We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 programme for SWI Summer School. Join us for a long weekend of learning, creativity, and fun with like-minded women, all in a stunning environment. Stirling University is set in a beautiful campus environment with modern facilities and comfortable en-suite accommodation. During your stay, you will have access to the university’s grounds, recreational facilities including the gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool, and scenic walking trails throughout your stay. The campus offers the perfect blend of learning and leisure opportunities.
Join us for an exciting three-day adventure as part of the SWI Summer School’s Out and About trip! During this tour, you can explore some of Scotland’s most fascinating locations, including historic Stirling, the vibrant towns of Falkirk and Bo’ness, and the artistic hub of Birnam, before finishing with a leisurely afternoon in picturesque Pitlochry. Each day, participants will receive a packed lunch from Stirling University, and residential attendees will return in the evening for dinner and entertainment. Treat yourself to a trip filled with culture, history, and scenic beauty. A wonderful opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy!
AM Stirling Old Town Jail – step back in time in this 5-star attraction.
LUNCH Packed lunch provided
PM Visit Stirling Castle and step back in time to the 15th Century. Highlights include: Castle Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens, and the Tapestry Studio.
EVENING Return to Stirling University for dinner and evening entertainment.
AM Experience The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, which links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above. Visit The Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures.
LUNCH Packed lunch provided
PM Visit The Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Train and Museum with its heritage locomotives giving you an insight into Scottish Railways through the ages.
EVENING Return to Stirling University for dinner and evening entertainment.
AM Visit Birnam Arts Centre with its exhibition of Beatrix Potter and her time in Perthshire.
LUNCH Packed lunch provided
PM Explore Pitlochry – best known for the dam and fish ladder, a pair of distilleries, and the Festival Theatre. Lots of lovely wee shops, too!
EVENING Return to Stirling University for dinner and evening entertainment.
You can choose to stay at Stirling University for four nights as a residential participant or attend the daily trips as a non-residential attendee.
Please note: A minimum of 25 bookings is essential for this tour. If we do not get the required numbers an alternative will be offered or full refund will be given.
You can choose to stay at Stirling University for four nights as a residential participant or attend the daily trips as a non-residential attendee.
Please note: in the event of insufficient bookings for this tour an alternative will be offered or full refund provided.
We’ve handpicked expert tutors to deliver the very best workshops in a wide range of handcrafts and activities. Each subject will be taught in a focused 3-day workshop, so you can immerse yourself in a single course throughout the weekend.
Choose from heritage crafts like Sanquhar Glove Knitting and Stained Glass or delve into needlecrafts such as Quilting, Temari Balls, and Stumpwork Embroidery. You can also master Tailored Jacket-Making or explore your artistic side with 3D Decoupage & Iris Folding, Watercolour Painting, Felted Art, or Calligraphy.
You can choose to stay at Stirling University for four nights as a residential participant or attend the workshops as a non-residential attendee – the choice is yours!
Residential participants
Enjoy full bed and board from Thursday August 21st to Monday August 25th. Accommodation is provided in en-suite single-occupancy rooms, complete with shared common spaces for relaxing with fellow attendees.
Non-residential articipants
Lunch and two coffee/tea breaks will be provided on each day of your chosen workshop.
Full refund
For cancellations made one month or more before the event. Refunds will be issued to the card used at the time of purchase.
50% refund
For cancellations made 4 weeks before the event. Refunds will be issued to the card used at the time of purchase.
No refund
For cancellations made within two weeks of the event.
If the event is cancelled or postponed by the SWI a full refund will be given.
Refunds will be sent to the card used at time of purchase. Your booking fee is included in the cost of the ticket and will not be refunded.
Please note all courses/tours are subject to change. If any alterations are made to the course you booked, you will be made aware of this.
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Nan Middleton is famed for her skills with 3D decoupage - the art of layering paper to create a 3D effect. She set up the Creative Care charity in 2010 and has been honoured with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to arts and crafts and volunteering. She has honed her skills over the past 40 years after being introduced to the eye-catching craft technique by a friend and now specialises in 3D decoupage and her creations are simply stunning. Nan will be assisted by Aileen.
