If you enjoy improv quilting, don't miss our new event with one of the superstars of this style!

We are delighted to announce that Bernina Ambassador, Aurifilosopher and self-confessed fabric addict Nicholas Ball is joining us in Spring 2026 to host one of our luxurious residential retreats.

Nicholas’s mission is to inspire improv through his books and classes. He is a champion of releasing people from their creative constraints by piecing fabric in a more spontaneous manner for effective, show-stopping results.

See his fabulous creations on Instagram.

OVERVIEW

This is a 5-day residential retreat, with luxurious accommodation in private double en-suite rooms for single occupancy at Lydford House Hotel, Dartmoor, Devon. We have exclusive use of the hotel for the whole week.

Guests arrive on Sunday 19th April, and enjoy welcome drinks and a light buffet supper that evening with Nicholas and members of the QD team. On the evening of Thursday 23rd April, Lydford House Hotel hosts a farewell gala dinner.

Nicholas will be teaching from 10am to 4pm, Monday 20th to Friday 24th April at the Quilt Direct studios. Refreshments are provided all day, including a light lunch.

INTRODUCTION

The improv fish from my books 'Inspiring Improv' and 'Use & Ornament' have always been popular, and I’ve been excited by the many different versions people have created over the years. Those fish focus on two main improv techniques: triangles and simple freehand curves. Following on, I designed a quilt that allows for progression and helps you to improve and add to your improv piecing skill set - my Koi Carp quilt.

Now, I’m very excited to share with you my brand-new Parrot Fish Quilt, designed exclusively for the Quilt Direct retreat.

Making your own version of this new project will get you thinking outside of the box to create something truly unique. It really is a challenge, and one I hope you’ll enjoying attempting alongside me and your retreat companions. During our sessions together, you’ll learn several of my core piecing techniques, as well as all my extra hints and tips for basting, quilting and edge finishing.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The majority of the retreat will focus on the four main improv piecing techniques used to create the Parrot Fish Quilt: inset circles, inserts, freehand curves, and slabs. These techniques are used to make up the main section of the fish, mainly the head, fins, body and tail.

We will look at how to scale the eye to set the size for the rest of the quilt, as well as tackling both gentle and more severe curves. We will then focus on joining the individual components you have made into a completed Parrot Fish Quilt.

We will also talk about colour and fabric selection, quilting ideas and look step-by-step at how to finish the quilt edge using my pillowcase facing technique, which allows for a quilt of any shape, however unusual.

SKILL LEVEL

The piecing of the individual elements varies in the level of skill required.

The insert and slab techniques are suitable for beginners, whilst the inset circles and curves require a little more skill. Previous experience with improvised piecing would be useful, perhaps gained from one of my previous workshops or my books.

If you’re a confident beginner who likes a challenge, making an improv parrot fish is the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity!

KIT REQUIREMENTS

A comprehensive list will be sent out to you in plenty of time before the retreat.

YOUR FINISHED PROJECT

The size of the sample is approximately 30” x 15”, but due to the improv nature of the piecing it can easily scaled up or down. In theory, you can make it any size you want. I’ll be talking a lot about size and scale during the retreat.

Accommodation is included on a bed and breakfast basis at Lydford House Hotel, Lydford.

Operating as hotel for over 100 years, Lydford House provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere within the Dartmoor National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The hotel has a graceful double aspect lounge with views over the gardens, furnished with comfortable sofas and plenty of room to relax around the open fire. There's also a snug bar offering a good range of alcoholic and soft beverages.

Breakfast, catered by your host Jodie, is in the cosy dining room. You will enjoy full English and continental breakfast options, including a honey bar courtesy of Jodie's bees!

Each bedroom has its own style and charm, and all are delightfully decorated with quality linens and bathroom accessories. The bedrooms are on the first and second floors. One of the rooms has its own kitchenette and sitting area, and can be booked on a first come first served basis at a supplement of £100.

The picturesque village of Lydford is a short drive away, with its historic Castle and the White Lady Waterfall at Lydford Gorge. The ancient Stannary town of Tavistock is also nearby.

In this part of Dartmoor, we are spoilt for choice for dining options. There are several characterful and traditional pubs nearby serving quality food made with local produce, and Tavistock has a great range of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

NOTES:

Accommodation is on the first and second floors; unfortunately there is no lift.

If you have a travel companion who wants to share your room and stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis, please contact our team to confirm the additional charge.

Your retreat price includes breakfast each day, plus evening meals on Sunday 19th April and Thursday 23rd April. Dinner on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings is not included, but we'll gladly make recommendations and help arrange reservations at restaurants within an easy walk of the hotel.

We are unable to accept non-residential participants.

Sunday 19th April

Check in to Lydford House Hotel, make yourself at home, and meet your fellow 'retreaters'. At 6.15 pm, join Nicholas in the lounge for a glass of fizz and canapés for a welcome to your week ahead. A light buffet supper will be provided.

Monday 20th April

A good breakfast will set you up for an exciting day ahead. Make your way to the Quilt Direct studios for 10am. We can arrange transport if required.

The QD team will welcome you to the studio and then Nicholas will commence your tuition. There will be breaks for refreshments throughout the day, including a delicious buffet lunch at 1pm and homemade cake in the afternoon. The day's tuition ends at approximately 4pm.

Dinner at your leisure (not included in cost).

Tuesday 21st April

Same format as Monday.

Wednesday 22nd April

Same format as Monday and Tuesday.

Thursday 23rd April

Same format as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Remember to bring your party spirit, as tonight Lydford House Hotel hosts a very special Farewell Gala Dinner. Nicholas will join you, and a member of the QD team.

This fine dining experience will be a wonderful three course meal created for you by a local chef. Wine is included.

Friday 24th April

Alas, your final day! Same format as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Nicholas will bring the week's tuition and journey to a close, leaving you with not just skills, but happy memories and new friends.

Retreat Week ends by 4pm.