Getting together with sewing and quilting friends for a weekend getaway is truly a tranquil experience. Who wouldn’t want uninterrupted time to sew, talk, eat, sleep and REPEAT!
Many quilt stores host their own sewing retreats, but we all know that sometimes you want to have control of who is invited, where the retreat is located and the time of year that works best for you and your group.
Here are a few very important things to keep in mind for planning your own successful sewing or quilting retreat.
Retreat Location
This is probably the most important part of planning a sewing or quilting retreat. You want everyone to have a good experience so your retreat can turn into an annual or twice a year event. There is something to be said about having something fun to look forward to throughout the year. Continue reading further down for a list of items to check on prior to booking a retreat location.
NEW South Dakota Sewing Retreat Location
We recently toured the Lewis & Clark Resort & Lodge in Yankton, SD. Check out this video as Sara shows you the amazing 1,800 square foot great room, gigantic kitchen, six bedrooms, 4 bathrooms big enough to host up to 24 people for a sewing event (family reunion, wedding, or corporate event) of your choosing with your closest friends.
Visit the Lewis & Clark Retort & Lodge website for additional sleeping cabin options for larger groups, map directions and prices. Tell them Sara & Steve Snuggerud from Heirloom Creations sent you!
The Invitation List
You probably know a handful of sewing and quilting friends who would love to get away and sew for 3-4 days together. Think about the group dynamics and how everyone will get along. Based on the sleeping options at the retreat location, would some of these people be willing to share rooms? Or will they want their own rooms? This can change the total price of each person’s share of the expenses.
Time of Year
Off season for some locations means cheaper rates. Weekdays verse weekends can also make a difference in the price for the retreat rental. If cost is a factor, consider booking retreat times during the week in the off season.
Results from Our Retreat Online Poll
We asked our online customers to tell us the most important things needed at a sewing retreat location. Answers ranged from a gorgeous view to a personal chef (LOL)! But it did get us thinking…what are things people are looking for in a retreat location. Is it serenity? Is it close to home? Do you want access to a full kitchen to cook your own meals on your own schedule?
Number #1 on the Must-Have List: LIGHTING
No matter the location we always encourage people to bring an extra sewing lamp or better yet one of those new mountable LED lights to attach to your sewing machine. With a room full of quilters, someone is going to not be directly under a light. When night comes and your eyes get tired, your own personal lighting option will be your own god-send. Don’t leave home without it.
Sara’s Most Important Retreat Item
No matter the location I always pack my own sewing chair. There is sometime to be said about having the perfect sewing chair for a marathon weekend of sewing. For me, the comfort of my hiney is what will keep me going hour after hour.
Retreat Location Amenities
If the location is new to you, be sure to inquire about the following items for a seamless reservation.
- Everything on one level, are there steps, elevators.
- Wheel chair accessible
- Security
- Are extension cords and power strips available or do you need to bring your own.
- Sleeping room bed sizes
- Do you need to bring your own bed linens?
- Hairdryers?
- Shampoo/Soap?
- Can you bring your own meals?
- Are there restaurants near by or within walking distance
- What length are the tables? 6 feet or 8 feet?
- How many tables are available?
- What time can you get in?
- How late can you stay?
We welcome you to list other location amenities you have found important to check on in the comments below.
We hope you will book a sewing retreat of your own in the next year or two. Start the conversation early with your sewing friends to get scheduling figured out and to get your retreat location booked early for best availability.