If you’re searching for a hen do with heart, a girls’ day that isn’t just lunch, a birthday treat that actually feels special, or a creative family day with older kids, let me introduce you to your new happy place: The Little School of Needlecraft.
Since August 2024, The Little School of Needlecraft has fast become the place to get crafty with a needle and thread in Norfolk. What began on founder Jolanda Rocklin’s kitchen table (as all good sewing projects do) has swiftly grown into a fully fledged studio, now offering a packed timetable of weekday and weekend workshops for all ages and abilities. From knitting, crochet and hand embroidery to textile art, fabric dyeing, stencilling, dressmaking, sewing, even painting. You name it, there’s a workshop for it – or Jolanda will happily create one for you. Here’s why you should grab your gang and book a bespoke needlecraft workshop with her. Stat!
You bring the people – Jolanda builds the perfect day
Birthday? Hen do? Girls’ meet-up? Family fun day? Or just an excuse to do something different together? These bespoke workshops are completely tailored to you and your crew. You choose the date, the pace, the vibe – and perhaps most importantly – what you make. Matching bedazzled denim jackets? A big yes. Embroidery hoops? Quilted bags? Textile graffiti art? Absolutely. Something totally niche? If it involves a needle, thread, and getting creative, Jolanda has you covered. A former language teacher, homeopath and lifelong crafter, she has that rare gift of making everyone feel capable, even if you haven’t picked up a needle since Year 8.
Everything is provided
This is where seasoned crafters will start to swoon. Jolanda’s crafty stash is serious: pins, needles and threads galore, beads, wools, trims, fabrics, stencils, sewing machines, inspiration books – the lot. And like a very cool big sister, she lets you dip into it all (respectfully, obvs). This means no prep, no schlepping a load of supplies and no stress for you or your friends.
You even determine the snacks, lunch and drinks
These workshops are totally bespoke, even down to your crafting fuel. You decide the menu with Jolanda ahead of time and she will get to cooking which is great news for picky eaters or those craving something specific. And we’re not just talking sandwich fillings here people, we’re talking homemade treats to have with tea and coffee throughout the day as well as lunch. If it’s a special occasion, a cake can easily be arranged, as can a few bottles of fizz (if that is the key to helping you sew straight!). By the end of the day, The Little School of Needlecraft feels less like a workshop and more like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home.
The setting is beautiful
The studio is situated in North Creake, between Fakenham and Burnham Market, roughly 45 minutes from Norwich. Jolanda’s house is right next door which is where lunch is served, while in warmer weather you can make use of her beautiful garden. The Little School of Needlecraft feels blissfully removed from real life. It’s calm, beautiful and quietly inspiring – the sort of place where you instantly relax and your creativity switches on.
You can easily make a weekend of it
Think crafting has to be squeezed into a single day? Think again! Some projects – ahem, matching boho bridal jackets – practically demand a whole weekend. Luckily, there are plenty of charming places to stay nearby, making a bespoke workshop at The Little School of Needlecraft the perfect crafty getaway. Ideal for hen parties, milestone birthdays, or visitors from further afield, it’s all about stitching by day and enjoying supper somewhere gorgeous by night. Jolanda even has a handy list of recommended hotels and B&Bs close to the school, which she will share when you book.
And the cherry on top? The price
Prices start from £120 per person which, for a fully hosted, fully resourced, completely bespoke creative experience feels like daylight robbery. Naturally, any special requests – Swarovski crystals to glam up your projects or a bottle (or two) of Veuve Clicquot – will be added to the bill. Even then, for a special day (nay, weekend) out with your favourite people, it’s an absolute steal. Honestly? If your group chat is crying out for something a bit more memorable than bottomless brunch… this is it.
For more information about booking a workshop, bespoke or otherwise, at The Little School of Needlecraft, contact Jolanda on Tel: 07539111586 or 01328 730812 or Email: info@thelittleschoolofneedlecraft.co.uk