This course is inclusive to beginners and advanced students who will learn shaping, moulding, layering and feathering. Five projects at least will be completed throughout the 3 days. Each pupil will progress at their own pace. Other papercrafting projects from embroidered cards to ribbon iris folding will also be offered. Each session will be geared towards promoting papercrafting & 3D decoupage as a relaxing therapeutic hobby suitable for all ages and abilities.
As long as you are able to cut out an image from paper, then this course is for you!
Beginners and advanced students will learn new skills in creating modern three-dimensional pictures. We will begin with basic techniques in card making then move onto the various ways silicone glue can be used to create waterfalls, smooth rivers, stormy seas or used with polystyrene to create birds and animals.
Five kits per person will be provided, but a small list of household materials will need to be brought by the attendee, a list will be provided after booking.
There are 20 spaces available for this class. Click the button below to book your place.
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Hello! I’m Gill Faragher—a proud mum of two, a retired Maths and Science teacher, and wife to a very forgiving husband—living in Skelmorlie, Ayrshire. My love of sewing was rekindled during the pandemic, and I haven’t stopped since! With more than 45 years' experience making garments for myself and others, I’d always dreamed of starting a sewing club. Thanks to the amazing women of Largs SWI and the wider community, that dream became a reality in 2024. We now have over 140 members, and I’m thrilled to be sharing my passion with a new generation of women in Scotland.
That’s why I’m especially excited to be part of SWI Summer School 2025. I can’t wait to meet you all and share my love of sewing—see you there!
Students will complete a full tailored jacket. Throughout this course you will learn:
- Pattern fitting to ensure a perfect fit (students to bring along a cut out pattern pieces to their measurements - details will be provided after booking)
- Cutting out all fabric pieces and adding tailor's marks
- Making up the jacket with tailoring tips for pockets, forming the sleeve head, collars, darts, seams and hems
- Finishing with tips for pressing
This course is designed for intermediate and advanced sewers who have experience with garment construction and want to refine their skills in tailoring. If you are confident in using sewing patterns, constructing garments, and handling different fabrics, this course will help you take your abilities to the next level by focusing on the specific techniques involved in making a tailored jacket.
Each student will need to bring their own sewing machine (PAT tested, at the time of the course). Jacket materials are included but a small list of general materials to be brought, will be provided after booking.
There are 12 spaces available for this class. Click the button below to book your place.
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Ann lived in Shetland until she married and moved to Dumfries via Glasgow more than 40 years ago. She has been quilting since the age of eight and has pursued it more intensively since retiring from her role as a CEO in Education in Scotland.
Ann is an author and quilt teacher and has served as Quilter in Residence at Alzheimer Scotland for 15 years. She is also Vice Chair of Shambellie House in Dumfries, President of the Dumfries Rotary Club, and was honoured to carry the Queen’s Commonwealth Games baton in Kirkcudbright, with a quilt carried behind her. In recognition of her charitable work she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) by The Queen.
Home and family are her first love, with quilting coming a very close second.
The Scottish Quilt Sampler is designed for intermediate and advanced intermediate quilters. The course will cover:
If time allows, you will also make a bag to carry your quilt home.
This course is ideal for quilters with an intermediate level of experience who are looking to expand their skills and explore traditional Scottish quilting techniques. If you enjoy piecing, appliqué and working with different quilting methods, this course will provide a rewarding challenge.
All necessary materials will be provided, including all fabrics needed (cotton quilting fabrics for the quilt top, backing cotton and wadding, binding). Carry bag packs will be provided free of charge.
There are 12 spaces available for this class. Click the button below to book your place.
