Quilters Retreat Guide

US South: Quilting Retreat Centers and Events

Are you looking for that perfect place to gather your quilting friends for a getaway to sew, chat, and laugh? (Oh yeah, eat and sleep sometimes too!)

I'm gathering information about quilt retreats in these Southern states:  Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.

Listings I have found are shown below, but watch this site for more to come!

Do you know of a great retreat center or event for quilters?  Recommend a retreat.

And take a few minutes to explore all of the pages on this site, where you'll find:

• Fun ideas for retreats, such as activities, games, local tours, and, of course, treats!

• Cute, clever quilter T-shirts, tote bags, and other gifts for yourself and your quilting friends--including real men who quilt!

• Recommended quilting books with great retreat projects.

• A place to share your ideas and tips for creating a terrific retreat experience.

Thanks for visiting this guide and Happy Quilting!

Janice King

"I'd Rather be Quilting" wouldn't you? Apron, mousepad, coffee mug, tshirt and more.

 

Quilters Retreats by State

Alabama

• Odenville (near Birmingham): Magnolia Park Retreat. Retreat center for quilters, crafters, and scrapbooking. Retreat rates include all meals and housing in 2 BR suites. Minimum 15, maximum 28 overnight guests.

• Scottsboro: Grand Oak Retreat. A luxury retreat lodge located on 30 acres with a lake view from the workroom. Packages include all meals. Group retreats for up to 24 people. 

Arkansas

• Eureka Springs: Retreat at Sky Ridge. Country resort with luxury cabins for small group retreats. General banquet room that can be set up for quilting. Near many outdoor and art attractions.
  

Florida

• Central Florida: Be Sew Creative Retreats. Events with instructors.  Register as an individual or ask them to organize a retreat for your workgroup or guild.       

• Panama City Beach: Quilter's Paradise Retreat. Annual weekend event at a local beach hotel. Choose from classes or work on your own projects while enjoying trunk shows, door prizes, and an on-site store.

Georgia

• Toccoa: Sew Free Retreat Events. Multi-day event held at a lakeside Baptist conference Center. Includes meals, demos, make it and take it sessions, on-site quilt shop, and optional classes. Open for individual registration.
  

Kentucky

Louisiana

 

• Lacombe: Pine Lily Retreat House. Private home converted to a retreat center for small groups. Full kitchen, large craft room, spacious grounds, craft stores nearby. Catering, spa services, and classes available as an option. Maximum 10 guests.
  

Mississippi

 

 Plan your retreat travels to see how painted quilts have become a folk art phenomenon in Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement, full of fascinating stories and beautiful photographs.

 

 

North Carolina

• Maggie Valley: Summit Quilt Retreat Center. A private home converted to a group sewing retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Includes a fully equipped kitchen, screened porch, quilter's library, and use of an Accuquilt cutting machine. Minimum 4/maximum 6 guests. 

South Carolina

Tennessee

• Cades Cove: The Pinnacle. Large meeting space with separate cabin accommodations for  group retreats. Includes access to kitchen facilities, and equipment, and WiFi. Overlooks a lake and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Maximum 8 guests.

• Lebanon: Silver Maples Retreat. Private home converted to a group retreat center in a rural setting. Workroom includes design walls & large ironing surface. Quilt shops nearby. Maximum 9 guests.

• Sevierville: Mountain Lake Ranch. A Christian-oriented, but non-denominational retreat center with lodges available for quilting groups. Fishing, hiking, and lakefront beach available at the site; located near the shops and tourist attractions in Eastern Tennessee. 

• Sevierville: Lodge at Douglas Lake. Lakeshore lodge for small group retreats. Work room includes task lighting, iron/ironing boards, and cutting mats. Prepare meals in a full kitchen or choose optional catering. Maximum: 30 guests

Virginia

• Fancy Gap: Volunteer Gap Inn. Rural retreat facility for small groups. Sewing room and catered meals in a large barn; accommodations in cabins or Inn rooms. Maximum 20 guests.
  

