Sew Many
Pretty Things
Discover our 2026 French Sewing Retreats, including accommodation, transfer, food & drink, in a magical world of uninterrupted sewing in the Charente.
Our 5 year sewing anniversary
We are celebrating 5 years of broken needles, poor tension, and pricked fingers…. as well as the wonderful memories of perfecting new sewing, embroiding and quilting skills, and meeting new friends.
Join us this summer
June 19-26th 2026
( 4 spaces left out of 8)
July 2-9th 2026
( 4 spaces left out of 8)
July 13-20th 2026
(6 spaces left out of 8)
Retreats start at £1275pp, including your transfers from the airport, and once you arrive, we take care of everything else, including accommodation, food & drink, and of course uninterrupted sewing.
Our Story
From tiny acorns - we have grown into a flourishing oak - we now offer 3 retreats in France, each a week long. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced sewist, you are all welcome.
Sew until your heart’s content
You can bring along that unfinished project that has been hidden at the back of a drawer, or learn and perfect a new sewing skill. Alternatively, I have had ladies who bring along their embroidery or quilting and are just happy to get a whole week of uninterrupted sewing in the sunshine. Do you have an overlocker perhaps which you are a little afraid of ?- I’ve got two here and can show you how to get the most out of them - they wont bite (promise)!
Meet Kate
Sewist
I introduced Sewing Retreats in 2020. Though these were cancelled due to covid. 2022 saw our first sewing retreat, which was a resounding success, and in 2023, we had two successful sewing retreats. I’ve been sewing for 60 years and though I didn’t pursue a career in sewing, I finally got to immerse myself in my passion after retiring in 2011. I teach small groups of ladies sewing in the UK, and the sewing retreat seemed a natural progression.
Founder
Maison D’hbou
We converted our barn into a gite (Maison D’hibou) and this is where we host our sewing holidays or as I like to call them, RETREATS.
My Sewing retreats are for ladies only. This is due to the accommodation and the dynamics of the rooms available. All our rooms are lovely, and I pride myself on offering individually and tastefully decorated rooms in the classic French style.
Four guest bedrooms are located in our Maison D’hibou. Several rooms have ensuite facilities, and there are other large bathrooms which are shared.
Classic Interior
4 double bedrooms. 2 with ensuite bathrooms, 1 Double (bathroom downstairs) and one twin with adjoining bathroom
4 bathrooms in total
Large open plan living, dining, kitchen
Wifi free and reliable
Stunning Exterior
Private garden with sun terrace
Al fresco dining area
Heated outdoor pool
Sun loungers and a shaded area
Beautiful views and secluded location
Tranquil setting
Orchard
Wood burning fire
This year’s sewing retreats offer
something for all sewing enthusiasts ….
Complete beginners
Improvers
Established sewists
Or bring along your embroidery or patchwork project.
Get to know your overlocker and sewing machine - its easy once you know how!
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Heated Pool
You have your own outdoor, heated swimming pool.
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Pamper yourself
During your stay treat the ladies to a pampering spa treatment.
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Pizza Night
We "fire up" the outdoor pizza oven once a week for pizza night.
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Free Wi-Fi
In the middle of nowhere you won't be cut off! Free wifi throughout.
Relax and enjoy the sunflowers & vines of the Charante
We offer our guests all the comforts of home plus other features to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay in Maison D'Hibou.
If it's peace, calm and a restful holiday you want in a tranquil setting away from the normal hectic stresses of daily life, then look no further. Surrounded by vines and sunflowers our gite is a fantastic place for you to unwind and enjoy a holiday or retreat in the Charente region of France.
Relax with a glass of wine under the trees or next to the pool and listen to nothing but the grapes growing and birds singing, or soak up the panoramic views and superb sunsets over the vines - cest manifique!
Testimonials -
“I can't thank you enough Kate for giving me the ‘gift of sewing’. I get so much enjoyment from it and would never have taken it up without your lovely classes. Sending hugs and enjoy the sewing bee!”
— Fantastic food!
“What can I say - a wonderful holiday as usual. Thank you for look after us all, we really enjoyed it. We now need to go on a diet!!”
— See you next year!
“Thank you for another thoroughly enjoyable & relaxing time. We all look forward to our yearly visit, and upon arriving back home will no doubt look towards next year's visit!”