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Jane has a wealth of experience as an embroiderer. For the past few years, she has concentrated on Stumpwork, completing a City and Guilds course, teaching various textile groups, and participating in competitions. Jane has received many accolades and prizes at the Royal Highland Show Handcrafts Championship, including Overall Championship winner, Special Reserve Championship, the Needlelace Award, the Agnes Bryson Award, and national awards from The Embroiderers' Guild. Jane is a member of Gargunnock SWI and is very much looking forward to teaching at the SWI 2025 Summer School.
A small figure will be made using techniques found in Stumpwork. These will include padded, raised work and appliqué for the body, wirework for hands, a little fabric painting to create a background, various hand embroidery stitches for details and hair, possibly a little needlelace, leather appliqué, and more.
By its very nature, everything is small and can be quite fiddly, but the results can be wonderful! Once the basics are learned and mastered, there is no end to the characters one can create!
This course is designed for intermediate embroiderers and beginners to Stumpwork. However, if you are confident in some of the techniques outlined in the course description, those skills are transferable to Stumpwork.
All materials are provided.
This course is now fully booked. To add your name to a waiting list for this course please email hello@theswi.org.uk with 'Stumpwork' in the subject line.
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Kay was a support for learning teacher for many years before she retired. Her hobbies include the SWI, gardening, and a variety of crafting interests. She was one of SWI's Evelyn Baxter Scholars teaching Temari Balls in 2023 and during that time, she met many wonderful SWI members and made some great memories. Kay enjoys taking part in many different crafts and is looking forward to teaching at the SWI Summer School this August.
Students will make up to six Temari balls throughout this 3-day course. This will consist of one simple 8 ball, two simple 10 balls, one simple 24 ball, one complex 8 ball, and one complex 10 ball. Students will bring their own materials, a full list will be sent to students after booking. There is an expectation that you will wrap your own balls prior to the class to save time during the class. If you have never wrapped a Temari ball before, a link to a youtube video, with instructions, will be sent after booking.
This course is aimed at beginners and beyond. If you are a crafter and can wrap the balls prior to the course commencing, then all other skills will be taught. If you have attended the SWI Evelyn Baxter classes in 2023, you can still attend this course as you will learn many new tips and techniques over the course of the three days.
Participants will bring their own needles, thread, and six pre-wrapped balls of various sizes. A full list will be provided after booking..
There are 12 spaces available for this class. Click the button below to book your place.
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Claire is an artist from Fife, based in Aberdeen. She currently holds glass workshops at the Aberdeenshire Federation SWI and her humble garden studio. As well as a passion for stained glass, Claire also loves to paint with oils and pastels and takes her inspiration from sunsets and sunrises.
If you've ever admired the beauty of stained glass and wanted to create your own, this beginner-friendly class is the perfect place to start. Using the copper foil Tiffany method, you will be guided through the entire process of transforming sheets of glass into stunning decorative pieces.
You’ll have the flexibility to choose between crafting a few simple designs or working on a more intricate piece, depending on your confidence and skill level. Claire will be on hand to advise on design choices, structural integrity, and weight considerations to ensure your finished piece is strong, well-balanced, and suitable for hanging.
Whether you're looking for a new creative hobby or the foundation to develop further stained glass skills, this hands-on class will leave you with a beautiful handmade creation to take home and admire. Please note: this class is not suitable for new or expectant mums as it's advised not to solder when pregnant or breastfeeding.
All materials included. Please note: it's best to wear trousers, closed-toed shoes and old clothes as glass fragments get everywhere!
Unforunately this class is now fully booked. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list, please email hello@theswi.org.uk with 'Glass' in the subject line.
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May MacCormick was born and brought up in Dumfriesshire, near Sanquhar. During her childhood, her mother encouraged her to 'have a go' at Sanquhar gloves in the Duke pattern, that was 55 years ago! Over the years May has knitted an unknown number of gloves (and other items), given talks and demonstrations, taught Sanquhar knitting throughout Scotland and online, and is currently in the process of recording a series of traditional patterns. A valued member of Scottish Women's Institutes, May is excited to teach a 3-day class at the SWI Summer School in 2025.