West Virginia

• Paw Paw: Double O Retreat. Retreat in a 60 acre forest setting for group events. Workroom includes kitchenette and WiFi; deck, sunroom & fireplace. Rereats include home-cooked meals. Minimum 6/Maximum 12 guests.

• St. George: Camp Horseshoe. Weekend quilt retreat events in a mountain-cabn YMCA Camp. Retreats include instruction on selected quilting projects. *Recommendation submitted by a past participant.   

 

 

Looking for quick, easy projects for your retreat?
Check out these quilt retreat ideas.

<p style="background-color: #ffff80; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 21px; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> <a style="float: left;" title="Cute Quilter's gifts" href="http://www.cafepress.com/creabunda/6680511" target="_blank"><img class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a00e5531f409488340162fc2ef34d970d" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Qap tshirt" src="http://creabunda.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5531f409488340162fc2ef34d970d-120wi" alt="Qap tshirt" width="104" height="104" /></a>No retreat is complete without a t-shirt! <br />Order cute <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/creabunda/6679299" target="_blank">quilter's tees, sweatshirts and more</a>.</span></p>

Start a Quilters Book Club!

A lot of good novels have been published that have quilting themes and quilters as heroines. From heartwarming family tales to mysteries to historical quilt stories, you'll find a quilters fiction book to enjoy.

On your next retreat, take along a book of quilting fiction for pleasure reading when you're done with sewing for the day. Many of these titles are even available as e-books for a Kindle or as audio books for listening while you quilt.

Another idea is to hold a quilters book club discussion as part of the retreat, choosing a quilters novel for everyone to read in advance. This can be a fun activity during a meal -- and be sure to ask everyone to recommend another great quilting book!

To help you find these books, here is a list of authors and search terms for Amazon.com:

Perhaps the most prolific quilt fiction author is Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the very popular Elm Creek Quilts novels. She has even created a series of Elm Creek Quilt Patterns based on the characters and quilts in the novels.

Amish quilters are the subjects for novelist Adina Senft and Cindy Woodsmall in their Amish quilt novel series.

Do you enjoy a good mystery novel? Now you can combine it with your love of quilting in these enthralling quilt mysteries.

If a romance book is more your style, you'll find love stories and wedding quilts in these quilters romance novels.

Check out all of the latest novels for quilters.

 

Make Money Quilting

So many quilters joke, "I need to make money from quilting so I can continue to afford doing it!"

Whether you want a job related to quilting or you want to start a quilt business for part-time or full-time income, these resources will give you good ideas and advice.

Selling Your Quilts and Craft Items

The hottest place to sell handcrafted items (and your surplus quilting supplies!) is Etsy, the online marketplace. These guides will help you understand the ins and outs of selling on Etsy.

 

If you want to sell at craft fairs, galleries, holiday shows, and other venues, check out these books on selling your crafts. 

Business and Legal Forms for Crafts provides a helpful legal and business guide with ready-to-use forms on the included CD.

 

 

Starting a Longarm or Hand Quilting Service Business

If you already offer longarm quilting services or you want to know what you could earn money from your longarm machine, you'll want to read Professional Machine Quilting.

 

A classic book with useful ideas about earning money from a variety of quilting activities is Make Money Quilting.

 

Publishing and Selling Your Fabric Designs, Quilt Designs, and Quilt Patterns

Maybe you have creative ideas for quilting fabric designs or a quilt pattern. These books will point the way to making money from your designs.

 

Publish Your Patterns  is a comprehensive guide for publishing quilt and craft designs.

 

If you have the vision to design quilt fabric, then you will want the advice in A Field Guide to Fabric Design: Design, Print & Sell Your Own Fabric.

 

Writing a Quilting Blog

 

If you enjoy writing and would like to earn money from a blog or website, The Digital Mom Handbook is a great place to start (and you don't need to be a mom, or even a woman, to benefit from this book's advice).

 

 

Opening a Quilt Shop

Maybe you're ready to take the biggest leap of all by owning your dream. Be sure to check out these resources for starting a quilt store.

