 1870 while volunteering at the local museum. Naturally the words formed in my brain, I can do that! So the quest is on to find all I can regarding this beautiful form of embroidery.

    Thank you for all these contests!
    Barabal D.

    113
  90. If I had to pick a needlework dream destination it would be the UK and a Lady Ann’s retreat. Not sure that’s in the cards….

    114
  91. That is a really difficult one. I have been to most places in the British Isles and do not know much about places abroad. I would love o be able to go to Beating around the bush in Australia but now at my age it is unlikely ever to happen.

    115
  92. My needlework dream destination would be England because I’d love to visit the Royal School of Needlework and take some of their courses.

    116
  93. My dream destination for needlework would be to attend the School of Needlework in San Francisco, and take some classes there. It would also be a great opportunity to see my son, daughter and one year old granddaughter who live nearby in Santa Clara. Seeing my family and becoming a better stitcher- this is what I would love to do.

    117
  94. The Crewel Work Company does needlework study tours. I would love to attend the Scottish Highlands & Islands Tour in Aug 2019. I didn’t know these types of tours were available, so thanks for introducing the Crewel Work Company to me – so much to explore!

    118
  95. My dream destination for a stitching holiday would be Scotland. But then, my dream destination for any holiday would be Scotland.

    119
  96. I would go to England to take one of those tours that combine a stitching class with seeing historical textiles. The thought is such a happy place in my mind during these worrisome times.

    120
  97. My one needlework-related dream destination vacation would be to Ireland. Not only for the beautiful needlework, but the inspiration of the landscape, the history (like the book of kells) and the people.

    121
  98. I would love to go to England to view the needlework in the Victoria and Albert Museum and to take a class at the Royal School of Needlework.

    123
  99. My dream destination is the Sequoia mountains a little town at the base is three rivers. The air is crisp and cool the scenery is breath taking. It’s a artists town miss it just thinking about it.

    124
  100. my dream of destination….i would love to take a trip through the UK or Germany
    it is hard to decide between those …i have been to both, i was stationed in Germany and went to England when my son was stationed there…each has short memories of needlework shops, i would love to make a trip where it is “long” memories of needlework shops ….
    Thank you for the chance!

    Take Care…You Matter…..
    mary

    125
  101. I would go to England to view the historical embroideries and all the textiles at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

    126
  102. Well, that would be either Great Britain where I would like to see more of 16th and 17th century embroidery on sweetbags, embroidered bookbindings and caskets or Hungary where I would like to learn all the different kind of peasant embroidery before it disappeares and nobody knows how to make it anymore. Don’t make me choose.

    127
  103. O wow this is so very nice too look at.this is really my cup off tea.
    When i see this i want to sit by the fireplace and do some crewelwork.

    128
  104. I would go to the Halsingland region of Sweden. They have what is called “Landscape embroidery” which means there are at least 5 stitching techniques named after towns in that region. Museums display the remaining examples of these techniques. Count me gone for a couple of weeks researching and stitching!

    129
  105. I would love to go to Australia to attend the Beating Around the Bush stitching retreat to meet new people, learn new things and then have an opportunity to check off the “bucket list” a tour of the country.

    131
  106. I would like have a stitching holiday in Great Britain. Tours to see the great house with historic embroideries, museums, and visits to designers studios. Along the way some gardens and small towns known for other fiber crafts, knitting, weaving, spinning as well as others. Can I go for a month please?

    133
  107. I would love to take a crewel class and visit the Royal School of Needlework. Their work is just so beautiful. I have always loved crewel. Especially the Jacobean style.

    134
  108. If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?

    I would love to be one of the winners of the Philippa Turnbull Tree of Life crewel embroidery kit and the “dream” needle-work related vacation. My vacation choice would be to attend a class at the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court. From what I have read, the teachers are wonderful and the Tree of Life theme is a long-time personal favorite

    135
  109. A snowy chalet would by my dream place to take a handwork project. My stitching is mostly done in the colder months.

    136
  110. I’ve looked at the Tree of Life a number of times so I’m hoping.

    If I had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, it would be England. I would love to take a course from the Royal School of Needlework and be able to actually look at some of the gorgeous items on display in the school.

    138
  111. I would go to Beating Around the Bush in Australia to take classes from master instructors and to visit an amazing country.

    139
  112. A destination? I would choose London to see all their lovely needlework in their museums. This tree of life crewel piece is beautiful and is true to the fine work of yesteryear. Thanks for the opportunity. joan c

    140
  113. My dream Needlework destination would be London to attend the Royal School of Needlework. I would also spend a whole day at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is a trip definitely on my bucket list.

    142
  114. I think I would love to go to England to see their Royal School of Needlework. How’s that for an imagination.

    143
  115. My dream needlework destination would be in Europe visiting the linen weaving companies. Thank you.

    144
  116. Be still my heart!!!!! Wow!!! What a beautiful crewel project from Philippa Turnball to soothe my soul and keep me out of trouble in 2018. My dream vacation would be a tour of England’s ancestral homes that have crewel collections and of course, a visit to the Royal School of Embroidery at Hampton Court!
    Carolyn

    146
  117. My dream destination vacation would be to stay at an old castle in Scotland or Ireland with a great big needlework canvas to work on. I love old castles with their amazing rugs and tapestries. Wouldn’t matter what type of needlework because I love them all. As long as there is a needle and some sort of thread/yarn, I am a happy happy gal.

    147
  118. If I could choose one place for my dream needlework vacation, I would lose my mind for a little bit because there are many good choices. But then I would settle on (because I have already settled on) Glasgow, Scotland for these reasons: a) the Royal School of Needlework has a satellite campus in Glasgow; b) Glasgow has a strong tradition of surface embroidery going, especially the embroidery of the Glasgow girls; c) Charles Rennie Mackintosh; d) it’s cheaper to fly to Glasgow than to London; e) the Glasgow School of Art; e) Glasgow is the setting for many mystery stories by Denise Mina whom I love; f) in general, it looks like a cool place to visit–a bit off the beaten path.

    148
  119. I would go to the Victoria and Albert museum in London to see their collections of embroidery because I love the V&A and I love London!

    149
  120. That’s so easy! I would pick the Crewel Work Company 4 Nations Tour! I might as well dream big! What an absolute luxury that would be. I would be happy to settle down and stitch this lovely give away too. Thanks to Phillipa and Mary both for the chance to win.

    150
  121. I would like to visit Needlework and Design in San Francisco, CA. Their website has many of the patterns I would like to do. I am getting back into needlework again ad their website seems to have a lot of my taste. Their patterns are very colorful and pretty. I’m teaching myself a lot of new techniques and enjoy browsing the web for new ideas.

    151
  122. I would go to Japan – there are so many different types of embroidery there and the examples I have seen would require very careful study. The silk embroidery is magnificent and I just love the Sashiko patterns.

    152
  123. I would really love to take a course from the RSN in Hampton Court Palace. What an experience that would be!
    I am blown away by this tree of life design. I haven’t done crewel work in many years, but this would be worth starting up again!

    153
  124. I’d run off to Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England. It is a rich, dark, mossy fairyland full of inspiration and mystery!

    154
  125. On my dream vacation (for needle work) I’d go back to the Cook Islands. It’s a total rest vacation. There is almost no shopping, no place to go when you get there. You just eat, sleep, snorkel, and stitch! It’s where I let my mind go when I need a beautiful calm, quiet place to be.

    155
  126. I would do a tour of Italy, taking months, going from top to bottom to take in all of the different types of ethnic embroidery. My grandparents were born in Italy so I want to touch my roots.

    156
  127. Thank you so much for this opportunity! I would love to go to the U.K. on a needlework tour, I would love to see the needlework there and learn more of it’s history. Thank you again, and Merry Christmas!

    157
  128. I would LOVE to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum. I can only imagine all the embroidered items they have on display as well as in their archives. It would be a dream come true.

    158
  129. This is a tough question as I dont know where the dream destinations are! My dream would be to travel Britain to every place that has antique Crewel work, study, photograph, and embroider! I cannot travel so this will only be a dream…I read books and teach myself, and think of all those who came before me, embroidering the same stitches, and what their lives were like. Sigh.

    159
  130. Thanks for the amazing giveaways! I’ve never tried Crewel work and this would be the PERFECT chance to! I’m guessing my answer will the similar to most, The Royal School of Needlework would be a puuurfect dream vacation! It would combine stitching in an absolutely amazing setting with getting to go “across the pond” 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

    160
  131. I’d love to go to RSN for a course!! And tour around Europe seeing different needle arts and taking classes as we go!

    161
  132. I would love to go on one of Philippa Turnbull’s trips in the UK that mingles the historic embrodery works and the crewel work lesson.

    162
  133. my wish for a needlework destination vacation would be the opportunity to attend “Beating around the Bush” conference in Australia and then on to a class with Alison Cole and a visit over to Perth to visit (and maybe take a class) with Dale Rollerson of the Thread Studio.

    163
  134. I would love to go to England and visit the Royal School of Needlework. If it was truly my dream vacation I would have the opportunity to take a class or workshop,

    164
  135. My perfect needlepoint vacation would be in the foothills of Sierras in Northern California, where I could sit by the hills, stitch in the peaceful natural beauty with my only living brother while he plays guitar and we sing together. What a gift that would be…

    165
  136. My pick would be Scotland, my ancesters came from there and I am very attracted to things Scottish. I have always wanted to see Scotland and even tho I am 80 and have been doing crewel work for years, would love to see some of the original. Thanks for this opportunity.

    167
  137. I’d pack up some needlework and head to a mountain chateau (because obviously I have access to one of those) and work in front of a fireplace, uninterrupted. 🙂

    168
  138. I would love to go to Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court. No better place for a History buff and stitching lover!

    170
  139. I have never done crewel work, although my Mom did some. I must have inherited my love of needlework, sewing, crochet and general crafting from her. I recently retired and have almost completed my first goldwork piece. If I could pick a needle work related dream destination, it would be a visit to the Royal School of Needlework because I don’t know of anyplace comparable in the United States.

    172
  140. I would go to the Royal School of Needlework because I’m a huge Anglophile and they are the best.

    173
  141. The United Kingdom. I’m fascinated by creep work and it’s use throughout the ages. I would love to travel through England, Scotland, Ireland learning new techniques from different regions…

    174
  142. Dream destination is to see the May Morris exhibition in Walthamstow. My planned trip has been cancelled, twice unfortunately. However I’m determined to get there before it closes at the end of January.
    Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes to you Mary and to all followers of this inspirational embroidery site.
    Mary x

    175
  143. I have a lot of choices, so I will narrow it down to three:
    1. Alpine Experience in France – classes taught by well know embroiderers, lace makers etc. (I just checked and the classes are filling up)
    2. RSN in London
    3. A class with Phillipa Turnbull.
    There are many others that are on my bucket list.

    177
  144. The crewel project is beautiful!
    I’ve never thought of having a needlework destination vacation, so I really have no idea what a dream one would look like. Maybe visit and take lessons at the Royal Needlework School in GB? If it’s a dream, might as make select the best!

    178
  145. I would choose to go to Kansas to meet none other than Mary Corbet. She has been my hero for as long as I can remember. I know she is a private person (so am I) but to sit with her for an hour sipping tea and looking at all that she has created would be my dream vacation.

    180
  146. I would go to England to take a class at RSN and also tour V and A Museum to see their needlework exhibits.

    181
  147. My needlework dream vacation would be to go on a month long retreat with only books to readand stitching supplies. I would have electricity and plumbing. I’d bring soups and the bread machine with me for simple meals. No electronic gadgets. No TV. I would have my acid player for music and some books on tape.

    182
  148. This makes my heart go flipity flip. I worked several crewel kits when I was young and pregnant and would love to get back to it. (Not pregnancy).

    183
  149. I would really love to travel to the UK for a dream destination needlework trip. I’ve been there in the past but my love of needlework started after my trip and so I missed so many sights!

    184
  150. My dream stitching destination is anywhere that has Needlework stores. And did I mention by cruise ship! Lol!

    185
  151. I would love to visit Lyon, France, where I would spend hours at the Museum of Textiles drooling over works of textile art for inspiration.
    Needle n Thread dreams!
    Merry Christmas

    186
  152. That’s a tough question…I’ve visited many of my dream places in the U.K. thanks to friends who live there. And there are so very many wonderful ethnic embroideries around the world. Every destination I think of, it’s more about time than place….the time to really explore the needlework of an area, take classes,, meet the embroiderers. I think my destination would be Italy from one end to the other…there are so many lovely embroidery techniques done there. Thanks for the opportunity, this was a really interesting question to contemplate.

    187
  153. My dream needlework vacation would be to the UK to visit the archives of the V&A and Fitzwilliam museums. In fact you’d have to drag me home!

    189
  154. Oh well, this is an easy question!
    My absolute number one needlework vacation destination would be the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court!
    History, needlework, beautiful surroundings!
    Yes!

    190
  155. My dream destination would be to a Queen Anne Retreat to learn how to do stitches correctly instead of just doing an approximation of what they look like

    191
  156. Dream destination? A cabin in the mountains with a great room (with a great fireplace too) to stitch in, view the lovely little lake out front and share with some stitching gals. It would be staffed for fireplace filling, meals and laundry- but we could stitch, swim, enjoy meals and watch the stars. Wishing that wishing made it so. If you know of such a place please let me know!

    192
  157. I’d love to visit England and visit the royal school of needlework, study samplers in museums, and so on. Thanks for the chance! Teal

    193
  158. This piece is so fabulous… It’s on my Christmas wish list!!!

    My needlework vacation would be a trip to London to take a course at the RSN, with a visit to the V&A, and a side trip to see the Bayeux Tapestry! I love historic needlework. The V&A has a fabulous selection, and the Bayeux Tapestry has been on my must-see list for years.

    194
  159. Let’s see so many choices….my dream needlework vacation would be a visit to the London RSN. To observe, possibly learn, techniques would be truly memorable. I so appreciate needlework craftsmanship in clothing, home decor, and military uniforms.

    195
  160. Dream needlework trip? A class from the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court Palace. Hands down. I would just plotz.

    196
  161. My dream destination would be a week or two or three at RSN. My bags would be packed so fast it would make your head spin! I would love to stitch anything from the Crewel Work Company but the cost is prohibitive for me. 🙁

    197
  162. My dream stitching destination would be Italy. There are so many different techniques of needlework done in the many old towns that a lifetime could be spent looking at and trying to understand them! What fun.

    198
  163. My dream location would be London. Why, The Victoria and Albert museum and the Royal Needlework Academy.

    199
  164. I would go to London to visit the museums, such as the V&A Museum, that hold some of the very oldest samplers! <3

    200
  165. I would fly to London and see the May Morris exhibition at the William Morris Gallery. While I am there, I would eat up all the views of William Morris tapestry possible. Why? Because their embroidery is the best. I am sure that I would want to touch it too. (No, NO!)

    Mary

    202
  166. I’d love to go to Beating around the Bush in Australia . I am always drooling over the images I see of the courses and the show…and a chance to learn a new or better technique .

    203
  167. My dream vacation is the island of Tenerif in Spain to be able to warch the lacemkers for tips. And enjoy a bit of the island!

    204
  168. I would love to be able to visit the needlework collections hidden away in our English country houses with someone who could teach me how it was done. Failing that, India-so full of incredible colours and designs

    205
  169. I want to spend a week in the storage collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. I’d want a different curator each day as a resource and guide. I’d spend a day looking at Turkish and Central Asian embroidery, another day with Moroccan embroidery, another with English samplers, another with samplers from Europe (especially Holland), and a last day flitting from one thing to another trying to absorb it all. And I know I’d come away frustrated that I hadn’t seen enough.

    207
  170. Don’t get me wrong as there is so many places I would love to go to, but my ultimate destination would be the Royal School of Needlework. I really do long to go and take a tour or the school, maybe even take a class or two.

    208
  171. The Royal School of Needlework in England. I fell in love with what they do in the 1980’s when I discovered they existed. I’ve been back once and found invaluable help when I visited their store and bought lots of books which we then had to get home! Great teachers, a hugh store of knowledge and my kind of weather (I am originally from Seattle).

    209
  172. I would choose to spend time at the Royal School of Needlework housed in Hampton Palace. There is probably nowhere else in the world that better trains people in the finer points of embroidery. I would especially like to have the opportunity to work on designing and stitching a clerical stole using multiple embroidery techniques (pulled/drawn thread, hardanger, counted thread, “crewel”-style embroidery, even appliqued items. Worked on linen with silk, linen and metallic threads, it would be an heirloom piece to pass down from generation to generation.

    210
  173. My dream needlework destination would be the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, preferably with a personal tour guide! I love historical needlework and a visit to this museum would fulfill a lifelong dream.

    211
  174. So many places I would like to travel for needlework, but number one has to be a week (or more!) at the V and A museum in England. So many wonderful textile treasures in one place! Sigh.

    212
  175. My dream destination would be to stay in the British Isles. I would love to create a tour where I could visit and learn more about our needlework history including stitches, threads, and techniques. It would be marvellous.

    214
  176. Good morning, Mary from snowy central New York. A good day for stitching! I love crewel, it’s one of my favorite techniques. My dream destination would be Europe – not very specific, I know, but there is such a wealth of history in needlework there, I would be hard pressed to pick a specific town, region or country. Of course, I would love to visit the Royal School of Needlework!

    215
  177. Oh yes, yes! I just bought the custom fire screen from Mark and the Tree of Life would be PERFECT!

    My perfect stitching destination would be a month at the Royal School of Needlework
    Taking two certificate classes. How heavenly to spend time among such experts. And to stitch and stitch!

    Darcy

    217
  178. MY needlework destination would have to be England. It would be to visit one of the many museums or the best of all would be a needlework school.

    218
  179. If I could have a needlework dream come true, I would go straight to England to study with the Royal Needlework Society. My fingers are crossed.

    219
  180. I really live your newsletter. The Tree of Life is so beautiful. I am new to your website and have enjoyed every newsletter.
    Brook Dove

    220
  181. Similar to other folks, I am torn between England for RSN and the Victoria & Albert Museum and Australia for Beating Around the Bush & visiting The Bobbin Tree (Jenny McWhinney’s store). If I win the lottery, both can happy 🙂

    Phillipa’s kits are wonderful; I am so happy that she is participating and that you are sharing all these goodies with us. Thank you, Mary!

    221
  182. I think it would have to be Beating About the Bush convention in Adelaide. I’ve never been to Australia, I understand Adelaide is lovely, and there are all those wonderful tutors and workshops.

    222
  183. How could one every tire of London, whether for needlework or anything else? The Royal School of Needlework would be my dream destination, ideally to take one of their crewel courses. Steeped in the history of the Hampton Court Palace, the school must be awe-inspiring in both geography and opportunity to study needle art.

    224
  184. Hi Mary, my dream needlework destination would most likely be in Kansas!! Yep, I would love to have the pleasure of meeting and being instructed by you….

    225
  185. I’d go to London to see needlework in museums and historic sites and to take a course at the Royal School of Needlework.

    228
  186. My dream needlework vacation would be Africa! I’d get inspiration from all the wild animals and stunning sunrises and sunsets !

    229
  187. I would love to visit the DMC facility in France. I am always amazed at the breadth of the colors and the consistency of the colors. I would also like to revisit the Bayeaux tapestry. It was amazing and I could identify many of the stitches.

    231
  188. Mary–it’s such a testament to you and your great website that so many suppliers and artists from around the world are giving away treasures here, more every year. I know it helps their businesses, but like you, their goal is to keep needlework in all its forms alive!
    Hard to pick just one destination, so I’ll pick two–UK and Australia because each has a long tradition in the needle arts and so many current world renowned teachers. Also because I’ve never been to Australia and there are so many great needlework museums in UK.

    232
  189. Hi Mary,
    I hope you and yours are well.

    My dream embroidery destination would be being able to stay close to the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace for long enough to be able to attend class every day until I had finished all of the modules (10) needed to gain both their Certificate and Diploma in Hand Embroidery.

    I am currently working on my piece for the Crewel work module, but can only attend periodically.

    All good wishes for you and my fellow embroiders as a New Year approaches.

    Regards,
    Allison

    233
  190. I would love to go to Beating Around the Bush in Australia. My mouth just waters looking at the Inspirations Magazine with all the classes. It would be such a treat to learn from some of their teachers.

    234
  191. A dream come true would be a visit to London with a copious amount of time to enjoy the needlework at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal School of Needlework. Meeting Philippa Turnbull would be an extra bonus.

    235
  192. My dream vacation would include a long long time in the Victoria and Albert Museum with (since we’re dreaming) special tours of the needlework. Perhaps a side trip involving studying crewel at the Royal School could be fit in.

    236
  193. London, to attend classes at RSN. I would also include visiting museums to see the historic gems of Europe.

    237
  194. Hi Mary! My dream location would be Hawaii – what a wonderful place to stitch!
    Merry Christmas, and thanks so much for all these chances to win a Holiday gift!

    238
  195. I LOVE her crewel work! If I had a chance to go anywhere in the world for a needle retreat I would choose England and the Lady Anne Needlework Retreats.

    239
  196. My dream destination would probably be the UK. There are so many options for things to do that are needlework related – classes to take at the RSN and places to shop. And it’s one of my favorite places to travel anyway!
    Mary in MN

    240
  197. I would love to go to the Royal School of Needlework in the U.K. I can’t imagine anything better than taking classes there to hone my skills & broaden my horizons.

    241
  198. My dream needlework destination would be to visit you. I would love to just sit and stitch with you, sharing stories of our shared love of needlework.

    242
  199. If I went somewhere fantastic I would be out exploring instead of stitching. Give me a comfy chair Ann assortment of old movies and I would be happy.
    Thanks for all the giveaways

    243
  200. I’m living my dream this Christmas
    6 adorable puppies to snuggle and play
    Husband home for the holidays
    Nestle in by the fire and relax
    All I need is a project a warm chai and I’m in the zone
    Thank you for the opportunity
    Have a very merry Christmas to you and family
    Nancy

    244
  201. My needlework dream destination vacation would be Denmark to see EvaRosenstand I see it many years ago on holiday but it was closed that day and also see lacemaking there.

    245
  202. This is a gorgeous gift Mary! Thank you to Phillipa! I find today’s question nearly impossible to answer. Gosh Williamsburg or the RSA? Phillipa s tour, or one of the gatherings with Tricia and the casketeers? San Francisco s needlework school? Just one.? Really? Because I dream about all of the ones I read about! As well as the Bath Costume Institute and their collections. Okay, a two month tour of Britain, including Scotland and Wales and the European Continent to tour and study in museums, churches and historic home collections!

