West Yorkshire Knitting Retreat

Enjoy your first full-day with your expert at the hotel, as you start on your knitting projects.

The Knitting & Crochet Guild collection is a unique archive dedicated to preserving the rich history of knitting and crochet in the UK. Established in 1990, the collection reflects the Guild’s commitment to safeguarding not only finished items but also the techniques, tools, and materials that define these crafts. Its purpose is both historical and inspirational: by protecting examples of past work, it allows makers today to study traditional methods, revive forgotten skills, and reinterpret classic designs using modern materials. The collection includes a wide range of objects, we’ll see beautiful and intricate textiles and hear the stories behind them – how they were made, who might have worn them, and how styles and techniques have changed over time. Hand-knitted, machine-knitted, and crocheted garments for men, women and children, as well as household and decorative pieces.

Alongside these are tools and accessories used in the making process, yarns and shade cards that show the evolution of materials and colour trends, and a large selection of publications including books, magazines and pattern leaflets. Dating from before 1900 through to the late twentieth century, the items vary from high-quality, museum-worthy pieces to everyday garments that reflect typical mid-twentieth-century life. The collection also highlights regional styles, such as Shetland and Aran knitting, as well as fashion-forward designs from the 1980s when knitwear became a major trend.

Colne Valley Museum is a small, independent museum dedicated to preserving the history of handloom weaving and the textile traditions of the Colne Valley area. Housed in a row of traditional weavers’ cottages, the museum offers an authentic glimpse into the lives and working conditions of 19th-century textile workers in this part of Yorkshire, once a centre of the woollen industry. The museum keeps alive the skills, stories and heritage of the region’s weaving communities by conserving historic buildings and objects and demonstrating traditional crafts and techniques.

On our guided visit, we’ll explore several restored cottages that show how the families lived and worked. Inside, we’ll find weaving and spinning demonstrations and period rooms furnished to reflect domestic life. We’ll also have time to explore the textile related items from the museum collection.

Enjoy your second full day with your expert at the hotel as you continue with your knitting projects.