This class will be an introduction to the centuries-old tradition of knitting Sanquhar gloves, in this case using the Duke pattern, with a geometric two-coloured design. During the class pupils will be shown the basics of knitting the gloves, supported and given hints and tips for the various stages, with the aim of either completing a glove or having knowledge and confidence to carry on and complete them after the class ends.
Some knitting experience is necessary; however, beginners can join the class if they are able to knit on 4 needles or are willing to learn before the class begins.
Participants will bring their own wool and needles. A full list will be provided before the course commences.
This course is now fully booked. To add your name to a waiting list for this course please email hello@theswi.org.uk with 'Sanquhar' in the subject line.
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Brigid is an Irish artist, based at Albion Studios in Edinburgh’s vibrant area of Leith. Having studied Illustration in Dublin, she worked for a time as an Archaeological Illustrator on Viking Excavations in Waterford, Ireland, before following her passion to Scotland and Edinburgh College of Art where she went on to study to post-graduate level. Her practice as an Illustrator has organically and gradually become distilled into a practice focused on Visual Art and Education.
Discover the beauty and fluidity of watercolour painting by exploring various techniques, as you are guided in moving through drawing into painting and towards creating luminous and expressive artworks inspired by nature.
Over three days, you will develop a heightened ability to look closely with keen attention and so begin to understand natural forms with increased depth, while experiencing expert and encouraging tuition in a studio environment that is at once dynamic, relaxed and playful.
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in watercolour painting and drawing, whether you're a complete beginner eager to explore the medium or an experienced artist looking to refine your techniques. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, you'll develop your skills, and gain confidence in your creative abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment.
All materials for this course will be provided.
Unforunately this class is now fully booked. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list, please email hello@theswi.org.uk with 'Watercolour' in the subject line.
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Linda is an artist and feltmaker based in the beautiful Mull of Galloway in South West Scotland. She has a studio workshop and gallery where she exhibits and sells her art and other local artists' work. From her purpose-built home studio, Linda enjoys exploring the many delights of fibre and felt making, painting, drawing and mixed media textile work.
Students will complete three full projects during this 3-day course.
- Day 1: Felted art seascape
- Day 2: Small round felted vessel with a lid
- Day 3: Felted neck warmer/hand warmers
If you’re interested in exploring the creative and tactile world of felting, this course is a fantastic opportunity to learn new techniques and craft beautiful, functional pieces. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your felting skills, this course offers a hands-on and rewarding experience. Join us and discover the joy of creating unique felted art!
All felt materials will be provided but a small list of household materials will need to be brought by the attendee. A list will be provided after booking.
Unforunately this class is now fully booked. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list, please email hello@theswi.org.uk with 'Felt' in the subject line.
Annette has been a calligrapher for over 40 years and has worked professionally as a freelance calligrapher since 2011. Her passion for calligraphy began at school, where she was fortunate to be taught by the renowned calligrapher Peter Halliday. Under his expert guidance, she developed a strong foundation in the art, mastering the intricacies of letterforms and techniques that she has continued to refine throughout her career.
Annette works as a Scribe and Heraldic Artist for the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh, has written many official documents for and on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Charles III, and inscribes many memorial books, certificates and official scrolls for many notable companies and organisations.
Annette enjoys sharing her skills and love of calligraphy with others.
Throughout the three-day course, Annette will provide a series of hands-on exercises and demonstrations along with personalised guidance, ensuring that you all progress at your own pace and achieve your calligraphic goals. By the end of the course, you will not only have learned a new script but will also have created a finished piece of calligraphy to showcase your newfound skills.
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, Annette will provide comprehensive instruction on the essential principles of crafting letterforms using a broad-edged calligraphy pen. From exploring the history behind historical alphabets, to mastering techniques, you are in for a fascinating and enlightening experience.
All course materials will be provided.
Unforunately this class is now fully booked. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list, please email hello@theswi.org.uk with 'Calligraphy ' in the subject line.