    246
  203. I would choose Scotland and preferably for a RSN satalitte class there. I would love to see the Scottish needlework because it is the land of my heritage

    247
    1. I want to study this Masterpiece in detail as I have reproduced a part but never had the chance to see it in reality

  204. If I had to pick a needlework-related dream vacation, it would be to Nepal. Nepal has a long history and an amazing contemporary body of work in weavings and tapestries, with outstanding colors, patterns, and subject matters. Just yesterday I was admiring a full silk hand made rug that used traditional Nepalese color schemes alongside modern impressionism to recreate a horse scene — just breathtaking.

    251
  205. I would love to go to Mexico. I have recently watched a fascinating tv programme about Zapotec women and their fabulous embroidery for Tehuana dresses and for huipil. The programme followed one embroiderer from design to completion but it has only served to whet my appetite for more, more, more.

    252
  206. My dream stitching trip would be to Beating Around the Bush in Australia. Some years ago I heard a fellow guild member share about her experience at this event and they have such wonderful classes and tutors!

    253
  207. I want to go to England. There is so much needlecraft history there. I would like to look at finished work as well as shop in some of their wonderful stores. What a dream trip!

    Linda

    254
  208. Your studio! I would love to watch you work.
    Have you ever thought of having a needlework workshop or retreat? For all I know it would entail a prohibitively high price point to make it worth your time, but maybe not?

    255
  209. My dream needlework vacation is to go on one of the tours sponsored by Philippa Turnbull. Although I have been to the UK, her tours provide access to venues and to needlework displays that are simply not available to the average tourist/traveler. Saving my dollars in hopes of being able to go on one of her tours in the not-too-distant future.

    256
  210. My dream destination would be England. I love all needlework and history of the country as well as well as knowing my roots are from there. Perhaps that,s why I am drawn to the history and needlework from there

    257
  211. What a beautiful crewel design. My favorite needlework vacation destination would be one of the tours and classes in England, especially the Royal School of Needlework.

    Crewel embroidery is my first love and I am planning to finish a long ago started bell pull during 2018 as part of a guild program. There is something about the wool threads, linen, and completing a design in crewel that makes me happy!
    Thank you again Mary for this opportunity and to the many contributors of these wonderful gifts.

    259
  212. My stitching dream destination is to attend classes at the Royal School of Needlework. Oh my, what a joy it would be to go there! Thank you for the lovely giveaway – this is just my style. Merry Christmas!

    260
  213. This one is easy – a dream needlework destination vacation would be to Australia to attend one of the Beating around the Bush weekends. Secondly would be some sort of stitching type cruise up and down a river somewhere – anywhere. Enjoy working with wools, so enjoy crewel work and would love a Jacobean inspired Tree of Life. Thanks Mary for doing these for us out here in your Netherlands…

    262
  214. This design reminds me of my favorite genre of books–Victorian England. I would love to work it up and display it in my home.

    263
  215. My dream needlework vacation would be to attend the RSN and hone my skills in surface embroidery. It would be a challenge me and I would love to test my abilities.

    264
  216. Any of the RSN courses/tours. More likely though will be a trip to Williamsburg VA for a class there.

    265
  217. My destination would be England. Not only because I was born there and lived there until I was seven, but also because of the rich history of needlework.

    I dream of attending classes at the Royal School of Needlework, going to a workshop with Phillipa Turnbull at The Crewel Work Company or even talking with Elizabeth Almond about Blackwork.

    But that’s not all, I want to see the fine embroidery in the old castles and museums. I want to understand up close and personal what was done in the past so I can recreate it and show what people with so few electronics and machines did with there hands. And of course visit my old neighborhood!

    Sorry got lost in my dream there a minute LOL!

    Gillian

    266
  218. Id like to take a course at the RSN in London on vacation and visit the V and A museum while Im there!

    267
  219. Hi Mary,
    I’d love you to do one of those needlework tours in the UK.
    Thanks so much for the giveaway.
    Have a wonderful holiday, Mary.

    269
  220. If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?
    London, England for a class or two and visiting an exhibition at the royal school of needlework!
    There are so many ideas that could be gleaned and techniques learned.

    270
  221. My dream destination is England. There is so much to see there in the way of needlework and there’s the Royal School of Needlework too. I have lots of relatives there so I wouldn’t need accommodation either!

    Cheers

    272
  222. My dream needlework vacation would be spent attending a course at the Royal School of Needlework, in Hampton Court Palace.

    273
  223. I would love to attend a retreat or, better still, a Scotland tour with the Crewel Work Company. Or a class at the Royal School of Needlework.

    Angela from the Ore Mountains

    275
  224. If I understood the question, you mean a place to vacation and spend time doing needlework, right? I would love to go to Scotland because it is such a beautiful place and they have a history of all kinds of work such as weaving, knitting, sewing, and embroidery that fascinates me.

    277
  225. My dream destination would be the Highlands of Scotland where I could look at all the beautiful scenery and get lots of inspiration to stitch!x

    278
  226. A cabin in the woods during the winter with snow on the ground and a roaring fire. All I would want to do and could do was to do needlework.

    279
  227. Ever since I have become more and more interested in hand needlework, I have dreamed of a trip to the British Isles (England, Ireland, Wales) to get a good look at the real needlework in person. I have living relatives there and have not visited them – yet. Only my folks have and they have many pictures of the castles. My grandparents on my dad’s side came here from there, so I feel a close connection, especially since I probably inherited much of my hand skills from that Grandma.

    282
  228. it would be Sardinia – each village/town on the island has its own embroidery history and the hand embroidery is stunningly beautiful and exquisitely made.

    283
  229. My needlework related dream vacation would be a trip to the British Isles. I’d love to visit the Royal School of Needlework, the V&A and as many other sites with historic needlework as possible.

    284
  230. Dreaming of a trip to France to attend the annual Quiltmania show — I’m interested in the needlework on quilts.

    286
  231. Oh, I have a destination for my needlework vacation, and it is tinged with a minor regret. We visited London two years ago, right when I was thinking of beginning to learn to embroider (yes, I’m a relative newbie). We visited Hampton Court, and I noticed the Royal School of Needlework location within. My family was interested in many other things at Hampton Court (as was I), and I decided to save RSN for near the end. And then it closed early! I want to go back to London, back to Hampton Court, and march over to RSN first thing. Also, I recently read that Hampton Court has museum overnights, and that would definitely be part of the plan.

    288
  232. My dream would be to go to England and tour the old castles and learn how to make those amazing tapestries and whatever else they have to offer. thank you

    290
  233. I would dearly love to have a stitching holiday in England, learning from Phillippa Turnbull, Jenny Aden-Christie and other wonderful tutors who teach the correct ways to stitch. To me England is where the best embroidery in the world has been done, and to learn surrounded by this history would be amazing.

    291
  234. If I had to pick one Needlework vacation, it would be England filled with the rich history of Opus Anglicanum, Goldwork, Stumpwork and Crewelwork!!!

    293
  235. Where would I go? I think it’s still Great Britain, particularly London. There is the V&A including all the buttons and lace as well as the RSN with its fabulous collection and store. I would also consider China because of the country’s history but because it is not my culture I don’t always appreciate at what I am looking. Then there is Paris with its garment history as well as haute couture. I’ve never visited the City of Light, but I’m thinking it should have some fabulous embroidery. But in the end, my heart belong in London….

    294
  236. Australia. I am a subscriber of Inspirations & it truly has inspired me over the years. A dream would be to take some of their classes.

    295
  237. My stitching vacation would be a cabin in Northern Georgia – during January or February…..To be snowed in would be even better – as long as I was stocked with all the essentials and had plenty of needlework projects and supplies…..

    296
  238. Thank you ever so much for the opportunity to win the Tree of Life Crewel work Mary.

    Although I could never, ever surpass the beautiful work you do I would love to give my all as I journey to Wales for an embroidery vacation.

    My paternal family’s roots are in Wales& it would beeper so nicety travel there.

    297
  239. My dream destination for a stitching holiday would be the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design. Lucy Barter and her partners have put together a wonderfully intimate, exciting school with a library of resources, collections of needlework samples that inspire and inform, and best of all–professionally trained instructors to bring out your best talents. While there may be more glamorous destinations, we have a true gem stateside just waiting for everyone who loves needle craft to explore!

    298
  240. Choosing a needlework related dream destination is tricky as there are so many beautiful places to see and be inspired by. I’m happy to let you choose Mary and I’ll see you there x

    300
  241. A hop, skip and jump across the pond to ‘Beating around the Bush’ in Australia would be my Christmas wish….Wishing you lots of these Mary!

    301
  242. I would choose to go to BATB (Beating Around The Bush). It’s the needlework seminar held in Australia. The country hold such an allure for me with all it’s natural beauty. It’s also where “inspirations” is published, so there must be a large needlework community there.

    302
  243. Ah! Dream vacation! Well, if I’m just stitching, it would have to be the mountains! Always, the mountains!!

    But, if it’s a vacation to learn about stitching, that’s much harder! Europe? Asia? South America? The possibilities are endless! May I vote for a round the World tour????

    303
  244. My dream needlework vacation would be to Australia to the Beating Around the Bush retreat. The offerings of teachers & classes is incredible! I would love to take any of them, but especially the stumpwork classes from the likes of Jane Nicholas & embroidery classes from Hazel Blomkamp would be the best!
    The crewelwork kit offered in this give away is a stunner. I would love to be the lucky winner of such a wonderful prize.
    Julie

    304
  245. Thank you for running this giveaway. I have been following your website for years and deeply appreciate all the tips and techniques you so generously share.
    Crewel embroidery is fascinating: the history, the intricate work, the extensive array of stitches, the colors and the naive way the subjects are depicted and of course the fabric used by yesteryear embroiders are beautiful.
    I’ve tried my hand at a few and enjoyed the challenging stitches.

    The destination I would pick is Sri Lanka. It has beautiful beaches on the coast and cool, tea-covered mountain areas in the middle of the country, all great for creative needlework.

    thank you

    305
  246. I think Needlework Tours & Cruises sounds interesting. Visiting a few destinations like France, Italy, England and, while traveling from one spot to another, working on embroidery overlooking scenic views of the water and simultaneously being pampered aboard the ship. That sounds like a relaxing dream vacation to me!!

    306
  247. My dream needlework vacation would have to be England. Following your blog I know there are so many places to visit to see and learn needlework all across England.

    307
  248. I would like to go many places but at the top of the list would be Beating around the Bush in Australia because I would love to see Australia and New Zealand and there are many wonderful needlework teachers there. I also receive the Inspirations Magazine so I am inspired to go. The Royal School of Needlework would be great to take a course. Thanks for the wonderful gifts to share with your readers.

    I loved the post about the Valley Quail EGA. I belong to the Valley Oak EGA so we are nearby. Beautiful gift.

    Merry Christmas

    308
  249. I’d love to go to Germany to see some of the embroidery work in person. A wonderful tour of Craftsman shops and museums for that solid mideval technique and blackwork. But also England with some classes at the Royal institute!! Would be amazing.

    309
  250. I would love to do a historic needlepoint tour of the British Isles, and explore all the gorgeous castles, villages, and priceless historic needlework in between!

    310
  251. What an amazing design. I just love it!

    I have always been fascinated by embroidery from the Far East and Central Asia, so my holiday of a life time would be a tour of Japan, India, China and the section of the silk route that runs through Central Asia.

    Thanks for this opportunity to win such a wonderful give away.

    311
  252. Those are exquisite kits! Tree of life is so traditional for crewel, and I’ve always wanted to do one.
    To answer the question, I thing this time I’d say Belgium, in particular Ghent. I’ve been there once before, and it is a lovely ancient city with many many bobbin lace workers. I have experimented with bobbbin lace dice visiting, but I would love to take a class there, since I’m dreaming, for two weeks!
    I am so impressed by the generosity of your donors.

    313
  253. A needlework dream vacation for me would be a scenic landscape with inspiring views from my window, but a chill to the air, so I’m inclined to stay inside. So when I look up from my project, I can become re-inspired by my surroundings. Ideally, this would be the hills or coast of the UK in the cooler months. Happy holidays!

    314
  254. I would love a cruise. The destination doesn’t matter. I love the idea of seeing places and stitching…a lovely combination

    315
  255. I would love to go to Beating Around the Bush. Being able to improve my stitching and see Australia would be amazing.

    316
  256. I too would love the ‘stars to align’ so that I could manage a trip to Oz for Beating Around the Bush! : )

    Happy Christmas everyone!

    317
  257. Hello Mary,

    Wow! That is another great giveaway. I have one wish and that is to go to England to the Royal School of Needlework. If I were rich I would sign up for a full education program with them.

    The giveaway today is beautiful. Since I love this kind of needlework this would be a dream come true for me. I have purchased Hazel Bloomkanp’s book for crewel embroidery. I just love it, but I have a hard time transfering the designs I would like to make. But I will get there with a bit more work.

    So have a great day and take care.

    Louise

    318
  258. Ooh! be still, my heart! I’m currently working on the Mellerstain firescreen and having a blast.

    My dream needlework vacation would be a trip to Hampton Court to the RSN, take a course in either crewelwork or blackwork, and then spend several days looking at the handcrafts in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Sigh.

    (I can’t complain, though, I got to go see the Bayeux Tapestry last year and spent quite a while in Broderie Bayeux — right across the street, check it out if you go! the proprietor is extremely knowledgeable and has great kits…)

    these contests are fabulous, and I am always so excited for new blog posts and new topics, Mary. Thank you!

    319
  259. Top of my list is a trip to the Royal School of Needlework where I would immerse myself in all things embroidery for as long as possible.

    Thank you!

    320
  260. My dream is to visit the Royal School of Needlework plus take a tour of the many historical sites in Britain to see the fabulous embroideries they house. I absolutely love the Tree of Life and would be thrilled to win one of these two Crewel kits.

    321
  261. That is so beautiful, Mary. (like you … beautiful … not wooly). I would love to go to Britain and visit the V&A textile section, and sit and stitch in an English garden, maybe in a public garden with flowers and birds and if lucky, a dog.

    Merry Christmas.

    322
  262. My dream vacation would be to go to England to the Institute of Needlework. not exactly sure what the name of the Institute is but I know I would LOVE to go. I love all kinds of needlework and would love to know more.

    324
  263. Lovely giveaway Mary.
    I would love to go to Hampton Court Palace, to visit the RSN. As I live in the UK, that one should actually be ‘doable’, so my absolute dream would be a needlework cruise. Lots of time to indulge in stitching and tuition, coupled with lovely food and drink, like minded people, and sightseeing.
    Dream on!

    325
  264. My dream needlework destination would have to be Hampton Court Palace and the Royal School of Needlework for a lifetime supply of classess and tutorials. I might even have to move in and travel around with the ghost of Henry VIII (or not since he tended to get rid of the women around him in nasty ways).

    326
  265. Oooooo! I have been drooling over this piece ow needlework. Simply can’t afford it. Imwould love to win it. My dream vacation would be to Britain tomstudy at the RSN. I am self taught and would love to learn from the masters.

    328
  266. Mary, thank you for these Stitcher’s Christmas giveaways. They are incredible. I’m excited about the chance to win TCWC tree of life kit because my stitcher’s dream vacation would be to take one of Philippa Turnbull’s castle tours of old tapestries and crewel work. I’ve stitched several of her pieces and would love to see the originals in their own environment. Have a very happy holiday season!

    329
  267. I would love to go to Australia to one of the beating around the bush events. I love inspirations magazine, the designs are so inspiring.

    330
  268. Thanks for another great opportunity. My destination would be somewhere on the water because it’s such a relaxing and inspiring environment for creative needlework.

    332
  269. France, to take the tour offered by The French Needle. I have talked with Lisa at The French Needle about the trip. Not only does it sound amazing but she is delightful. What a great experience that would be.

    333
  270. My dream needlework vacation would be a trip to Europe to see famous needlework like the Bayeux Tapestry and also to see handmade lace in the Mediterranean area. This would be a tour of at least 2 weeks to a month! Oh my gosh what fun. And to have several other needlework enthusiasts with me, naturally. And why? Because I have seen so many photos of these things and books, but would like to see the real items and their surroundings. Oh my! Thanks.

    334
  271. I am really torn about my answer for this question! Consequently, I will have to answer as follows for my dream destination! #1 would be Guatemala where I could work with women there who have started and sustained their coops that produce embroidery, rug hooking and beaded products, resulting in sales/proceeds which have improved local communities immensely.
    Second destination would be Britain, the Royal Embroidery Society! My love of vintage textiles, sewing and this place would be something I would remember forever!
    Thanks for the chance to win, Mary!

    335
  272. My dream needlework destination would be London — with luck, to take a class at Royal School of Needlework! Not sure my skills would improve dramatically, but it would a job to immerse myself in all that glorious needlework atmosphere!!

    337
  273. My dream embroidery related vacation would be either South Africa or Australia. Whichever place Hazel Blomkamp happened to be teaching a seminar. I find her crewel work extraordinary. Her attention to detail is superb. I have both of her books. She has been an inspiration, and I was fortunate to read about her when her first book was reviewed here. Thank you so much for that. I value your emails for their information and resources as well as your beautiful embroidery.
    I wish for you a happy Holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year.

    338
  274. You know what? At 84 and with everything I want right here in my city, in my neighborhood and with my cats and all the neighborhood cats I feed, I’d stay right here and sew to my heart’s content.

    339
  275. Ooooh too many choices…but the top of my list would have to be a course at the RSN in London . So much history and stitching to take in while there…..V & A museum for starters. One can always dream.

    341
  276. A needlework dream vacation? England, of course – home of the Royal School of Needlework and so much more. Thank you, Mary for giving us a chance at these lovely give-always

    342
  277. My dream destination would be to go to London so I could take a class as RSN, and visit the V&A museum to view the needlework! That would be a dream!

    343
  278. My dream textile vacation would be to the V&A Museum in London. A previous visit there was far too short. Their textile collection is incredible.

    345
  279. I would love to go to England. There are several great needlework people from England that I admire and I have some of their books. Would be wonderful to shop some of the needlework shops over there. That is my dream destination.

    346
  280. I’d love to learn how to do Crewel work with this Marvelous instruction Kit and a trip to the Caribbean on a Luxury Ship sounds like a perfect getaway place to spend time away from the darkness of our Alaskan Winter.

    347
  281. ummm… The Scottish Highlands and Islands Needlework Tour, of course!!! I’ve been drooling over that for a while now!

    348
  282. My needlework-related dream destination is in my own backyard! On the shores of Lake Superior with all of Mother Nature’s glorious forces uninterrupted by man-made distractions. The sun is shining the waves are lapping and there is peace and serenity. Needlework Nirvana.

    350
  283. Mary, your torturing me. All this work to do and now I’m in the rabbit hole of dream vacations. Well, I think I’d join Lady Anne and go to the Cotswolds. I did a week in SF at the Needlework School doing crewel, and I’d love to see what Ms. Turnbull does. I’ve enjoyed her videos. All that Scottish Twill, I’d be filling my suitcase.

    Now if her class is full, I’m going to Italy. Fashion, embroidery (oh so many kinds), food, and a stop at Sotema to fill my suitcase with linen. I’ll send you some when I get back! On second thought, let’s go together!

    351
  284. The book looks very promising for all avenues of creativity. Many uses for so many different types of stitching.

    352
  285. My dream needlework vacation would be to the Royal School of Needlework either in England or the one in San Francisco. I would like to work on a new technique and learn it thoroughly.

    353
  286. Tree of Life is my faorite traditional crewel pattern. This version os simply lovely. I would love to stitch it!

    354
  287. Ih, the Crewelwork is just beautiful. I would be thankful for this gift! I’ve been crazy quilting a lot lately, need a different project for 2018.. Thank you for the opportunity, Carol

    355
    1. woops, forgot where I’d love to go… Australia, Victoria, Sydney, or where their next big needlework show is..

  288. Needlework destination. Probably England to see all the Jacobean and Elizabethan embroideries and tapestries. I am sure there are plenty of samplers created by young and old as well. I don’t expect pioneer women had much time for such detailed efforts and decorations, instead devoting their time to functional things like quilts.

    356
  289. My Dream vacation would be Either The RSN summer school in London Or The San Francisco School of Needlework and Design.Also Thank you for the opportunity to win this lovely Crewel kit. And Merry
    Christmas to one and All

    358
  290. Needlework destination, ooooo! How about Hampton Court or anyplace the Royal School of Needlework is offering classes!

    359
  291. I think my needlework vacation would be in a cabin on a snow covered mountain, with all necessities provided and just a few days of uninterrupted stitching.

    360
  292. I would love to go to London and tour and take a class or two at the Royal School of Needlework.

    361
  293. As indicated by my “name”, I love stitching crewel. My dream vacation would be an extended visit to England and Scotland to study crewel in the museums, stately homes, and other sites. An extended course at the Royal School and time to stitch in the Cotswolds would also be on the agenda. Many thanks for the opportunity to won this wonderful kit and also to dream about a visit to the UK.

    362
  294. I would visit the Royal School of Needlework in England because I’ve heard so much about it and value many of the teachers who have had the opportunity to study there.

    363
  295. Crewelwork was probably my first favorite embroidery. I have moved on to other types of needlework but crewel pieces are scattered in my stash of UFOs and S2Ds projects.

    364
  296. Oh so hard to choose! Either RSN in London, or a beach trip with plenty of supplies! How fun to enjoy thinking about a dream vacation! Thank you for the encouragement to dream a little and for the chance to win!

    365
  297. I would love to go to Beating Around the Bush in Australia or to the Royal School of Needlework in England. Thank you for doing these fun give aways!

    367
  298. Crewelwork was probably my first favorite embroidery. I have moved on to other types of needlework but crewel pieces are scattered in my stash of UFOs and S2Ds projects. I dream of a nice sunny beach house to sit and stitch.

    368
  299. Tree of Life is my faorite traditional crewel pattern. This version os simply lovely. I would love to stitch it! My dream meedlework vaction would be to England, where see so much for myself!!

    369
  300. Stitchers Dream Destination – Australia hands down. For years after seeing the great machine embroidery designs, sewing, quilting and hand embroidery magazines (Inspirations) that I have wanted to go to Australia and sit at the feet of the ‘master’s’. I have loved every copy of Inspirations that I could get ahold of and I have kept every issue that came my way of anything from Australia. It seems like everyone in that country is talented in the needle arts. Why can’t someone here in the US put together a magazine on par with Inspirations?

    370
  301. That is an easy question to answer. My location is the British Isles, there is so much history and Needlework to do in amazing venues.

