Sewing holidays are quite new at Gartmore House, but everyone who has come so far has loved them! Its such a treat to come to a wonderful place, be able to sew all day for 4 full days, be fed and treated as very special guests and not have to make the beds, think about dinner, or walk the dogs!
Our sewing holidays suit most sewers and will especially suit you if you are confident about using your sewing machine. You will pick up wee sewing tips as you go through each day and you will learn new techniques as well.
On the ‘Understanding and Fitting Patterns’ holiday, we spend a lot of time actually finding out all about the pattern – what’s in it and what information it is giving us. It’s amazing how much we don’t know about the pattern and even the pattern envelope. You’ll also learn how to take body measurements and then choose the correct size of pattern to cut before you even begin sewing. Everyone agrees that this is incredibly useful and informative.
By the end of the holiday, you should have made a toile or a practice dress/top in calico or some other practice material that you bring along, learned all about fitting it on you – with the help of everyone else on the course – and made your pattern adjustments. Many of you will manage to finish sewing your final dress/top before you leave.
Trousers
The ‘Trousers’ week is great! How many times do we wish we could get a perfectly fitting pair of trousers and better still, MAKE the perfect pair of trousers. This is the holiday for you! You’ll get to grips with the pattern and hopefully really understand all about fitting those trousers. Crotch depths and crotch rise and all the terms used about trousers can be so confusing but we get them sorted out during this week, having lots of fun and laughs whilst we do it!
Speed tailoring a jacket
Other holidays that are planned include Speed Tailoring a Jacket. This holiday will suit intermediate and confident sewers to get the best from the holiday. It takes 3 full days to make a wonderful jacket for an experienced sewer but this course will get you to the point where you can take your jacket home and finish your hems and buttonholes etc. Its amazingly satisfying to fit and make your own jackets!
Each workshop will accommodate everyone who comes and Gill will work with all of you individually, ensuring that you get the best of attention and help when you need it. You will learn lots of sewing tips from Gill and from each other and your sewing knowledge and confidence will grow considerably. Hopefully you will go home ready to start a new project knowing that you will be able to finish it and be proud to wear it! Other sewing topics can be included in a holiday – just get in touch and let us know what you want to learn.
Knitting and Crochet breaks are one of the most popular crafting holidays here at Gartmore House. Tutor Samira Hill explains a bit more about what you can expect from a rewarding escape to rural Scotland, where you’ll get to grips with knitting needles and crochet hooks:
Our retreats are the perfect choice for a relaxing, creative and inspiring holiday, based around your favourite hobby! Have you got a project that has been hiding in your bag for ages, but you can’t find the time to finish it? Have you a pattern that you would love to get on with, but need help with it? Or are you a complete beginner who would you like to learn something new?
If so, you’ll find a wide selection of knitting and crochet workshops available, and you’ll choose which of these to work on ahead of your break (see course info for example workshops). During your time at Gartmore House you’ll be working on your chosen topic with me, Samira. The activities and workshops are designed to suit absolutely everyone, encompassing all abilities and levels of experience; there is no prior knowledge of a technique or topic required for those who would like to learn to knit, crochet, and learn Tunisian Crochet. For those with some experience in knitting, there are a lot of new techniques to explore, such as Brioche knitting, Entrelac knitting, Fair Isle, sock knitting, cables etc… For those with some knowledge of crochet, there are also some fun techniques to practice colour work stitches, texture stitches and crochet cables… As well as Tunisian Crochet!
Brioche Knitting
I’ve designed each of the workshops so that by the end of your crafting holiday, you will have one or a few finished items to show off the new skills you have learnt. What’s more, you will have acquired a strong understanding of your new techniques, so that you can carry on exploring further on your own with confidence.
The workshops are suggestions only; I’m always on hand to help you with any topic or project that you would like to work on! The activity weeks are a great opportunity to relax, explore the peaceful surroundings of Gartmore Estate, indulge in the delicious food on offer, and enjoy friendly and inspiring crafty chats by the fire… and naturally the simple pleasure of working with your hands – knitting and crocheting all day of course!
All of our bedrooms are en-suite apart from the ELO (a set of 3 rooms that share a bathroom). You will automatically be allocated an en-suite room, unless you specifically request a room in the ELO which will not be en-suite.
Do you have accessible bedrooms?
Yes, we have one accessible room and a lift to access all floors of the property.
Do you have bedrooms on the ground floor?
No, we do not have ground floor bedrooms, but we do have a lift to all levels.
Do all the bedrooms have a good view?
Our family bedrooms have the best views, looking towards Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. All other bedrooms have a side or back view of our grounds.
Are there TVs in the bedrooms?
There are no TVs in the bedrooms, however there is a TV that you can use in our Oak Room.
Is there WiFi?
There is no WiFi access in the bedrooms, however there is free WiFi in our public areas.
Are towels provided?
Yes, we provide towels for the en-suite bedrooms in the main house.
Are there hairdryers in the bedrooms?
