Have you ever been to a sewing retreat before? Maybe you’ve always wanted to go to one, but you weren’t sure where to look? We’ve rounded up a great selection of sewing retreats that are coming up in 2015 – maybe there’s one that is just right for you!
Sewtopia (Illinois and Oregon) – This retreat is held in two locations each year – in Chicago in April and in Portland in November. Come enjoy a weekend of sewing with an open sewing lounge, a shop hop, a pop-up shopping experience and special challenges and classes. Registration is $375 and does not include lodging or some meals; there’s a waiting list for Chicago but the registration for Portland opens at the end of February.
The Creation Station’s Brown Bag Retreats (California) – The “Brown Bag” style of this retreat means everyone brings his or her own project to work on. It’s a true “retreat” from the rest of the world as you immerse yourself in all those long-standing WIPs and inspiring new projects. Surround yourself with people who get it, and stay up all night if you want to, sewing away! Registration is $125 and does not include lodging or most meals.
Camp Stitchalot (Michigan) – Pink Castle Fabrics hosts “Camp Stitchalot” four times each year. It’s like summer camp, but SO much better. Come and sew the weekend away in an idyllic setting where all your needs are included. Take workshops, work on your own projects, sew with friends and relax! Their next retreat takes place in May, and registration includes everything for $475-$525.
Sandra Betzina Sewing Retreats (California) – Join Sandra Betzina in San Francisco for a series of retreats designed to make you into a better garment sewer. If you’ve ever struggled with choosing the right pattern for your body type, working with tricky apparel fabrics, or just understanding the concepts of garment construction – this retreat is right up your alley. The retreat costs $1,800 if you do not choose to get a hotel room, and there are several retreat dates to choose from.
Sew South (North Carolina) – Get away for the weekend and make new friends at Sew South. This intimate retreat is packed with workshops, swaps, open sew time and tons of creative mojo! Tickets prices are $350 and does not include lodging or most meals. Space is limited and this retreat normally sells out in a flash! If you’re booked, let me know and we can do a special swap.
Mackinaw Quilting Retreat (Michigan) – Two different retreat dates in May offer you an opportunity to pack up your sewing machine and your UFOs (unfinished objects) and get away from it all. This affordable retreat features all-day sewing and hotel accommodations, plus opportunities to explore the local area including a casino shuttle and a pool party. The cost is as low as $79 for the weekend if you share a room with others.
Minnesota Contemporary Quilters Retreat (Wisconsin) – Camp Wapo is open to members of the Minnesota Contemporary Quilters Guild and non-members alike. Spend a weekend enjoying the scenery and working on your own projects. The retreat costs include lodging, linens, meals, and workspace. Registration ranges from $135 to $160.
Missouri Star Quilt Center (Missouri) – Join Jenny Doan and friends for different events throughout the year. Their retreats are held in a beautiful sewing center filled with old world charm. Each retreat boast a special event, project or guest so be sure to look at the line up. Ticket prices range base on event and include lodging.
Vashon Island Sewing Retreat (Washington) – Come sew with the Stitching Girls Society. The retreats they put on range from a weekend away to work on your projects to a fully structured retreat with classes and fun events. The full retreat costs $420 with an additional $95 fee for taking a class, while the mini retreat costs only $245.
Sewing and Clothing Design Retreats (California) – Sewing teacher Jane Foster leads these retreats, which allow you to come and work on your own projects under the guidance of an expert. Spend your time on the beach or lock yourself away to sew all the day long – the choice is yours. The retreat includes lodging, all meals and snacks and a deposit is required to hold your spot.
If you’re getting ready for YOUR first retreat, don’t forget to check out How to Prepare for a Sewing Retreat.
Be sure to let me know in the comments if we missed any sewing retreats on your calendar. I’m always on the hunt for new retreats and am even taking my mother to Sew South this year. Can not wait to see what she thinks!
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Comments & Reviews
June says
Would you include the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo? http://www.sewingexpo.com/ I’m going to the Atlanta expo and I’ve signed up for several classes for my first “retreat” experience.
Heather says
Sounds like fun June!
Vetonica says
Anna Maria Horner’s Craft South http://www.craft-south.com/workshops-1-1/
Heather says
Good call Veronica! Are you going?
Veronica says
Afraid not. I’ve stopped by the pop up shop she has before each workshop, but the classes are way more than I can afford right now.
Stephanie says
Hey I will see you at the sew south retreat. It will be my very 1st so any tips would be great! I would love to do a swap or anything. I am so looking forward to it!!! I of course signed up for all the stuff so far!
Heather says
You bet Stephanie! I’ll be there with bells on. Yes, let’s swap. I’ll email you directly and we can set something up. It’s gonna be fun!
~Heather
Caroline says
This is a great post! Thanks for putting all the info together! xoxo
Heather says
Thanks Caroline! It was super fun to do and makes we want to attend them all!
~Heather
Sandy B says
Yay! I am coming to SewSouth as well and can’t wait. Would love to do a swap with you if you are up to another one………….
Heather says
You bet Sandy!! I’m super excited to meet you in person! I’ll drop you an email in the am.
~Heather
Sandy B says
sounds good. I’m under @whipsnapsandy on IG and on the sew south flikr group. I am looking forward to meeting you as well! It will be a fun weekend.
Sharon says
I love attending Sewing Retreats, and the Australian Sewing Guild does organise quite a few a year all around Australia, just like the “Brown Bag” retreat. This means I am attending at least 2 sewing retreats and a possible third!
Sew Impatient says
Those all sound exciting! Thank you for sharing this list. When I get a bit better in my sewing abilities, I may invest in going to one.
Brushy Mountain Quilters Guild says
Brushy Mountain Quilters Guild has been hosting an annual quilter’s retreat the first Saturday of November in Hiddenite, NC for years – 2015 will be our 28th year. 2015 Teachers and classes have been picked – brochures are at the printers. Visit our webpage for more info as it becomes available: http://brushymountainquilters.tripod.com/index.html
Heather says
That is great! I live in NC and did not know. I’ll be sure to put it on my list for next year. For those interested, here is a direct link to the class line up. http://brushymountainquilters.tripod.com/workshopid12.html
~Heather
Mari-Ann says
What a great line up — thanks for creating this post! We’d be honored if you’d add our retreat, Swapaholics. A retreat created for and built around the swap obsessed! 😀 Here’s our website: http://swapaholic.blogspot.com/
Linda Sweek says
Hi! Sew and Sew Retreats is hosting two retreats this fall. The first is Sept. 25 – 27 in Milwaukee, WI. The second retreat is Nov. 6 – 8 in Sheboygan, WI. Lots of fun workshops are planned. Highlights include an excursion to the Wisconsin Quilt Museum and fabric shopping or Spa time at the Blue Harbor Resort and Spa. http://www.sewandsewretreats.com/
janejthomas says
Does anyone know of a sewing retreat near NW Louisiana? I would love to go to one of them.