    371
  302. What a beautiful design. Crewel work is one of my favourite types of embroidery but I am still mastering the techniques needed. My all time embroidery destination would be the castles of England and Scotland to see some of the historic embroideries including Jacobean crewel work. I tour with Philippa Turnbull would be amazing

    372
  303. I would love, love, love to visit England to do needlework – why? Because there are sooo many resources there compared to here, starting with the RSN.

    373
  304. I am fascinated by the English embroideries. They are unique and so beautiful. If I were lucky enough to be able to take a class definitely would be at the RSN in England. There is so much to learn from these experts, so it is my favorite place.

    374
  305. Wow–if I could pick a Needlework Dream Destination, no holds barred, it would probably be Beating Around the Bush! I have only recently become familiar with Inspirations Magazine, through you actually, and I am awed and indeed inspired by everything I have seen through them, the weekly email newsletter is awesome. Plus, I have always wanted to visit Australia!

    375
  306. Tuscany. It’s my dream destination for anything and certainly has fabulous sunny balconies where one could enjoy one’s needlework. Merry Christmas to you Mary!

    376
  307. My dream needlework vacation is to spend time at Cober Hill, a Victorian Mansion near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, with the sewing ladies from the Wigginton group.

    377
  308. Hi Mary, what a lovely giveaway!
    My needlework-related dream vacation would be to tour the estates in England and Scotland to see examples of the beautiful work that this design references.

    378
  309. Thanks to visits to our family stationed in England, I have had a chance to see some splendid needlework all over the U.K. My choice for a lesson is now to attend a session at The Royal School. Now, there’s a wonderful dream.

    379
  310. My favorite place in this world, for whatever excuse to go there, is Gotland–an island off of Sweden. I can imagine doing any of my needlework in peace and quiet, either the pastoral parts of the island, or in the ancient city of Visby.

    381
  311. You said “dream” so here goes. Let’s go on a cruise and have you as our teacher. The cruise would be through the Norwegian River areas. It would be a two-week tour and we would stop and visit castles with tapestries, works of art, etc.

    382
  312. The United Kingdom would be my dream destination because of the opportunity to see so many historic needleworks.

    383
  313. I would travel to England with my niece and take a course with the Royal Academy of Needlework.
    My niece and I are passionate about embroidery and it would be a memorable experience to share with her.

    384
  314. At this point in my life, I would like a whole day of interrupted stitching as a dream vacation. No internet, all the supplies I need right there next to me, phooey on the daily chores and the ability to work any stitch magnificently.

    Wendi

    385
  315. My dream stitcher vacation would be to go to England & Scotland- they have such great tapestries and other hand stitch items on display at museums and castle tours!

    386
  316. I would love to go to the Royal School of Needlework. I am not sure I would be qualified to take a class, but I would love to see samples of their work!

    387
  317. This Tree of Life design is beautiful! My dream needlework vacation is 2 months in London taking the Certificate program offered by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace.

    388
  318. I would love to go back and stitch in my Grandmother living room. It was a magical place, I started my first sampler there when I was 5. There was a very big and long couch that I could use the Ottoman to get up on. Then the magic happen, there was a picture window as long as the room. It look over the lake and woods. I sat there and stitch, and watch the world unfold in front on me. My Grandmother would come in every now then and check my stitches. She would smile and tell how good I was doing. That is my dream

    389
  319. A 2 week cruise would give me the option of trying a variety of embroidery techniques on board, as well as visiting a number of ports. There is a good one that travels from Sydney, Australia up to Vietnam that could be a very intetesting destination for fabrics and unusual embroidery techniques.

    391
  320. My dream destination is Japan, mostly for temari and yubinuki, and for all the amazing techniques that can be found in this country.

    392
  321. I would love to go to St Petersburg, to visit the Hermitage museum, surely here me at be textiles there. But if not then just to visit the big country houses and museums of the British Isles because I know they have so many treasures on show and tucked away!

    393
  322. I think my dream vacation, if I had to only choose one, would be Scotland. I love all the designs that reflect that local. And besides kilts. Need I say more? ☺️

    395
  323. My needlework dream vacation is to take the needlework trip to Scotland that the Crewel Work Company has advertised. It would be so much fun.

    397
  324. My needlepoint dream destination would be England. Specifically to take classes at Hampton Court Palace with the Royal School of Needlework. In addition, I have admired some of the needlework classes that travel the country and stay in various castles learning about antique needlework creations.

    398
  325. I think I would choose the Royal School of Needlework in London! I work all my needlework by myself and would really appreciate instruction to improve my skills!

    399
  326. England! Either to a Lady Anne retreat or to the Royal School of Needlework. I would love to win the crewel kit, it’s beautiful!

    400
  327. Have always wanted to visit Ireland to see all the wonderful traditional whitework and the UK. The embroidery school would be amazing. Bit more realistic ticking Wanaka (NZ) Embroidery School off my bucket list next year

    402
  328. I would love to participate in a course that allowed me to ‘go behind the scenes’ at the Victoria and Albert Museum. They have such a stunning collection of fabrics and embroideries – how wonderful it would be to learn more about part of it.

    403
  329. My dream embroidery related vacation… It would have to be the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court, London. I worked love to attend another Summer course there. It is a magnificent setting and the tutors are the finest embroiderers in the world.

    404
  330. Bayeux , France to see the Bayeux Tapestry. It is the most recognizable embroidered work in the world. Having survived over nine centuries is amazing and the story it tells as well as the craftsmanship is extraordinary. I would love to see it.

    405
  331. My dream vacation would be to go no a river cruise and drift down a river with needle work in hand. I think the gentle movement on a river boat would be so restful and inspirational.

    406
  332. Probably several days at the Victoria and Albert museum in London. I’ve only been there once, and a few hours was not enough. There are so many beautiful needlework creations, caskets, clothing and tapestries – I could easily get lost in them.

    407
  333. My dream has always been to go to Great Britain, and I’d probably be glad to stay there. One spot in particular that I would be sure to include is the Victoria and Albert Museum, to see the textile exhibits of all sorts. Lots of needlework there. Then there’s also the Royal School of Needlework. Couldn’t pass that up either.

    408
  334. I have always dreamed about going to England, Scotland and Wales. My mother’s family was from Scotland. I love the handwork and beautiful dark colors of green from that region of the world. That’s why I love this Tree of Life piece and I would love to win it!

    410
  335. Destination: Highlands of Scotland
    Why: Steeped in my ancestral history…really love to embroider more of the designs from Scottish Heritage.

    411
  336. I want to to go to Scotland! They have such a rich history, not only in needlework, but also culturally. I’d love to be able to experience all of it!

    412
  337. My dream stitcher’s holiday would be Italy. Many of our fine needleworking & stitching threads come from Italy. The quality and design are superior which aid in having our hand or machine work last longer.

    413
  338. I’d go to South Africa where some marvellous embroidery occurs. The kit designers, thread dyers and classes available are wonderful.

    416
  339. These questions keep getting harder. I have never done needlework related travel. While I dream of the Royal School of Needlework courses at Hampton Court Palace, in the meantime I can enjoy trips twenty minutes down the road for the occasional quilting retreat with good friends at the Hampton Inn.

    417
  340. My dream destination would definitely be to the UK to visit the Royal School of Needlework. I would love to be able to take a class or two there!!

    419
  341. My dream is to travel from rural Shropshire in England to the bright lights of New York. The MET museum houses some of the best examples of historic English needlework.

    420
  342. I just ordered my very own Needlework System 4 floor stand. What a perfect project to use it with!

    421
  343. Although I’m not normally a sun bather, but a dream destination for stitching would be someplace warm & sunny where I could sit outside, enjoy a light breeze, and make use of copious natural sunlight. So probably a tropical island somewhere. 🙂

    422
  344. I have been a crewel addict since 1994! I was pregnant, had pneumonia and had to take it easy. I bought a small crewel kit and so my journey began. I have enjoyed other forms of needle work but crewel will always be my first love!

    423
  345. My dream needlework destination is the Totally Crewel Work with Phillipa Turnbull in England because I’m in love with England and crewelwork is my favorite style of needlework.

    424
  346. My dream stitcher’s destination would be to visit the Royal School of Needlework in Great Britain. They do such lovely, interesting things with needlework. Just to be there would be a thrill. Crewel is my absolute favorite form of needlework. To win this prize would be a dream.

    426
  347. I just finished my first crewel piece this summer and I would love to do another one. This one looks beautiful.

    427
  348. I am most interested in traveling to see production of some of the tools. Factories that make threads, linens, wooden tools, goldwork supplies. I think that would make for an amazing trip.

    429
  349. Crewel embroidery, I love discovering the many different stitches and the feel as well as the look of each finished piece of work.

    430
  350. I would like to go to The Royal Needlework School in England. As a beginner I am teaching myself and don’t want to get into bad habits. I probably won’t make it there. Maybe Williamsburg, Virginia. That would be exciting too.

    432
  351. My dream needlework vacation: so many possibilities, England to see all the Jacobean work, France for the couture embroidery, Italy for fabulous whitework – but right now I would choose Romania and the Peasant Museum in Bucharest and the Transylvanian Museum of Ethnography in Cluj for the amazing traditional costume embroideries. This was one of my first interests in embroidery, dating back to when I was 12 years old. I would love to go and study the pieces closely for both design and technique.

    433
  352. Hi, Mary, to climb the tree, I must start at the root, so my dream of holiday with embroidery, would be anywhere in the USA, a workshop of any type of embroidery, learn, look and buy materials for embroidery. Why? . Because I’ve never been in one. Greetings and blessings, have a nice day.

    434
  353. I would jump on a plane and go to England to see all things connected with William Morris. …that would be heaven on earth!

    435
  354. Mary, I have always read your newsletter but have never requested a gift from you. However, when I saw the crewel work I fell in love. Please consider me I did crewel work for several years and loved it.
    Thanks for considering me, Billie Stooksbury

    436
  355. My destination would be to The Royal School of Needlework and then visit my grandmother’s home in Scotland. Perfect for fulfilling a dream.

    437
  356. I just love the stylized nature of crewel work! As for an needlework-themed vacation, I would love to go to Japan. I just love the prominence of birds in Japanese arts–and some of the color pallets!

    438
  357. My absolutely most desired needlework destination to visit would have to be the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I was supposed to visit it on my one and only trip to the UK but ended up with food poisoning while in London. I was utterly miserable so missed out on that dream visit.

    439
  358. I would like to go to Switzerland. Such a beautiful, inspirational place. And in summer it’s warm and so much green, and the lakes… wonderful. And in winter, snuggling up warm, doing a bit of embroidery by the fire, hot chocolate and fondue, breathtaking snowcapped scenery. It would be wonderful to do some kind of embroidery workshop, whilst relaxing, taking everything in and exploring.
    (Starts digging out the passport for renewal!)

    441
  359. I would love to go to Australia to Beating Around the Bush. I love the creations of Gary Wright and Alison Cole. I love crewel work Have done numerous pieces., the last one I did was one from the Crewel Work Company and it was so much fun to stitch and the materials were the finest. I loved doing it. When I was finished stitching it I gave it to my sister. I would just love to do the tree of life. That is something I have always hoped to do. I am crossing my fingers that I will win this one!

    442
  360. I would choose to vacation in Hungary because the floral embroidery is so colorful and graphic. It just makes me happy!

    443
  361. It would have to be a tour of the British Isles. I would love to see the places where so many needle work styles, such as Crewelwork, Blackwork, and Or Nue, have been practices for hundreds of years. My ethnic background is Irish and English, so seeing where my ancestors came from would be a wonderful bonus!

    444
  362. Hello,
    What a beautiful gift that has been donated. How I would love to work on Phillipa’s design. I have a long bucket list of places that I often dream about going to see the historical needlework they have in their museums. If I had to pick just one it would be Scottland. If I am lucky to live a long life I would also like to see England, Wales and Australia. I used to work for Elsa Williams and my favorite design of hers was also a Tree of Life. My frame is ready and willing should I be the lucky winner!
    Thank you,
    Debbie

    445
  363. Well, recently, I would have said the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, because people kept telling me about all the wonderful needlework there. But I was there two months ago, and it turns out that they have moved all the needlework off site, one has to make a special appointment to see it, and I got the impression is was stored away rather than on display, so one would have to ask for specific items.

    SO….Now my needlework destination trip would be one of the ones that takes people around England/Scotland/Ireland to see beautiful needlework pieces and sometimes to take classes for working such pieces. (Having figured that out, I’m actually going to look into some of them!)

    448
  364. Such a beautiful kit! I love it. Just love your blog. Thank you for everything you post and share.

    450
  365. Another fabulous giveaway, Mary. I love that tree of life. I’ve never worked in wool but would like to try. A destination I would love to go to? I would like to go back to England and explore all the 17th century stumpwork that I could find. Especially the caskets. I’d love to make one one day.

    Heather M. in Vancouver

    451
  366. Oh my gosh! I thought this was an easy question to answer, but the more I think about it, the more answers come to mind! Should my answer be London to take a course at the RSN? Or to do One of the glorious tours around the UK, Europe, or even Vietnam? Or to China or Japan to really learn silk shading?
    But, on second and third contemplation I will stick to my initial answer of going to Australia for a Beating Around the Bush conference… that way I can have it all!

    452
  367. My dream destination would be the UK…specifically, one of those historic homes needlework tours…but of course while I was there, I would have to visit the RSN and try and do a class by Jenny Aiden-Christie!!

    453
  368. Thank you for this opportunity to enter the Tree of Life kit giveaway. If I had my choice of all places in the world to enjoy some time to stitch and peruse the view from my window, it would be from a cottage overlooking the Blasket Islands in Ireland. Of course, there would be a peat fire going and soup simmering on the hearth with fresh bread cooling on the table!

    454
  369. Italy would be my dream destination to see all the exquisite regional types of embroidery – and hopefully to include some classes

    455
  370. A Cruise ship art and craft voyage. Then I could have all my supplies with me and be constantly seeing different sights. I’d be able at the same time to meet interesting people. Or a Nature Reserve where I can work outside in stunning Nature.

    456
  371. Tough choices but my dream vacation for needlework would be either to the Soviet Union- a country of mystery and a part of my heritage since learning the embroidery techniques from when I was but a little girl or a trip through the UK where so many needlework treasures have survived and are available to see at great exhibits throughout the country.

    457
  372. My dream needlework vacation would be either London or Colonial Williamsburg for a RSN class on adavanced crewel work. It might actually come true in the next couple of years.

    458
  373. A needlework-related dream vacation. Hmm. Well, the pennant banner you received from the group in the Bay Area is the only needlework-related location I know of. I’m so new to this I’m practically disabled when it comes to talking about needlework. But, I absolutely LOVE the Bay Area, and I would love to take my embroidery box and sit with a needle in my hand in the park, in summer.
    Thank you so much for these great opportunities at wonderful gifts!

    459
  374. I have always wanted to do a crewel piece like this one. This has great potential to be a personal masterpiece.

    460
  375. My dream destination would be a warm desert island where there would be no distractions which would give me time to sew and just eat at meal times a lovely meal where i dont have to take time to cook. The light would be great for sewing as well.

    461
  376. I think the best “dream vacation” would be to attend a class or classes at The Royal School of Needlework” The quality of the teachers must be at the top of the list! A needlework tour of England would be a wonderful vacation, too.

    462
  377. If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?

    I think I would like to stitch in Hawaii. Some of my reasons why are the weather, sight and the inspiration one would get from such a beautiful place

    463
  378. The perfect needlework destination would be Laos, for me. To stitch the Buddhist/French architecture in the misty mountains, a dream!

    464
  379. My dream stitching destination would be to take a week course with Alison Cole – wherever she is at the time.

    465
  380. Being here in England where it’s long dark by four, right now I have to say anywhere with long daylight hours would be my ideal stitcher’s destination! I miss sitting stitching through the evenings without struggling to get my lighting right… Which is actually why I’m currently doing another crewelwork piece, rather than the tiny counted thread projects I’d previously been working on!

    466
  381. My dream needlework-related dream destination vacation would be at he Royal School of Neeedlework, so I can learn all kind,types of needlework, to see what is new, to chat with the masters, to visit everything, etc.

    467
  382. Hi Mary,
    What a fantastic give-away. I have always enjoyed crewel embroidery and this would be a dream project. If I had to pick one destination it would be England to attend courses at the Royal School of Needlework and to visit the many collections of historic needlework and textiles that are housed in the museums, castles and manner-houses throughout the country.

    468
  383. Italy for a month or so, anywhere in Italy. I have the thread addiction also. Maybe northern Italy so I can make a short trip by train to France to the DMC Warehouse?!? And while traveling on the train I could bring out my embroidery and take in the scenery while plying my needle. Oh to dream and dream big.

    469
  384. I am new to embroidery and crewel work has stolen my heart. I don’t have many frames or hoops and am slowly building my “stash”. I love your work and follow your projects closely, tho not brave enough to tackle any yet.

    471
  385. My dream destination would be to the Bristish Isles. I would visit all the needlework shops. I would then like to explore the Victoria and Albert Museum to see the needlwork there then to the country side to see the sheep because I am a spinner too.

    473
  386. My dream stitching destination would be to travel to the UK and see the historical embroideries in the palaces and museums.

    474
  387. My dream destination would be Ireland. All of the lush greens in the country with the old style cottages. I think it would be so beautiful and peaceful and so fun to try and catch all of that in a design to cherish forever.

    475
  388. I would LOVe to win the Tree of Life crewel kit!
    Of course, wouldn’t we all Love to win it!
    BUT….I would even more than some Love to win it. hehe. 😉

    476
  389. My dream needlework vacation would be in Lexington, Kentucky, where in 2018, the Royal School of Needlework is featuring it’s first Summer School ever in the USA! Learning needlework from such a renowned school, and to share in both their history and knowledge will be amazing! Thank you, Susan

    477
  390. I would go back to Levens Hall in Cumbria because I loved that house and the stitching I saw there was stunning!

    478
  391. I have often thought the Royal Academy of needlework would be a great vacation, learning experience. I am sure I would be horrified when my needlework would be seen by such experts. But a dose of humility would be ok just for the experience of being there.

    479
  392. I would go to Australia because I love the books and magazines that show the beautiful stitchery produced there.

    481
  393. I work very cheap!! My favourite destination is my own backyard!! I love being with nature and I get inspired by my own garden, so to be able to indulge in sitting outside (where the light is good) and enjoying the peace, quiet and beauty is a dream come true.

    482
  394. There is one place that I would love to visit and that is the Royal School of Needlework. My husband wants to go to London but cannot understand why I would want to spend a day taking a class there. Sigh. It would be a dream come true.

    483
  395. I think a ski lodge, but I’d have to research the exact location. Beautiful views, bright light reflecting off the snow, a warm fire, and great exercise after sitting too long.

    484
  396. I would love to visit the textile workers in India as the work produced there is so intricate and also we need to ensure that they are working under the fair trade rules.

    485
  397. I’d love to be able to go to Australia for stitching workshops. So many great stitches are from Australia and there are so many very talented designers there that I could spend months just trying out the numerous stitching techniques offered by these artists.

    486
  398. Oh so beautiful. Ive dream to some day do something like that. Keep the beautiful needle art alive. Keep needling. Lol. Barbara

    488
  399. My needlework related dream vacation would be a cruise with international teachers on board, and stops in various places to go through fabric and fiber manufacturers. I can’t be more specific unless I do research on “where” offers “what” – but it’s a dream so it would all just fall into place, right !

    489
  400. My dream vacation would be to time travel back to where all the gorgeous
    Embrodered clothing and ecclesiastical embroidery was being done in England
    And Europe, and just WATCH! Seasons greetings and thanks for the chance
    To win a kit. It is just beautiful.

    490
  401. Beautifully executed, lovely design. Would like to go to England to search out historical embroidery

    492
  402. I would love to go to the Royal School of Needlework in London, see their wonderful collections and take a class.
    This Tree of Life design is stunning. Congratulations to whoever wins it.

    493
  403. My needlework dream vacation would be to London , England to go to the Victoria and Albert museum. I think it would be the most informative and breath taking trip of a lifetime.

    Thank you so much for all your fantastic gifts and your wonderful e-mail that are so delightful and informative.

    Merry Christmas, Mary

    Tanis

    494
  404. I’d love to spend quiet time with you, Mary, learning how to crewel first hand! Not buttering up. Just if it is a needlework vacation, why not learn from an expert while on that vacation? Second alternative would be to learn from a good instructional book like this one. Thanks and have a wonderful day.

    495
  405. I would love to go on a needlework cruise, like from Needlework Tours & Cruises. They have one that goes through England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy for Embroidery. Or there is a Stitcher’s Escape that travels from the UK, to Germany, Norway, and Belgium on Royal Caribbean’s and before they start out the cruise you get to explore London and take classes at the Royal School of Needlework. I think it would be a blast to be on a trip with other people who enjoy and understand what you love about stitching. I am the only person I know who stitches and there are not any groups near me to meet people and have friends who enjoy stitching like I do.

    496
  406. My dream vacation would be to go to Florida and spend time visiting all the cross stitch shops and also spend some time stitching in between of corse-LOL.

    497
  407. My dream needlework vacation would be to Australia. To make it really special would be a class with Jane Nicholas.

    498
  408. I would love to take a class in Montisi, Italy. Three years ago, I stayed there, and took a one week knitting course. It was quaint and lovely.

    499
  409. My dream needlework vacation would be to Beating Around the Bush in Australia. What a treat that would be!!! I would also love to go to the Royal School of Needlework in England!!!

    501
  410. My needlework dream vacation would be to take classes at RSN. Besides you Mary, they are the best tutors.

    502
  411. A dream needlework vacation would let me tour the Royal School of Needlework in England, with an ample allowance to buy thread and little doodads to bring home! Ever since I heard of this school, I wished I had known about it when I was younger, so I could have gone to it. So a tour and workshop class would satisfy me now.

    503
  412. My dream destination would be a log cabin with a beautiful lake setting.listening to what nature has to offer.

    504
  413. My dream destination would be a Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreat – the upcoming one to the Scottish Highlands and Islands sounds wonderful. The combination of history, scenery and stitching would be a terrific experience.

    505
  414. Dear Mary, thank you for sharing your projects and experiences. i learn so much from your articles and instruction.

    An ideal dream destination vacation would be to England to see old crewel pieces, perhaps with Phillipa herself.

    all the best,
    k.a.

    506
  415. My dream needlework destination would be the Alpine Experience because it combines many of the things I love, embroidery, the European Alps and great food. My father came from Switzerland and I’ve spent a couple of years living there; I would love to spend some more time in the mountains and what better way than learning some embroidery too.

    507
  416. My dream needlepoint destination would be Paris. I love browsing (and buying) in the wonderful needlepoint shops I saw when I was there. Paris can’t be beat for the sights, the food and the wine!

