Testimonials

"I had a wonderful day at the workshop yesterday. I loved everything about it- the superb and patient tuition, the other people in the group, the very comfortable chairs and last but not least the coffee, tea and cakes and biscuits. Please will you also say thank you to John for the excellent service throughout the day.
I’m pleased that I sat outside for my lunch as the sun was shining and the views were fabulous.
Thank you too for the videos to go with the crewelwork kit. It is very obvious that you work very hard to run these workshops - I’m sure I will be back for another one some time in the future."
   Pat, Derby

"Delighted to say I have finished the jewellery pouch and am really pleased. Not perfect but I think a good effort. I had not used YouTube before so another string to my bow! I found your tutorial very easy to follow and the instructions and advice always answered my questions before I asked them!"
Ann, Doveridge

"The creative kits have tempted me to try a variety of new embroidery techniques at a level appropriate to my skills. Everything required to complete the individual project is included in the kit, which is perfect, with excellent written instructions and online videos providing clear practical demonstrations. It’s renewed my enthusiasm for stitching and I’m proud of the finished results. Can’t wait to start my next kit"
Kath, Stoke-on-Trent

"Thank you for a fabulous day. I really think crewelwork will be for me. I loved it. I didn’t realise how lovely it would be to embroider with wool. The room at Alstonefield is lovely and the cakes and biscuits second to none - the best service I have experienced at any workshop . Your teaching is very clear too. I have been to a number of different workshops and find yours to be just the right mix of relaxation and concentration. We are not afraid that we will ‘get it wrong’ at all and as a result I think we learn more quickly"
Julie, Ashby de la Zouch

"I loved the hall setting, the delicious cake and meeting the ladies of the class. I appreciated your preparations and teaching method. I enjoyed my day, learned lots and am looking forward to next year"
Jill, Durham

"Thank you again for all your time, patience and amazing baking over the last 12 months. It’s such a pleasure coming to your workshops. I’m always made to feel welcome and nothing is too much trouble. I have learnt so much from your workshops. You have added a dimension to my life that I didn’t even know existed, so a sincere thank you"
Jo, Bramhall

"Thanks again for a wonderful course. You really have a winning formula for making us all welcome and able to work at our own speeds and explain things so well.
  Debbie, Etwall

"Thanks so much for the workshop. I have been to a LOT of workshops and I was really impressed with the quality of yours. Great venue, excellent teaching, lovely design, quality materials, wonderful baking! It was so well organised and we seemed to have a great group of ladies."
   Wendy, Nottingham

"Fabulous day as always. I love my sewing days and evenings, thank you so much for the effort you put into them. Please thank John for the tea and coffee, he makes a lovely brew!"
Gill, Parwich

"Thank you so much for such lovely day we really enjoyed it, you looked after us so well, and I must say you are a brilliant teacher!! My Pomegranate is coming along nicely"
Julie, Wirksworth

"I had such a lovely day, and can't wait to carry on learning more. Alstonefield is a very special place   - thanks again for all your patience and encouragement and the lovely cakes!"
Marla, Bradwell

"Thank you so much for a great day. You were very patient, encouraging and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. I have been on many courses over the years, but yesterday's was one of the best"
  Jo, Manchester

"Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the Temari Ball workshop and I would love to try some of your other workshops (what a beautiful village you live in, thank you for letting us see it). Your baking is also amazing, can't wait to sample again. Thank you for all the effort you put into these workshops. Once again thank you for a very enjoyable and interesting day."
Gloria, Macclesfield

"These workshops are like going on a Spa day without taking your clothes off!
Pam, at Alstonefield

"We enjoyed ourselves very much and appreciated the relaxed and friendly atmosphere - and the cakes and biscuits! Thank you for the expert tuition and clear, paced instructions. We were impressed by how carefully planned and well organised everything was..........looking forward to coming again."
Lyn & Kate, Newcastle-under-Lyme

"We had a fantastic time". It was the best organised and visually presented workshop we have ever attended, from the home made biscuits and cake to the hall itself. We look forward to the next" Jayne, High Peak

"Thank you both so much for a really lovely day. It felt so good to be doing some embroidery again after years and years! I thought it was very well-prepared and organised with the individual packs and everything thought of that we might possibly need - including the delicious baking. ….and I found you so encouraging and motivating - a very therapeutic day all round."
Denise, Newcastle-under-Lyme

"Your day was the best embroidery day I have had the pleasure of attending and I have been to
many over the years. Thank you."
  Barbara, Ashbourne

"I really don't think that there is any way to improve the workshop. It had everything I needed. The instructions were clear - you were on hand to support and solve any issues. The venue is good with appropriate facilities. The refreshments were very very good. The home baking to a high standard. The drinks were plentiful and good quality. It was great to be able to relax in your calm but stimulating and inspiring environment."
Lynne, Chesterfield,

"Thank you so much. I had a wonderful day, really enjoyed myself. I loved the hospitality, the tea, coffee and cake, the warm welcome, the clean bright room and the clear instructions. At no time did I feel rushed or that I was waiting around, a lovely atmosphere. I look forward to receiving the dates of the next workshops, the only problem will be deciding which one to attend."
Anita, Burton on Trent