Yes, there are hairdryers in the bedrooms.
I am under 18 years old, can I stay at Gartmore House without a parent/guardian?
No, if you are under the age of 18 you will require a parent or guardian to accompany you.
What is the booking process for B&B?
For B&B, full payment is taken at the time of booking.
What is the cancellation policy for B&B?
For B&Bs, if you have booked directly with us there is a 72 hour cancellation policy. If you have booked through booking.com, it is a non-refundable advanced purchase booking.
What time is check in/check out?
Check in is from 4pm, and we ask guests to check out by 10am on the day of departure.
I will be arriving late, will there be somebody to check me in?
There will always be somebody on duty to check you in, whether it is the receptionist or the night porter. If you are going to be very late, we would appreciate you letting us know in advance if possible please.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, we are a pet friendly hotel. You can bring your dog at a charge of £10 per night. Unfortunately dogs must be kept in bedrooms; they will not be able to access food serving areas.
Can we make tea or coffee in our room?
Yes, we supply tea and coffee facilities in the bedrooms. FAQs about finding Gartmore House
How do I find Gartmore House?
Important: If you are using a satnav, it may try and take you through the village, along a rough track unsuitable for normal vehicles. Please do not go this way and follow the directions blow. Arriving from south (Glasgow): Take the A81 from Glasgow city centre, travel via Milngavie and Strathblane towards Aberfoyle. Continue past the sins for Gartmore village and Gartmore House is well sign posted on the left of the A81. Arriving from north (Perth) or east (Edinburgh): Travel towards Stirling on the M9 and leave the motorway at Junction 10 (marked for Stirling). Follow A84, sign posted for Callander. After 4 miles, take the A873 for Aberfoyle. After 17 miles, at the T junction, turn left onto the A81 towards Glasgow. In less than a mile, pass the sign for Gartmore village (continue on A81) and you will see Gartmore House clearly sign posted on your right.
Do you have parking?
Yes, we offer free parking.
Are there buses?
There are no buses, but there are reliable taxi services, Crescent Cabs and Buchanan Cabs. Crescent Cabs can be contacted on 07710 8000 or Buchanan Cabs on 01877 385 666.
Where is the nearest train station?
Stirling train station is the closest train station, it is about 30 minutes by car away from us. Or Milngavie train station (closer to Glasgow) is a 40 minutes drive away. For activity and crafting breaks only we offer a complimentary transfers; from Gartmore House to Stirling station (leaving the House at 10:00am), transfer from Stirling station to Gartmore House (leaving the station at 3:30pm). Please notify us in advance if you require this service.
Where is the nearest shop?
Gartmore village has a community shop that is a 10 minute walk away. For a bigger supermarket, Aberfoyle has a Co-op and is 2 miles away. FAQs about food and drink at Gartmore House
Do you have a restaurant/bar?
We do have a restaurant and a bar. The restaurant is open between 6pm-8pm.
Can I come for dinner even though I am not staying at Gartmore House?
Yes, however we would ask for 24 hours’ notice, as there may be a group in with exclusive use.
What time is breakfast served?
Breakfast is served between 08:00am-9:30am
Are special requests such as gluten free or other dietary requirements available?
Yes, we cater for gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian requirements. If you have any other special dietary requirements please contact us 24 hours prior to arrival. FAQs about craft & activity Breaks
What time is pick up and drop off from Stirling station, for the craft & activity breaks?
We offer a complimentary pick up from the station at 3:30pm on the day of arrival, and the drop-off service departs from the house at 10:00am on the day of departure.
What do I need to bring on my craft and activity break?
Your required kit list for your specific activity break will be listed in the area of the website that your activity break relates to. However, should you have any queries, then please feel free to contact us.
Where can I find out more about the course?
If you need further information about the course that is not on our website, please get in contact with us and we can provide you with the tutor’s contact details who will explain more about it to you.
How does the booking process work?
For craft and activity breaks, a £100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your place, and the rest of the payment is due 6 weeks prior to arrival.
What is the cancellation policy for craft and activity breaks?
For cancellation of craft and activity breaks, your £100 deposit will not be refunded. The rest of your payment will be refunded if you have cancelled no later than 6 weeks prior to arrival.
Can I bring a ‘plus one’ to stay with me while I am on my craft and activity break?
You are more than welcome to bring someone along to stay with you (sharing the same room), while you are on your break. This is at a rate of £60 per night, on a full board basis. Other
What should I do if I have lost or left something in my room?
Send us an email or call if you think you have left something in you room, and we will do our best to find it and return it to you. However, we ask you to please reimburse us for the postage fee.