    508
  417. I am one of the very few people who do not dream of an elaborate vacation spot! I would rather be home than on vacation, so I would have to say “Home Sweet Home”. Cozy by the fire with hot chocolate and stitching the beautiful crewel Tree of Life would be ideal!!!

    509
  418. The place I would most like to go for a needlework vacation is London. I would love to attend RSN classes in historic places, and experience the level of teaching firsthand.
    The Tree of Life is a important symbol for me, both religiously and personally.

    510
  419. Wow ONE dream destination – normally I would say England, however, today is my 70th birthday and years to fulfill my bucket list are dwindling. So I will choose Australia. It is cold here today in Boston 25F – but it is summer down under. I want to visit all the shops I see listed in “Inspirations” magazine.

    511
  420. Oh, gosh. I’d feel funny showing up on your doorstep for tea, stitching, and chatting, but my next choice would be a really long vacation: touring all the locations where the RSN offers classes and taking a class at each one.

    512
  421. Picking one Needlework related dream vacation is easy – one of Phillippa Turnbull’s Lady Anne’s Retreats (and I’m not just saying that to win the prize). A friend of mine has been on some of these retreats and has brought back the most wonderful stories about places she’s visited and things she’s seen, as well as stitching projects, that it has become my dream for when I win the lottery! The other plus is the friendships she’s made with other stit hers – they’re a great bunch of people!

    514
  422. My needlework-related dream destination is the Royal School of Needlework in London. Imagine taking classes there… Of course, this vacation would have to last years and years, but I’m game!

    515
  423. I’d probably pick India. They have such a wide range of styles and techniques, and all of them are interesting and beautiful in their own way.

    516
  424. I would like to do an historic homes embroidery tour of GreatBritain because you get to examine traditional embroideries in the original settings and also to try out different types of embroidery each day.

    517
  425. I would love to go to the Beating Around the Bush convention in Australia sponsored by Inspirations! I think it would be great fun to take a bunch of workshops from the masters & to visit Australia! I would hope while I’m there that I would be able to extend my visit to include some serious sightseeing. What an adventure that would be!!

    518
  426. Oh a very difficult deciscion but I would say England and any of the needlework tours especially if it includes the Royal School of Needlework and manor houses and churches and….. you get the idea!

    519
  427. Hi Mary – what a gorgeous giveaway today! My dream needlework destination is Scotland, particularly the highlands and islands. (In fact, I daydream about the Crewel Work Company’s retreat.) I was fortunate enough visit Scotland some years ago and I can still smell the gorse. It’s a magical, beautiful place that makes you believe all the myths and legends.

    522
  428. I would love to go to the Royal School of Needlework or Ireland to learn more about their Irish linen. I have one of my Grandmothers crewel work that would hang well with the Tree of Life kit. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

    523
  429. My dream needlework related vacation would be to visit Australia and New Zealand to visit some of the amazing shops I read about in Inspirations magazine! In addition, I would love to take a class with Trish Burr, Allison Cole, and or Hazel Brokamp. There work is so amazing, a class would take my stitching to a new level.

    524
  430. My needlework dream destination is London. I want freedom to explore all the needlework related items at the V & A Museum and to enroll in classes at Hampton Court Palace. It would be fabulous to be immersed in needlework techniques like needle lace and stumpwork.

    526
  431. I don’t have an interest in traveling outside the US. I would do some research and find some interesting shops and get a room in a local bed and breakfast. Buying some new kits and relaxing on a comfortable porch working on my new purchases. Now that’s a vacation! So many local companies are going out of business but I’m sure I could find some interesting ones.

    527
  432. Staying at home and having my girlfriends over to stitch together. There are 9 of us who stitch together
    one Saturday a month. We all have so much fun and we learn from each other.

    529
  433. My dream stitching vacation would be Beating Around the Bush in Australia. I wouldn’t mind going almost anywhere in the world to learn local forms of needlework. We are so blessed here in the US to have so many options that it would be wonderful to be able to explore new horizons elsewhere.

    530
  434. I would choose Scotland as my needlework dream destination. What could be better than to view the beautiful landscape while doing something you love?

    531
  435. To see the Bayeaux tapestry is a long time dream of mine. My mother went last year and took a million pictures of the photographable parts of the exhibit for me.

    533
  436. England and Scotland would be my number one choice, preferably one of Phillipa’s tours. But with so much embroidery history there, one trip would never be enough.

    534
  437. Answer the following in your comment:

    If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?

    • My needlwork-related dream destination vacation would be the UK. With so many historical pieces on display in museums and a rich needlework history, I would enjoy being able to admire and interact with those who share my passion for needlework (especially historical motifs).

    535
  438. Since I live in the city that hosts Beating Around The Bush, I would like to go to the V&A in London to see the textile collection. When I was there last year, the staff of the V&A told me that it many are housed separately and appointments are necessary to view.

    536
  439. I think the needlework cruises I see advertised would be an awesome vacation – time to stitch, learn new techniques and still see interesting towns, castles, etc. along the way.

    537
  440. Oh wow, I would love this kit. I’ve never tried crewel work before, and the design is just lovely. It doesn’t hurt that I’m rather partial to greyhounds.

    A dream needlework vacation…..that’s hard, so many potential choices…. I think I’d start with a summer in England during which I’d take classes at the RSN followed by a tour of museums and other institutions with displays of interest to stitchers. I’m assuming it can be a long vacation as this is a fantasy trip for the moment!

    538
  441. I would travel to Stirling Castle, Scotland and sit in the Queen’s Room, surrounded by the ‘Hunt of the Unicorn’ tapestries and stitch crewel embroideries, imagining myself as a great lady with hours of stitching time ahead of me. Such inspiration!

    539
  442. I’m not sure. My fantasy trip would be to go to a warm pacific island (like Hawaii) in mid winter to explore local needle crafts and have a needlework retreat!

    540
  443. Adelaide, for sure. So many wonderful stitchers in the vicinity. October would be nice, to beat about the bush. And in between, visit family seen so rarely.

    541
  444. My stitching dream is to spend an undetermined time in East Wemyss, Scotland at the Wemyss School of Needlework. A bit of its history was written (dated November 18, 1877 by visitor. The school was started following a suggestion at the opening of the Royal School of Needlework. I have spent the past 20 years living my personal and semi-professional life, stitching, designing and teaching needlework. To visit the school started by my ancestor would be a life dream fulfilled.
    Elaine WemyssEvans

    543
  445. Thank you Mary, for a wonderful place to visit and see such beautiful embroidery.
    I hope to start creating some of my own soon. You are certainly an inspiration.
    Best wishes. Anne

    544
  446. My Dream vacation to a needle-work related destination would be the town of Colmar in France. This beautiful village was the home of a historic textile mill that was at the center of the textile industry of the Alsace region. The museum is a designers dream come true. There are printed textiles examples from the entire life of this mill. A wonderful and unique source for anyone interested in embroidery. This town also hosts Textile/needlework related trade fairs during the year. This village is also know as a Little Venice it is worth a visit any time!

    546
  447. If I were to win I would go to Rochester NY to visit my youngest daughter. I would love to share crewel embroidery with her. She would love it. (and I miss her so very much.

    548
  448. Ooooh…this would be a twofer of joy for me: crewel AND tree of life…both are loves loves loves. My biggest dream for a needlework vacation would be to Beating Around the Bush in Australia…and I wouldn’t mind a side trip to enjoy some roos! Thank you Mary and Philippa for this delightful opportunity. And Merry Christmas to the whole Needle ‘n Thread community!
    Linda

    549
  449. My dream needlework vacation would be a lake or oceanside lodge with a good restaurant, comfortable common area chairs overlooking the water, lots of daylight and quiet. I would sit and stitch all day, breaking to eat, walk along the water and perhaps a little reading. No bus tours or museums, just peacefully stitching while being waited on in style.

    550
  450. Royal School of Needlework in London…..just for a change. I live in Italy and there is so much inspiration here.

    552
  451. What a beautiful give-away prize! I would LOVE to win it! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed till the drawing.

    553
  452. My dream destination would be Australia. The needlework produced in that country is exceptional and there seems to be wide appreciation of the art form. There are unique shops, designers and fiber producers. I think I would spend the entire time there just soaking up the eye candy.

    554
  453. My needlework dream destination vacation would be England. I’m interested in and stitch many types of needlework (thank you, Mary, for your online lessons) especially crewel, have finished one of Phillipa Turnbull’s designs, and have another one in progress. Phillipa’s kits are certainly the “gold standard” of crewelwork kits. England has such a rich history of crewelwork and has many historical pieces to study where they were originally stitched. Actually, I’m having a “milestone” birthday next year and have been looking into just such a trip!

    555
  454. My dream needlework vacation destination! Wow! So many choices, but I would choose Hampton Court Palace and the Royal School of Needlework for classes. And of course, side trips to museums with textile/sampler collections.

    556
  455. Well, just the other day I saw an ad featured here for a tour around part of the UK, needlework instruction, and access to historical collections. So I vote for THAT! Ideally, it would include a visit to St. Paul’s embroiderers and a good look at some opus anglicanum….

    558
  456. I have 2 dream destinations – First, I think that a trip to Great Britain for one of Phillipa Turnbull’s historical embroidery tours would make me the happiest girl in the world! I want to study crewel and what better place to start?
    Second – If I was really rich, I would go to Australia for Inspiration’s Beating Around the Bush event. Every class always looks amazing and what a great way to visit the country and learn from the best! Someday…………….

    559
  457. You did say dream needlework destination right. Can’t afford it but if I could choose one it would be Phillipa’s 4 nation tour. Second would be Scotland. This is a wonderful gift and I thank you even if I am not the lucky winner. I have been drooling over this project since it was recently posted.

    560
  458. I would love a trip to England and Scotland and hope to visit The Crewel Work Company as well as the whole English history and culture. I am in love with crewel work and have been a fan of their company for many years. I would die and go to heaven to win one of these kits!

    Marysue C

    561
  459. There could be only one destination for me, a course at The Royal School of Needlework at the glorious Hampton Palace in England (perhaps followed by a tour of some of the finest tapestries in England’s Historic Buildings including William Morris’ houses)

    562
  460. Would love to go to UK and take some needlework classes there!
    Love to do crewel and appreciate the opportunity to win!

    563
  461. If I could go on a stitches dream vacation, it would be to to RAN in Durham in the UK. I would love to continue my embroidery studies there and have a chance to visit some of the private collections in some of the museum’s in the UK.

    564
  462. Oh this is so fun! Congrats to all winners so far! My dream destination would be to Croatia to learn some Zlatni Vez (slavonian goldwork), do the summer school for making folk costumes and maybe a side trip to Pag to watch that lace being made.

    566
  463. If I had to choose one destination for a needlework vacation/exploration it would be England. There is so much historically relevant to my needlework interests in the UK: crewel work, Opus Anglican, the Victoria & Albert Museum (its collection and research sources), and a chance to buy outstanding supplies!

    567
  464. I would choose the Victoria and Albert Museum because of its huge collection of costumes (Queen Elizabeth I, etc.) and lace and embroidery from all different time periods.

    568
  465. If I could go anyplace to look and study needle work, samplers, crewel work and clothng, that place would have to be London Englnd, more specific the Albert & Victoria museum. They seem to have some of the worlds best and oldest samplers dating further back than the 1500’s. The samplers and clothing they have shared online are breath taking! The A & V museums staff are always happy to answer questions and help in any way they can.

    569
  466. My dreamsite will always be first and foremost, Hampton Court in England. I’ve been there (before the Royal School of Embroidery was there) so I know how beautiful the buildings and grounds are. Having a chance to attend a class- even just sit in on a class would be fantastic. Even the train ride from London was wonderful.

    570
  467. I would love to visit The Royal School of Needlework in London to learn first hand and see all the exquisite Needlework.

    573
  468. Hi Mary
    I would love to visit England and take a needlework tour. I would love to visit the museums and old castles and estates.
    Would love to win as I am hoping to attend Philippa’s class when she visits NZ for our embroidery conference in 2018.

    574
  469. My dream destination would be England on one of Lady Annes needlework tours!!I would love to see some of the historical work in the castles and histori homes.

    575
  470. Wow! What a great giveaway!! My dream destination for a needlework-related vacation would be anywhere in the British Isles. How about a few days each in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England? Wouldn’t that be great?

    576
  471. That’s easy, The Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace, England. To my way of thinking it is the home of fine needlework tuition and there is so much there on offer.
    I’ve never tried crewel work, my only experience with wool ’embroidery’ was a printed ‘tapestry canvas’ many years ago. I discovered I far preferred to work from a chart, so do counted cross stitch with stranded cotton now. It would be a very nice introduction to crewel work to win that prize, could set me off in a whole new direction.

    577
  472. England on an Embroidery Tour for me. Being a history buff, I would love to visit the V & A collection and see all the historical pieces, plus a stately homes tour. Or two or three.

    579
  473. Dear Mary,
    What an amazingly generous embroidery community we are part of.
    Such a wonderful giveaway!
    If I could go anywhere it would be to see the Bayeaux tapestry in Normandy, France. Heritage handwork is a constant source of inspiration and pleasure, as is your site!
    Thank you
    Helen

    580
  474. My dream needle-work destination would be to the UK to stitch with the Royal School of Needlework tutors. The standard of tuition is outstanding – my first point of call would be a class with Tracey Franklin.

    581
  475. I would absolutley go to the Royal College of Needlework in SE London. I have dreamed to taking a course there since I was a teenager. Do you think there is anyway I can convince my family to migrate for three years, so I can do the degree?

    582
  476. This is not terribly specific, but I’d go for an extended trip to England and visit the castles to view the beautiful tapestries, bed covers, and clothing on display.

    583
  477. I would love to attend one of The Crewel Work Company’s needlework retreats; doing so is on my bucket list. Philippa finds such amazing destinations in the UK, and from what I hear the entire event is just wonderful no matter the location.

    584
  478. My dream needlework vacation would be to go to England and learn at
    the Royal Academy of needle work. It’s always been a dream to go there and learn from some of the best needleworker in the world .and the setting to be at Hampton court palace be still my heart

    586
  479. Dream related destination, would have to be a Queen Annes Needlework tour with Phillipa. A dream come true, but then I have just won Christmas Give away no3 and that was also an unbelievably fabulous fantasy that has come true, which makes me think I have had my share of super surprises this Christmas. Thanks Mary, you make my day!

    587
  480. I would love to go to the RSN in London to take some embroidery courses. What an experience that would be. Oh, to be so lucky to win a kit from Crewel Work Company. Their kits are absolutely beautiful.

    588
  481. My dream needlework vacation would be a week in London at the Royal School of Needlework during their intensive course to learn as much as possible in relation to hand embroidery

    589
  482. My dream needlework destination would be anywhere in Great Britain. Such a rich heritage of absolutely beautiful needlework!

    590
  483. My dream needlework vacation would be one of the needlework tours of Great Britain – interesting projects and lessons plus visits to needlework collections not generally available to the public – the best of both worlds

    591
  484. My dream destination is London – specifically the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Library and the Embroiderer’s Guild at Hampton Court Palace – for starters!

    592
  485. Needlework destination? It would have to be England. While a fairly general response, here is why. I would like a chance to go to museums where I can see historic needlework such as bed hangings and 17th century caskets. I would like an opportunity to see the Royal School of Needlework. And I would love the opportunity to purchase some of beautiful fire screens – lovely wood and antique needlework.

    593
  486. Oh, boy! If I could choose one place as a needlework destination it would have to be Merry Old England. Thanks for the giveaway and Merry Christmas, Mary!

    594
  487. I would love to go to London and take a class at the Royal School of Needlework, visit the V and A and the British Museum. My stitching could use some improvement. The RSN is my dream academy!

    595
  488. Christmas at Williamsburg. The samplers always look amazing, plus I have only seen snow once in my life and the thought of embroidering in the cold at Christmas has always been a dream vacation. One day.

    596
  489. I would love to be able to go to England – especially London.

    I study historic needlework and there are so many museums that have wonderful exhibitions of same in England and I would love to see them in person rather than through websites and books. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons this will never be possible. I demonstrate 18th century embroidery at reenactment events and historic needlework – from any period – reinforces my information that I can share with the public.

    597
  490. Christmas Giveaway #5
    Oh my goodness! I would love to attend one of the workshop retreats with Phillipa Turnbull of The Crewel Work Company in the Scottish Highlands. What an experience to learn from a master needle artist in such a majestic location.

    598
  491. I would love to visit Belgrade. My father was Serbian and it would be fascinating to see embroidery being done in his country of birth.

    599
  492. My dream needlework vacation would be to go on one of one of Philippa Turnbull’s All England Tours of The West Country and the Cotswolds. To quote her brochure “visit Elizabethan Houses, wonderful embroidery collections, pretty market towns and rolling English countryside…exclusive access to the beautiful 17th Century embroidery…visit museums, antiques shops…enjoy 30+ hours of tuition in 17th Century silk and gold using conservation silk and metal threads and base fabric, and crewel work.” Heaven on earth!

    600
  493. Choosing only one place is really hard but I enjoy what I see in the Inspirations magazine so much that I would love to visit Australia. Their shops must be filled with beautiful threads, fabrics and kits. I would enjoy studying with the instructors there.

    601
  494. Another fabulous giveaway, and another excellent question! My dream is to complete the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art, at the Royal School of Needlework, in London – my favourite overseas city. At this point, I am registered for the first class – Jacobean! – for the Certificate and Diploma, for June/July next year! I am flying all of the way from New Zealand for my holiday, and the course.
    This would be the perfect prize for me, and then I could shop for a slate frame!
    Thanks again Mary, for all that you do!
    Melissa

    602
  495. I would go back to Toodyay, where there is a fabulous purposeful craft retreat built in the bush with beautiful views! Peace and quiet ,massive craft rooms. All meals cooked and served. Only one thing to think about and that is to stitch 24/7 !!
    Pure bliss!!

    603
  496. I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of my needlework dream destinations already (including many places in England relating to 17th century embroidery and samplers), so I think what I’d like to do is one of those needlework cruises-combining gorgeous workshop/stitching fun with relaxation and a holiday!

    604
  497. Ah – so many places to go – but if I have to pick only one it would be Adelaide, South Australia, to attend Inspiration’s Beating Around the Bush needlework convention. The opportunity to take classes with such gifted stitchers is irresistible!

    I’m working on The Crewel Work Company’s Jacobean Idyll right now – it’s a joy to stitch.

    608
  498. My dream place would be up in the boarders doing one of Philippa’s courses
    Thank you Mary. I hope to be doing a lot more embroidery in the new year.

    610
  499. Oh Mary, my dream would be one of the historical needlework and stately home workshop tours in England, so much history and eye candy and the bonus of learning new skills.

    611
  500. My needlework related dream vacation destination would be the All England Needlework Retreat this coming May. I would be visiting the Cotswalds and meeting Philippa herself! Thank you and God Bless.

    612
  501. I would love to attend classes at the Royal School of Needlework in England. I have an aunt from England who started needlework at age 4, and now is 91. She was my first inspiration for beautiful handcrafted items, and could do any kind of needlework.

    613
  502. My dream destination would be ‘Beating Around the Bush’ being held in South Australia in 2018 and as my bags were already packed I would continue on to London to complete a Diploma at the RSN.

    614
  503. Would love to go to RSN or somewhere similar for classes. Sometimes I think I would love going to one of the major museums that allow hands-on or close-up viewing, by appt, of their historical pieces even more.

    615
  504. My dream needlework vacation would be London, for two reasons. First, needlework has a long tradition in England and seems to be highly valued there. Secondly, it’s the location of the Victoria and Albert Museum which contains many textiles which would provide tons of inspiration.

    616
  505. My dream vacation would be Maui. I went there with my aunt and uncle years ago. It was so warm and wonderfully friendly people. It is a vacation place.

    617
  506. My dream destination vacation is Australia especially Adelaide where the Inspirations Studios’ Beating Around the Bush needlework convention will take place in Oct. 2018!

    618
  507. No problem with that question…..definitely the RSN at Hampton Court: excellent tuition in beautiful surroundings, busting with lovely needlework and so many accomplished stitchers working there too ( it would be so interesting to be able to see work in progress ).

    619
  508. My needlework dream destination is the Victoria and Albert Museum. I love historic textiles and would truly enjoy a few days to explore the collections at the V & A.

    620
  509. Latvia or Norway because I love their traditional patterns, and it’s different from what we usually see in English or French embroidery.

    622
  510. Droga Mario
    To wspaniale móc wziąć udział w losowaniu
    Moim marzeniem jest wyjazd do Paryża. Chcialabym zobaczyć i nauczyć się haftu szydlem luneville.
    Pokochałam haft cieniowany, poznaję technikę haftów historycznych. Pora na naukę haftów haute coture.

    Pozdrawiam Cię Mario i życzę Ci cudownych, rodzinnych świąt
    Izabela Brańska-Oleksy

    623
  511. I would pick Paris because I have always wanted to go there and I am sure their fabric is fabulous.

    624
  512. If I had to make one choice of needle-work related destination it would be France. I love French embroidery, lace, and weaving. It would be a wonderful place to explore.

    625
  513. Dream embroidery vacation for me would be The Royal School of Needlework. I love crewel work, any embroidery work really but crewel is my favorite. To be able to see authentic work done would be beyond words, couldn’t contain my excitement. Thank you Mary for this opportunity.

    Gail S.

    626
  514. I love the colors and style of this embroidery. Though I am new to embroidery, I come from a long line of family members who do handwork. It must be in our genes! My dream needlework vacation is anywhere with a deck and a beautiful view!

    628
  515. My dream embroidery vacation would be Australia/New Zealand. They have such an amazing variety of embroidery designers to learn from. The country is beautiful – scenery and embroidery – what could be better! Love this crewel kit so even not winning it looks like it may be a project for 2018.

    629
  516. The past couple years I have been drooling over Lorna Bateman’s beautiful work, however I have yet to start one of her kits. She offers an Alpine Experience Workshop in France that sounds absolutely wonderful. I don’t travel outside this United States, but for this experience I would definitely make an exception to learn new techniques while enjoying the French country side.

    Thank you for this opportunity to hopefully win a beautiful crewel work kit.
    Jan in California.

    630
  517. My needlework related dream vacation would be one of Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreats in the UK. Each year I read the itinerary & wish I could go. Not only do you get to go to great needlework related destinations, you also get to take classes from some of the top instructors in the country.

    632
  518. This is easy! Dream destination is England to take the RSN sponsored behind the scenes tour I saw publicized some time ago.

