I Went To A Fashion Sewing Retreat!
Going/Went to a Sewing Retreat!
A few years ago, I was searching around on Google and came across a Sewing Retreat.. Wow, I never knew these existed, I was intrigued. A group of people sewing and hanging out together? That sounded like fun!
I zeroed in on one I had found in upstate New York, lodging at a YMCA. I loved camps when I was a kid and even wanted to be a camp counselor but with a costume designers’ career that was hard to do. And now with my school and the summer camps I teach, I cannot schedule that in. So, when I came across this, I was all in. One problem, this was a camp that sells out quickly from people returning year after year.
So I couldn’t get in.. I will just have to do the next best thing and host one myself!
And “Camp Sew Social” was born. I rented a huge log cabin house on the lake in Lake Norman, NC, just 20 minutes from my home and created a deluxe sewing retreat.
It had to be a deluxe retreat because the price of the house was pricey.
We did 2 retreats there, skirting through covid a few times and then the price of the house skyrocketed. Ughhh.
To continue with the retreat I have made them simpler and now host them at one at my favorite local hotels and at my studio.
I just love getting together with others who love to sew. There is so much to talk about, and I love being inspired by others who have the same interests.
Meanwhile, I was still in search of attending a retreat myself and just last month I finally did make it to one to have that experience. I found a nice one in Baltimore. Fit for Art Patterns. 12 ladies sewing who were pretty good at it. And the instructors were very knowledgeable and best of all creative thinkers.
I made 2 skirts in my 3 days there. Projects I was putting off because they were more time consuming. I loved that the whole 3 days were just for sewing and I enjoyed the process of concentrating for longer periods on my art pieces.
What I thought was really cool about this retreat was the room situation. Our rooms were right down the hall, so it felt like the whole sewing opportunity was 24/7 😊. And wow, the meals were just amazing. We all sat together and got to know each other.
I look forward to going again, but this time I am flying! The drive was a bit long.
I finally made my postcard skirt!
I printed my favorite postcards onto Fabric Photo Paper, cut them out and placed them around the 3 layered skirt I made from organic cotton. Then I added little details trims around them to bring out their colors and whalla!
Postcards where I have been in the front and postcards where I want to go in the back!
And my flower chiffon skirt. I had found this interesting chiffon fabric with flouncy flowers on the border. What to make with a fabric like that? I used the chiffon part for the piping layer between the yoke and skirt and then cut off the flowers and then used black safety pins to pin them on the skirts. (So I can take them off to clean them) . And bonus I can wear the skirt without the flowers!
So all in all the sewing retreat was really fun and I am glad I finally got to experience one. I would definitely go again!
I do have a video about preparing for the retreat: https://youtu.be/MWP_WHQRWtw
And on all about the retreat: https://youtu.be/Uknfw8vJo-U
If you are a sewing enthusiast…
Be sure to check out Camp Sew Social – our Fall 2023 retreat is Sept 20-23. The website is www.CampSewSocial.com
Attending a sewing retreat is a fun and fulfilling experience that can help you develop new skills, meet like-minded people, and create something unique. Whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced sewist, a sewing retreat is a great opportunity to learn, create, and have fun.
What you can expect from attending a sewing retreat:
1. Learning New Skills - you'll have the chance to learn new techniques and skills that you might not have the opportunity to learn elsewhere. You can learn from experienced instructors, who are passionate about their craft and can guide you through new sewing projects, from choosing the right fabric to finishing your piece. Additionally, you can learn from other attendees, who might have a different perspective on sewing techniques and can share their knowledge with you. And it’s always fun to have show and tells when your projects are done.
2. Meeting Like-Minded People - you'll meet other sewing enthusiasts who share your passion for sewing. You'll have the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds, age groups, and skill levels, who share your love for creating with fabric. You'll have the chance to make new friends, share tips and techniques, and inspire each other to reach new heights in your sewing projects.
3. Best of all they offer a creative environment that allows you to focus on your sewing projects and get inspired. You'll have the opportunity to work on your sewing projects without distractions from your daily routine, and in an atmosphere that encourages creativity and experimentation. You can let your imagination run wild and create something unique that reflects your personal style. It’s really taking time for yourself to nourish your sole 😊 and recharge your batteries.
4. Some retreats are not just about sewing; they're also about relaxation and fun. You can take a break from your daily routine and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the retreat location. You can participate in fun activities, such as yoga, hiking, and enjoy delicious meals prepared by professional chefs. But keep in mind that this cuts into sewing time!!
5. A sewing retreat will give you time to unwind, recharge your batteries, and return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Taking time to be creative just tends to do that.
You can find more details about my retreat trip in these 2 videos:
Preparing for the retreat https://youtu.be/MWP_WHQRWtw
The Retreat: https://youtu.be/Uknfw8vJo-U
Be sure to check out Camp Sew Social – our Fall 2023 retreat is Sept 20-23. The website is www.CampSewSocial.com
Hope you can find time to create!
Shawnelle
Shawnelle@futurefashiondesigners.com