Tuesday, October 1, 2013

A Hudson Valley Sewing Retreat?


I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say I live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Beacon is situated in the Hudson Valley, between the scenic Hudson River and tree-topped mountains. Our downtown is quaint but hip, with galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. 


As you know, I travel around the country to teach. But I'd love the opportunity to teach a weekend workshop in my home town, surrounding by all this gorgeousness.

But I want to gauge your interest in this idea! What I'm imagining is a weekend filled with sewing, food, nature--but mostly sewing. Participants could work on their chosen projects, while I do demos on some of my favorite topics like fitting, patternmaking, lapped zippers, steel boning, bound buttonholes, tailoring, etc.

I would arrange it so that room/board and some meals were included in the retreat cost. Travel to Beacon is pretty easy. It's 80 minutes from Grand Central Station in NYC by train, or you can fly into the local airport in Newburgh, NY. The earliest it could happen is in the spring, so there's plenty of time to arrange details.

What do you think? Any interested parties out there?

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113 comments:

  1. ArikaOctober 1, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    Yes! Yes! Yes! Without knowing dates, I can't guarantee I could come, but I'm definitely interested.

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  2. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    i immediately texted my boyfriend the link to this with :O

    yes please!

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  3. Bobi JensenOctober 1, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Oh my gosh, I am!

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  4. Tracy PriestOctober 1, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    YES! Interested! I live in Westchester so it's doable for me!!!!

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  5. Anna CristinaOctober 1, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    If I can afford it 100% yes!

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  6. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    I would totally sign up!

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  7. ColleenOctober 1, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    Yep. Me, too!

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  8. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    OMG I live in Scotland I would love to come. I would need dates pretty early for booking flights. excited, Natalie xoxo

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  9. Davit LersonOctober 1, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    Sports had been a rather past due entrant into the adventure market NFL Live Streaming Online Nevertheless it before long made up for the misplaced terrain and grew to become essentially the most desired video games within the cyber entire world. There are many regarding sorts of online sports video games.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    I would love it! I've never been to a sewing retreat, but this sounds like a perfect 1st retreat! Maybe I should start saving my pennies now! :-)

    Carrie C.

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  11. JanOctober 1, 2013 at 11:46 AM

    how would it work? do we bring our own machines or do you provide...never been to a sewing retreat but it sounds wonderful...thanks

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    Replies
    1. GertieOctober 1, 2013 at 12:09 PM

      My goal is to try to get a sewing machine company to sponsor it so there's no need to bring machines!

      Delete
  12. AwildaOctober 1, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    I'm just a beginner but the possibility of going to a sewing retreat sounds great to me!!

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  13. NoraOctober 1, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    Count me in as a serious interest.

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  14. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 11:50 AM

    That sounds amazing!

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  15. Caroline9LOctober 1, 2013 at 11:51 AM

    This is close to where I grew up -- I typically drive through on my way to visit my parents! Count me in if I'm not working!

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  16. JennaOctober 1, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    I would definitely be interested!!

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  17. Tamina listeningOctober 1, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    I would for sure come up from DC for that if i were available!

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  18. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    Oh I would love to come! I second Jan's question about sewing machines since I would probably come by plane.

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  19. abaileyOctober 1, 2013 at 12:00 PM

    If my husband is not working and can be with our kids I would love to come. That is only a 2 hour drive from me!!! I can totally do that. Hope I can afford to do it ;) sounds like so much fun and thats what I can ask for when everyone is asking what I want for bithday, christmas, etc. Looking forward to hearing the details :)

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  20. MiriamOctober 1, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    I would totally be into it! I have limited vacation days, so it would be great if it could span a long weekend and I would only have to take off a day or two.

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  21. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    Yes, from Ontario!

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  22. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Sounds Awesome

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  23. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    So cal resident here.
    NY and sewing?
    It couldn't get any better

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  24. DanaOctober 1, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    It would depend on a lot of things, but I'm definitely interested in learning more about it.

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  25. RachaelOctober 1, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    I would be interested. Maybe "Tamina listening" would want to carpool from DC with me? It's about 4.5 hours by car... I'm just getting started with sewing, and I'm sure I would learn so much!