    633
  519. Hi Mary my dream destination for needlework holiday would be my conservatory, in my favourite chair looking over my garden. No packing, no fuss just time to do what all us needle workers long to be able to do, stitching and dreaming oh boy! That would be so good ❤️

    634
  520. My dream needlework destination is the Bayeaux Tapestry in Normandy, France. I’ve been there before but I wasn’t an embroiderer then and so we drove on by. So I have that wrong to right! I’ve been working on a replica of the tapestry lately and so I’m itching to see it in the real world.

    635
  521. Hello Mary! Thank you again this opportunity! My dream destination would be Ireland! Known for its wonderful wool, surely it would be a stitchers paradise!

    636
  522. If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?

    My needlework dream destination vacation would be to travel to England. I would love to spend a month or two in England going to the needlework displays at various museums and at private estate homes. I would also love to visit the Royal School of Needlework and possibly take a class or two.

    637
  523. Hi Mary,

    This is soooo easy… Britain’s stately homes that feature embroideries and textiles and the Royal School of Needlework and possibly take a class or two. This has been a dream of mine for many years. Why… the chance to see such precious textiles up close and personal and the chance to learn from the best. Oh wow! I’m floating away on a cloud just thinking about it.
    Thank you Mary for organizing this and thanks to The Crewel Work Company for supplying such lovely kits.
    Cheers Judy
    South East Queensland
    Australia

    639
  524. Tree of Life crewel kit! O my what a lovely gift to try for. There are many places in the world that I would love to go to to learn different techniques in needlework. But I think that Australia would be a treasure trove of needlework-I’m speaking of the birthplace of the magazine “Inspirations”. They have such lovely materials, ideas, accessories and kits that I would love to spend my money on and it’s all in one place. So that’s where I would like to go.

    640
  525. Hi Mary.
    I would love to go to Suzhou, China, the “Venice” of China to visit its renowned embroidery schools. They are especially famous for the technique of two-sided embroidery where they create two different pictures simultaneously I find it intriguing and totally awesome. If I could attend some classes I’m sure I’d be seated with the four-year olds!
    Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!
    Francine

    641
  526. I love Crewelwork, and have done many. Two hang on my workroom right now, done about 50 years ago when I moved into my present house. They were matted in green to go with the livingroom at the time, but now I feel I can hang them anywhere

    If I had my “druthers” I’d go to Scotland and see where so many of the designers live and work.

    642
  527. I would love to go to England to the Royal School of Needlework. It’s not far from downtown London so I could see the sights and shop at the infamous schools shop and maybe gets some tips and tricks to improve my needlework skills.

    643
  528. My dream
    Needlework
    Vacation would be somewhere away from the distractions of daily life– including cell phone–where I, maybe with some needlework friends –could stitch to our hearts’ intent!

    645
  529. As I live remotely in New Zealand, I would be in seventh heaven in the United Kingdom. There is so much history there for the avid embroider, and as this is also is my ancestry background.
    I have on my bucket list, at the top, to try and achieve as many types of embroidery as possible. I have had the privilege of being in the USA, and Australia. However I really want to visit the museums and study their style of embroidery first hand in the United Kingdom.

    Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year to all.

    Happy stitching

    Sue Howe

    646
  530. My dream destination has always been to visit and attend a class at the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court, England. Just to admire some of those old pieces and absorb all that wonderful knowledge that is around you. All embroidery. How magnificent!

    647
  531. Hello Mary,

    I would like so much to go to UK and more specifically in England (but not only) to take a RSN course. Till I
    read blogs and magazines, I am astonished by what exists over there that we can discover. Sure that Internet is interesting, but to see personally the treasures in all their museums and castles should be great !

    Diane from MontrĂŠal in QuĂŠbec

    648
  532. I would love to go to India or the Middle East. Not only are their textiles brightly colored, but their embroidery traditions are different from what I know. It would be great to learn about different designs and techniques from a different culture.

    649
  533. I would love to go to the museums in London and look at historical needlework. Maybe France and Italy next.

    650
  534. I can think of no better dream needlework vacation than to visit the Royal School of Needlework in Surrey, UK. I once attended a quilt exhibit at the V&A in London that was absolutely stunning.

    651
  535. I would visit wherever the Bayeaux Tapestry is located. I love needlework and I love history. What a wonderful way to combine the two!

    652
  536. I would love to go to Paris, specifically as part of the French Needle’s week-long tour. A structured tour like this takes the guesswork and planning out of my hands, and I’m sure I could never arrange such wonderful classes and such on my own! Definitely something to dream about…

    653
  537. I would love to head to Ireland for the inspiration of the landscape there and the woolen goods…fabric and yarn for stitching.

    654
  538. I would love to take some courses with the Royal School of Needlework in Glasgow. I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland to research my roots and being an RSN student would be a dream come true.

    655
  539. What a beautiful piece from Phillipa Turnbull – she never disappoints, and her youtube videos are addictive.
    There are several countries I would love to visit and to enroll in an embroidery class; England would be first on my list, with an Australian embroidery cruise a very close second. Since traveling to a foreign country is not a possibility at this time, working on a design by Phillipa Tunbull would be a dream come true.

    656
  540. My dream would be to vacation in Hampton Court, to meet all the embroiderers there. See all the displays & take some classes at the embroidery school.

    657
  541. I would love to go to Beating Around the Bush in Australia. Coming from a small Island off the northern coast of British Columbia it is always interesting to see other islands. The courses always sound so interesting and I have always wanted to do one with Trish Burr. That would be my dream 🙂

    658
  542. My dream stitching destination would be Beat Around the Bush in Australia. I’ve seen some of the items that were on display there and read of some of the classes. It seems like a really wonderful event full of people who love needlework.

    659
  543. These are beautiful! I would love to go to Paris, a few friends of mine went to Paris recently and there were some really great needlework shops there!

    660
  544. I would love to spend a semester taking courses by the RSN in London. Another delight would be to attend the needlework conference in Adelaide this year. Thanks Mary and Merry Christmas to you!

    661
  545. I would pick taking a course at the RSN as a dream vacation. A friend just did that and her photos were AMAZING.

    662
  546. Dear Mary, My dream needlework vacation would be to go to Adelaide in Australia as I would love to attend the “Beating around the Bush” needlework seminar.

    663
  547. Dream Destination: to visit the V&A, but not a short visit. A long, leisurely one, say about a month, where I could visit the important textiles I have seen photographed but would like to see “in person.” Lots of Jacobean and Elizabethan work, including clothing. I would need a sketchbook, pens and pencils, and a small basket with crewel wool, some medium weight silks, and needles and little stork scissors to try out some of the stitches in these exquisite exhibitions. Then, still armed with my sketchbook, pencils and pens, off to the EG Headquarters to view more pieces in their collection. Did I say only a month? No, two months of embroidery study . . .

    664
  548. My dream needlework vacation would be a month at the RSN, working to improve my skills and touring England and Scotland.

    665
  549. My dream vacation would be to Australia. I heard of the wonderful needlework shops there and hope would run into Sharon B.

    666
  550. If I had to choose, I would visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I think I could spend a whole week there. OH and the Royal School of Needlework as well! and the Birmingham Quilt Show – OK lets just say I’ll go to England!

    668
  551. I would love to be able to see some of the beautiful Chinese silk embroidered items that I have seen in museum collections being made. I guess that would involve both time travel as well as well as passage to China.

    I love the crewel embroideries that were used as hangings around the beds of the 17th & 18th centuries that in some cases have been recycled in to quilts, after that trend went out of vogue. Beautiful shapes of the elements & such rich colours.

    669
  552. Take me out to London so I can visit the Royal School of Embroidery and while there take a class!!

    670
  553. My dream destination, thank you asking, is the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) at Hampton Court Palace, near London, UK.
    Now, I live in England (Yorkshire, with my husband Martin), only about 200+ miles away from London, but currently I’m staying in Liverpool where I’m caring full time, for my Mum who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, so I’ve no chance Going go to the RSN which, apart from selling embroidery kits and other goodies, also runs courses on embroidery.
    These courses range from day courses for beginners and advanced stitchers, to degree and diploma courses for the serious needleworker or the plainly addicted among us. I’d like to work my way through all their courses until I have a degree on the wall of my, one day wonderful, sewing room. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s Hampton Court Palace itself; mainly by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 1500s and later given to King Henry VIII. The RNS is the custodian of many historical pieces of embroidery and clothing from the Tudor and other eras and are definately worth seeing. After all, many crewel work pieces look to this era for inspiration and some of the fantastical beasts found in such work come from Elizabethan Palace wall decorations. I could stay for 6 months and not be finished with the embroidery courses, the RSN shop, which is apparently fantastic or Hampton Court Palace itself. With a hotel across the road, plus I don’t even need a passport this is certainly my dream destination.

    671
  554. I would go to Ireland as my stitcher’s dream. It is my ancestry and I love the images and mysticism that come out of Ireland!

    673
  555. Hi , my dream location would be To take a class at Hampton Crt at the Royal School of Needlwork . A dream come true !

    674
  556. I would love to go the England and take classes from the RSN. I have loved everything I’ve seen from the school and love their books as well.

    675
  557. For my dream needlework vacation I would go to the Royal Academy in San Francisco, CA
    to learn new techniques in our wonderful craft. If not San Francisco, I would love to attend the national conference of EGA as my vacation.

    I am excited about the #5 give away. What a wonderful opportunity to create, and to learn of another needlework resource. I look forward to winning.

    679
  558. My dream? To spend time at Hampton Court and take a class at the Royal School of Needlework. That would be perfect, absolutely perfect.

    681
  559. I think for my dream needlework vacation I would like to go around Europe and see things like the Bayeux tapestry and the embroidery done by Mary Stuart.

    683
  560. My dream needlework destination would be attending ‘Beating Around the Bush in Australia’. Couldn’t think of a better way to start my retirement !!

    684
  561. My dream stitching vacation would be a stitching cruise, with free stitching time, classes, and social activities!

    685
  562. Thank you Mary and Philippa for a beautiful giveaway. I love crewel.

    Australia seems to be a happening place right now – Beating Around the Bush, Allison Cole, and Yvette Stanton.

    686
  563. I would choose to visit Linen and Threads in Australia so that I could thank Karen and Bren in person for the 2017 SAL that has been such a big part of my free time this past year.

    687
  564. I love this work and pattern. I had hoped to do a class here in NZ at ANZEG conference next year but I’ve missed out, boo hoo.

    688
  565. I think I would like to visit Attic Needlework in Arizona. I like stitching more than just samplers, but that shop looks amazing! I don’t have an LNS, so basically any shop is a fun destination for me.

    689
  566. I have not done crewel in a very long time. This piece is so pretty and nothing like I did in the past!

    690
  567. If I could go anywhere for a dream stitching vacation I would love to go to England and visit the museums and great houses that all have glorious needlework in their premises. And of course that would need to include lunches and dinners and possibly high tea to appreciate the the whole ambiance of how beautiful embroidery is used. Sigh!!

    691
  568. My dream destination would be Hawaii. I would love to see the sand, sea and the flowers of the islands not to mention the birds. (I have never flown in my life, only in my dreams) I have a quilt pattern of the Island to use the colors of the islands and to have an embroidery work done on pillowcases would be awesome. To learn from the awesome people who put out the designs and stitches would be a dream of a lifetime. I keep telling my husband I want to go to Hawaii for our 50th wedding anniversary, but he just looks at me and smiles. The love of my life for 47 years.

    693
  569. Wow, easy one. My dream would be to go to England – view the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection of needlework and clothing; go to the Royal School of Needlework and just immerse myself in the creativity.

    694
  570. If I could take a needlework vacation it would be to the British Isles-there are so many wonderful museums that feature historical textiles such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Royal School of Needlework in London, Blairs Castle in Scotland South Wales Lace Makers and Needlework Fair in Wales and so many others it could take a life time to cover them all–But what a life time! I am drooling just thinking of it!

    695
  571. The one destination I would love to go to is Australia. They have so many shops and most of my favourite designers there. They also have some incredible workshops and conferences. What a thrill it would be to see some of the shops I drool over in person.
    Thanks,
    Brenda from Grande Prairie

    696
  572. Hard choices … but I think my dream trip would be to go see the Bayeux Tapestry.

    🙂 Linda

    697
  573. Beautiful Tree of Life project! I love Phillipa’s kits. I just received her Hoop frames and really love using them. I would love to go to one of Phillipa’s classes or RSN for an entire summer! :)! Wouldn’t hat be awesome. I just finished my first piece with lots and lots of mistakes but i love it anyway! Thank you and Phillipa for a fantastic giftaway!

    698
  574. My dream embroidery vacation would be to the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Palace to attend embroidery classes.

    699
  575. I would love to go to London, England to the Royal School of Needlework. I would love to see the history of London, and learn a new technic for my needle work.

    700
  576. A dream destination would be England to attend classes given by the Royal School of Needlework…thanks for this giveaway!

    702
  577. I have been looking at this wonderful piece for some time now. Unfortunatly is is beyond my budget, so is just a dream piece. Winning it would surely be a dream come true.

    703
  578. I have been looking at this wonderful piece for some time now. Unfortunatly is is beyond my budget, so is just a dream piece. Winning it would surely be a dream come true. My dream destination is easy, it’s to the Royal school of needlework in Bath England.

    704
  579. The place I would like to visit and stitch would be the Alps in Switzerland.
    The reason I chose the alpine area of Switzerland is because of the inspiring beauty and majesty of the Alps, the way people have adapted to the Alps, and the beauty of the Alps would inspire me to create a crewel work.

    705
  580. I would like to take a stitching retreat with other stitchers hopefully way more experienced than I am so I can learn from them. Somewhere on the Gulf of Mexico would be great.

    706
  581. My dream destination would be to be on an embroidery cruise that took in all the beautiful places in the world that have excellent places with embroidery displayed so that I could feast my eyes and heart out on them all. That way I would have the best of both dreams, cruising whilst embroidering, and visiting beautiful displayed embroidery places.

    708
  582. I would go somewhere that had great architecture & wonderful sweeping landscapes. I love to take photographs & can just imagine incorporating that into a design all my own.

    710
  583. Oooo, a chance to win one of these awesome crewelwork kit! Well, my dream needle-work destination vacation would be to the Royal School of Needlework because I would love the experience of learning at such a renowned establishment. Merry Christmas!

    711
  584. My Needlework dream destination would be to go on one of the beautiful Needlework cruises. A relaxing cruise holiday, visiting interesting places, making new friends, stitching in the comfort of a luxury cruise ship or river boat and not needing to worry about what to cook for dinner. Bliss!

    712
  585. My dream vacation would be to go on one of Phillipa’s fantastic tours – any of them would be incredible.

    713
  586. What a beautiful pattern! I have always loved the Tree of life theme.
    I have been sharing with some embroidery/quilting friends your website. I know that they ordered your Christmas Trees pattern and are enjoying your website.

    A dream vacation spot would be Europe. It seems like they have a deeply rooted tradition in handwork. Another option is Australia – I have seen some beautiful things come from there.

    714
  587. I would love to go on any of The Crewel Work Company’s needlework tours… stitching and visiting castles and seeing gorgeous scenery sounds like heaven. It is one item of many on my bucket list!
    Thank you to you and all the sponsors for these amazing giveaways 🙂

    715
  588. My needlework dream vacation would be course with elements of crewel and goldwork at Hampton Court with the Royal School of Needlework! This is a lovely tree of life design.

    716
  589. I would love to take a course (or more) at the RSN. It is exciting to be able to learn from the best.

    717
  590. Because I love the exuberant color and design of the wool-on-wool embroidery, my dream vacation destination is Sweden.

    718
  591. I would most definitely pick England and The Royal School of Needlework. When I come back in my second life that is where I will land!!

    720
  592. I would love to go to the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX. Just to see all those beautiful quilts from all over the world would be like eye candy.

    722
  593. Merry Christmas to you and all! My favorite place for needlework is any location where I can have a clean space to lay out my project and work uninterrupted. That would be wonderful!

    723
  594. If I could pick one Needleworks destination it would be England. Seeing the tapestries in stately homes and castle, visiting the Royal School of Needlework and much more – all of these would be on my Needleworks bucket list.

    Thanks for the opportunity to work!

    724
  595. Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway! I believe my destination of choice would be Bora Bora. I’d pack up a few of my embroidery projects along with a few sundresses and a swimsuit, grab my husband and enjoy a relaxing vacation in one of those over the water huts. We’d sight see and swim in the morning, and in the afternoons, I’d sit for a few hours and work on my embroidery.

    725
  596. My dream needlework destination would be to Arraiolos in Portugal. That is where they make world famous Arraiolos rugs. I have made one rug and 2 table over sized place mats and 1 pillow from Pat Stone’s book, Portuguese Needlework Rugs: The Time-Honored Art of Arraiolos Rugs Adapted for the Modern Handcrafter.
    I taught myself from her book but I would love to see how they do it in that famous town. It is a difficult technique to teach even though it is all done in the long arm cross stitch. It is because of the way you travel with your thread, up, down, right to left, left to right, diagonally, left to right and right to left. All stitching is begun and ended on the front so the back of the rug is beautifully detailed. I used my Pataernayan wool.
    Vicki Shigley

    726
  597. It’d be England – huge embroidery traditions, but am also interested in Australia. Folks there are pretty hard core embroiderers!

    727
  598. Ooh, it would be so hard to choose; the Royal School of Needlework would be amazing, though I’m such a beginner that it would be wasted on me really. The Jane Austin weekends would also be great; I’d love to take a class on netting a purse or embroidering and sewing a reticule. But Ireland or the Shetlands would be fantastic too, more for knitting and crocheting lace than for embroidery.

    728
  599. England for sure–to see William and May Morris work in museums.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win the beautiful crewel kit.

    729
  600. I would love to do Needlework Tours Italian tour. Love stitching italian embroidery, especially reticella.

    731
  601. Norway. My grandfather immigrated from Norway to the US after joining a Merchant Marine ship at the age of 15. His mother, sisters and other female relatives send us amazing works of embroidery, as well as knitted sweaters and other beautiful hand made gifts. I’m late to embroidery (even though my grandmother tried) but have now found my passion.

    732
  602. I would pick to go to England, to the royal school…. Also to see all the OLD work in the museums, to see how they did the stitches we are still doing today.Thanks
    S.Vadset

    734
  603. If I had to pick a needlework-related dream destination vacation I would love to do a needlework tour/cruise of Scotland, England, and Ireland. The colors and design in the Tree of Life pattern are absolutely beautiful! Thank you for offering this giveaway.

    736
  604. Royal School of Needlework because I could learn from the best in the hobby in an historic setting.

    738
  605. I would like to find an amazing needlework retreat where I could immerse myself in learning. It also would need a fabulous setting and wonderful food.
    Carol b

    739
  606. Hi Mary,

    Can I choice more than one?

    The RSN in England or
    Australia for Beating Around the Bush or
    one of Lady Anne’s retreats or
    the RSN classes next year in Lexington, Kentucky.

    Love, love, love the kit!!!

    Cynthia M.

    740
  607. My idea of a dream stitching vacation is going to Europe with one of the touring companies (Like Elizabeth of Needlepoint Now). It would be thrilling to visit the V and A Museum textiles area, and the Royal School of Needlework. I would love to the visit castles and cathedrals to see the tapestries that were made there, as well as the many diverse embroidery (lace, crewel, and gold work) that developed in Europe. I would also enjoy a stop at Philippa Turnbull’s shop to see her originals and to hear her idea of a perfect vacation. And, since it is a dream stitching vacation, I would have time to stitch in all that history and all the money I ‘needed’ to bring home needle-related stitching and books.

    741
  608. A Crewel Work Company retreat would be the perfect vacation. I assume that my embroidery isn’t at the level of the usual retreat member, but the opportunity to indulge in the lessons given by master embroiderers and the visits to see rare vintage embroidery would be a great vacation. My husband could spend his time eating fish and chips at a local pub.
    Thank you for these great give-away programs and for your fascinating columns.

    742
  609. My needlework-related dream destination would be at my cottage up north in the woods of Nominingue.
    Just me, my stitching gear and a couple of cd’s….Oh and lot’s of tea!

    743
  610. I am quite the anglophile, so I would have to say somewhere in England. Oh, how I would love to enroll in all of the RSN programs- goldwork, whitework, stumpwork…
    What fun that would be! Perhaps I could then take one of those fabulous embroidery tours throughout Europe.

    744
  611. I have always wanted to go to the Jen Jones Welsh Quilt Centre in Llanybydder Wales. The Welsh quilts are marked beautifully
    With organic designs of leaves, spirals, circles, hearts and flowers. Marked by women in homes with crude tools producing wonderful works of art. The quilts were made by women in tough economic times and the skill and beauty are stunning and celebrate their heritage & strength.

    745
  612. Congrats to all of us that follow Mary and Needle hand Threads! We all win! I would go to Kansas, I could visit family and maybe just maybe I could meet Mary Corbet! I would love to see your work first hand! And maybe get a few tips.

    746
  613. My dream destination would be a class at the Royal School of Needlework with some time to sight see England. Thank you for the chance.

    747
  614. I’ve always dreamed of going on a crafting cruise. Now that I’m so into quilting, a quilting cruise would be awesome!

    748
  615. I would go to England to the Royal School of Needlework. I would just love to see all the marvelous stitching and maybe take a class.

    749
  616. I would love to attend a class at the Royal School of Needlework or Beating Around the Bush in Australia.

    750
  617. My dream vacation would be one of those group outings to Australia that are always in the back of Inspirations Magazine. It is someplace I always wanted to visit. I even quit school to go back in the 80’s but as luck would have it the trip was canceled and I had to wait a whole year to get back into school. Lesson learned, one thing at a time.

    751
  618. I would love to visit Italy and look at all the counted thread work and be inspired yb all the beautiful buildings and artworks!

    752
  619. On Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel in May, there is a seminar I would love to attend. There’s a class being offered by Sue Spargo that sounds creative and delightful and just tickles my fancy.
    Barb

    753
  620. I would like to return to Hampton Court Palace, home of the Royal School of Needlework to attend classes.

    754
  621. I’d love to visit ‘across the pond ‘ to Scotland, Ireland and Britain to see some nice Victorian needlework!

    755
  622. Many years ago the first serious crewel tree of life that I completed was a small piece/kit designed by Erica Wilson. I presented it to my grandmother for her birthday. She proudly hung it in her dining room where it stayed until she died. I was delighted that it was displayed prominently since it was validation that my prize needleworking grandmother thought highly of my stitching. It now hangs in my daughter’s home.

