Changing Patterns at Eau Brink Studio: School Holidays and Workshop Bookings

Over the past couple of years at Eau Brink Studio, I’ve noticed an interesting trend — workshop bookings seem to slow down quite a bit during the school holidays. It’s something I’ve been quietly observing and thinking about, especially as our creative community continues to grow and evolve.

It’s no surprise really. Many of our regulars are parents or grandparents, and during the holidays, life looks a little different. Parents often rely on family members — especially grandparents — to help with childcare while they continue to work. For many, this means their own “me time” or creative days at the studio have to wait until the school term starts again.

What makes it even trickier is how school holiday dates differ across the UK. England and Scotland, for instance, rarely line up neatly. When some of our lovely visitors from Scotland are free, many of our local makers are already back to school runs and packed lunches! It’s a reminder that even in our modern, well-connected world, timing can still be one of the biggest challenges for creative planning.

With this in mind, I’m considering a small change to how we schedule workshops in the future. Rather than running individual workshops during school holidays, I’m thinking of offering group bookings only at those times. This could work well for groups of friends, families, or craft clubs who’d like to spend a creative day together — and it would also allow me to tailor sessions more closely to the group’s interests and abilities.

Of course, I’d love to hear what you think.

Would you prefer to see group bookings only during the holidays?

Or would you still like the option to attend individual workshops if the timing suits you?

Your feedback will help shape how Eau Brink Studio continues to serve everyone — whether you’re a regular visitor, a holiday maker, or a one-time creative adventurer passing through.

As always, thank you for your continued support and understanding. The studio thrives because of the people who fill it with laughter, ideas, and a good dose of colourful thread.

Anita Rayfield

Eau Brink Studio – A Fusion of Fabric and