Textile Retreat | Visible Mending
in Scotland
Visible Mending with Flora Collingwood-Norris
+ The Textiles of The Scottish Borders
Edinburgh + The Scottish Borders | June 20 - 27, 2027
Join us for an inspiring journey through Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, discovering Scotland’s rich textile heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and creative spirit. Go behind the scenes at the renowned Dovecot Tapestry Studio, historic tartan mills, and with celebrated cashmere makers. Meet the skilled craftspeople who transform natural fibres into exquisite textiles, and uncover the stories behind iconic tartans, luxurious cashmere, and fine woollen knitwear, and how these traditions continue to influence contemporary design.
At the heart of the journey are hands-on workshops with Scottish Borders knitwear designer and visible-mending artist Flora Collingwood-Norris. Through her thoughtful, colourful approach, you’ll learn to repair, reimagine, and breathe new life into well-loved garments, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creativity. The workshops invite you to embrace imperfections, celebrate individuality, and rethink how we care for the clothes we wear.
Woven through it all are quiet moments to explore historic towns, wander rolling countryside, and enjoy the warmth of Scottish hospitality. Together, they celebrate Scotland’s textile traditions and the lasting beauty of making by hand, a reminder of the stories carried in every thread.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
June 20 - 27, 2027
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room* - $0,000 USD
Private Room - $0,000 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
JANUARY 1, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
TEXTILE RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Multi-day Creative Visible Mending workshop with Flora Collingwood-Norris
Director-led private tour of Dovecot Tapestry Studios in Edinburgh
Guided Tour of the Great Tapestry of Scotland
Guided tour of Borders Textile Towerhouse which offers a fascinating glimpse into the Scottish Borders’ rich textile heritage
ADD Mill 1 + 2
Visit a charming local farm to learn more about homegrown fleece that is transformed into beautiful, naturally dyed fibres
Add Auld? or DC workshop
Return transportation from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders
Transportation during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Learn with
Flora Collingwood-Norris
Flora Collingwood-Norris is a knitwear designer, maker and mender based in the Scottish Borders. Balancing ethical, colourful knitwear and visible mending, Flora champions natural fibres and the skills needed to make your clothing last.
After graduating in 2009 from Heriot Watt University with first class honours in Design for Textiles, Flora worked freelance, where her work included creating catwalk samples for the likes of Christopher Kane, Jasper Conran and House of Holland, as well as designing hand knit patterns and teaching at Heriot Watt University and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.
Flora started her own label, Collingwood-Norris, in 2016, with the aim of creating knitwear considerate to both people and planet. Inspired by the colours of her local landscape, she creates pieces designed to transcend seasonal trends, while bringing colour to people’s wardrobes.
With an ever-increasing awareness of the need to change our attitudes towards our clothes to avoid wate and use fewer resources, she started exploring the possibilities of visible mending, as her own collection of second-hand sweaters needed some tender loving care. Flora’s first puppy Stitch chewed several holes in her favourite sweaters, providing lots of holes to get creative with! A hybrid of traditional mending and embroidery, visible mending celebrates flaws rather than trying to hide them.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the needs of the group.
Day 1
Sunday, June 20
Welcome to Scotland!
Make your way to our arrival hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, conveniently located a short distance from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Both the airport and railway station are easily accessible by taxi or bus.
Should you arrive early, take the opportunity to begin exploring Edinburgh on foot. The hotel is within walking distance of the Royal Mile, the city’s most famous historic thoroughfare, which stretches through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
We’ll meet early evening for a welcome dinner in Edinburgh.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Monday, June 21
This morning we step into the world-renowned Dovecot Tapestry Studio with Director Celia Joicey for a personalised and immersive experience. This tour is designed to provide a deeper look at their processes and understanding the strategic vision behind one of the UK’s leading fine art studios. You’ll visit the Tapestry Floor with Head of Tapestry Naomi Robertson, and learn more about tapestries are being created by Master Weavers.
Add afternoon plans
This evening is free for you to explore the flavours of Edinburgh on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Tuesday, June 22
This morning, we pack our bags and bid farewell to Edinburgh as we journey into the beautiful Scottish Borders, a region renowned for its rolling countryside and rich textile heritage. Our day begins with a visit to a charming local farm where nature, creativity, and traditional craftsmanship come together. We’ll explore the natural dye garden, meet the farm’s delightful herd of Huacaya alpacas, and visit the Fleece & Fibre Hub to discover how homegrown fleece is transformed into beautiful, naturally dyed fibres.
After lunch we visit the village of Selkirk for an engaging tour of an authentic working tartan mill. Discover the fascinating journey from yarn to finished fabric, following the traditional process from dyeing and weaving to the careful inspection and hand-mending of each cloth. Along the way, learn about Selkirk’s rich textile heritage, the history and folklore of Scottish tartans, and the artistry and craftsmanship behind these iconic designs.
We’ll have dinner together at our hotel this evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Wednesday, June 23
We will start by discussing materials and how to choose the right yarns for your mending. We’ll learn about the basic structure of knitted fabrics to help you understand them better when mending.