    756
  623. I dream of going on a Stitches and Stately Homes tour to Scotland and Ireland. Several years ago my husband and I were fortunate enough to go on one of their tours to southwest England and it was fabulous. Ever since then I’ve been longing to do another of their escorted tours which includes staying in some of the great British houses, private tours of private embroidery collections and stitching days tutored by Royal School of Needlework trained tutors. Be still my heart!

    758
  624. Wow, it is hard to pick just one place. To be able to visit The Royal School of Needlework in Great Britain would be so inspiring, but I would also love to visit Norway and see where Hardanger embroidery started. I have only seen pictures of Norway and it looks so beautiful.
    Thank you so much for this opportunity to win this kit.
    Merry Christmas from Texas
    Susan

    759
  625. Hi Mary,
    My dream stitching vacation would be to take a class (or two) at tge Royal School of Needlework. I am currently working on a Jacobean Applique Quilt that was the program for 2017 through the Marigold Quilt Guild and would thoroughly enjoy working on a crewel piece.

    Thank you for your generosity is sharing your knowledge and your giveaways.

    761
  626. I would pick a tropical island because of all the various plant and animal life available that could be very inspirational. And the underwater animals and plant life and coral would be tremendous. Think of all the design possibilities!

    762
  627. I would love to go to the Royal School of Needlework in Britain. Not only to learn, but just be surrounded in the art of needlework!

    763
  628. If I had to pick up one needlework-related dream destination vacation, it would be South Africa to meet Trish Burr and take some classes with her.
    Thank you very much for all those nice gifts.
    Merry Christmas Mary.

    764
  629. My needlework-related destination will be Australia, because it is a beautiful country to visit, as well as a great place to shop for supplies for my embroidery projects.

    765
  630. Thank you for a great Give away opportunity.

    If I were to be given the luxury of vacation and allowed to carry along, a needle, I would love to visit Nordic regions to find a “guru” in Mountmellick, Hardanger, Wessex, whitework and the list is endless.
    I’m now good at only “”French knots”.. and I can proudly claim that I make French knots as cute ad Mary taught.. For this level I’m at, dreaming about crewel embroidery is taking another birth or many more, simultaneously.

    Best Wishes to everyone

    767
  631. My dream destination for inspiration for embroidery is the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. There is so much to see from so many countries. Historical embroideries, costumes, textiles and dĂŠcor all stimulate the creative juices leaving me itching to start a new project. The skill and patience demonstrated by many artists leaves me in awe.

    768
  632. My dream needlework destination would be the UK. I’ve gotten to see small bits of some of the glorious needlework in museums there, but I’d love to do a vacation focused on needle arts (rather than accidental sightings while my husband rolls his eyes!).

    769
  633. My dream needlework destination would be the Royal School of Needlework. Not even to take a course but just to be a fly on the wall. I most certainly would want to see their collection, though! Beautiful, beautiful tree of life design. Thank you for offering it, Mary!

    770
  634. I am very interested in and love the look of crewel embroidery. My dream needlework related destination would be a very long retreat in England — a year would be good! — to learn and perfect crewel embroidery with the amazing Phillipa Turnbull of The Crewel Work Company and classes with the needlework treasure that is the Royal School of Needlework.

    772
  635. Hi Mary et al, I would choose Italy since I haven’t been there. But I absolutely adore all the awesome needlework and bobbin lace I’ve experienced in England. I’d love to go back there too. I know Italy has an exceptional legacy in fashion, lace, needlework and more – so I hope to go someday. Thank you for the giveaway!

    773
  636. My dream destination is Paris, France. There are many embroidery studios and excellent collections to view.
    Lisa

    774
  637. The Tree of Life is one of my favorite designs and I would love to do it. Also, I lived in Scotland years ago and would love to go back!!!!

    775
  638. Hi Mary,
    Thanks for another great giveaway! My needlework related dream destination vacation would be to take a course at the Royal School of Needlework. The school is (last I heard) located in a section of Hampton Court Palace so I would also be able to take a tour and even check out the garden maze.

    776
  639. It would be Australia. I would like to be able to go with a large amount of money and no restrictions on luggage on the way back. I think buying as much as I wanted of the beautiful supplies they have there would be wonderful without worrying about the postage. I also would enjoy popping in on several stitching bloggers there. I guess I would also need a somewhat unlimited period of time as Australia isn’t small.
    Thank you for the chance to win Mary. I have been enjoying seeing what is next!

    777
  640. Dream destination for a needlework related vacation? I would up and hie me to Mary Corbet’s house to drink tea and stitch contentedly. Why? Well, who wouldn’t?

    I would love to meet you, Mary. Thank you for the work you put into this beautiful blog. I have learned so much from it, and I have loved having such a high quality resource to share with friends who want to learn more.

    Blessings,
    Joy

    778
  641. My dream needlework destination would be England. There are so many museums and historical homes there with amazing collections of needlework. I’ve always enjoyed seeing antique needlework, and in England it seems to get the respect and appreciation it deserves. While visiting, a plus for me would be the absence of a language barrier…apart from those differences between English and “American” 🙂

    779
  642. If I had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, it would be Adelaide and the Beating Around the Bush 2018 convention in Australia!

    780
  643. My dream vacation destination would be England! I have read so many articles on people in England, for instance Lorna Bateman, and I am really drawn to so many of the Jacobean designs that so many have created. Ultimately it would be a dream come true to be able to go to there and take classes at some of the stitchers retreats that I’ve seen advertised.
    My sister was a beautiful embroiderer, and I admired her crewel work but never learn it. The tree of life kit mentioned in the article is amazing. Reminds me of her and something she would have done. It’s also a design I’ve been drawn to.
    Thank you Mary for all you do. I’ve learned so much from you.

    781
  644. If I chose a destination in the U.S., I would love to go to the Christmas in Williamsburg retreat. If I chose a destination overseas, I would choose to go to the Royal School of Needlework school, with trips to all the wonderful museums to see the textile exhibits, of course! Thank you so much, Mary, for all these wonderful opportunities to win great prizes!

    Sharon

    782
  645. It would be to the studio of Nicola Jarvis in the UK. I admire her designs and work, especially the William Morris inspired self portrait she embroidered a few years ago.

    783
  646. I’d love to go to Australia and hit all the needlework shops and take as many classes as possible. Those Aussie stitchers know their stuff!

    784
  647. If i had to pick one destination for a needlework related vacation, it would be japan.
    For the vast array of techniques, all performt to perfection.
    I like embroidery, indigo, dying, sashiko, koigin , braiding and all the rest.
    You are such a knowlwegeble lady, i read your blog with admiration

    785
  648. My dream destination would be a mountain cabin near a lake in the Sierra Mountains in California. Some friends along to share ideas and our love of all hand work would be heaven!

    787
  649. My dream needlework holiday destination would be Italy because I have fallen in love with the work done by Elizabetta Ricami. To explore her style and visit the medieval villages she mentions in her blog to learn needlework from others would truly be a dream trip. Thank you so much Mary & The Crewel Work Company for your generosity. Christmas blessings to you Mary. Helen from Queensland, Australia.

    788
  650. My dream destination would be straight to your home town where in my fantasy world you would welcome me to your workroom for a whole month and I would have the opportunity to glean all I could from your vast knowledge !

    789
  651. Australia and Eng;and are both tempting. bit in the end, I’d probably choose England. The RSN and the Victoria and Albert Museum are just two of the places I’d love to visit.

    790
  652. G’day Mary,
    Well now, while I’m dreaming I may as well make the most of it! I’d take my Granddaughter and we’d have days and days of personal sessions with one called Mary Corbet, seriously.
    Cheers Mary
    And thank you Philippa
    Kath from Oz

    791
  653. I’d love to go to Australia for the Beating About the Bush event. It would be fantastic to learn from some of the Southern Hemisphere experts who are not often in the UK.

    792
  654. England, for the chance to go to some of the stately homes and museums to see historic samplers, draperies, etc. Unfortunately New Zealand doesn’t have a lot in the way of historic embroidery, but we excel in other things! 🙂

    793
  655. I loved to do Crewel embroidery. I just haven’t done it in years. I’ll have to find my old kits and practice before I attempt to do something as grand as this kit.

    795
    1. I forgot to answer to the question. I have always wanted to go to the stitching retreat in Williamsburg VA in December. I would also like to learn Schwalm embroidery from those who still do it in Germany.

  656. I would love to spend my next vacation in Lexington, Kentucky from 8 – 21 July 2018, learning the history of embroidery and being instructed at the Royal School of Needlework.
    There are many destinations on my list but this one is too close to pass up.

    796
  657. My dream vacation is Australia for Beating Around the Bush. One of these days I’ll make it. For now I’m satisfied with Sewing at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC every January. This year is the 25th so you can see that it’s been a very successful run.

    797
  658. The Crewel Work Company
    “4 Nations Needlework Tour 2020”
    We will be visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales with Phillipa Turnbull, Meredith Willett, Jenny Adin-Christie and Nicola Jarvis doing various embroidery projects. Also, we’ll explore exquisite needlework collections within their iconic original locations.
    As a historical costumer I would finish this fantasy vacation at the Palace of Versailles in my 18th century gown and cloak that I have worked in crewel embroidery starting at the Hall of Mirrors. A dream come true!
    Today is my birthday and what a wonderful gift this would be.
    Thank you for the opportunity to DREAM!

    798
  659. To London at RSN for sure. For history, the techniques, the tricks, the talent and just the opportunity to immerse myself in in so much hand crafted beauty.

    799
  660. I am British living in France.I would go back to the Uk to Hampton Court palace to see the Royal School of Needlework department and do a course for beginners if they take beginners.
    I would then go to The Victoria and Albert Museum to see their needlework archives.Then on to William Morris’s houses – The Red House and Kelmscott Manor.
    If I had any money left after all of this I would pop over to Adelaide Australia to see the .William Morris archives there.

    800
  661. Ohhhh my… when will all these delicious offers stop…. my wishlist is SO full 😀
    To answer the question about my dream destination – in the last issue of Inspirations magazine they had a link for the next year catalogue of “Beating around the bush”. This is an international needlework convention and there they have a huuuge list of workshops (1-2-3 days) and I want to visit 90% of them 😀 But I would be so happy if I could visit just one.

    801
  662. I would love to visit the great tapestry of Scotland. I love the story about it and think it is beautiful.

    802
  663. I would love to take a needlework themed cruise. I’ve seen several organized for quilting and think it would be fabulous to take one with other fans of the needle arts (with classes and work groups).

    803
  664. Hi Mary,
    As I love the embroidery of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Arts & Crafts era I would have to go to England then work my way round the United Kingdom before heading to Europe – France and Italy beckon for starters then Russia and Spain. I might have to be away forever!
    Happy travels,
    Chris

    804
  665. My dream destination to embroider is the Indian Himalayas. The cold, the heights and the colourful village scenes are breathtaking. It adds zest to my work.

    Thank you for a beautiful giveaway.

    Merry Christmas!!

    805
  666. Hello everyone! Without hesitation I would choose the Royal School of Needlework, to discover the place and all the treasures they must have there!

    806
  667. I would love to visit England – specifically the V & A to see the stitcheries they have on display there. Here in Australia we do not have that very long history of stitching.

    807
  668. I think it would have to be the highlands of Scotland in winter…winter stirs a much deeper creativity within me. My father was Scottish, and although I’ve only ever lived there briefly, I do feel it is my spiritual home. I shall return, one day!

    808
  669. The Victoria and Albert Museum! I can only imagine how amazing it is. And then when you’re done at the museum….London!

    810
  670. I would spend the summer sitting on the porch of a Victorian hotel in Cape May NJ making beautiful linens.

    811
  671. I would love to go to Australia. My son, granddaughter and daughter in law moved to Australia almost 2 years ago. I would love to visit them and at the same time visit Inspirations Magazine.

    812
  672. Hmm… I’ve been to a lot of places and find needlework in almost all of them. I think, though, that my ultimate destination to learn would be either the Royal School of Needlework or Bayeux, France. In Bayeux, they have a great lace making school. While in Bayeux, I would also take some courses in Argentan.

    813
  673. My dream needlework related destination would be to England to do a few courses at the RSN at Hampton Court to improve my knowledge of embroidery and thereafter to visit as many museums as I can where embroidery can be viewed in great depth in England, Scotland and Ireland.

    814
  674. My dream holiday would be a month at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court, with classes and one to one tuition every day. I’d stay in the Royal Apartments, but with a modern bed, the originals look very lumpy. Do I choose Henry VIII’s or Queen Anne’s bedrooms or rotate each night. THEN, as I live an hour from The Crewel Work Company, I’d have a weeks tuition from Philippa Turnbull. Sheer bliss.

    Merry Christmas Mary. Thank You

    815
  675. My friend Ann and I have always agreed that if either of us came into money – I wish, we would travel to Australia with empty suitcases. We drool over the threads available there. I know we are quite fortunate here in the UK but the variety of threads in Australia are to die for.

    816
  676. I would love to visit the US to meet all the lovely ladies I have come to know through my CQ site. Blessings

    818
  677. Dear Mary,
    The new tree of life by The Crewel Work Company is simply stunning.
    My dream destination would be the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
    Living in the UK has so much to offer, but top of my bucket list is the Met with the embellishment on costume and 16th century embroidery.
    Many thanks for this opportunity.
    Patricia

    819
  678. My dream destination is one I have already been fortunate enough to visit some years ago. To see the Cluny Tapestries in Paris. I had already stitched a cross stitch copy and always wanted to see all of them. I was not disappointed and would so like to able to see them again – and linger longer.

    820
  679. Absolutely beautiful and what a fabulous prize. I would choose to have a learning holiday and book myself in to the Royal School of needlework here in England. This would be an opportunity to enhance my needlework and learn how to do things properly, rather than self-led have a go and see what happens.

    821
  680. I guess I never really thought of vacationing with my hobby in mind before, so I really don’t know where I’d go. I think I’d like to go to Royal School of Needlework to start off with.

    822
  681. Wonderful opportunity! I would love to attend a special embroidery course in a historic home in the UK and to finish the trip – a class with the Royal School of Needlework. Oh to dream!

    823
  682. My needlework dream destination would be….well, who wouldnt love to visit England, France, Ireland, Scotland or Austrailia? The availability of needlework supplies alone would make it my dream. But, I am the caregiver for my parents. To go far would not be possible. I must make my dream destination less literal and chose my quiet morning hour with a mug of coffee and my tablet browsing the needlework blogs from all of these places and being there in spirit and be inspired.

    824
  683. My dream needlework vacation would be to the UK. The linens and threads from there are gorgeous, and I love Jacobean embroidery designs. I would especially love to explore shops in Scotland and Ireland, which was where my grandfather was from.

    825
  684. My dream source of inspirational embroidery is here, on my door step. Parham house, an Elizabethan house in Pulborough, West Sussex. UK. I have been fortunate enough to attend Medieval embroidery classes organized by the Embroiderers Guild, where we recreate elements of stump work and gold work using medieval methods. I jump at the opportunity whenever offered.

    827
  685. I would love to go to England for my dream needlework related destination and visit and maybe take a summer class at the Royal School of Needlework. To see all the fabulous work produced by their teachers and students.

    828
  686. I would love to go to Australia,home of Inspiration magazine,love that magazine ! I love ribbon embroidery and they do more of that there harder to find ribbon here without paying a lot for the ribbon.

    829
  687. Fingers crossed, my number one dream needlework destination would be the Royal School oh Needlework. I have always dreamed of taking a course there but haven’t as yet been able too. What a vacation that would be!!!

    831
  688. My dream needlework destination would be to visit the various locations in England that hold the Royal Collection Trust – most specifically to see the beautiful work created by Mary Queen of Scots

    832
  689. Oh, you do have such wonderful give-aways. Dream vacation for stitching? Oh, my. Um. I think I would like to go to Japan. Go to the Tokyo Quilt show, take some classes there, explore the shops and museums in Tokyo that have a focus on needle arts.

    833
  690. My dream is to attend Beating around the Bush in Australia. taking lots of classes and being with like minded people.
    And of course shopping at all the wonderful embroidery stores.
    Sue

    834
  691. The dream destination is a hard one. I’d like to go somewhere that has terrific views without the distraction of wanting to explore the area. Switzerland (in the Alps) would be my choice.

    835
  692. A dream needlework vacation would be to go to Italy and admire/learn the needle lace techniques…Amelia Ars and other techniques.

    836
  693. I would love to study one of the summer block courses run at the Royal School of Needlework in the UK. It would be had to choose, but I think I would start with crewel work. Thank you for running this great give away Mary, also thanks to Phillipa Turnbull for the amazing prize.

    838
  694. Just beautiful! I’m getting back into needlework, I would love to go to Australia for beating around the bush!

    839
  695. I would love to be able to attend a course at the RSN in Hampton Court or Beating around the Bush in Australia. At present I am stitching away at your little Christmas Trees and enjoying every moment of it!

    840
  696. My dream destination would be the UK where there are stately homes decorated with crewel work like this beautiful design, but hundreds of years old!

    841
  697. My dream sewing holiday destination would be to do a course with the royal school of needlework.

    842
  698. I have stitched several needlepoint Tree of Life canvases and have knitted one in progress. I would love to add this beauty to my wall of favorite projects.

    843
  699. 2 dream stitching holidays

    – 1st is britain for an RSN day class or two or three or more.
    – luneville france to learn the art of tambour beading.
    And I could keep the list going.

    844
  700. I have stitched several needlepoint Tree of Life canvases and have knitted one in progress. I would love to add this beauty to my wall of favorite projects. My dream would be to go to Australia to the stitching mecca there with crewel and needlepainting. Two subjects I would love to become more expert at.

    845
  701. Dream vacation would be a cruise to Australia. Lots of carefree time on the ship to stitch away. Relax by the pool stitching time of course. Thank you for the opportunity for a chance to win your crewel piece. It’s beautiful. Donna

    846
  702. I would go to London so that I could spend time with the Victoria and Albert Museum’s textile collections.

    847
  703. London to visit the V&A and the British Museum, to see the clothing collections and the Opus Anglicanum. The ultimate trip would be a Phillipa Turnbull tour with access to private collections. My interest in embroidery began with Elizabethan blackwork and sweetbags.

    848
  704. Thank you for posting this giveaway. My needlework-related dream destination is the Royal School of Needlework’s Hampton Court Palace. I would love to take one of their intensives or advanced classes.

    850
  705. What a fun question. I would love to do a Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreat, but at ÂŁ7000 (or more) for 11 days, plus airfare,…. well, that’s why it is just a dream holiday.

    851
  706. I have been dreaming for a long time of going to England and a visit to Hampton Court Palace (extended to do some classes as well would be fabulous). It would be wonderful to see all the historical pieces and just be surrounded and learn from amazing passionate needleworkers at the Royal School of Needlework.
    Recently I also became aware of San Francisco Needlework and design, so that is now my second destination on my dream list.

    852
  707. My dream needlework trip would start in England at the RSN and end in Italy shopping for some of the threads available there but not here.

    853
  708. I would love to go back to Conche, Newfoundland to view their French Shore Tapestry modeled on the Bayeaux Tapestry. I felt as if I was leaving something behind when we left. After viewing this again, then the vacation would continue on to view the actual Bayeaux Tapestry. Marvelous!

    854
  709. I would cherish a trip to England to attend the Royal School of Needlework,
    plus museum with outstanding needlework exhibits.

    855
  710. My dream……get an apartment in London or San Francisco and take a course or two at the Royal School of Needlework or the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design. I love both cities and haven’t been to them in years!

    856
  711. Mary,

    A dream destination vacation related to needlework? I would have to say the Royal School of Needlework in London. I’ve always felt I could always use improvement in my stitching, as well as an enhancement of learning new techniques.

    Thank you for this delightful opportunity to win this gorgeous piece of crewel work!

    Merry Christmas!
    Hugs,
    Jennifer

    857
  712. What a beautiful Crewel kit! I would love to make it. My choice of vacation destination would be England, where I could visit the RSN, Victoria and Albert Museum and all the needlework shops! Maybe I would even find a class or two in stitching I’m not familiar with- such fun it would be. Thanks, Mary for the chance! Merry Christmas

    858
  713. I would love to win this amazing kit! To answer the question, My dream destination needle work vacation is Scotland. Beautiful fiber art, top quality teachers, years of history and tradition…and well it is Scotland! Would like to find my Grandpa’s people there too.

    859
  714. Mary,

    I already commented for this drawing, so don’t use this as part of the drawing.. I had a question… I went to the link for the Crewel Work Company, and saw that they have the printed linens for each level that you can purchase without having to get the whole kit. My question is this… could you use DMC floss for crewel work?

    Thank you,
    Jennifer

    862
  715. I would have to choose one of the RSN workshops or classes. I’ve followed your blogs about them for years, and would love to see the actual workshops and learn from such dedicated, passionate teachers. Besides, England! what’s not to love with that?

    863
  716. My dream needlework holiday destination would be to India. I would hope to see first hand some of the wonderful textiles created in India and try to capture the color, vibrancy and light of India with my needle, thread and fabric, stitching my impressions and memories.

    864
  717. I think a “dream” vacation would be a trip to the UK to visit museums to see all the glorious needlework of the past in person for inspiration–and then to take a class or two in order to learn the techniques so I could make my own.

    865
  718. My dream stitching location would be the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace in England. I’ve visited the palace twice and I am completely in love. And I spent about an hour and a half just in the RSN store! A vacation of just taking courses there and being in the palace grounds for a week to soak it all in sounds like heaven to me.

    866
  719. I think I would pick Holland because I know everything is blue & White.
    Actually I would pick Japan, their intricate use of silk threads is fascinating ( I know China is more abundant but I think Japan would be an easier trek )

    867
  720. I would love to go somewhere to take a class from counted canvas designer located in a really nice shop! Thank you for your Christmas gifts, look forward to see what is next!

    868
  721. My needlework-related dream destination vacation would actually be Appleby-in-Westmorland where the Crewel Work Company is located because my maternal ancestors were married and had a few of their children there before moving the family to Prince Edward Island, Canada in the 19th century.

    869
  722. I’d go to Williamsburg, VA–days wandering around the Historic District followed by evenings of stitching on a project reminiscent of the time–and this crewelwork project would be the perfect one for such a vacation. If I needed more inspiration, I’d go to the textile displays at the DeWitt Wallace Museum to see historic embroideries up close and personal.

    870
  723. My dream needlework vacation would be to Italy for some embroidery classes
    because I want to learn reticella lace from the masters teachers there! And of course for their needlework shops.

    871
  724. What a wonderful gift! I would love to get away from every day life for week at the beach and be able to focus on stitching! Sun, surf & stitch! Have a blessed Christmas.

