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The Knitting Hotel is run by knitwear designer and yarn supplier Belinda Harris-Reid
GETAWAY + LEARNAWAY treats offer you a place to relax and enjoy making together with a bunch of utterly splendid fellow makers.
Lots of techniques can be learned, or you can just bring your knitting and crochet and have a 'making-me-time-sea-time' experience. Oh and the view - the endless sea and horizon.
GETAWAY + LEARNAWAY treats - looking over the sea in Dawlish, Devon
Everyone can soak up the wonderful seaside view and atmosphere, eat a delicious home-cooked lunch and yummy Devon cream tea. Sink into a sofa watching the waves and spend a relaxing re-'treat' in our quirky and restful home; indulging in a few days focussed on making soft, fluffy and warm things.
EVERYONE WELCOME
The sessions will either be run by Belinda or by other very talented and skilled workshop leaders and designers. We welcome complete beginners, those who want to develop new skills and expert knitters equally. You don’t need any experience with knitting to enjoy the GETAWAYS + LEARNAWAYS.
Bring your own knitting to work on, or start something new, learn a new skill, refresh existing ones and meet fellow makers.
More experienced knitters and crocheters may want to come simply to spend time with a latest 'work-in progress'.
I ask everyone to be kind to your fellow makers and tutors;
All participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Bring your own knitting to work on, or start something new, learn a new skill, refresh existing ones and meet fellow makers.
More experienced knitters and crocheters may want to come simply to spend time with a latest 'work-in progress'.
I ask everyone to be kind to your fellow makers and tutors;
All participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
KNIT TOGETHER
A GETAWAY includes a place to rest your head in a quirky knit-themed bedroom, breakfast, mid-morning coffee-time, lunch, Devon cream-tea, gift bag (full of a delicious project to make or take home), snacks and sweets, help and advice, technique sharing, laughter and jollity and cocoa at bedtime.
A LEARNAWAY includes all of the above plus a one day organised special event, hosted by a visiting knit-wear or crochet designer, mill owner, spinner, hand-dyer, fibre specialist etc..
The difference between a GETAWAY and a LEARNAWAY is there will be a focussed workshop event on the Friday and/or Saturday of a LEARNAWAY. The Thursday evening, Friday and Sunday format will be the same for both types of event. If you don’t want to take part in the workshop/lecture, that’s fine, you can just listen, sit and knit/crochet etc. A one day Learnaway and a Getaway are the same cost - a two day Learnaway is a little more.
A LEARNAWAY includes all of the above plus a one day organised special event, hosted by a visiting knit-wear or crochet designer, mill owner, spinner, hand-dyer, fibre specialist etc..
The difference between a GETAWAY and a LEARNAWAY is there will be a focussed workshop event on the Friday and/or Saturday of a LEARNAWAY. The Thursday evening, Friday and Sunday format will be the same for both types of event. If you don’t want to take part in the workshop/lecture, that’s fine, you can just listen, sit and knit/crochet etc. A one day Learnaway and a Getaway are the same cost - a two day Learnaway is a little more.
Please go to BOOK page for prices, dates and details.
GUESTS
In order to ensure we can attend to all guests equally, with each having an enjoyable experience, we currently limit each event to 8 guests (staying in 6 rooms) + one full-time Day Guest.
We only welcome guests who are taking part in the events. Please note we do not have non-participant guests staying at TKH.
Guests must be 18 or over.
Smoking is not permitted in The Knitting Hotel.
We only welcome guests who are taking part in the events. Please note we do not have non-participant guests staying at TKH.
Guests must be 18 or over.
Smoking is not permitted in The Knitting Hotel.
PRESSIE BAG
Each guest will receive a Pressie Bag with a knitting/crochet project inside; pattern, 2 skeins of Belinda's luxurious yarn, lovely things + little metal charms to make stitch markers*, - worth £50. This you can make over the weekend - although some people take the Pressie Bag home and bring their own projects to work on. You can also buy extra yarn and patterns to start a different/new project. Or do both... do all. * Every weekend end we have a 'make your own stitch markers' session. All materials provided.
At each event you will be shown the various techniques (see bottom of page) to create the design in your Pressie Bag.
At each event you will be shown the various techniques (see bottom of page) to create the design in your Pressie Bag.
YUMMY STUFF: day time
This is an example of what you can expect.
FOR RETREAT DAYS: - breakfast (vegetarian and vegan options), mid-morning tea/coffee/biccie time, our chef cooks a delicious lunch (locally sourced - where possible), Devon cream-teatime, at bedtime cocoa and marshmallows - and of course lots of tea and cake. If you wish, please bring your own wine or favourite tipple - you can keep this in the Guest Kitchen fridge.
MENU: A week before the retreat we will send you a menu. If there's anything you don't like, or are allergic to, please let us know and we can change or adapt to suit you.
FOR RETREAT DAYS: - breakfast (vegetarian and vegan options), mid-morning tea/coffee/biccie time, our chef cooks a delicious lunch (locally sourced - where possible), Devon cream-teatime, at bedtime cocoa and marshmallows - and of course lots of tea and cake. If you wish, please bring your own wine or favourite tipple - you can keep this in the Guest Kitchen fridge.
