October 2022.
It was a fantastic few days, so thanks so much for all your hard work!
It was also great to be able to be confident and comfortable with the food and have intolerance catered for! Carol
October 2022
Julie i am really glad I came along, being a relative beginner everything can be overwhelming, but between your knowledge and the collective experience of the group Im definitely taking useful skills home with me.
I’d love to come to another retreat, Its good to spend focused time so i can go away refreshed.
Victoria
October 2022
Thank you so much for all the care and attention this past 5 days.
I thought i might feel the odd one out, being the only one dressmaking but the group were wonderful and Christine kept us well amused.
Karen
October 2022
A really good few days, made even more joyous by the splendid company. Everyone gelled and a great time had by all.
Well done indeed on the catering arrangements which were 1st class.
A lovely five days with something to show for it.
Fiona and Brenda
October 2022
I came to make a dress and i made a dress - well done me! Learned the skills I needed and went to bed on a full tummy. Whats not to like! Patricia
October 2022
What a fabulous 5 days!
Refreshed, Relaxed, and rewarded and the end with an amazing quilt (yet to be finished)
Julie is approachable, knowledgeable and real!
We talked husbands, partners, children and special needs - also losing precious loved ones - our group gelled so well.
Corinne
An absolutely Fab week - Great food with no worries about being gluten free!
Being more experienced this time meant I could make more of the retreat and I have come away with a lovely finished dress.
See you both in 2025 Carol P
Thank you so much for taking such good care of us all. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself and am already looking forward to next year.
Food was fab, sewing support was superb, as was the company of all the other ladies, and peter. Jennie
24/ 10/2024
Thank you Julie for a fantastic time. Food was terrific and very tasty. Everything was perfect and everyone such good company, so happy to have finished my coat, my last one i made was 56 years ago - so no mean feat. Thanks to Julies help I will be proud to wear it.
Cant wait until the next one in May.
Thank you Maureen
15/5/2025
What a lovely week Ive had at the sewing retreat run by Julie at Stickwick manor Hennock. Imagine expect tuition, delicious home cooked food and the most Idyllic countryside and accomadation on the outskirts of Dartmoor. Add the companionship of like minded people, the sounds of the birds and animals on waking and beautiful waether and you get perfection.
Thank you Julie
Meriel
15/05/2025
What can i say, except this is my 4th retreat with Julies tuition with dressmaking is second to none. Nothing is to much trouble. Must mention the amazing, home cooked food. All good gluten free which suited everyone.
we were so lucky with the weather.
We had some fun in the sewing room and at mealtimes with a lovely group of ladies.
All so generous and helpful. Chris
October 2025
2nd time here and not the last thoroughly enjoyable. Great fun Julie is a fab and patient teacher with a wicked sense of humour. Thanks to Caroline for keeping us well fed. The location is perfect.
My only compliant is lack of carrots for the donkies lol.
See you next year Debby xx
October 2025
I’ve had a wonderful time and have learnt some great sewing tips.
I live in Canada and came with my sister and have enjoyed the english comfort food, cooked yummy, by Caroline. It adds so much fun to my holiday.
Thanks Julie for all your organisation and expect help and tuition. Hopefully I can come and enjoy another time.
Best wishes Chris xx
October 2025
Another great week at Stickwick Manor- sewing, eating ans laughing! Great tuition from Julie and cooking by Caroline. I’ll be back next year. Emma
October 2022
What a wonderful few days. Despite some apprehension about everything, as the time went on everything was hugely enjoyable.
It is wonderful to see the complementary skills of Julie and Sue. I love Julies teaching style, knowledge and practical tips while amking sure we all had success. She manages to go round and be there just as one needed advice on next stage or such worked for me.
Sues hard work and cheerfulness (of you both) is hugely appreciated along with the amazing provisions of delicious food puddings and cakes, all plentiful and with awareness of dietary requirements. A total joy to be so well looked after.
The manor provided plenty of space and tables to work. The light and window was brilliant but I would not have enjoyed the other end of the room. The house and facilities were comfortable and functional amazing for the number of people.
Jenny x
29/10/2024
This is my second time on the retreat and I’ve loved it as much as the first time. Lots of sewing and lots of giggles with a great group of woman.
Julie spends so much time looking after us all.
Thank you
see you all again. Emma
October 2022
I have had the most fantastic week. I have enjoyed being able to sew with others who also love sewing. I felt there was plenty of room and equipment ( cutting tables, Irons, overlockers ) It was good to be able to leave our sewing equipment out for the following day.
Julie worked so hard this week, teaching and supporting us all with sewing. Checking out we were okay, whilst letting us work at our own pace. I liked that we could bring our own patterns (not all making the same item).
The food was great and ability to cater for different needs. Please can you publish some of the recipes online?
Thank you- Loved it and laughed loads Emma
October 2022
Thank you Julie for all your help and advice. You have made my year.
We had a super group lots of chatter and laughter.
There is nothing I would change except maybe go out one evening for a meal.
I appreciate everything about this week and enjoyed every minute.
Christine
Thank you for you your hard work to make a wonderful few days of sewing, eating and laughing! look forward to next year! #My favourite dinners and everything you cooked! All yummy - Bella is a vital member of the team! Thanks Glenis
Fantastic time away. Felt very welcomed and supported. Julies knowledge was immense. Looking forward to next year. See you next year Debby. xx
Thank you Julie for another fabulous week. Great company, great place and amazing food.
This is my third visit and it never disappoints in anyway.
Looking forward to next year.
Thank you for your patience.
Love Chris xx
24/10/25
What can i say, Its been an amazing week, eaten far to much because everything was so nice. Did'n’t complete any of my sewing projects, but I’m well on the way to completion.
Its been fantastic to meet a group of like minded ladies all willing to chat and share differences.
Thank you so much, I have loved it all week.
Looking forward to next year. Lots of love Caroline xxx
15/05/2025
I absolutely loved the retreat! The food was amazing and the support from Julie was great. The whole thing has been brilliant I cant wait to come again.
Emma xx
15/05/2025
What a wonderful week away sewing, we’ve had a wonderful time with great food. Julie is a fab teacher , firm but fair. As she said its not worth paying for her knowledge and not listening to it. Will defiantly come again, and hoping for just as nice bunch of creative woman. Everyone was happy to lend gadgets and knowledge, wine etc. Thanks ladies. see you again.
Josephine xxx
October 2025
This is my 3rd sewing retreat and hopefully many more to come! Thank you Julie and Caroline for taking such good care of us. Stickwick is a stunning venue, for our sewing exploits. It is comfy and homely and well run. The retreat is a great idea to indulge in sewing with no distractions and to learn new things as well as learning from one another and Julies expect tuition. I will return home feeling refreshed and with lots of ideas of what to make next.
Glenis P.S please keep sausage toad in the hole on the menu!
Fantastic as normal and well done for Caroline for stepping In on the catering side.
Looking forward to my special visit in 2026 and don’t forget toad in the hole!! Carol
This is my 3rd retreat at Stickwick with Julie. It must be good for one to keep coming back - booked for next year already. Its great to be able to swap ideas, websites, fabrics, info with other sewists. Thanks Julie and thank you Caroline for all your hard work keeping us well fed. Lovely location lovely people and lovely food - why wouldn’t I keep coming back.
Maureen xx