 

Finding a Quilt-Related Job

Elance, a website that lists freelance work opportunities, sometimes has small jobs of interest to a quilter. Search on the words "quilting" and "sewing" to see current and recent listings. And be sure to read all of the tutorial material on this site to understand how to bid on and handle work through the Elance system.

For a full-time or part-time quilting job, be sure to watch the lisings in the green "Quilting Jobs" box on the right.

Supply List for a Quilt Retreat

As you pack your bags for an upcoming quilt retreat, you want to make sure you don't forget any of the essential quilting supplies so you can make the most of your sewing time.

Listed below are my "must have" quilt supplies, with links to great prices for each item on Amazon. Not sure which project you want to do on retreat? Check out these fun quilt ideas that can be completed in a weekend.

1. Portable Sewing Machine and Sewing Machine Trolley

You may want to buy a portable sewing machine specifically for use in classes and retreats. Find advice and links in this article on good buys for quilting machines or click on the Amazon box below for current deals.

I always keep a complete set of quilt retreat supplies ready to go in my rolling sewing machine case (click the link to see the full choice of case types).

 

2. Rotary Cutting Mat and Ironing Pad

Although many retreats have shared ironing boards and tables for large cutting mats, I always like to have a small rotary mat and ironing surface next my sewing machine. The ideal solution is this folding, travel-size combination cutting mat & ironing pad.    

Also good for working in a small space is this spinning rotary mat, which is especially helpful when you are trimming or squaring up blocks.

Another option to consider is this portable ironing board with sewing grid. I like the different size ironing surfaces as well as the lines to help prevent  fabric from stretching out of shape when pressing.

 

3. Rotary Cutter, Blades and Quilt Rulers

Rotary cutters in my favorite size, plus extra rotary cutter blades and a set of basic quilt rulers.

 

4. Bobbins, Threads and Sewing Machine Needles

To save precious retreat time, place several pre-wound bobbins for your projects in a bobbin box. A time-saving tool for this boring task is a portable bobbin winder, something you can do while watching TV.

Amazon is also a great place for quilting deals on sewing machine needles, thread, and other basic quilt supplies.

An easy, grab-and-go sewing basket is actually a fishing tackle box. Lots of compartments and drawers that can often be reconfigured to fit your supplies. Best of all, this can also keep supplies organized in your home sewing room.

5. Other Useful Items for a Quilting Retreat

If the workroom has space, it's helpful to bring your own extra small sewing table to keep your tools and supplies on the side.

And when you're ready to take a break from the sewing machine, curl up with a good quilting novel, whether a paperback or an e-book for your Kindle reader.

 

 

Sewing Machines for a Retreat

Some quilters are reluctant to take their expensive, high-end sewing machines to a retreat. For example, the machine may be too heavy or bulky to move it out of a cabinet and pack it into a case for transport to class. Or, do you really want to trust how well your machine will be handled as checked baggage on an airline flight?

Another reason to consider a separate sewing machine for retreats: The quilt projects you plan to work on during retreat can be accomplished with a more basic machine.   

The solution?  Purchase an economical sewing machine that provides just the essential features and portability for use in classes, guild programs, and retreats.

Although your local sewing machine dealers may carry a few of these models, you can get broad choices and prices by searching online.

Amazon.com lists affordable sewing machines with a range of prices, manufacturers, and models. The site also offers categories for bargain embroidery machines and quilting machines deals, as well as parts and accessories.

Particularly valuable are the user ratings and reviews for sewing machines. The selection changes daily; this link will lead you to the quiting/sewing machines that received positive feedback by other sewers:  Top-Rated Sewing Machines

 

Books with Great Ideas for Quilt Retreats

Many quilters use quilting retreats to work on UFOs (unfinished objects) or charity quilts. All good -- but how about treating yourself to a fun, new project, especially one that you can finish easily in a day or two?

These books contain many patterns and ideas that would make great retreat projects:

Written for group retreats, Time to Quilt: Fun Quilts and Retreat Ideas for 1 or 101 presents quilting projects from napkins to wall hangings, recipes, activity ideas, and organizing tips.

