Needlepoint Journey

Written by Caroline Dicken

Edie and Caroline outside the Wemyss School of Needlework.

This spring, I was lucky enough to join a trip to Scotland hosted by Elizabeth Bozievich and Jeremy Hamilton of Needlework Travel. My mom, Edie (my stitching guru and lifelong role model) had been on several of their tours, and I was thrilled to finally tag along for an adventure through the Scottish Highlands.

Nursery/sewing room in Crathes Castle, Banchory.

After a quick stop at Liberty in London (because priorities), we met up with my ten new best friends and headed north to the land of Nessie, Braveheart, and Jamie Fraser. We made an overnight stop in Windermere, where I listened to “The Lakes” by Taylor Swift on repeat, and then on to the Highlands, where we spent our days touring castles (including Balmoral!) and our evenings stitching. 

Detail of needlework on display at Crathes Castle.

Needlework on stitching frame at Crathes Castle.

Needlework sampler (1852) on display at Crathes Castle.

Over the course of almost two weeks, we wandered through Inverness, somberly walked the moor of Culloden, cruised Loch Ness, sipped whisky at Royal Lochnager, and saw more castles and ruins than I can count. In between, we stitched.

Elizabeth Bozievich with her class project, “Highland Coo,” showing a plaid and a variety of decorative stitches.

One of my favorite things about the trip was learning from Elizabeth, whose knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm made every stitch session a joy. Whether she was teaching us how to stitch plaid or helping us tackle her Highland coo with a collection of 15 new stitches, she somehow made every lesson approachable and fun.

The classroom at the Wemyss School of Needlework.

The highlight of the trip, however, was spending two days at the Wemyss School of Needlework just outside Edinburgh. Founded in 1877 by Dora Wemyss, the Wemyss School was established to teach local girls valuable needlework skills that could provide a path to employment and financial independence. Inspired by the Royal School of Needlework in London, the school welcomed young women from the surrounding community and helped prepare them for careers as seamstresses and domestic staff. More than 140 years later, it remains a place dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of Scottish needlework.

Fiona Wemyss providing class instruction.

We were welcomed by Fiona Wemyss with tea, biscuits, and a beautiful stitching project. Fiona is a wonderful teacher and steward of the school’s history, and it was a privilege to spend time learning from her in the same sunlit classroom where generations of women stitched before us.

A sample of the work done at Wemyss School of Needlework.

What stayed with me most was the sense of connection. As modern stitchers, we often stitch for enjoyment, creativity, and community. But the techniques we use today were passed down through generations of women (and men!) who stitched not only for beauty, but also for opportunity and livelihood. Sitting in that classroom, I was reminded that we are all part of a much larger tapestry.

“Delft Pillow,” our class project designed by Fiona at the Wemyss School of Needlework.

I left Scotland feeling grateful—not only to Elizabeth, Jeremy, Fiona, and the other women on the tour for sharing their knowledge so generously, but also to my mom, who first taught me to thread a needle and love this craft. Needlepoint has given me countless hours of enjoyment, friendships I never expected, and a connection to women across generations. Being able to learn from these remarkable teachers and continue that tradition alongside my mother is something I will always treasure.

If you would like more information on unique needlepoint trips like this, please contact:

Elizabeth Bozievich or Jeremy Hamilton of Needlework Travel:
https://needleworktravel.com

The Wemyss School of Needlework just outside Edinburgh:
https://wemyssneedlework.com

Where will your next needlepoint journey take you?