    Jan

    872
  725. China – embroidery produced by the many peoples inhabiting it, is in a league of its own. I would love to travel the remote areas to meet those who preserve this art, I’m sure the inspiration gained in the process would last me a lifetime.

    873
  726. There is a castle in England I believe that puts the needlework on display for the public once a year??
    It was live a few years ago abd I happened to watch it

    874
  727. A dream vacation to England has been on my wishlist forever. I would love to take a class / classes at the RSN someday and travel around the British Isles.

    875
  728. I would like to go on the Highlands and North West Coast of Scotland stitching holiday offered by an English needlework company. The scenery looks amazing and you get to embroider in a private castle. And it would be lovely to embroider with other people.

    876
  729. My dream destination for needlework would be anywhere in England. I think the countryside would be beautiful in sunshine and moody in the rain, either way, perfect for some relaxing needlework. The crewel kit looks amazing!

    877
  730. Definitely Hampton Court palace. So I could study and get my certificate and diploma from the RSN. Ahhh.. to dream.

    878
  731. Well, of course I would have to choose going to the Royal School of Needlework in London to take a course in embroidery. What a fantastic (and a tad intimidating) opportunity that would be, full of artistry and history! Thank you, Mary, and The Crewel Work Company for this chance to win such a beautiful kit!. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

    881
  732. My dream vacation would be either Australia to visit all the needlework shops that I read about in Inspirations magazine or to England to visit a Phillips Turnbull workshop. I met her in Columbus, Ohio, she is such a nice person, I would love to take a workshop in England or have another of her kits.

    Barbara

    883
  733. I would enjoy attending the Basic Embroidery 3-day series, School of Needlework, Williamsburg, Va in March 2018. It would be a nice chill out time, to listen and refine my embroidery skills.

    884
  734. First Mary, I would like to wish you and your family Merry Christmas. Second, I would love to go to Japan to learn their silk embroidery or to a retreat in London to watch the masters at work. But because I am afraid to leave our country now a days, I would be very happy in a cozy cabin in the woods.

    885
  735. My dream needlework destination vacation would be to England for the V&A, Hampton court and so many others I can’t think of them right now.

    886
  736. Dear Mary,

    What a stunning kit from the Crewel Company.
    My choice would be the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to view the art collections of embellished costume and 16th century embroidery.
    Many thanks for the opportunity

    887
  737. Destination would be England, of course. A country steeped in stitching, The Royal Academy, museums showcasing unbelievable needlework. Can’t go wrong with this one.

    888
  738. What an amzing thiing to do…donating a kit like this to be won by a reader! Thank you!
    My dream destination would be England at this point….with visits to all the museums that feature needlework…and there are so many! Before i go, i would be scouring your pages for mentions of them and also I would look for pages of the RSN that mentions them. Ahhh, one can dream, right?

    889
  739. I would love to go to England, of course. I’d be thrilled to visit England’s Royal School of Needlework. That’s a Dream

    890
  740. I would love to take a trip to Surrey to the Royal School of Needlework to take a course in whitework.

    891
  741. I’d go to India for a tree of life since Iran (Persia) is probably out of the question…

    892
  742. My dream needle-work destination would be the Royal School of Needlework in England. The history in that place! And the talent! It’s on my bucket list already to go there (when I retire) and take a class or two. Yup!! That’s the place! Royal School of Needlework!!!

    894
  743. I would love to go to Hampton Court palace and take a certificate course. Stitching all day every day and seeing their collection would be a dream come true.

    895
  744. Shelter Island, NY because it is my favorite place in the US, it surrounds you with inspiration, and nobody bothers you so you can just glut on stitching

    896
  745. My dream would be a trip to Italy and Germany with Susan Greening Davis tours. She is such a great teacher and takes people to places (needlework places) where you can learn more about needlework as well as many places you cannot get to as a normal tourist. Awesome tours.

    897
  746. Merry Christmas from Merry Anne! (and yes I have a Christmas Day birth date!) Anyhow….my ideal dream place to go and stitch would be any coastal Florida beach. Great light on the beach and balmy breezes, perfect for relaxing and embroidering!
    May all our wishes come true!

    898
  747. I would like to visit the Benaki Museum in Athens, Greece. Among others, they have the largest collection of Greek embroidery that travels back to the Byzantine era. I’ve seen some photos on their published anthologies and I dream of the actual experience.

    899
  748. Mary, if I could go on one needlework destination it would be to Australia to Inspirations’ “Beating Around The Bush” event. How fulfilling it would be to take courses from needlework experts while meeting new needlework enthusiasts!

    900
  749. England! The museums: V&A and Fitzwilliam (to start!). The RSN. The authors’ homes: Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter (to start!) The scenery. Please note that this is the mother of all dream vacations that I want!

    901
  750. Canada , my family lives there and my mom is the one who teaches me embroidery when I was 9 years old , sitting with her and doing needle work is s dream.

    902
  751. I’ve already gotten to spend a fair amount of time kicking around the UK, but I’d love to do one of the Crewel Work Company’s retreats really focusing on needlework.

    (Alternately, and more destination-specific, a trip to Germany/Switzerland to see some of the better collections of Opus Teutanicum. Between the fact that my German…isn’t…and the fact that it’s mostly white-on-white and largely documented in the early 20th century, it’s a really frustrating technique to try to study from the US.)

    903
  752. It is my dream to study in Italy under the tutelage of Giuliana Buonpadre who is a true artist at pulled thread embroidery or reticello. Her school is called Filofilo where she teaches embroidery skills unknown to the most skilled needlewomen. Therefore, my dream trip to Verona, Italy (if I may by so pushy and specific) would allow me to bring back these new skills to America- to new students !!

    904
  753. So easy for me to answer, usually I have to think really hard to answer your questions but not this time!
    The Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court. Would love to take one of their courses but just seeing the venue, and checking out the gift shop would do too. Any chance you can make this dream come true????? LOL

    905
  754. My dream destination would be an east frisean island in the winter. Cosy cafes and something to stitch…

    906
  755. My dream sewing related destination would be to the Korean Museum of Embroidery in Seoul, South Korea. I have seen some of the work in there on line and it is both beautiful and quite different in some instances, with a range from court based sophisticated designs to simple but very appealing folk type designs. It would be fantastic to see these works in real life and maybe get some new ideas from old items.

    907
  756. I would like to go on an embroidery cruise to London and then do a course at the RSN. If I had my time again I would have liked to study full time there but came to embroidery too late. Not too late to be part of a guild and enjoy my craft though.Thank you

    909
  757. Thank you for the opportunity to dream Mary but with consideration i would love to visit Hampton Court in England with time to peruse their wonderful historic collections especially in crewel work, blackwork and lace.

    910
  758. I’ll have to bite on this one since the pattern is so lovely, and I’ve been doing a lot of crewel lately. As for my dream needlework vacation, I have to think back to what I read on Hazel Blomkamp’s blog a few years back, about an embroidery cruise down the Mekong, in Cambodia and Vietnam. Such a beautiful part of the world, and Hazel seems like she would be a riot as a teacher.

    911
  759. If I could go to a needlework dream vacation, I would choose China. The beautiful designs you see on the clothes they make always look so beautiful.

    912
  760. Well this weeks question is a no-brainer for me, England!
    I’ve been to England, principally London, with my husband and daughter many times. I’ve never been there to explore needlework and it would be so amazing with all the tapestries in the galleries and cathedrals and, of course there is the Royal School of Needlework-I mean who could resist a visit there?

    914
  761. Always wanted to go to Madeira. Lots of embroidery there and crochet as well and a beautiful island, too.

    915
  762. I have always wanted to take a class at the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta. It’s not the most exotic location, but I would love to have a beautiful, completed piece to frame at home.

    916
  763. As always, my first whine will be, Just ONE?? Either a week at the Royal School of Needlework to take at least a couple workshops, or one of Philippa Turnbull’s tours.
    However, a trip abroad is probably never going to happen, so realistically, I want to go to Plimoth Plantation and see the embroidered jacket.

    917
  764. I never thought much about taking a dream vacation for embroidery. It seems no matter where I am when I am embroidering I am on vacation because one can’t help get lost in the process and escape for awhile away from all the turmoil going on in the world. Dale

    918
  765. My bucket list includes a trip to the Embroider’s Guild of America’s Seminar. So for me it would be Kentucky. Taking classes for a week would be a dream.

    919
  766. I would go and take an icon embroidery retreat somewhere! I have always wanted to try learning how to do that! Thanks for a great give away!
    -Heather

    920
  767. I think I’d really like to be able to see India with its embroidery styles. It seems there is less or at least more obscure historical documentation of historical embroidery in India. I joined a group on FB devoted to hand embroidery and I enjoy seeing all the homemade hand embroidery shared by Indian women on saree’s. Fascinating.

    922
  768. The RSN at Hampton Court. First, it would be within an environment of learning from other like-minded stitchers. Also, to study the collection of needlework in their archives; and to access the gardens that would provide plenty of inspiration, especially in the spring.

    924
  769. This piece is gorgeous! Typically, I would say that the beach is a nice and relaxing place to go and stitch. However, I would not want to take a chance with any sand or salt water getting on this crewel work. So, my dream spot to stitch this, would be to the U.K. to visit the Royal School of Needlework.

    925
  770. Would love to visit the Royal School of Needlework in London. They ensure the art of needlework is taught to the next generation. Important work!

    926
  771. What a beautiful Tree of Life design. Someone is going to be very lucky indeed. I have to say the one place I would love to see is the Royal School of Needlework. In other comments I read, several mentioned “Beating Around the Bush” in Australia……..looked it up as I am not familiar with it and count me in on that school also. Everyone is allowed to dream, aren’t they. Thanks again Mary for giving us this chance. Merry Christmas to all!

    927
  772. India.
    The colours, the colours, the colours.
    Silk fabric, silk threads and just silk.
    The way hand embroidery has always been part of India’s history.
    In India, hand embroidery has been worn with pride when at times the ‘west’ frowned upon hand embroidery.
    Textiles are brightly and loveingly woven into the history and daily life of India.

    928
  773. Tough one! I’ve seen beautiful things come out of Australia and England has the school of embroidery for those aspiring to be on the Queen’s next seamstress team…and tea time! But I think California when the Brazilian Embroidery Guild meets up for their annual seminar is my answer. All the inspiration, classes, teachers, stitch time, and EdMar threads would be enchanting!

    929
  774. My dream destination would be a return visit to England to study all those glorious embroidered hangings in historic houses. I would love to have one of these kits and want to thank you and Phillipa for the opportunity.

    933
  775. My needlework-related dream destination vacation is the French Needle trip to Paris. They arrange everything, keep the group small, have bilingual companions and it just sounds perfect.

    Happy holidays, everyone!

    934
  776. Visiting needlework displays/museums/shows in England and France
    would be a real treat for me — but since I can no longer travel — I am
    very grateful for this computer and can view so many stitcheries everywhere.
    Your site is esp. wonderful for me — a great resource. Thank you.

    935
  777. I would love to go to Great Britain to do one of the RSN retreats, though I think my ignorance of history of needlework and skill level is not up to snuff. Dreams, my loves, dreams!

    936
  778. My Dream needlework destination would be a stitchers cruise in Europe. It would encompass all of the major areas of needlework history… Including England, France, Denmark, Holland and too many others to count.
    This cruise would be ONLY needleworkers of ALL types… We would take over the ship and it would have to be at least a month long…. to get to all our destinations. Mary would have to be one of the major instructors. I remember Mary from my many years of needlework enthusiasm. I would love to have her design a piece JUST FOR US!!!

    937
  779. I would love to win this kit. As for a dream needlework vacation, that’s easy: I’d love to take some classes at the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court. I’d also love to see other needlework at the V&A while in the UK.

    939
  780. Hands down, any Beating Around the Bush session. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia and being able to take a class (or two …) would just be the icing on the cake.

    940
  781. My dream destination for needlework is Madeira Portugal. I have read a little about the beautiful needlework they produce, and I have always wanted to see it firsthand, and have some lessons in Madeira applique.
    I love all kinds of needlework, and I hope I win the crewel work kit. I have dabbled in it, and would like to improve my crewel stitching.

    941
  782. My dream destination for a needlework vacation would be to go to Beating about the Bush in Adelaide , South Australia There I could do several workshops with world class tutors and be in Embroiders heaven. Maybe one day !!

    942
  783. Funnily enough, my dream destination for an embroidery holiday would be to go on on e of Phillips Turnbull’s Queen Anne tours seeing wonderful historic embroidery around England and sitting andembroidering with fantastic teachers and doing it in historic places.

    943
  784. The colours and designs by the Crewel Work Company are a delight. The winner will have a treat in store.

    944
  785. Wow — I would love to take one of the needlework trips advertised in the Inspirations mag –probably the one to England. That would enable me to check out the Royal School of Needlework and hear about techniques right from the source.

    945
  786. The London School of Needlework would be a dream for me. Australia does not have anything like this and to immerse myself in such a historic and iconic School as part of a UK trip would be “the icing on the cake”.

    946
  787. A week at a wooded vacation site would great for a needlework vacation. I might get something done.

    947
  788. My Dream Destination is The Royal School of Needlework in London. I
    I haven’t even been to England yet but it is certainly on my bucket list.

    948
  789. If I could pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation it would definitely be to England. Visiting all those castles & estates, each filled with hundreds of years of history, stories of intrigue, antiquities and all those breathtaking textiles & tapestries. Just being able to study all those beautiful stitches up close and in person would be so inspiring. Plus, I have always wanted to visit the countryside of the Lake District. Plus, there’s RSN & Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreat. I think England is the ideal Needlework destination with so many options to enhance your skills, techniques and knowledge. You’d have to drag me to the airport kicking and screaming to leave probably.

    949
  790. I would like to visit the historic houses and textile related museums in England and Scotland to have an opportunity to view 17th and 18th century needlework i.e. gold work, crewel embroidery and needle lace etc.

    Merry Christmas Mary. Best wishes from Dianne.

    950
  791. My top needlework-related dream destination vacation would be to England — because I would be able to visit The Crewel Work Company, RNS, Hand and Lock…

    951
  792. I would love to travel to London to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, to go to the sampler room. You probably would have to pry me out of there.
    Jane

    952
  793. I would want to take the Northern England, Scotland and Ireland Embroidery Workshop Tour. I’d love the opportunity to travel to those places and get to stay at real country estates and view original embroidery from centuries ago. It would be like a journey back in time (with all the modern conveniences). Plus having courses from a RSN instructor would be the cherry on top of the sundae on this once in a lifetime trip!!

    953
  794. My needlework dream destination would be London, to visit the V &A and the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court (yes, almost cheating, but hey, they’re in the same metropolitan area). Needlework history holds a lot of interet for me.

    955
  795. My needlework-related dream vacation destination would be anywhere in the UK where I could participate in a workshop taught by Phillippa Turnbull and work on some of her magnificent crewel designs.

    956
  796. I would love the opportunity to visit Victoria and Albert museum in London to see the amazing textiles on display –

    957
  797. Wow. If I could I’d go back to my hometown so I could see family and stitch; for needle-exclusive destinations, either Italy(reticello lace) or Norway (Hardanger) for specialised coirses.
    Thank you and thanks to your sponsors too. These giveaways are so generous!

    958
  798. Dear Mary,
    My dream destination would be the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. To hone my skills and learn the “proper” way would be absolutely amazing, and so is the venue.
    Thank you!

    959
  799. For my dream needlework vacation, I’d travel to several museums and private collections in England and Scotland to have a closer look at some of the remarkable samplers there – the Victoria and Albert, the Fitzwilliam, the Burrell Collection in Glasgow, the Royal Scottish Museum, perhaps the Feller Collection and Witney Antiques – any of these would be perfect, and others added as time permitted. And as crewel work was my first love in needlework, I’d plan to take a short course in crewel at the Royal School of Needlework or (why not dream???) to the Scottish Highlands with the Crewel Company.

    960
  800. My dream vacation would be to Japan and be able to take courses there. I love working with the flat silk and would like to know to handle it with skill.

    961
  801. My dream vacation for needlework would be the United Kingdom. I would love to see an exhibit of embroidery work that had been done by people who attended the Royal School of Needlework.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win.
    Merry Christmas, Lisa

    962
  802. M’y destination Will be Paris France to visit la maison Lesage, la maison Sajou and London and the royale school of needlework it s not so far. ..

    963
  803. Dream Destination Vacation… I would be off to San Francisco to visit the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design. This would also enable me to stay with my lovely friend who lives there and who is mistress of all things embroidery.
    Lucky enough to win this prize…..well a bonus as we could work on the project together. What better way to spend time – being with those you love and creating something beautiful together in friendship.

    964
  804. If I were to choose a country for a needlework break, it would have to be Italy. I’ve had many lovely holidays in Italy and always enjoyed browsing in the shops selling beautiful embroidered table and bed linens. There are numerous shops in all the large cities and always at least one shop in most small towns. There is such a wealth of all forms of historic needlework styles in Italy, that I would love to spend a week or two learning all the different techniques.

    Before posting my comment, I read the comment below from Christina Self, and yes, I’d really rather like to go to Beating Around the Bush too !

    966
  805. My dream needlework vacation would be a visit to the Lake District in England to sit and stitch while surrounded by the glorious scenery.

    967
  806. Hands down my choice would be to RSN. To have that once in a lifetime chance to study Crewel and needlework history would be wonderful plus visiting England is a goal of mine.

    968
  807. Hands down, I would LOVE to be able to do The Crewel Work Co’s: West Country and the Costswolds tour! There are so many destination needlework events that appeal but this is my idea of pure heaven. I’ve been dreaming of this one for so long. Hey, a girl has to have dreams, right?!!

    969
  808. Hi Mary. If money were no object, I’d go on one of the Lady Anne Needlework retreats. The idea of seeing the historical locations and needlework is just so appealing. Thank you for the give away.

    971
  809. My needlework dream destination would be Hampton Court Palace/Royal School of Needlework. Why? Many years ago they offered hand-painted canvases of various animals. I purchased two, a badger which I have completed and a fox in its den that is about half done and is my 2018 project; after I buy myself a proper sturdy standing frame, of course! My plan is to find chair frames on which to install them and hopefully (the gods of finance allowing) set real velour in the seat backs. These beauties will occupy pride of place in front of my library wall. This and new bathrooms and kitchen are becoming a reality as we renovate our condo at long last and as a reward for getting a new hip! All of this? A 65th birthday present to myself (and my “fella”)!

    972
  810. London. I would love to travel around the city with a list of where to see samplers on display. it would be great to do one as a memory of my trip.
    I would love to win the crewel kit. I haven’t done crewel since I was a teen and was a teen during the end of the war (Vietnam). I remember the great kits from Elsa Williams and Erica Wilson. I still have somewhere an Erica Wilson Christmas ornament made from a kit with lucious wool.

    973
  811. I would go to Great Britain to see all the wonderful examples of embroidery. My favorite would be examples of Ayshire whitework embroidery but I also love crewel. The examples of embroidered clothing would also be of great interest.

    974
  812. The dream spot is in AZ’s Saguaro National Forest where cacti tower over jack rabbits, javalinas, and bobcats (and scorpions!)

    975
  813. I would so love to go on one of the needlework tours of England and Scotland. The thought of all that stitching time while visiting extraordinary palaces and great houses is heavenly. Add in a proper tea ( including several cups of tea) with the traditional goodies…perfect!

    976
  814. Actually I get to do my dream destination. I wanted to go to a Crabapple Hill Retreat for the longest time. It is really hard to get into them. So, I spent my 5 hours on the phone trying to get my place and I will be going in April with two friends. It doesn’t get any better than that.

    I love, love, love this kit. It is beautiful.

    977
  815. I think Tokyo Japan, most definitely! I long to go back and take a few more classes with my former sensei Kasano-san. I loved playing with the silk and metal threads .And as she sat across from me,her hands moving the needle and thread effortlessly across her designs,no language barrier existed. I learned so much about color, design and technique that has provided so much enjoyment over the past 2 decades. It would be delightful just one more time.

    979
  816. The RSN in London for a series of classes. Then a little sight seeing, especially the Albert and Victoria museum.

    980
  817. If I had to only choose one place I would go to the V&A museum and have my request list for research in hand. They have an amazing collection and I would be particularly interested in the needlework of the 16th Century as I do historical re-enactment.

    2nd choice would be any needlework conference in Australia. They have my favorite magazine, Inspirations, and a plethora of amazing artisans and designers.

    981
  818. Hi Mary,

    Thanks for the giveaway. My dream needlework destination would be to England to meet Philippa Turnbull. I have corresponded with her a few times about needlework issues and I would dearly like to meet her and see where she works. and her latest projects!

    982
  819. I don’t know where my dream vacation is but I can certainly describe it. It will be someplace warm but not hot, someplace far from crowds, someplace relaxing and calming, someplace with my best of friends, someplace where the people are welcoming and friendly, and someplace where the foods are wonderful. Of course there will be endless relaxing times when I can just stitch as long as I want and have no other cares in the world.

    983
  820. I would like to go to the seminar in the castle as shown on the Crewel Work Company’s web site. It looks so exciting and thank you fr the chance to win the beautifulTree of Life crawl picture. Just lovely.

    984
  821. I believe the Australian needle workers do very interesting things. I think that would be my dream destination. Thank you for this chance to win this marvelous Jacobean piece.

    985
  822. I would love to go to Australia and work with Alison Cole. Her classes look so exciting and she has much to offer her students. Would be so excited if I had this opportunity.

    986
  823. My dream destination would be a small cottage in the English Lake District. The serenity of the area and the magnificent views would create the perfect location. Serenity, perfect views, a small cottage with a rocker-what a perfect place to stitch a magnificent piece from the Crewel Work Company

    987
  824. My needlework dream destination would be a week at the RSN in Hampton Court Palace – perhaps with a few extra days of classes with British instructors, such as Lorna Bateman, thrown in!

    988
  825. My dream needlework destination (at this current moment) would be Paris.
    Paris, the land of silk threads, handwoven linen, satin slippers.
    Imagining walks through those ancient city streets, peeking into shops that have been creating needlework materials for 2 centuries, breathing new life into old forms of beauty and stitching wonder.
    Paris…a needlework Penelopian adventure.

    Thank you Mary for this chance to dream. Happy holidays.

    989
  826. I would love to visit Devon England. I was there many years ago and enjoyed the lush beauty of the place. Now I would love to return and experience it with a stitcher perspective. Oh a a trip to London to enjoy the museums!

    990
  827. I would love to go to Vietnam & Laos and learn needlework from the Hmong! My grandmother had two beautiful Hmong story cloths framed on her walls when I was growing up, and I’m sad I didn’t hang onto them when she passed away.