To make a booking, please give us a call on 01877 382991 or visit www.gartmoreestate.com
There is so much that goes on during an activity holiday at Gartmore House. We have put together an example activity holiday schedule, so you know what to expect when you arrive and over the next few days of your residential course. Sunday/Day 1 16:00Arrive and settle in. Tea and coffee available with a selection of home baking. You could use your free time to go for a walk along one of the area’s scenic routes, or take a wander up to Gartmore village, where there is a handy community-owned shop and friendly pub. 18:00 Welcome talk in the lounge. A member of our friendly team will give you a brief welcome talk. This is also an opportunity to get to know your tutor and other guests on your activity holiday. 18:30 Dinner time! Our fabulous chefs will make you a scrumptious 3 course dinner to start your week on a high. There is a set menu every day which offers 3 options for you to choose from. Example dinner mains include: Roast Loin of Pork, Pan-fried Fillet of Salmon or Sweet Potato and Chick Pea Curry. Please note: we will always cater to any dietary requirements we have been made aware of in advance. 21:00 Tea/coffee in lounge. Enjoy some down-time in the lounge, before the next busy day ahead.
Delicious dinner at Gartmore House
Monday/Day 2 08:30Breakfast. Get your day off to the best start with our wholesome cooked Scottish breakfast, made by our chefs using local produce. 10:00 Course begins (course will run until 4pm). Now the fun starts! You will get cracking on your projects for the week under the guidance of our expert tutors. For example on the Felting Holiday, previous guests have made hats, mittens or boots. 11:00 Tea/coffee break. Enjoy a little break with some tea/coffee and home baking. 13:00 Lunch. Enjoy a delicious homemade 2 course lunch and take a well-deserved break from the morning’s activities. An example lunch time menu is soup and a baked potato with filling. 15:30 Tea/coffee break. Time for an afternoon tea/coffee break, with some delicious home baking. 18:30 Dinner. Another freshly made 3 course dinner will be served. Further dinner menu examples include Tomato & Mozzarella Salad with balsamic glaze, Braised Beef and Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. 21:00 Tea/coffee in the lounge. A chance to chat and reflect on the day’s events.
Loch Katrine
Tuesday/Day 3 08:30 Breakfast. Another freshly made, traditional Scottish breakfast. 10:00 Course begins (course will run until 4pm). Another day to work on and progress with your projects. On a Photography Holiday for example, previous breaks have taken a trip to Loch Katrine to capture landscapes and water movement. 11:00 Tea/coffee break. Take a short break from your projects, and relax with a tea/coffee and cake. 13:00 Lunch. Another 2 course lunch will be served. An example of lunches includes soup and sandwiches. 15:00 Tea/coffee break. Time for some afternoon tea along with a selection of cakes. 18:30 Dinner. Our dinner menus vary daily, however another sample menu that you may be of your choice is: Trio of Melon Salad, Vegetable Kiev and Eton Mess. 21:00 Tea/coffee in the lounge before bed.
Double or Twin bedroom
Wednesday/Day 4 08:30 Breakfast. 10:00 Course begins. A further opportunity to progress on you projects. On a Watercolour Painting Holiday for example, you may work on your paintings in the studio or outdoors, weather permitting. 10:45 Tea/coffee break. Enjoy your morning tea/coffee break with another one of our chef’s mouth-watering cakes/tray bakes. 12:30 Lunch. An earlier lunch today as you will get the opportunity to go on a day trip later on. 13:30 Day trip. As you’ve been hard at work all week, we offer a complimentary day trip to either go and visit the Woollen Mill in Aberfoyle, or take a cruise on Loch Katrine. 15:30 Tea/coffee break. Return from your day trip to some light cakes and a tea or coffee. 18:30 Dinner. Once again, you will get to make 3 choices from our set menu of the day. More examples include: Breaded Brie Wedges, Breaded Haddock Fillet & Fresh Fruit Salad. 21:00 Tea/coffee in the lounge.
Dukes Pass
Thursday/Day 5 08:30 Breakfast. Once again a delicious full cooked Scottish breakfast. 10:00 Course begins (course will run until 4pm). This is your final day to work on your projects with the help of your tutor. On previous Knitting & Crochet Holidays, for example, guests have worked on a range of different knitting/crochet including: Tunisian crochet, brioche knitting, Aran Cables knitting or sock knitting. 11:00 Tea/coffee break. Again, with some home baking. 13:00 Lunch. Another 2 course lunch for you to enjoy. 15:30 Tea/coffee break. Your final afternoon tea break. 19:00 Dinner. A celebratory dinner will take place on the final night in our Cayzer room. This is a great opportunity to reflect on your week with your fellow guests. This will be followed by some entertainment in the lounge. We often have Scottish folk singer Gary Spiers come along, so make sure you’re in good voice if you want to join in! 21:00 Tea/coffee in the lounge.
Rainbows dyeing wool
Friday/Day 6 08:30 Breakfast. A traditional Scottish breakfast to finish your week. 10:00 Departure. We offer a complimentary drop off service back to Stirling train station on the day of departure. Please note: For weekend breaks the courses will run from 4pm on Friday, until 4pm on Sunday.
To enquire about any of our courses or to book, please visit our website www.gartmorehouse.com or give us a call on 01877 382991.
