PAST RETREAT - October 2021

Dressmaking with Knits

Fit the pattern to your body
and then hack it!

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Sewing with Knits (even if you've never)
Fitting a Dress Pattern to your body
Designing & Altering that Pattern (hacking it!)

5 Day, 4 Night Retreat

Sunday, Oct 10th - Thursday, October 14th, 2021

The view from the ferry dock on Mackinac Island!

Have you always wanted to make your clothes truly your own.  Your own style, your own size and…gasp…with pockets!!  Now’s your chance.

Or maybe you know how to sew a thing or two but you’re ready to get into sewing clothes for the first time?  (really?, you ask…yes, I say!)

Have you been dreaming of clothes that you want to wear, but that you can’t find? 

Maybe you’re just ready to learn some new skills, skills that make you feel like a super hero, and take some much needed time for self-care?

Or perhaps you want to take some time to be.  Be mindful. Be together. Be on a Island!

Be in connection with yourself and other makers.  Be intentional with what you wear. 

Be in the flow.  Be on a bike!  Be.  Just be.

Yeah, I get that.

You’ve come to the right place.

In this intimate retreat, only 12 spots, you’ll learn to fit a knit sewing pattern for a fit and flare dress to your body and then take those great fitting pattern pieces and turn them into something new…first a princess seam dress and then that dress you’ve been dreaming of!  All while getting mindful about what your sew, loving your body a bit more and connecting.

Psst…not a dress person?  A tunic is simply a dress that’s been shortened.  We can easily shift this into a tunic for you.

(ready to book now? Scroll right to the end!)

 

Here’s what you can expect…

  1.  You’ll fit a sewing pattern for a simple knit dress to your unique body and sew up a lovely garment.  Working on the fit as you go.

2.  Then, we’ll hack that pattern, the one you just fitted to your body, into a princess seam knit dress with roomy, flattering, oh-so-lovely pockets!   And sew it up.  (just like the one above)

3. But wait…that’s not all, you’ll also have space and time to hack that simple dress pattern into other dress designs, the ones you have been wishing for.  So you can start dreaming now, and making notes of what you want.  On the final day, I’ll be available to help you work out your hacks!

Feeling intimated by the thought of drumming up some designs?  Don’t worry for one minute.  Not only will I send you some inspiration before the retreat, but we’ll take time to plan and dream at the retreat.

Yes.  It’s pattern drafting, but from a block that we’ve fitted to your body!

You’ll leave with a knit dress pattern and dress (similar to this one, but you know with narwhals diving on the bodice if that’s your thing), a princess seam knit dress pattern and sewn dress and perhaps another pattern or two, of your own dreaming, for you to take home and sew up.

That’s more than enough…but it’s not all!

When we’re not dreaming up lovely clothes, sewing and designing, we’ll be lounging in the spa pool, doing Qoya (what’s Qoya?  Check it out) and mindfulness activities, hiking, bike riding (while avoiding horse hooves), immersed in deep conversation, taking meals together, and connecting!

 

 

Got questions?

Do I have to know a lot about sewing to come or to feel comfortable?
While beginner level sewing experience is required, no pattern drafting experience is necessary.  That means, if you’ve used a sewing machine and can sew a thing or two…you’re good to go.  You don’t have to have clothes sewing experience, but you do need to know how to effectively use your sewing machine.

A little nervous about altering the pattern to be your own?
Have no fear, I’ll break down into easy steps.  And make it doable and fun.

Have some altering/drafting experience already?
Perfect, immerse yourself in a dedicated space for creativity!

Do I need to lug my sewing machine along?
Yes.  However, no lugging required.  Once you arrive on the island, the hotel has porters who will haul your luggage (including your machine) to the hotel…via bike!  Really.  I’m not kidding. 
Coming from afar?  I have a couple of basic machines for lending (no fee).  Just let me know!

What about COVID?
Good question.  Here are a few of the precautions we’ll be taking.  Everyone attending the retreat must be fully vaccinated.   Also, we’ll be ordering dinner in as a group (if you wish) and eating in a private dinning area at the hotel.  At this point masks are not required, but you are welcome to wear one.  If the CDC recommendations change for that, we’ll follow those recommendations.   If we have to cancel the retreat due to a COVID (or other unforeseen event) you’ll get all your registration fees and deposit back.

You probably have lots more questions…all the details are below!  If you don’t find the answer to your concerns, or you just want to talk with someone who’s as excited as you, feel very, very free to contact me at Tina@kinshiphandwork.com

 

This could be you, the one with a big smile!

All the Details

Tina Bury – Sewing Instuctor and Your Host!


I have been sewing my own clothing for over a dozen years.  As a lover of learning, I dove in deep and learned early on how to draft my own patterns and how to get really nerdy on fiber content and great fit.  I live in knit fabrics. And so, I teach about knit fabrics, primarily.

I’m passionate about getting to know what you love to wear so that you can use clothing as a way to show up in the world fully lit up. 

Great fit and altering patterns is a huge piece of that journey for me. 

I want to share that with you!  It’s easier than you think.

