Winchester Machine Quilting Retreat

This morning, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Winchester. Highlights of the city include King Alfred’s statue, the ancient city walls, Winchester College, Jane Austen’s house, Kingsgate Arch, and Cathedral Close.

This afternoon, we enjoy our first workshop with Carolyn.

A full-day workshop with Carolyn.

Whitchurch Silk Mill was built in 1813, on land owned by the Dean and Chapter of Winchester Cathedral. Originally it was a fulling mill (part of the finishing process of cloth weaving). In 1817, it was bought by William Madick who changed its operation to throw silk. By 1846. the mill employed 108 staff.

In 1866, the mill passed into the ownership of the Hide family with whom it remained until 1955. During this time, the mill wove silk for Burberry, who used it as coloured linings for their raincoats. Ede and Ravenscroft operated the mill up to 1985, producing legal and academic gowns. It was then acquired by the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust who, after renovation works, opened it to the public in 1990. In December 2012, the Trustees recommenced silk production.

During our guided visit of the mill, we’ll learn about its history and see the recently refurbished waterwheel and the Victorian machinery used to produce silk today. There will also be a chance to purchase items made from the mill’s exclusive silks in the shop. A light lunch is included today.

Return to Winchester mid afternoon for free time.

A full-day workshop with Carolyn.

Jane Austen's 17th-century house in nearby Chawton, where Jane lived from 1809 to 1817, is now a museum dedicated to her life. At the time of moving, the author had already written three of her novels in draft form, but it was here that she readied them for publication as well as writing a further three novels. The house contains an unparalleled collection of Austen treasures. Highlights include Jane’s jewellery, letters, first editions of her novels, and the table at which she wrote her much loved novels.

Enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Winchester mid afternoon. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Your final full day workshop with Carolyn.

Join Carolyn, your Tour Manager and fellow guests for dinner in the hotel this evening.