MENU: A week before the retreat we will send you a menu. If there's anything you don't like, or are allergic to, please let us know and we can change or adapt to suit you.
SUPPER / DINNER
THURSDAY NIGHT Welcome Supper - a glass or two of Prosecco/fizzy elderflower, - with a delicious warming 2 course meal cooked by our fabulous chef Nicola.
FRIDAY NIGHT fish and chips (or other chip-shop fayre) by candlelight- from the local chippie. We put in our order and my hubby goes and picks it up for us. (Paid for by TKH)
SATURDAY NIGHT going out to dinner - Guest pays for this themselves, this is not included in the price of the retreat weekend. A table is booked for Reflections Bistro, in The Strand (7 mins walk or a very short drive).
For guests staying SUNDAY NIGHT - antipasto buffet supper (cold meats, dips, olives and salad), savoury scones, cheese and biscuits, Devon Cream Tea and wine/Prosecco/fizzy elderflower.
GUEST KITCHEN: on the Lower Ground Floor there is a kitchen with facilities to prepare and cook your own supper if you wish - however, as of yet, not one guest has needed to use it!
FRIDAY NIGHT fish and chips (or other chip-shop fayre) by candlelight- from the local chippie. We put in our order and my hubby goes and picks it up for us. (Paid for by TKH)
SATURDAY NIGHT going out to dinner - Guest pays for this themselves, this is not included in the price of the retreat weekend. A table is booked for Reflections Bistro, in The Strand (7 mins walk or a very short drive).
For guests staying SUNDAY NIGHT - antipasto buffet supper (cold meats, dips, olives and salad), savoury scones, cheese and biscuits, Devon Cream Tea and wine/Prosecco/fizzy elderflower.
GUEST KITCHEN: on the Lower Ground Floor there is a kitchen with facilities to prepare and cook your own supper if you wish - however, as of yet, not one guest has needed to use it!
LUNCH MENU
Here are some examples of the lunch menu
Traditional Lasagne or Tuscan Creamy Salmon with Basil + wilted spinach with roasted red peppers + garlic bread + Lemon Meringue Pie
Beetroot and Feta Cheese Tart with Green Salad + Avocado and Tomatoes Salad + Caramelised Pineapple and Vanilla Ice-cream Chicken, Mushroom & Leek Pie or Oven Baked Cod with Herb & Cheese Crust + new potatoes + whole oven baked carrots + steamed broccoli + Tiramisu
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Herbs or Stuffed Trout + roasted root vegetables + braised red cabbage with apple + medley of peas + Plum and Apple Crumble served with Vanilla Custard
Savoury Rice Stuffed Red Peppers + Sour Cream and Nachos+ Raspberry Cheesecake
As all food is cooked by Nicola (our fabulous chef) we can cater for any dietary requirement.
NICOLA'S RECIPE BOOK: No. 1 and No. 2
Nicola has created lots of mouth-watering recipes. These are the ones we offer our guests. They are so scrummy that many people have asked for the recipes 20 in book 1 and 10 in book 2.
£5 each or £9 for both
Please email us if you would like to buy a copy.
£5 each or £9 for both
Please email us if you would like to buy a copy.
WHAT TO BRING
Slippers (we have soft, grey, slip-on, non-slip slippers to borrow), comfy clothing and suitable outdoor footwear (eg. to walk along the sand or coastal wall). You can bring your own knitting or crochet and enjoy relaxing and making together with other lovely people.
We can also help if you need guidance or advice with your current 'work-in-progress'.
We can also help if you need guidance or advice with your current 'work-in-progress'.
GIFT VOUCHER
Just what's needed for a special person that is difficult to buy for; a fabulous present for a knitter friend or loved one who leaves you confused as to what to buy or what they would like. So - we have the answer: a Gift Voucher. It can be used against one of our K2GETHER treats - or, while staying with us, it can be used to buy a special present from our yarn, shawl-pin, swift or yarn-bowl collection. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
When ordered you will receive by email a PDF Gift Voucher for you to print out or forward directly to the recipient (PRICE from £0 to £500). This voucher is valid for as long as TKH hosts events.
Please email us if you would like to buy a Gift Voucher.
When ordered you will receive by email a PDF Gift Voucher for you to print out or forward directly to the recipient (PRICE from £0 to £500). This voucher is valid for as long as TKH hosts events.
Please email us if you would like to buy a Gift Voucher.
TRIPS + ADVENTURES
Depending on the season, you could take a boat trip (possibly get a glimpse of seals), sit on the beach knitting/crocheting, visit Dawlish Carnival, take a coastal train ride on Brunel’s Riviera Line or walk along the sea-wall to Dawlish Warren (with its famous bird-spotting and nature reserve).
PARTY-TIME
We are more than happy to host an exclusive GETAWAY (bring your own projects) or LEARNAWAY (tutor led workshop with a specific tutor) for a bunch of friends, celebration or party. Let us know what you would like and we will try our best to make your dream come true.
BHR's YARN SHOP
I sell my own knitting patterns, very soft yarn (a mix of wool, alpaca, silk and cashmere - undyed and natural colours, and a small quantity of very special hand-dyed yarn).