Plan your retreat travels to see how painted quilts have become a folk art phenomenon in Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement, full of fascinating stories and beautiful photographs.

 

 

 

There's nothing like the satisfaction of completing a quilt. You can do it in a weekend retreat with the ideas in these books: Weekend Quilts and Simple Style: Easy Weekend Quilts

 

 

Hoping to use that retreat to take care of all your gifting needs this year? Look at the great ideas in Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts, organized by the amount of time involved. 

 

 

You couldn't resist that gorgeous bundle of fat quarters in the quilt shop ... but now what do you do with it? Look at the appealing projects in Small Stash Sewing: 24 Projects Using Designer Fat Quarters. 

 

 

See how many fun projects you could complete in a weekend with the book One-Yard Wonders. Includes ideas for apparel, home decor, and gifts for everyone...all with a contemporary flair. 

 

Full of lively, contemporary designs for your home, office, or gifts is The New Handmade: Simple Sewing for Contemporary Style. Easy projects are also great for learning new skills.

 

How about organizing a study group on color and fabric choices? Two great resources for this are the book: Get Creative! with M'Liss Rae Hawley: A Beginner's Guide to Color and Design for Quilters and my "take it with me to the quilt shop" color guide, the 3-in-1 Color Tool.

 

It covers many other crafts, and definitely has a sassy, urban edginess, but Crafternoon: A Guide to Getting Artsy and Crafty with Your Friends All Year Long has a variety of ideas for organizing craft activities that can be applied to a retreat.

 

 

Want more ideas? Take a sneak peek at these soon-to-be-released quilt books from Amazon.com. 

 

Online Fabric Stores for Quilting Fabric and Quilt Supplies

A fun retreat idea is to visit nearby stores. And if you are in a new area, that quilt fabric shopping can be fun indeed!

But sometimes you need to buy fabric or supplies for a quilt project before the retreat. Yet you may not be able to find everything you need in your local quilt store.

That's when it is handy to know about the deals on fabric and quilting supplies offered by online stores, which also offer sewing machines, sewing attachments, quilting notions, and quilting accessories. These sites also regularly promote special sales and shipping deals that are available only online.

Amazon.com: You probably think of Amazon as a great source for quilting book bargains, both the latest releases and those older or out-of-print treasures that can be hard to find elsewhere.  But who would have guessed that Amazon is also a great source for quality quilting fabrics?

Independent sellers (many of them quilt shops) offer a wide range of fabric by the yard, jelly rolls, charm squares and other fabric packets. If you are looking for a particular designer or fabric line, enter the name in Amazon's search box. Otherwise, the selection changes daily, so you can have the fun of discovering a treasure in the fabrics currently available.

And Amazon is also a great place for quilting deals on sewing machine needles, thread, and other quilt supplies.

Canada: Quilting Retreat Centers and Events

Are you looking for that perfect place to gather your quilting friends for a getaway to sew, chat, and laugh? (Oh yeah, eat and sleep sometimes too!)

I'm gathering information about quilt retreats in all Canadian areas:  Alberta, British Columbia, Labrador, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,  Quebec, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon.  Listings I have found are shown below, but watch this site for more to come!

Do you know of a great retreat center or event for quilters?  Recommend a retreat.

And take a few minutes to explore all of the pages on this site, where you'll find:

• Fun ideas for retreats, such as activities, games, local tours, and, of course, treats!
• Cute, clever quilter T-shirts, tote bags, and other gifts for yourself and your quilting friends--including real men who quilt!
• Recommended quilting books with great retreat projects.
• A place to share your ideas and tips for creating a terrific retreat experience. 

Thanks for visiting this guide and Happy Quilting!

Janice King

"I'd Rather be Quilting" wouldn't you? Apron, mousepad, coffee mug, tshirt and more.

 

Quilters Retreats by Province

 Alberta

• Coleman: Country Encounters. Meeting space suitable for small group retreats, with lodging in standalone cottages or historic downtown B&B. Located in the Crow's Nest Pass area, with a variety of outdoor/mountain activities nearby.