 

 

Adrienne Wood – Qoya Instructor

Adrienne Wood earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kalamazoo College, studied feminist theology at the Pacific School of Religion, and was awarded certificates as a nutritionist from the Nutritional Therapy Association and a Qoya instructor from Rochelle Schieck.
 
She founded Soil and Sunshine Wellness to weave together science and spirituality for body-positive weight-loss and wellness. In her work as a nutritionist and Qoya instructor, she helps women celebrate who they are, love their bodies, and honor their desires for more joy and less weight. Connect with her at soilandsunshine.com/qoya

Registration for this intimate retreat is $625.

Registration costs includes:

  • expert instruction in sewing with knits, fitting knits and pattern alterations
  • studio time to work on your projects and to experiment
  • Qoya classes and Mindfulness activities
  • sweet little surprises
  • extra activities: evening events and group hikes/bike rides
  • Closing celebration lunch on Thursday
  • coffee, tea and snacks during the day

Materials, travel, meals and lodging are not included.

See below for detailed options.   

The cliffnotes
Lodging –  $79.99 per night  (this is an incredible deal, not only for Mackinac Island, but for anywhere!) 
Meals – breakfast at the hotel starts at $9, you can also get lunch at the hotel burrito bar and we’ll plan to order dinner in as a group, choosing a different restaurant each night. (if you choose to join!)

See Lodging & Meals for more detailed information.

We’ll be staying at the historic Murray Hotel on Mackinac Island. The Murray Hotel is a quiet, family owned hotel built in the late 1800’s and is located right downtown. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Murray Hotel several times and can attest that their hospitality and warmth is unparalleled. We will be using the Gallery room for sewing/making and gathering. The hotel also has an inviting, spa pool in a cozy, private courtyard open to the sky. Did I mention they make their own fudge and you can buy it in the lobby?

Spa Pool

Mackinac Island is a small island located between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. The Island has a lot of interesting history, which is preserved in its state parks. The Island has a small, robust downtown with restaurants, shops and bars and also sports 70 miles of trails for biking and walking. You can circumnavigate the Island on bike in about an hour (8.3 miles). Cars are not permitted on Mackinac Island, so you are going back in time where the main means of transportation are bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. A ferry boat must be taken to reach Mackinac Island.

 

We have a block of historic rooms held for our retreat. In order to take advantage of the special room rates below, when booking your room for the retreat, ask for the Kinship Retreats rooms.  The historic rooms are cozy (small!) but very comfortable.  And as I mentioned, the hospitality is exceptional.

Contact the Murray Hotel to reserve your room. – www.mymurrayhotel.com phone (855) 696-8772

Historic One Bed Room rate $79.99 per night.

Historic room with one queen bed and a standard view. Historic rooms are the original rooms from the 1880’s and have a smaller bathroom with just a standing shower and toilet. There is a sink with a glass shelf above in the bedroom.

Historic Two Bed Room rate $134.99 per night.

Historic room with two queen beds and a standard view. Historic rooms are the original rooms from the 1880’s and have a small bathroom with just a shower stall and toilet. There is a small sink with a glass shelf above in the bedroom.

*Deluxe room upgrades are $50 per night per availability.  Deluxe rooms are larger with a full bathroom.  

Contact the Murray Hotel to reserve your room. – www.mymurrayhotel.com phone (855) 696-8772

 

Breakfast and Lunch are available in the hotel. There is a breakfast buffet starting at $8.99 plus tax and lunch at Amigo Burrito Cafe; an informal Mexican grill serving made-to-order burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salads with fresh ingredients a la carte. Burritos start at $10.99 plus tax. Click the link for menus.

There is also a market just a few doors down.  Doud’s Market is America’s oldest family-operated grocery store!

There will be a 1 1/2 hour lunch break, so feel free to partake with the group at the hotel or venture out.

Dinner – We will choose a different dinner location nightly from what the Island has to offer. Join us as you wish.

Snacks and coffee/tea and water will be provided during class time. 

 

You will need to catch a ferry to the Island from either Mackinaw City or St Ignace, Michigan. The ferry costs approximately $27 round trip with an additional $13 for a bike. (you can also rent bikes on the Island)

If bringing a bike, remember to bring a bike lock. I enjoy having a bike while on the Island, but it’s not necessary, as the downtown is small and the hotel is located downtown.


Information on getting a ferry.

Links to two of the ferry companies…Starline and Shepler’s Ferry

Once you arrive, the Murray Hotel will have porters that meet the ferry and transport your luggage and equipment to the hotel. (whew…you don’t have to lug your sewing machine down the streets!) The hotel is only a block or two from the ferry docks.