I also sell other lovely things such as yarn bowls, swifts and to complement my designs a multitude of beautiful shawl pins (in wood, resin and sacred buffalo horn), all designed by me and made in India by a group of very skilled artisan makers. All guests receive 10% anything they buy.
I also sell other lovely things such as yarn bowls, swifts and to complement my designs a multitude of beautiful shawl pins (in wood, resin and sacred buffalo horn), all designed by me and made in India by a group of very skilled artisan makers. All guests receive 10% anything they buy.
SAFETY and THE SEA
We take guests’ safety very seriously and will do our utmost to ensure your well-being during your time with us. However, guests should be aware that their personal safety is ultimately their own responsibility.
Please be aware the sea may look calm but it can be deceptive and if swimming out too far it can be dangerous. The South West footpath to Dawlish Warren can be slippery at times and has no barrier, so if walking along this please do so with care.
Any trip or excursion outside of the TKH property is taken at your own risk.
Please be aware the sea may look calm but it can be deceptive and if swimming out too far it can be dangerous. The South West footpath to Dawlish Warren can be slippery at times and has no barrier, so if walking along this please do so with care.
Any trip or excursion outside of the TKH property is taken at your own risk.
MOBILITY
We are so sorry but our bedrooms are all on the lower-ground, first and second floors and we do not have a lift. Therefore we cannot accommodate guests who find it difficult to walk up stairs or use a wheelchair. However, we do have a street-level entrance with a few steps into the MAKING SPACE and one step to the dining room. There is access to a lavatory on the ground floor.
GETAWAY + LEARNAWAY: RUNNING ORDER
THURSDAY from 4pm - ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive and settle into your room.
You can come and sit in the MAKING SPACE, work on your own knitting or crochet project, relax in your room or take a short walk down to the sea.
At 6pm we assemble for a glass of Prosecco and supper, then we relax in the MAKING SPACE/ Drawing Room. Then bath and bed.
You can come and sit in the MAKING SPACE, work on your own knitting or crochet project, relax in your room or take a short walk down to the sea.
At 6pm we assemble for a glass of Prosecco and supper, then we relax in the MAKING SPACE/ Drawing Room. Then bath and bed.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY
9am BREAKFAST
10am Knitting/crochet together or workshop
1pm LUNCH
2pm Knitting/crochet together or workshop
4pm Tea-time + cake
5pm Knitting/crochet together or workshop
6.30/7pm SUPPER/DINNER (see above)
More making/relaxing
Then bath and bed.
10am Knitting/crochet together or workshop
1pm LUNCH
2pm Knitting/crochet together or workshop
4pm Tea-time + cake
5pm Knitting/crochet together or workshop
6.30/7pm SUPPER/DINNER (see above)
More making/relaxing
Then bath and bed.
SUNDAY
9am BREAKFAST
10am knitting/crochet together
1pm LUNCH
2pm knitting/crochet together
4pm Cup of tea/coffee and snack to see you on your way home
4.30pm Pack-up, tie-up loose ends, GOODBYES, some guests go home.
10am knitting/crochet together
1pm LUNCH
2pm knitting/crochet together
4pm Cup of tea/coffee and snack to see you on your way home
4.30pm Pack-up, tie-up loose ends, GOODBYES, some guests go home.
SUNDAY EVENING/MONDAY MORNING
For Guests staying Sunday night:
6am LIGHT SUPPER including Devon Cream Tea (savoury and sweet scones), cheese and biscuits, antipasto
More making and chat + cocoa
BATH and BED
MONDAY MORNING: 9pm BREAKFAST
10.30/11am Pack-up, tie-up loose ends, GOODBYES; all guest on their way home.
6am LIGHT SUPPER including Devon Cream Tea (savoury and sweet scones), cheese and biscuits, antipasto
More making and chat + cocoa
BATH and BED
MONDAY MORNING: 9pm BREAKFAST
10.30/11am Pack-up, tie-up loose ends, GOODBYES; all guest on their way home.
TECHNIQUES
We can show you how to knit, and also: all the cast-on methods (thumb, needle, Emily Ocker's, cable, provisional), using double-pointed needles, working-out gauge, creating frills, wraps and turns, German wrap and turn (called T&P - turn and pull), creating i-cord, yarn overs, cabling, reading/following charts (all those hieroglyphs!), increasing and decreasing, using life-lines, joining yarn, brioche, double knitting, top-down knitting, working on circular needles (in the round), creating Fair Isle patterns/motifs, substituting yarns, magic loop, turning a heel of a sock, looped stitches, elongated stitches, continental knitting (and Norwegian purl), creating bobbles, button-holes, Kitchener Stitch (seamlessly grafting/weaving two pieces of work together), holding stitches on waste-yarn or stitch holder, knitting with multiple colours, applied borders, edging (crochet, fringing, hems), all cast-off methods (3-needle, stretchy, conventional, casting-off in pattern), picking-up stitches, reading pattern instructions, knitting on your arms and of course trouble-shooting (eg. please help me, I've dropped a stitch!).