2019 Retreats
I’m awfully excited to share these two retreats and sincerely hope you’ll join us in connecting with other makers through light-filled handwork and open-hearted laughter.
Registration now open!
August 21st – 25th, 2019
A study in Slow Fashion –
surface design, natural dyes
and hand sewing
A 4 day retreat
Join us in Northern Michigan for a rustic retreat into nature.
Enjoy 4 days of hand sewing, natural dyes, surface design and nourishing our souls while making with our hands and engaging in conversations with like-minded folks. We’ll gather on beautiful Black Squirrel Farm in Cheboygan, Michigan.
We’ll learn hand sewing techniques on organic cotton jersey fabric, spend time exploring with natural dyes and surface design in the form block printing and finish with either a skirt or a tunic made from our own organic, dyed and printed fabric and hand sewn in communion with other makers.
Join us, even if you’ve never threaded a needle. The techniques we’ll use are beginner friendly while also being well-suited for the experienced sewist/dyer/surface designer wishing to to expand their practice.
When we’re not making together, we’ll be breaking bread, bonding around the evening bonfire, splashing in Lake Huron (a mere 10 minute road trip), practicing yoga, engaging in deep conversation over slow fashion, walking, and retreating into a world where your needs are cared for and your mind and spirit are free to make, dream and connect with like-minded folks and nature. Join in for whichever parts feel right for you.
October 13th – 17th, 2019
Garment Making –
designing, drafting & sewing for your body
with Cal Patch
A 4 day retreat
Come and learn from the veritable master of laid-back, accessible pattern drafting…Cal Patch. On historic Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan. Bring your bike (or your walking shoes)…as there are no cars on the island. Not to worry, a sweet little shift dress looks amazing on a bike. Sure there will be drafting, designing, sewing, bike riding, horses, Lake Huron, historic sites and shops all within walking distance, but there will also be days of getting in the creative flow, deep conversations with like-minded makers, relaxing in the spa pool under the October sky, yoga/meditation, activities designed to build connection, nature hikes and time. Time to retreat. Time to just be.
In this 4 day retreat, we’ll begin by drafting a pattern for a shift dress using your unique measurements. We’ll sew a muslin, adjust the fit and then sew a beautiful dress. In the following days, we’ll take our perfectly-fitted pattern, get our creative juices flowing, and alter it to make other shirts, tunics or dresses (you know those dream clothes you have floating in your head? Those ones.) and then sew them up. Creating a wardrobe that is truly your own.
A little nervous about drafting your own patterns? Have no fear, Cal can break down pattern drafting like no other. She makes it doable and fun. While beginner level sewing experience is required, no pattern drafting experience necessary. Have some drafting experience already? Perfect, let’s take it the next level, draw on Cal’s expertise and immerse yourself in a dedicated space for creativity.
If the idea of taking control of your wardrobe and how you dress yourself makes your heart pitter-patter, then this is the retreat for you.