• Edmonton area: Giggles and Girlfriends Mini Retreats. Weekend retreat at country lodges. Focuses on personal quilting time, but massage is available by reservation.  Maximum 100 guests. 

British Columbia
 

• Salt Spring Island: Stitches Fiber Art. Scheduled weekend retreats open for individual registration or workshops customized for small group retreats. Accommodations in a local hotel. Sponsored by a supplier of art quilting materials.

Labrador

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland

Northwest Territories

Nova Scotia

• Cornwallis: Annapolis Basin Conference Centre. Oceanside, professional conference center for group retreats. Large site includes a variety of meeting rooms, lodge accommodations, catered meals, Internet access.

 

 

Plan your retreat travels to see how painted quilts have become a folk art phenomenon in Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement, full of fascinating stories and beautiful photographs (including Canada).

 

 

Nunavut

Ontario

• Orillia: Fern Resort. Weekend events open for individual registration; work on your own project or choose an instructor-led project. Hotel accommodations in a lakefront resort with a spa and recreational activities onsite.

• Port Lambton: Windswept Retreat House. Large cottage converted to a retreat center for small groups. Large workroom, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, Riverview from enclosed front porch. Maximum 10 guests.

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

• Riverhurst: Art Quilt Retreat (search for "retreat"). Led by art quilter Dale Ann Potter, this weekend event for individuals focuses on producing a small art project. Held at an inn overlooking Lake Diefenbaker in Palliser Regional Park.

Yukon

Looking for quick, easy projects for your retreat?
Check out these quilt retreat ideas.

US West: Quilting Retreat Centers and Events

 

Are you looking for that perfect place to gather your quilting friends for a getaway to sew, chat, and laugh? (Oh yeah, eat and sleep sometimes too!)

I'm gathering information about quilt retreats in these Western states:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  Listings I have found are shown below, but watch this site for more to come!

Do you know of a great retreat center or event for quilters?  Recommend a retreat.

Take a few minutes to explore all of the pages on this site, where you'll find:

• Fun ideas for retreats, such as activities, games, local tours, and, of course, treats!

• Cute, clever quilter T-shirts, tote bags, and other gifts for yourself and your quilting friends--including real men who quilt!

• Recommended quilting books with great retreat projects.

• A place to share your ideas and tips for creating a terrific retreat experience.

Thanks for visiting this guide and Happy Quilting!

Janice King

"I'd Rather be Quilting" wouldn't you? Apron, mousepad, coffee mug, tshirt and more.

 

Quilters Retreats by State

Alaska

Arizona

• Linden: Quilting on the Rim. Work room, fireplace, classes, meals included.  Maximum:  10 guests 

• Pine: Breath of Life Retreat Center. A Christian-oriented retreat house for group retreats. Mountain setting; meals included; optional massage services available. Minimum 10, maximum 20 guests.

California

Colorado

Hawaii

Idaho

• Garden Valley: Sew-Delightful. Work room with elevator access, full kitchen, hot tub, gas barbecue grill, themed bedrooms.  Maximum:  6 guests  

• Tetonia: Teton Patchworks Quilter's Retreat. Center for small-group retreats. Sewing room has custom sewing stations, cutting tables, ironing boards. Fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, and patio. Classes also available for retreat groups. Maximum: 8 guests

Montana

Nevada

New Mexico

• Las Vegas: Quilting on the Mountain. Weekend retreat event held at a local hotel for working on your own projects. Open for individual registration. Event includes games and prizes and advice from experienced quilters.
  

 

Looking for quick, easy projects for your retreat?
Check out these quilt retreat ideas.

Oregon

Utah

Washington

• Orting: Wild Rose Quilts. Center for group retreats located above a full quilt shop in a small town near Mt. Rainier. Project room is reached by elevator and includes skylights, laundry, and fully-equipped kitchen. Maximum: 10 guests

• Seabeck: Seabeck Conference Center. Large, waterview conference center with multiple historic buildings for retreats. Variety of meeting and lodging options for small or large groups.