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    Replies
    1. Tamina listeningOctober 1, 2013 at 2:54 PM

      Rachael, let's talk if this actually ends up happening. I don't have a car, but I'd be happy to contribute to gas funds, etc. if you do!

      Erin

      Delete
  26. JennyOctober 1, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    Yes!!!! I would so be interested. I live in Florida now but I'm from NYC ~ I would definitely love a sewing retreat in Beacon ~ it is so gorgeous there! My only problem would be that I can't do it in the cold months

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  27. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    I'd be interested! I'm currently in Astoria, and while it's lovely, I'm trying to convince the bf we should move out to the Hudson Valley. I need to explore and if I could do that with other sewers I'd be SO happy!

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  28. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    this sounds quite heavenly, I would very much like to come.

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  29. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    I live in Philly, so NY is just a short bus ride for me. I'd be totally up for this retreat if you planned it. It's probably too early in the game to say, but any estimate on cost?

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    Replies
    1. GertieOctober 1, 2013 at 3:20 PM

      I'm going to start getting some quotes and then I'll post more details!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousOctober 8, 2013 at 12:27 PM

      Awesome! This is a really good idea. When it comes to something I really love, which is definitely sewing, spending money is justifiable - the reward is not only tangible (the garments that would be made) but also memorable (the memories that would be created) :)

      Delete
  30. lapOctober 1, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    Totally interested.

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  31. MelissaOctober 1, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    Depending on the timing and cost, I would be interested! I'm just getting back to sewing after a long hiatus and it would be nice to meet and hang out with some other sewers.

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  32. MelanieOctober 1, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Interested? Exceedingly so! I live on the other side of the country, but I've been known to fly here and there for various crazed events. I would definitely consider it.

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  33. LizOctober 1, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Definitely interested, but oh, how I wish that I lived in your neighbourhood! The Netherlands is just a bit too far to come over!

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  34. Nikki H.October 1, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    That sounds like an amazing weekend. Like others, it would depend on a lot of things, but of course I would love to go! Would there be any fabric shopping involved, or would we bring all our own supplies?

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  35. Owen and his ParentsOctober 1, 2013 at 1:34 PM

    Yes! I'm in Vermont so it'd be an easy drive. And this is exactly the kind of thing I very much need at this point in my sewing "career".

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  36. LauraOctober 1, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    Sounds awesome

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  37. Sara LandeauOctober 1, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    Yes! I need to make dresses for shows coming up and would LOVE to do this. I live in NYC and have a friend or 2 who could go too.

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  38. JaimeOctober 1, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    I would love to come!

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  39. vintagevisions27October 1, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Depending on the dates and cost I would be interested. Sounds like a great idea!
    -Emily

    Emily's Vintage Visions

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  40. AmyOctober 1, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    I'm just up county from you in Rhinebeck, so I doubt I could rationalize paying for room, but if there were a workshop & food only option, I'd be game (schedule permitting). Of course, given enough time I could probably rationalize anything so there's that too....

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  41. VickyOctober 1, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    Yes, for sure!

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  42. That's Sew AmyOctober 1, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    I think it would be a lot of fun! I'd love to join :)

    -That's Sew Amy

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  43. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    Any plans to come over to the UK? I have all my fingers crossed!

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  44. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    it's so far fron Italy .....What a shame

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  45. Vinnie ToscaderoOctober 1, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    I'd be interested, especially if there is a co-ordinated fabric shopping trip in the city.

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    Replies
    1. abaileyOctober 1, 2013 at 3:08 PM

      I would love to stop in the city for fabric shopping on the way :) I will be driving through the city to get there!!!

      Delete
    2. GertieOctober 1, 2013 at 3:18 PM

      Very good idea, maybe there could be an optional pre-workshop shopping day. :)

      Delete
  46. mimi oOctober 1, 2013 at 2:50 PM

    I'm a little further North of you near Saratoga Springs so you are just a hop down the Northway and a skip on the Thruway and I'm there. I would be interested :-D

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  47. girliefrankOctober 1, 2013 at 3:03 PM

    I've always wanted to attend a sewing retreat. My birthday is in spring and I would come from Vancouver, BC, just to participate!