Our first mending technique will be swiss darning or duplicate stitch, a stitch used to mimic the knitted fabric and to reconstruct it. We’ll start by practicing the basic stitch (useful for reinforcement of thinning areas) and exploring some variations.
Then we’ll move on to repairing holes and reconstructing the fabric using swiss darning.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Thursday, June 24
Today we have an all-day workshop with Flora exploring woven darning.
In the morning we’ll focus on two different approaches to darning that offer you different styles and can be used in different ways.
In the afternoon, we’ll learn how to darn holes at the edge of a garment like a cuff. Depending on how the day goes, we can also learn how to mend a cuff using scotch darning or explore small weave patterns that can be added into darning to vary it. Throughout the day you’ll be able to explore how colour can make your darning more interesting.
We’ll return to Melrose in the evening and this evening is free time for you to relax and enjoy dinner on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Friday, June 25
This morning we are off to explore the beautiful town of Hawick. We begin our day with a behind-the-scenes look at Johnstons of Elgin mill. With more than 140 years of textile manufacturing at this historic site, our guided tour reveals how the finest cashmere and Merino wool fibres are transformed into beautifully crafted knitwear. Watch skilled craftspeople at work as yarn is prepared, garments are knitted, linked, washed, and carefully hand-finished, combining traditional techniques with modern technology.
This afternoon we’ll have a guided tour of the Borders Textile Towerhouse which offers a fascinating glimpse into the Scottish Borders’ rich textile heritage. Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century towerhouse, the museum celebrates generations of skilled craftspeople who established Hawick’s reputation for fine woollen knitwear and cashmere. Explore exhibits featuring historic garments, fabrics, photographs, and artefacts that tell the story of the town’s thriving textile industry and its influence on international fashion.
We’ll return to Melrose in the evening and this evening is free time for you to relax and enjoy dinner on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Saturday, June 26
Today you’ll have a full day workshop with Flora. At the start of the day we’ll explore visible mending for woven fabrics, suitable for items like jeans, shirts etc. We’ll look at simple stitches you can use creatively to make patterns and join fabrics together for creative patching. We’ll also learn how to adjust woven darning to work on woven fabrics.
In the afternoon you’ll focus on your own repair projects, using the techniques you’ve learnt over the last few days to create colourful mends you can wear with pride!
This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner together to toast our creative journey together!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Sunday, June 27
This morning we pack our bags, say our farewells, and have a private group transfer back to Edinburgh about 75 minutes away. Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey exploring the textiles of the Scottish Borders!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
Edinburgh: Our hotel offers a stylish and memorable introduction to Edinburgh, blending contemporary design with the timeless character of Scotland’s historic capital. Ideally situated in the heart of the Old Town, just steps from Waverley Station and a short stroll from the Royal Mile, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, charming boutiques, and inviting cafés. Its thoughtfully designed interiors incorporate subtle nods to Scottish heritage, creating a distinctive atmosphere that feels both modern and connected to the city’s past.
The Scottish Borders: Nestled in the picturesque town of Melrose, surrounded by rolling countryside, historic abbeys, and quaint village streets, our small family-run hotel provides a welcoming retreat with a lovely blend of traditional Scottish charm and modern comfort. The hotel is within walking distance of charming independent shops, scenic walks, and the region’s rich history, offering the perfect home base before returning to a cozy, relaxing retreat.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON JANUARY 1, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - ROOM TITLE
with bathroom description
$6,095 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
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Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due June 12, 2025: $4,100
OPTION 2 - ROOM TITLE
with bathroom description
$6,095 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
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Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due June 12, 2025: $4,100
OPTION 3 - ROOM TITLE
with bathroom description
$6,095 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
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Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due June 12, 2025: $4,100
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate vegan, dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free dietary requirements as well as some serious allergies on this trip.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any dietary questions.
Accessibility
Please note this trip includes several walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, trails, hills, and stairs. You may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms. Our property and workshop space have several sets of stairs and no elevator.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located approximately 8 miles west of the city centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. The airport is the main international gateway to Edinburgh and the surrounding region. There is also a main railway station in the city centre, Edinburgh Waverley. Several train services connect Edinburgh with major cities across the United Kingdom, including Glasgow, London, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Weather
Late June is a lovely time of year to visit Scotland. Days are generally mild, with cool evenings and long daylight hours. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid- to high 60s °F, with evening temperatures in the low to mid-50s °F. We recommend packing layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and an umbrella or waterproof jacket to prepare for the chance of rain and changeable weather.
Included in this Trip
Workshops 1
Workshops 2, 3, etc
Food 1
Food 2, 3, etc
Activities 1
Activities 2, 3, etc
Accommodations 1
Accommodations 2, 3, etc
# nights accommodation in City 1
# nights accommodation in City 2
Transport during included meals and activities
# breakfasts, # lunches, # dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Supplies
Essential supplies for your workshop will be provided. In addition to the supplies we provide, you’ll need to bring a few of your own things. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send more information about supplies you’ll want to bring with you.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self- isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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