Here’s a little secret I’m almost embarrassed to share:
I didn’t immerse myself in any of the “Royal Events” for the coronation last week.
I know! I know! Even with all that embroidery to gaze upon!
When I finally had the time and the inclination, though, I scoured about for some good needlework chit-chat related to the grand event. Of course, the anointing screen worked on by the RSN was big news. It seemed to take the forefront in embroidery chatter.
But to me, the most impressive thing that I read about was Jenny Adin-Christie’s involvement in refurbishing the heralds’ garb, which she talked about here on Instagram. That is pretty cool! What a job! And I loved her pictures of the goldwork applied on the velvet.
But let’s morph into another subject here – along the same lines, but perhaps somewhat more accessible?
If you’re a fan of all levels and types of needlework, if you’re a lover of travel, if you’re a connoisseur of the royals scene (and I don’t mean KC baseball), if you have dreamed about someday indulging in the ultimate needlework-related vacation, then you’ve probably already heard about the world needlework convention that Needlework Tours and Cruises is hosting, co-sponsored by Inspirations Magazine.
If you haven’t, I’m bringing it up today so that you don’t miss an opportunity to participate in something that you may have been dreaming of doing for a long time!
I can’t really wax too poetic about the event, because I don’t know much more about it than what the ads say. The folks at Needlework Tours & Cruises (which is based out Australia) asked me to write about the convention here on Needle ‘n Thread in hopes of reaching a wider US audience. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive much extra info about it, so I can only tell you what I know from the ads and from the information I’ve read from designers and teachers who were invited to attend.
The Needlework Tours & Cruises convention for 2023 is split between a luxury hotel in London and a luxury estate venue just outside of London in Bedfordshire. The London proximity gives the group access to needlework-related events, venues, museum exhibitions and so forth in the London area, including the Knitting and Stitching Show, Parham House, the City of London Livery Company, and more. (Don’t forget the V&A while you’re there!). I think Michele Carragher is still lined up as one of the keynote speakers, as well as Robert Assant, who will speak about “All things Royal: Needlework for the Coronation.”
The event is a whopping 11 days long and it features 80+ classes in all kinds of techniques for all kinds of levels of stitchers. It looks like some of the world’s best-known embroidery designers and teachers were invited to participate, so you’ll find instructors from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the US to choose from.
If you check out the information on the website for booking, you’ll see there’s a event-only option (where you supply your own accommodations) or there’s the all-inclusive option that includes accommodations and extras. Event-only starts around $2,100 (no accommodations) and the all-inclusive is up in the $5,500 range for twin sharing ($6,500 if you want solo accommodations). Airfare is up to you, and kit costs are added to the final invoice.
Sounds like a trip of a lifetime to me, if this kind of travel and event is up your alley!
If nothing else, you can explore the information this weekend, check out the class line-up for a bit of inspiration, and indulge in a little daydreaming!
Hope you have a great Friday!