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  48. unlabelled clothesOctober 1, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    This sounds lovely! I would be interested but it would depend on the cost, as I'm in the UK.

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  49. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    Yes yes yes! I would LOVE to have an opportunity to do some sewing and learning in a retreat setting... especially with a Master of Sewing! Count me in!

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  50. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 4:34 PM

    With enough notice, I'd be interested in coming over from the UK!

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    1. TillyOctober 1, 2013 at 6:05 PM

      Me too! Although Spring is gonna be a busy one for me so will have to see... Can we Skype in if we can't make it?!

      Delete
    2. EmmieOctober 2, 2013 at 4:02 AM

      Me three from the UK!

      Delete
    3. emilyOctober 2, 2013 at 12:14 PM

      I wish i could come from the UK too :(

      Delete
    4. Mary CarolOctober 3, 2013 at 9:11 AM

      me too, from the UK! (Though I did spend my university years just down the road from Beacon and love the Hudson Valley!)

      Delete
  51. CarringtonMadeOctober 1, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    A sewing retreat sounds amazing!! I live in TN but would love to attend a sewing retreat SOMEWHERE! Hopefully one day I can afford it if your great idea comes to fruition!

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  52. KristenOctober 1, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    I'm too far (california) but it sounds really fun!

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  53. HeidiOctober 1, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    As a So Cal girl I agree that a trip to NY for a sewing retreat sounds delightful. I am sure the Hudson Valley is gorgeous in the spring! I LOVE the idea of a pre-retreat shopping spree in the city. Although last time I did that I had to pay extra to get my luggage home as I went over the weight limit.

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  54. RuthannOctober 1, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    It IS gorgeous there! I am from NY but live in Texas and I would absolutely make the trip for an event as you describe! Spring sounds perfect, count me in!

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  55. BonnyDOctober 1, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    sews yes!

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  56. Rosie WednesdayOctober 1, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Yes! I loved the workshop in Asilomar with you, and it would be so fun to do another. I second the fabric shopping trip idea!

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  57. bpatricia74October 1, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    Me too!!! I live in Texas, and would love to come. Next year Spring is plenty of time to plan for the sewing retreat.

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    Replies
    1. bpatricia74October 1, 2013 at 5:11 PM

      Will the sewing retreat include fabric shopping?

      Delete
    2. bpatricia74October 1, 2013 at 5:12 PM

      Will the sewing retreat include fabric shopping?

      Delete
    3. CaboritaOctober 1, 2013 at 5:26 PM

      I'm all for it. Most sewing retreats are too far away from where I live and this is perfect!

      ~Sewjourner

      Delete
  58. Rochelle NewOctober 1, 2013 at 5:27 PM

    I live in Western, NY and would DEFINITELY make the drive down!! I've only visited the Hudson Valley area a few times but I absolutely adore it, and a sewing retreat in your town appeals to me so much more than a meet-up right in NYC. I vote yes. Brilliant idea :)

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  59. FashionistaOctober 1, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    Sounds like the most fabulous fun, such a pity that I live in Australia otherwise I'd be on it like a seagull on a chip :)

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  60. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    Definitely - what a great idea. I'm moving to NYC from the UK next week so this would be perfect! Charlotte

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  61. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    Yes, please!

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  62. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 7:32 PM

    Yes from Central Pennsyvlania!

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  63. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    Just down the road in White Plains, but I'd love to get away for a perfectly stichin' weekend!

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  64. AnonymousOctober 1, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    Count me in!

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  65. emilyrobinOctober 1, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    I'd love to come down to Beacon!

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  66. Elena BOctober 2, 2013 at 12:12 AM

    I'm another interested beginner if you think the retreat would be appropriate for that level of sewing. If you're gearing your retreat to the more experienced, I'll just have to keep practicing so I can attend in the future :)

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  67. JulieOctober 2, 2013 at 4:22 AM

    Sounds great. I have a few air miles I could use ;)

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  68. SewbusymorOctober 2, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    Having attended many sewing retreats/conventions/classes...this sounds beautiful!! I would love more information!!

