Crafty Breaks in the Lakes reviews

Gilly Thompson reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"A super weekend and a really lovely bear, I find it hard to believe I actually made him. Refreshments and company were an added bonus."

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Hi Gill So glad you enjoyed the weekend. Everyone's bears were lovely, as the photos show. Kind regards Kathy"

Lindsay Lowe reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"Fantastic two days. Met some lovely people and went home with a fantastic teddy bear and new skills. Can't wait to make the next one! Thank you Kathy x"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Lindsay. I am so glad you enjoyed our weekend. Do send me photos of your future creations. X"

Sue Kirkham reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I had a brilliant weekend attending Kathy's course with my friend. I have made some teddy bears using a sewing machine before but a LONG time ago. Kathy explained everything very clearly and I was delighted with my new smiley bear! The other ladies on the course were very friendly and there was a really nice atmosphere in which to create. The food Kathy provided was excellent and the accommodation was very comfortable. As a dog lover there was an extra bonus when Kathy's two delightful dogs were around! Thank you for a great crafty weekend!"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"I am delighted you both enjoyed your weekend Sue, and thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to welcome you both. All the bears were very individual and your smiley bear indeed looked a very happy-chappy."

Gillian reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend creating my heritage jointed bear called Wilbur. I have never attempted to make a bear before and was thrilled to see Wilbur taking shape and actually finished. All the bears created had their own individual personalities and were delightful. There was lots of banter and laughs between all the ladies on the course, creating a lovely atmosphere in which to work. Kathy is a kind, helpful, and generous host / instructor, always ready to give help and encouragement. She provided us with lots of drinks, biscuits, cakes and delicious lunches, a real treat. Thank you for a wonderful memorable weekend. Regards Gillian"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Thank you Gillian for such a heart-felt review. It was, indeed, a pleasure to teach such a lovely group of ladies, and we certainly had a few laughs! I hope your family welcomed Wilbur into their midst and who knows - you may create some siblings for him at some point in the future."

Carol Ann Stent reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I attended the above Vintage Teddy Making course, held this weekend and it was wonderful. I've got a background of sewing having made my own clothes and my daughter's, plus I love doing Textile Taxidermy, Machine Embroidery and hand Embroidery, and I've also made Rag Doll's but never a Teddy Bear. So this Vintage Teddy Making Course intrigued me, and more or less on my doorstep too! as I live in Ravenglass, so to save me from driving each morning of the two-day course I stayed with Kathy and three other's ladies who were also attending the course at the Glenfield House B/B, I have to say Kathy is the most marvellous Hostess and Teacher, the venue is most fitting for such a course with plenty of natural light and space to work in, during the course we had plenty of refreshment break's, with lashing of coffee and biscuit's, lunch was a buffet-style meal accompanied with salads, and late afternoon scones served jam and lashing's of clotted cream, while on the subject of food for those of us who were staying at the Glenfield House enjoyed a wonderful 3 course meal with wine. The course itself was intensive, but all stages of the bear making were well explained, the Teddy kit was beautifully presented and everything needed to complete our vintaged bear's was provided plus the use of the tool's for the joints, Kathy also gave clear instructions and demonstrations along the way helped us if we got in a pickle as sometimes I did, I was able to complete my Vintage Teddy in the given time allotted with the kind help one or two of the younger ladies who stuffed my Teddy's leg's and arm's, and when we had all completed our bear's and named them, we all celebrated by having a Teddy Bear's picnic before we went our separate way's, I have to say I have really enjoyed myself this weekend, and felt that I've made some new friends too and certainly in Kathy I shall be attending more of her courses in the future."

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Hello Carol Thank you for your kind review. I am so glad you enjoyed the weekend. It was certainly a laugh, and I think we all regressed to childhood when we held our Teddies' Picnic!"

Claire Saville reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I have just returned home after this fantastic Teddy making course. Having never made a bear before but with some sewing/dressmaking skills I found the bear great fun to make. Kathy gave us all the tools and skills required to produce a beautiful, jointed mohair bear. As you can see from the pictures above the bears all turned out very well each with their own personality - the day we made the heads and faces there were many cries of delight as the little bears started to gain their own very different characters. The size of the group was just right for such a course and I have made some great new friends. Kathy provided lunch and afternoon tea which were both fantastic and a great treat. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies learning the skills needed to make heritage bears."

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Thank you so much Claire. I am so glad you enjoyed the weekend and it was a delight to teach such a lovely group of ladies and as you say, see the bears start to develop their individual personalities. (I think they enjoyed their first Teddy Bears' Picnic!!)"

Pauline Parr reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I warmly recommend this course. My friend and I had a lovely weekend spent making a charming little bear in a beautiful part of England! Lyn helped us all to create a jointed bear in our choice of mohair. All materials are included in the cost of the course, making it good value for money. Lyn is an excellent teacher - patient and very encouraging. Most of us were new to bear-making, but we all went home having completed our own bear, each with their own character. To finish, we had to 'stick at it' over the two days and some of us had a bit of stitching to complete as 'homework', but the finished bears were well worth it! The number on the course is limited and Lyn ensured that we received individual attention when we needed it, as well as keeping us well-supplied with tea and coffee. My friend and I stayed at Kathy's guesthouse. We enjoyed her hospitality and cooking, and fell in love with her two dogs!"