Gathering Stitches - A festival of yarn, textiles and sustainable fashion

About

This event is organised and was submitted by Gathering Stitches

Gathering Stitches – A Festival of Yarn, Textiles and Sustainable Fashion is a vibrant, inclusive celebration of creativity, heritage craft and environmentally conscious making, taking place at Castle Espie Wetland Centre. Delivered by Inspiring Yarns CIC, the festival brings together makers, designers, artists and enthusiasts from across the UK and Ireland for a weekend of inspiration, learning and community connection.

The festival features a rich and varied programme of events designed to appeal to all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced textile artists. Visitors can explore a curated marketplace of over 40 independent traders and suppliers, showcasing high-quality yarns, fibres, tools and handmade goods, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, ethical production and slow fashion practices.

Alongside the marketplace, a full schedule of hands-on workshops will run throughout the weekend, covering a wide range of textile disciplines including knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, spinning and felting. These sessions provide opportunities to learn new skills, develop existing techniques and engage with sustainable approaches to making and mending.

A series of expert talks and panel discussions will explore themes such as sustainable fashion, the environmental impact of textile waste, the future of wool, and the importance of preserving heritage textile skills. Live demonstrations will take place across the site, allowing visitors to see traditional processes in action and gain insight into the journey from raw fibre to finished piece.

The festival is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with quiet hours to support visitors with sensory sensitivities and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that encourages participation and connection. Set within the unique natural surroundings of Castle Espie, visitors can also enjoy the wider site, including nature walks and café facilities.

Gathering Stitches plays an important role in supporting small creative businesses, promoting sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, and highlighting the cultural and environmental value of working with natural fibres. It also reflects Inspiring Yarns CIC's wider mission to improve mental health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and create pathways into training and employment within the textile sector.

For full programme details, workshop booking and shuttle bus timings, please visit www.gatheringstitches.co.uk

Details subject to change, always check with the organiser prior to booking/attending.

Any queries?

This event is organised by Gathering Stitches, any queries please contact them direct by email hello@gatheringstitches.co.uk. Please ensure that you read and understand all terms and conditions associated with this event as per Gathering Stitches and WWT Castle Espie​ on booking.