• Sequim: The Lodge at Juan de Fuca Cottages. Waterfront property with meeting room and accommodations in cottages and inn rooms for group retreats. Kitchen facilities or option for meals. Also offer weekend retreat events that are open for individual registration. Maximum 40 participants.

• Whidbey Island: Creative Escape. A private home converted to a group retreat center, in a garden and forest setting. Separate workroom, living room with fireplace. Meals included. Maximum: 8 guests

Wyoming

 

Plan your retreat travels to see how painted quilts have become a folk art phenomenon in Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement, full of fascinating stories and beautiful photographs.

 

 

Other Areas: Quilting Retreat Centers and Events

Are you looking for that perfect place to gather your quilting friends for a getaway to sew, chat, and laugh? (Oh yeah, eat and sleep sometimes too!)

I'm gathering information about quilting retreats in all areas outside of the United States and Canada. Listings I have found are shown below, but watch this site for more to come!

Do you know of a great retreat center or event for quilters?  Recommend a retreat.

And take a few minutes to explore all of the pages on this site, where you'll find:

• Fun ideas for retreats, such as activities, games, local tours, and, of course, treats!

• Cute, clever quilter T-shirts, tote bags, and other gifts for yourself and your quilting friends--including real men who quilt!

• Recommended quilting books with great retreat projects.

• A place to share your ideas and tips for creating a terrific retreat experience.

Thanks for visiting this guide and Happy Quilting!

Janice King

No retreat is complete without a t-shirt!
Order cute quilter's tees, sweatshirts and more.

 

 

Australia

• Eck (near Brisbane, Queensland): Twilight 2 Twilight Country Retreats. A private home converted to a retreat center, located on a working farm. Includes a full kitchen, workroom, laundry, and large veranda. Meals available as an option. Open for group retreats and some retreat events for individual registration. Minimum 7, maximum 10-12 guests.

• Kangaroo Flat (Bendigo, Victoria): 222 Retreat. Private home renovated in 1960s style as a small group retreat center. Large work room, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor dining space; craft and other shops nearby. Maximum 8 guests.

• MacMasters Beach (Central Coast): Pieces to Treasure Weekend Getaways. Weekend retreat events let by one of Austria's leading patchwork designers. Arrange your own nearby accommodations and dinners. Bring your own project, participate in a workshop, or purchase a kit. Minimum 4 guests/maximum 10 guests.

United Kingdom

• Buckie, Banffshire, Scotland: West Manse Quilt Retreat. 1840s house offering space for small groups and occasional closing workshops. Woodland setting with garden, home-cooked meals, spacious sewing room. Maximum 4 guests.

 

Looking for quick, easy projects for your retreat?
Check out these quilt retreat ideas.

<p style="background-color: #ffffbf; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 21px; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> <a style="float: left;" title="Cute Quilter's gifts" href="http://www.cafepress.com/creabunda/6680511" target="_blank"><img class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a00e5531f409488340162fc2ef34d970d" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Qap tshirt" src="http://creabunda.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5531f409488340162fc2ef34d970d-120wi" alt="Qap tshirt" width="104" height="104" /></a>No retreat is complete without a t-shirt! <br />Order cute <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/creabunda/6679299" target="_blank">quilter's tees, sweatshirts and more</a>.</span></p>

US East: Quilting Retreat Centers and Events

Are you looking for that perfect place to gather your quilting friends for a getaway to sew, chat, and laugh? (Oh yeah, eat and sleep sometimes too!)

I'm gathering information about quilt retreats in these Eastern states:  Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington DC.  Listings I have found are shown below, but watch this site for more to come!

Do you know of a great retreat center or event for quilters?  Recommend a retreat.

And take a few minutes to explore all of the pages on this site, where you'll find:

• Fun ideas for retreats, such as activities, games, local tours, and, of course, treats!

• Cute, clever quilter T-shirts, tote bags, and other gifts for yourself and your quilting friends--including real men who quilt!