    991
  828. Dream embroidery destination: sitting in front of my caravan with my husband. Withou any worry about shopping or cooking or time limit. But I always see the most interesting conferences in Australia, that would also be great! Dream on!

    993
  829. What could be more interesting than a guided tour of needlework related sites in Paris? My dream vacation is the French Needle’s “Tour of Paris”. Oui, oui!

    994
  830. I would love to travel to London to visit the Royal School of Needlework. Mostly, as a rather beginning stitcher, to admire the work. But taking a class in crewel, goldwork, or smocking sounds divine. After that, trek to Provence, to go fabric shopping!

    995
  831. Although I live in England I would love to be able to afford to take a course at the RSN in London. Thank you for your emails, I love them. Happy Christmas.

    996
  832. I would visit England, touring museums and castles to view 17th century needlework items. A class or two at the RSN would make this a dream come true.

    997
  833. I saw a documentary recently about a woman making a traditional embroidered costume in Mexico. I couldn’t work out how she was doing the stitches, but I’d love to learn!

    998
  834. A dream vacation to Australia would be absolutely amazing! Sitting and stitching all day and night or as long as I wanted would be such a treat! Sharing thoughts and time with others who love to do needlework is so inspiring. There is a special bonding that occurs when we get together that is hard to explain but oh, so wonderful to experience!
    Thank you for such a unique opportunity. Bea

    999
  835. I don’t know if it’s possible to pick one. I would love to go to England, Wales, Ireland and France!
    Thank You,
    Linda Pewaukee WI

    1000
  836. My dream vacation for needlework would be:

    In a small cabin on the beach by myself. No matter what the weather as long as there was good natural light, eg. skylights if being inside was necessary. If the weather is good I would like this cabin to have a deck out front with a comfortable chair and a small side-table for my embroidery supplies. Temperature wise I would prefer spring-like temps and not much humidity. This cabin would preferably be off-grid or at least out of range of cell phones, internet, etc. Time wise a minimum of 5 days so I could really get in the groove. Also would like to have hot dinners delivered each day. The other meals I could manage!

    If this dream came to be, then I could get a good start on the Twelve Trees of Christmas which I have already downloaded. Or, maybe Party in Provence, which is my favourite mandala of them all. Oh, then I would need the funds to do all of this! But if I won one of the crewel works, that would be best since I’ve wanted to do crewel embroidery since my university days, but budget dictates otherwise. I have two books on crewel work that I have had since then and now I’m 70 years old! Having Scots ancestry my love is for Jacobean designs. And the Tree of Life also resonates with my native links on this coast.

    Thank you Mary, for putting these give aways together for all of us.

    Merry Christmas, and I hope you enjoy some quiet time with your needle and thread. I am planning the same.

    Barb

    1001
    1. Forgot to make my name individual. I didn’t realize how many Barbara’s that would reply!

  837. I love crewel work! This project looks gorgeous. I would choose the UK as my dream destination so I could drool over the exhibits at the V & A museum & hopefully enrol in a course at the Royal School of Needlework

    1002
  838. A needlework retreat organized by the Crewelwork Co. would be wonderful! It would be fascinating to study the exquisite handwork and see the places where it is treasured and housed.

    1003
  839. Funnily enough, I was talking about this at our local Guild Stitch-In the other day. There are plenty of places I would like to visit but the top of my list would have to be the UK. I would love to visit the V & A museum, take a course at the RSN at Hampton court and of course there is Phillipa Turnbull’s tours and retreats to name but a few.

    1004
  840. Hi Mary,
    My dream vacation would be taking a trip to Australia and going to ‘Beating Around the Bush’. I can’t imagine anything more exciting to attend and then seeing all of the different areas in Australia.

    1005
  841. What a wonderful prize , thank you so much Mary and the Crewel Work Company for the opportunity to try and win it.
    I have seen some great needlework trips advertised with like minded people in stately homes of England, sounds fantastic and joins two of my favourite interests, needlework and historic architecture.

    1006
  842. What a beautiful piece of crewel work. I think my dream place to visit would be London to visit the Victoria and Albert Museums’s sampler and needlework collection. Do they do tours of the Royal School of Needlework?

    1007
  843. An ideal embroidery location would need great light, dappled through trees seems good. Comfortable temperatures, like 65 to 75°F. Only occasional precipitation and a backdrop of… fields of grain, trees, hills with streams, maybe a cliff and water crashing in would work. I would love a cottage vacation in our great country. Somewhere away from most turmoil, confusion, and the population explosion. Unable to afford to vacation I am content to have this ideal place in my mind to imagine. If funding quit being an issue a true address would be sought. Kansas may be a winner!

    1010
  844. Hi Mary
    There are so many inspiring locations to go to these days but many are very far from where I live but I have heard so much about Beating around the bush in Australia with some of the most wonderful stitchers which I read about all the time in the Inspirations magazine which I drool over every issue and to be able to meet them and perhaps have a class with them would be sublime. No harm in dreaming! The tree of life looks amazing and my husband actually gave me a necklace with a tree of life on it for my birthday this year and I just love the concept.
    Greetings and blessings for this festive season.
    El xx
    Isle of Man

    1011
  845. I would go to London and spend time in the Albert and Victoria museum looking at the embroidery pieces.

    1012
  846. My embroidery dream holiday destination would be England. The Royal School of Needlework, Weymess School, Nicola Jarvis, Phillipa Turnbull and the list goes on.

    The many sources of inspiration, from historic castles, old churches to the Victoria and Albert Museum and who cares if the weather turns bad ‘cause you can always sit and stich!

    1013
  847. This one is tough. I’d love to visit Australia and I’d love to take classes with Hazel Blomkamp and Trish Burr – so as long as this is my fantasy I might schedule them both to teach in Australia at the same time. I also admire the Japanese embroidery styles, both classical and contemporary. But if I only have one choice, the winner would have to be London and environs so I could visit the Royal School of Needlework and all those wonderful museums.

    1015
  848. I would love to go back to the UK and stich with Philippa from the Needlework Company in one of the castles in Scotland or England.

    1016
  849. Any place that did crewel work teaching. Thank you Mary for putting these drawings together and thanks to all the Sponsors. We appreciate the opportunity to acquire your inspirations.

    1017
  850. I would head to Great Britain to visit sites associated with the needlework of the British Arts and Crafts movement- the home of William Morris, the V & A, etc.

    1018
  851. I would love to win this prize!
    If I have to pick a stitching spot, I guess it would be Paduca, Ky. for the quilt show. Even though it’s not a ‘stitching’ venue, there are many, many expert stitchers involved in quilting.
    Thank you for this give-away!
    D.

    1021
  852. My dream needlework destination would be to go to England. I would love to do a class at the Royal School of Needlework and also to visit some of the museums and stately homes which have historic needlework on show. One of Philippa Turnbull’s retreats would be fantastic as well.

    1022
  853. My dream needlework destination would be a sleepover at the Victoria & Albert Museum in the Textile vaults followed by a week long stay at the Royal School of Needlework. Thanks for another great giveaway.

    1023
  854. Just put me on a ship/boat – don’t care where it’s going, I just want to be able to stitch – no cooking, no cleaning, no TV, no “to do” list.
    Julie

    1024
  855. There are so many stitching destinations in the world that I would like to visit but because of my love of 17th century stitches, I would choice England as a starting point. Just a dream but that is what inspires me to continue my love of stitching.

    1025
  856. If I had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, I would pick a course with the RSN in London. And while there I would spend lots of time at the V&A museum.

    Thank you and the Crewel Work Company for such a wonderful give-away opportunity.

    1026
  857. If I had to choose one needlework-related destination, it would be Orenburg, because I’m in love with their shawls. They’re amazing and beautiful and I’d love to meet some people who have made and designed them traditionally. I know that’s not embroidery, but this is the one needlework thing that I have always wanted to travel for.

    1027
  858. My dream would be to attend the Beating Around the Bush event in Australia as it looks so well organised and such fun.

    1028
  859. Q. If you had to pick one needlework-related dream destination vacation, where would it be and why?
    For me there is only one needlework-related dream destination vacation and that is the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court in England.

    Regards, Marian (NZ)

    1029
  860. My favorite dream destination would be on a tropical coastline or island. Hawaii would be nice, I’ve been there once as a teen, it would be nice to go again.

    1031
  861. I think that my dream vacation destination might either be the Fashion Museum in Bath or the British Museum of Natural History. Seeing the beautiful needlework done in the past would be wonderfully inspiring for future projects!

    Thank you so much for hosting these fantastic giveaways.

    1032
  862. My dream is to go either on Beating round the bush or a trip to learn from Alison Cole or a course at the Royal school of needlework. Either one of these would help me improve my needlework and gain confidence and learn so much from all these wonderful tutors.
    Happy Christmas.

    1033
  863. The Lady Anne Needlework retreat has been on my Wishlist for the past ten years. I am passionate about historical English embroidery and architecture with this retreat encompassing both.

    1034
  864. Difficult choice between attending class at RSN in London or Beating About the Bush and it’s many wonderful classes. Crewel embroidery has been on my to do list for some time, so would dearly love to win one of these spectacular kits. Many thanks Mary for all your inspiration to try something .

    1035
  865. I love all embroidery but my favorite subject I return to time and again is butterflies and birds.

    1037
  866. My dream stitching vacation would be to Beating around the Bush in Australia , I love the work all those ladies from down under do . I also wouldn’t mind one bit visiting the RSN in London ! Thankyou .

    1038
  867. I feel drawn to the coastline of Maine as a place to absorb myself in embroidery. I imagine the setting to fell wild and free with beautiful scenery to interpret in stitchery.

    1040
  868. I would like to go to the John C. Campbell Folk School or to Tasha Tudor’s home in Vermont.

    1041
  869. I would love to go back to Hampton Court Palace to visit the Royal School of Needlework and, ideally, to attend a class. I have been to Hampton Court several times and even attended evensong but did not know the RSN had moved there. The visit to London would also include a trip to the Victoria and Albert to see their fiber related exhibits. This is a dream, right? So I would make a detour to the Bayeux tapestry and to Edinburgh to see the Tapestry of Scotland. If my dream lasts 15 minutes more, I would zip over to Ireland to see the tapestry inspired by Game of Thrones. Best of all, I would pop in to Philippa Turnbull’s studio to thank her for her fabulous designs and the crewel class I attended in Alameda. There goes the alarm, time for breakfast, best, Charlotte

    1042
  870. Merry Christmas Mary. If I could choose one dream destination for an embroidery vacation it would have to be England. Nothing makes my heart sing more than the thought of sitting in an historic castle or charming cottage doing what I love most.

    1043
  871. I love Jacobean designs and would treasure making this kit. My dream is to visit a Jacobean mansion in England one day and see original needlework from the period in person. Thanks for the chance to win.

    1044
  872. I would go anywhere with mountains and a deck in warm weather or big windows when it’s cold so I could stitch and look at all the majestic beauty. I imagine there would be mountains in my stitches too 🙂

    1045
  873. I think I’d choose Naxos, both for the beautiful embroidery, the warm climate and definitely the food. An exceptional combination of features to make a perfect vacation.

    1046
  874. Scandinavia or Europe. Lots of history to see so many places. Tapestries and folk art and colours.

    1047
  875. England! The Royal School of Needlework would be such an interesting trip. Travel back in history to see all the beautiful needlework and take instructions. Yes, a dream adventure.

    1048
  876. Seeing unknown, seldom seen or private collections is what I love most of all. I have been known to spend hours trying to get a better look at historical needlework or architecture. Including lying on my back in a pew with a pair of opera glasses looking at the carved ceilings of little know English churches, going extra early in January (when it was empty) and walking in place with a magnifying glass looking at the exhibits in the Tower of London, and taking endless pictures of kneelers in church after church.. my dream trip would have to be Phillipa Turnbull’s 4 Nations Tour https://www.crewelwork.com/products/4-nations-tour

    1049
  877. Wow, this is beautiful and just the perfect gift I would put to use! Last year my husband put my dream into reality and took me to the Royal School of Needlework and the Victoria and Albert Museum Ecclesiasti Embroidery Exhibit when we were in London. Now I would like to travel to Hungary to find some new patterns for clothing construction and lace making and all of the traditional embroidery work they are so well known for. I don’t know of any official show dates, but my college roommate lives there. She has offered to be my tour guide.

    1050
  878. One special destination? I would love to take a Crewel Company tour anywhere in the British Isles. I have become interested in stumpwork and traditional crewel work and know there would be many examples to see on one of the tours.

    1052
  879. I would love to visit the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court and do some workshops therein

    1053
  880. For every “Beating Around the Bush” event in Adelaide, Australia, I paw over the program wishing I could afford to go. The tutors are amazing! One day!!

    1054
  881. I would love to go to Italy and learn all the different styles of embroidery. As each region has such amazing embroidery and history. A dream would be to go to every country in Europe and learn it’s embroidery and history.

    1055
  882. My goodness, there are so many places that offer so much embroidery it is hard to choose. Great Britain seems to be the root of most of our stitching in North America, but other countries such as Australia and New Zealand seem to offer so many seminars covering so many types of embroidery, perhaps that’s where I would choose to go. And, of course, there are all the different types of embroidery with history in India. I have been studying the embroidery of the Banjara in India and would love to see them actually doing their work.

    1056
  883. My dream needlework-related dream destination vacation would be Hampton Court UK to do a course at the Royal School of Needlework. Oh yeah!

    1057
  884. I would love to go to England and take a needlework and embroidery tour. The internet has made many beautiful works accessible to look at, but it’s not the same as seeing them in peron.

    1059
  885. I would love to visit The Crewel Company at Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, England. I love crewel. I mean, 4 full days of study with Phillipa Turnbull!!!!! Can you imagine how much fun that would be! I have been to England twice; once in 1975 and last year. I loved both trips. I would love to travel AND do my beloved needlework and I could bring along my husband. I’m sure he would find many ways to entertain himself while I was in class if we were back in England. And what a great place to continue to explore.

    1060
  886. My dream holiday destination to discover treasures of needlework is travel to the British Isles. So many wonderful places to see in a country that is small enough that everywhere is easy to travel to. I would need at least four weeks to explore, starting in London at the wonderful V and A Museum, and then travel throughout the countryside to see other historic embroideries and textiles. Not to mention needlework shops! Maybe eight weeks would be better, since it is my “dream” destination!

    1061
  887. I would love to visit the RSN and spend some time learning how to perfect my technique! The hard part would be narrowing it down to one style. I love to experiment!

    1063
  888. My dream needlework vacation destination would be to go to Cambridge, UK to see the sampler exhibit at the Fitzwilliam and Scotland to visit the Burrell. I have studied so many of the samplers in books and stitched one reproduction kit, it would be amazing to see them in person.

    1065
  889. I would love to go to Bologna, northern Italy. My dream would be learning Punto Antico, as much Italian counted thread embroidery as possible, reticella and needle lace. There is so much I would love to learn.

    1066
  890. I’m greedy; I would like to go on all four of Phillipa Turnbull’s All England Tours. If I had to choose only one then it would be the 4 Nations Needlework Tour, Why? Because there would be the opportunity to have tuition from some of the world’s leading experts, to see some of the most exquisite embroidery produced in this country over many centuries, to stay in luxury accommodation and to meet like-minded stitchers and make lifelong friends – perfect!

    1067
  891. Hello,
    I love crewel work company’s kits : it’s just feel like you’re travelling back in time. To be perfect I would love to embroider it wearing a dress like the ones you see in some paintings. As I can’t travel back in time I would love to go to England on one of Lady Anne retreats : it is fascinating to understand ancient technics and to see we still use some. I would love to be able to have a close look at the embroidered treasures kept in those Castles. In France, there is not much left.

    1068
  892. I would go to London, visit museums like the Victoria and Albert which has many needlework displays, and then I would take classes at the Royal School of Needlework. Depending on the timing, I would also try to attend one of the knitting and stitching shows, either in Alexandra Palace or Harrogate. So much fun to dream,,,

    1069
  893. As a dream destination, I would choose Phillipa Turnbull’s studio in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria to take the 4-day course Totally Crewel Work in September 2018. I could immerse myself in crewel embroidery for days and would be taught by an excellent embroiderer and teacher who specialises in crewel work. I have not been to Appleby-in-Westmorland so this would be an opportunity to explore a beautiful part of England.

    1071
  894. My dream would be to visit England and take a crewel course with Philippa Turnbull
    in crewel embroidery. My working life was mainly with Parks Canada historic sites and my main period of study was eighteenth century and the Anglo French rivalry for control of North America. To be able to see original pieces from that period and visit the castles and manors where all this beautiful work is kept would be the “gourmet dinner” of needlework for me. If this was included in a RSN course at Hampton Court, I would think I died and went to heaven. And that is how it is for me.
    Giselle Barrieau

    1072
  895. Oh my goodness! Where would I start! There are so many places that I would find it incredibly difficult to pick just one. I would be grateful to go to see any one of them. But I could narrow it down to between a visit to the Crewel Work Company to see some of the original crewel work pieces that they develop into their beautiful kits and Kelmscott Manor to see the beautiful embroidered bedspreads of Jane Morris. Her bedspreads were designed by her husband William and have such graceful designs with subtle colours. But then the historic designs of the Crewel Work Company would also be a thrill to see and such a learning experience to see how an original piece is adapted to a modern kit. I can’t choose Mary. What a difficult question!

    1073
  896. I have a dream to go to Ecole Lesage, not really a vacation but would be so fun. I when I think of embroidery Florence comes to my mind, I love thst place.

    1074
  897. My dream vacation would be to England. I have always wanted to go and visit the castles and the standing rocks. I have been interested in the medieval world since my early High School days.
    When I went to the University, some of my most favorite classes were the “History of the Medieval World” and “Chaucer.” He classes on Chaucer were wonderful, with the professor bringing in samples of things people used in that period of time and teaching use the old eanglish words to truly read the original text of Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.”
    I would love to take a class or two at the RSN to learn more about surface and crewel embroidery. After the classes I’d have to take a trip to see the Bayeux Tapestry and other embroider samples in the museums. This would be an awesome dream vacation and I know I wouldn’t have enough time or enough money to buy goodies. I would have to have at least 3 weeks and (sigh) I don’t see that happening anytime soon.

    1076
  898. My dream needlework destination would be to take one of Lady Anne’s needlework Tours. I’m fascinated with the history of needlework in The UK.

    1077
  899. Thanks for this new giveaway, Mary! This Crewel kit is so gorgeous!
    I live in France and I would love to go to Portugal where my family comes from.
    And learn the different styles of Portuguese embroidery.
    Have a nice week
    Warm regards,
    Ghislaine

    1078
  900. What a gorgeous piece! Jacobean Embroidery is a huge favorite of mine. Love the reverence for the natural world that is reflected in the Jacobean style. I would very much enjoy a needlework tour through Britain. There are multiple reasons this would be a dream trip. The rich and well preserved needlework history, the variety of needlework to be explored in that area of the world , and that the Royal School of Needlework is there.

    1079
  901. In a perfect world, if I had the money, time and no family commitments, I would take classes at the Royal School in London. For as long as it took me to get a degree in Fine Arts!

    1080
  902. As cool as something like a trip to London to take classes at RSN… if I’m honest I think right now it would be a trip to Florida to spend with my best friend currently wrapping up her stem cell transplant after fighting cancer all year. Not only is she my bestie, she possesses a wonderful creative spirit that always energizes my own desire to jump into a new art project!!!

    1082
  903. I would like to attend workshops in Adelaide, South Australia, at “Beating Around the Bush”. A perfect Holiday I think.

    1083
  904. If I had to pick only one, it would be the ‘Totally Crewel Work’ Appleby Workshop—4 full days of Crewel Work tuition with Phillipa Turnbull in England!
    I love this style of crewel work, and I have several Crewel Work Company kits. Currently I am working on ‘September Evening,’ (albeit slowly). I have Phillipa’s book ‘The New Anchor Book of Crewelwork.’ I’ve read her chapter on Crewel Work in the book, ‘The Essential Guide to Embroidery,’ which includes the instructions for this beautiful ‘Tree of Life’ panel. I’ve watched Phillipa’s videos which are wonderfully instructive.

    However, the books, kits, and videos can’t quite match the experience of face-to-face tutoring with Phillipa in England–that is the “Why” of my number one dream destination vacation. Number two choice would be to take Phillipa’s classes at the 2018 Beating Around the Bush Convention in Australia!

    1084
  905. My dream embroidery destination would be to London to participate in classes at the Royal School of Needlework. The opportunity to interact with this school is a creative opportunity I hope to do.

    1085
  906. My dream destination for stitching would be in the hills or mountains, at a resort where I didn’t have to worry about food preparation, with a group of like minded stitching friends for company. Beautiful people, beautiful outlook, pleasant weather, opportunity for short strolls for inspiration.

    1086
  907. What a lovely kit.

    My dream needlework vacation would be, well, a quiet cabin somewhere with access to good restaurants and no kids . . .

    1087
  908. I would like to go to England, particularly The Royal School of Needlework to see historic crewel embroideries and to take a class in this technique.

    1088
  909. Because I absolutely love crewel work and Jacobean embroidery, my dream needle-work destination would be to attend either the Royal School of Needlework or another similar school in Scotland to perfect my skills in and learn more about this particular style. Although many might not consider this a vacation, it’s perfect for a life-long learner doing what she loves while visiting another country – with the added benefit that it would be an ‘extended’ vacation! Alas, I must work to pay the bills and will settle for the next best thing – The RSN’s first USA Summer School in Lexington, KY July 8 – July 21, 2018. I can swing two weeks!

    1089
  910. I would love to visit the Deerfield museum in u s a .
    I love the history, the inventive nature of the problems that had to be overcome,and just the sheer simplicity of design

    1090
  911. I love history, and in particular the history of embroidery. I read about a lot of different looks and techniques of embroidery, in particularly around Europe. There are so many places that interest me because of their traditional embroideries, I don’t think I could pick only one.

    1091
  912. Enjoyed the photo and description of Philippa Turnbull’s new Tree of Life design. Lovely doesn’t describe it well enough! My dream needlework destination would start with England and move on to Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. I love the use of floral and Jacobean motifs in needlework. From there, I would continue on to as many countries as possible, enjoying the varied cultural and unique approach to needlework in each place! Can’t wait!

    1093
  913. Could my vacations be 3 years long? For such vacations I would like to go to Hampton court 😀

    1094
  914. I have dreamed for years of traveling to one of Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreats — any of them! They appear to be jam-packed with historical needlework education, access to non-public collections, and sight-seeing in some of the most beautiful places in the world. No surprise, then, that I would be interested in this particular give-away, right? 🙂

    1095

Comments are closed.

More Comments