Sunday

before 3 pm – arrive at the hotel  (I believe check-in is 4 pm, but you can stash your bags/machines before then)
3 pm – optional group bike ride (weather dependent)
5:30 pm – optional dinner as a group from a restaurant on the Island
7-8:30 pm – Everyone – Welcome Ceremony!  (psst…this time is somewhat fluid depending on how long dinner takes)

 

Monday

8-8:30 am – Breakfast available at the hotel
8:30 am- Mindfulness Journey (optional!)
9-noon – Class Time 
noon-1:30pm – Lunch and free time (for those interested, we can order a picnic lunch and either walk or bike ride on the island)
1:30-3:30 pm – Class Time
4:00-4:45 pm – Qoya Inspired Class!
6:00-7:30 pm – Dinner (if desired; as a group from a restaurant on the Island)
8:00-9:00 pm – Handstitch a love label for your garments 

 

Tuesday

8-8:30 am – Breakfast available at the hotel
8:30-9:00 am – Mindfulness Journey
9:00-noon – Class Time
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm – Qoya Inspired Class
Free afternoon and evening, the studio will be open and you are welcome to sew…but you may just want to go exploring! 

 

Wednesday

8-8:30 am – Breakfast available at the hotel
8:30 am- Mindfulness Journey
9-noon – Class Time 
noon-1:30pm – Lunch and free time (for those interested, we’ll order a picnic lunch and either walk or bike ride on the island)
1:30-3:15 pm – Class Time
3:30-5:00 pm – Full Qoya Class
6:00-9:00 pm – Dinner surprise!  (optional, dinner from a restaurant on the island)

 

Thursday

8-8:30 am – Breakfast
8:30 am- Mindfulness Journey (optional!)
9-noon – Class Time
noon-2:00pm – CELEBRATION LUNCH …and CLOSING CIRCLE

Check out and departure. (of course, you can always book an extra night and spend some more time exploring the island!)

 

* All is subject to change!

 

Supplies for sewing muslin and dress/garments

  • Your sewing machine with cords, foot pedal, owner’s manual and presser feet…We have a couple of extra, basic sewing machines that we can provide those coming from afar, let me know if you’d like one.
    (prefer to use your serger?  Bring that too! or instead of a sewing machine…I’m certain we can find you a machine to borrow for those non-serger stitches)
  • Basic sewing kit: fabric scissors, pins & cushion, flexible tape measure, seam ripper, tailor’s chalk
  • bobbins
  • Sewing machine needles – ballpoint or jersey
  • 2-3 yards knit fabric *fabric for first garment* (depending on desired dress + sleeve lengths)
  • 2-3 yards knit fabric *fabric for second garment* (depending on desired dress + sleeve lengths) {if you are feeling very ambitious, feel free to bring extra fabric for additional projects…there may not be enough time, but if there is, there is nowhere on the island to buy fabric)
  • 2-3 yards knit muslin fabric – this can be any knit that behaves similarly to your final fabric (any questions on fabric…feel free to reach out)  Now…honestly, I usually make sure my muslin fabric is something I like enough to wear…because what if it fits well and I want to wear it!  But make sure it’s not so precious that you don’t mind cutting it up to fix things.
  • All-purpose thread to match dress fabrics and for sewing muslin
  • Clear plastic elastic (1/4 – 3/8″ wide) enough to go around your waist twice, plus a yard.  You can also use 1/4 inch knit elastic.
  • Package of wonder tape (OPTIONAL) to help with clean hems
  •  

*Fabric should be pre-washed and dried (in the same manner that you plan to wash your handmade garment) to reduce or eliminate shrinkage.

Supplies for pattern drafting

  • 18″ see through ruler
  • Pen and pencil, sharpener, eraser
  • notebook
  • clear tape
  • paper scissors
  • pattern paper – I like to use medical exam paper (yes, like what your doctor uses on the exam table)  I have several extra rolls that I can bring to sell for $5 each.  Let me know if you’d like one.
  • (Optional) Hip curve or French curve

Others things to consider bringing…

  • a journal for the mindfulness exercises and Qoya
  • comfortable clothes for the Qoya dance class
  • bathing suit for the spa pool!
  • bike, helmet and bike lock
  • day backpack for hikes/bike rides
  • October in Michigan can swing between warm (mid 60’s) and cold (mid 30’s)…bring warm layers and a jacket (and maybe a light hat for hikes).

 

We’re still in the midst of a pandemic and as such, only fully vaccinated folks can attend this retreat. 

Once your registration is complete, you will asked to submit a photo of your vaccine card.

Currently, fully vaccinated people have received two doses of either Pfizer or Moderna at least two weeks ago or a single dose of Johnson and Johnson at least two weeks ago. 

All event participants agree to take measures to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19 and follow all CDC guidelines starting 14 days prior to the event start date.

All event participants must confirm that they have not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms or knowingly been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to the event start date.

You can read the CDC’s guidelines for fully vaccinated people here.

Following CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people, at this time, physical distancing and mask wearing is not required at this retreat.

Register

This RETREAT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED.  You can see the dates for our 2022 retreats here.

Policies

This is a four-night, five-day retreat and we are not able to offer any partial attendance. Thank you for your understanding.

*Cancellation Policy: Once paid, deposits are non-refundable. While there are no refunds on the rest of the retreat cost after September 25th, 2021, you can find another to take your place. We’ll do our best to help in this process. There are no exceptions. All requests for refunds must be received in writing before September 25th, 2021. In the case of acts of nature, disaster or unforeseen circumstances, Kinship Handwork reserves the right to reschedule or cancel this workshop. If Kinship Handwork cancels the workshop, all money paid will be returned.