• Recommended quilting books with great retreat projects.

• A place to share your ideas and tips for creating a terrific retreat experience.

Thanks for visiting this guide and Happy Quilting!

Janice King

"I'd Rather be Quilting" wouldn't you? Apron, mousepad, coffee mug, tshirt and more.

 

Quilters Retreats by State

Connecticut

• Storrs-Mansfield Center: B&B Quilting Retreats. A group of local B&Bs that sponsor retreat events and offer space for small quilt group retreats. Located near the Windham Textile Mill Museum, in the quiet corner of Connecticut. 

Delaware

Maine

• Kennebunkport: Franciscan Guest House. A small hotel for group retreats, with meals available and sleeping rooms that include private bath and TV. On the grounds of a monastery estate, with walking paths and garden areas.

• Rangeley: Quilt Inn. Circa 1890, lovingly restored home with full kitchen and large project room for group retreats. Located close to town and across the driveway from Threads Galore Quilt Shop. Maximum: 9 guests.

Maryland

• Wenona/Deal Island: Pieceful Cottage. A retreat center in a secluded fishing village with nearby quilts shops and bird-watching, hiking, fishing, and boating. Owned by a quilting instructor who can offer meals and workshops to your group. Maximum: 6 guests.

Massachusetts

• Ashland: The Warren Conference Center & Inn. Large conference center for group retreats in a wooded, lakefront setting. Offers a variety of meeting rooms and accommodation types and catered buffet meals. Several fabric stores located within 30 minutes drive.

 

Plan your retreat travels to see how painted quilts have become a folk art phenomenon in Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement, full of fascinating stories and beautiful photographs.

 

 

New Hampshire

• Pittsburg: Bear Tree. Weekend retreat events with classes for individual registration or a variety of lodge & cabin accommodations and catering options for group retreats. Lakeside setting with numerous outdoor activities also available.

• Plainfield: Heavenly Stitches. A Christian-focused weekend retreat event, held at a Christian conference center. Includes guest speakers, optional classes and massage, and all meals.

New York

• Angola on the Lake: Turtle Rock Retreat. Cottage converted to a group retreat center along the shores of Lake Erie. Fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, design wall in workroom. Maximum 6 guests.

Pennsylvania

• Lancaster: M&J's Quiltaways. Weekend events for groups or individual registration, held in a B&B in Amish country. Includes lodging, some meals, and pattern and instructions for a mystery quilt.     
  

 

Rhode Island

Vermont

• Vergennes: Strong House Inn. Historic country inn with a custom-designed sewing room available for group retreats. Also offer weekend quilting classes and retreats open for individual registration. Retreats include meals and nearby Vermont attractions.

Washington DC

 

Looking for quick, easy projects for your retreat?
Check out these quilt retreat ideas.

<p style="text-align: center;"><a style="float: left;" title="I'd rather be quilting gift" href="http://www.cafepress.com/creabunda/6680523" target="_blank"><img class="asset  asset-image at-xid-6a00e5531f40948834015436b3f570970c" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Rather quilt mousepad" src="http://creabunda.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5531f40948834015436b3f570970c-120wi" alt="Rather quilt mousepad" /></a></p>

<p style="font-size: 21px; font-family: Trebuchet MS; background-color: #ffffbf; text-align: center;"><a style="float: left;" href="http://creabunda.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5531f409488340162fc35db05970d-pi"> </a>"<a title="I'd rather be quilting T-shirt" href="http://www.cafepress.com/creabunda/6680523" target="_blank">I'd Rather be Quilting</a>" wouldn't you? Apron, mousepad, coffee mug, tshirt and more.</p>

Gifts for Quilters

You have the best intentions ... to finish that quilted wall hanging, table runner, or tote bag for a special quilting friend or the members of your quilt guild.

But time is running short ... now what do you do?

Check out the Quilters Wit & Wisdom shop, full of fun quilt-theme designs for T-shirts, hats, bags, and sewing room decor ... coffee mugs and journals, even an adorable teddy bear!