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  69. LiseOctober 2, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    I'd love to attend and can help arrange a carpool from the Philadelphia / SNJ area. I've got an SUV that seats 4 with plenty of room for sewing machines in the back! Best regards to all from Lise

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  70. estroJenOctober 2, 2013 at 8:26 AM

    I would be interested!!!

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  71. AnonymousOctober 2, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    (From Quebec) Yes, very interested!

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  72. MelanieOctober 2, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    It looks lovely and I think I would love the chance to get away for a weekend with some sewing people. It's not a big journey from Philly at all. But it might be kind a hard to pass through NYC and keep going....

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  73. You Really Sew?October 2, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    OK, it looks like you have enough responses for 3 retreats!!! But you better save a place for me. I do NOT want to miss this. All of you from the UK, I follow your blogs and would love to meet with you. Karen

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  74. StrychnineOctober 2, 2013 at 12:52 PM

    Considering how difficult it is for me to get through a project during a normal weekend, this sounds lovely! I would totally drive from Montreal for this :)

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  75. JennXOctober 2, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    Oh heavens yes!

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  76. cassandraOctober 2, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    I'd come down (and over) from Boston

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  77. cassandraOctober 2, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    I'd come down (and over) from Boston

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  78. AnonymousOctober 2, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    If there was room for complete beginners, yes, I'd be interested - just down the road in Poughkeepsie so access is no problem.

    ~Willow

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  79. joenOctober 2, 2013 at 10:18 PM

    I'd love to come to a sewing retreat! Sounds like a lovely spot and not too far for a Jersey gal to travel.

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  80. Roseana AutenOctober 3, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    I'm totes down with the idea of a sewing retreat in the Hudson Valley. Say when.

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  81. StephanieOctober 3, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    I'm from Schenectady, and I'd love to join in!

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  82. SarahOctober 3, 2013 at 6:37 PM

    This sounds like fun!! I live in the hudson Valley too so going there would be pretty easy for me too! I really hope this happens

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  83. Maggie Stewart BestOctober 4, 2013 at 12:50 AM

    Oh my word. Yes please!!!!!! I'd be there in a heartbeat!!!!!!

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  84. AnonymousOctober 4, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    Would love it, I've been looking but haven't found anything around NY.

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  85. minniemeanieOctober 9, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    yes!!! sign me up! We can start paying for it now and when the time comes, we all can have extra money to buy more fabric and sew all weekend! OMG... no kids, no dogs, no cats, no hubbies.... just sewing!? getting excited just thinking of the possibilities!

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  86. SandyOctober 11, 2013 at 1:59 AM

    Great idea. I live in NYC and would love it

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  87. SandyOctober 11, 2013 at 2:08 AM

    Great idea. I live in NYC and would love it

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  88. AltheaOctober 12, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    I would be interested in doing that and it is not to far from me.

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  89. AltheaOctober 12, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    I would be interested, it is not far from me.

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  90. PamOctober 12, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    I think it's a great idea!!

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  91. RedOctober 12, 2013 at 9:51 PM

    Yes! My husband does a football trip very fall and I've been looking for a crafty weekend away for me to do. This would be perfect. Plus, I like the idea of taking a train.

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  92. Sabine42October 14, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    This would be so fabulous!

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  93. ShannonOctober 15, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    Depending on when you offer it, I could totally be in!

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  94. AnonymousOctober 15, 2013 at 3:59 PM

    PLEASE DO IT I WILL MOVE IN.

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  95. Sarah (in WMass)October 20, 2013 at 9:19 PM

    Yes, please! I would love, love, love a sewing retreat & the idea of a shopping trip, especially to the NYC fabric district, would be extra marvelous!

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  96. CarolineOctober 27, 2013 at 8:14 PM

    Yes PLEASE!!!! Nature and sewing are the greatest things ever.

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  97. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Yes, I would also love to attend!!

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  98. AnonymousNovember 1, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    I'd be interested in coming from the UK too...

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  99. AnonymousNovember 1, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    I'd be interested..would be great if it's also geared towards beginners like me!

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  100. AnonymousNovember 1, 2013 at 8:07 PM

    Hi, where was the top picture taken?

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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