Designs shown here: Quilter at Play! and Love Me, Love My Fabric Stash

Better yet, these gifts are ready to go ... you can also ship them directly to your friends!

PS:  Look at the unique "Real Men Quilt" designs for the male members of your group and the "Quilt Widower" choices for those patient husbands!  

Retreat at Sea: Quilting Cruises

We usually think of a retreat as a place on land, but how about getting away completely, at sea?

A quilting cruise may be your ideal retreat:  Plush surroundings, great food, lots of entertainment, more food, seminars with celebrity quilt instructors, time for a snack, sightseeing tours and visits to local shops, then back to the ship for dinner ... can you feel the ocean breezes now?

We're gathering information about cruises for quilters to post on this site.

Listings we have found are shown below, but watch this site for more to come!

Have you been on a quilting cruise? Share your advice and tips with others by submitting the List a Retreat form.   

• Alaska and New England/Canada: Quilt Retreat at Sea. Multi-day cruises open for individual registration. In addition to cruise features, quilters will learn new techniques from professional teachers.

Looking for quick, easy projects for your retreat?
Check out these quilt retreat ideas.

List a Quilting Retreat!

Do you own a quilting retreat center or organize a retreat event? Have you been to a great retreat that other quilters should know about?

Use this form to submit your recommendation for possible listing in the Quilter's Retreat Guide.

Read these guidelines before completing the form:

1. All information will be verified before posting, so make sure the retreat details are posted on your web site or blog before you submit this form.
2. For a retreat event, only annual, ongoing events are included in this guide. It's ok to submit for next year's event as soon as the details are posted on your site. If you sponsor multiple retreats within a year, you only need to submit one form, as long as all events are listed on the same web site. 
3. No competition retreats/events (where a contest entry/fee must be submitted) will be posted. All retreats must be open for group or individual registration.
4. Allow up to 30 days for your submission to appear on this site. If you do not see your information after 30 days, contact us. 
5. We will contact you about your submission only if we have questions or need additional information. 

Your Name:
Your Email Address for verification:
What is your connection with this retreat center or event? Check all that apply.	Owner of a retreat center Organizer of retreat events Past center guest or event participant Quilt group/guild organizer
Are you recommending a retreat center or an event?	Retreat Center Retreat Event
Name of retreat center or event:
Web address (URL) for retreat center or event:
Why are you recommending this retreat center or event? (Include info such as your overall experience, the facility and local area, the food and amenities, quality of instruction, interaction with staff, etc.)
Do you have other tips or ideas for quilting retreats that would be useful for visitors to this site?

create web form

It's not a retreat 'til you have the t-shirt!

You want to dress comfortably for a quilt retreat, and what is more comfy than a T-shirt?  Especially when that shirt expresses your joy in quilting. Check out these fun quilt-theme designs for T-shirts, hats, bags, and sewing room decor.

These designs are also available on quilter's gifts for everyone in your retreat, from coffee mugs and journals to an adorable teddy bear!

PS:  Look at the unique "Real Men Quilt" designs for the male members of your group and the "Quilt Widower" choices for those patient husbands!   

Treat Yourself at a Quilt Retreat

Of course, sewing is the focus of any quilt retreat, but while you are on a getaway, why not enjoy some other fun activities?

Readers of this site have submitted ideas such as arranging for a yoga instructor or a massage therapist to visit a quilting retreat.

What ideas do you have for making a retreat a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone?  Share them by entering a comment on this post (click on the "comments" link below).  

  

What's important when choosing a quilting retreat center?

What are the most important factors to you when choosing a retreat center, either for yourself or for your group? 

Maybe it's a location that is close to home ... or maybe you want a distant spot so the retreat feels more like a vacation. 

Maybe you want a "luxury" experience, with a facility that's designed specifically for quilters  ...  or maybe you are willing to accept rustic accommodations for lower costs. 

Maybe you want a cozy space for a small circle of friends ... or a center that can hold a large group.

You can help organizers and owners of quilt retreats improve their offerings by sharing your comments on this post.