fancy an Amsterdam Sewing Retreat?

Do you dream about visiting Europe? What about indulging in a creative retreat to foster new skills, encounter other quilters and recharge with fresh inspiration? Well friends, you could do both at once, and perhaps meet me as well!

Remember Daisy Aschehoug from the book Quilting with Curves? She is hosting a week-long natural dyeing and sewing retreat in the heart of Amsterdam this fall. It will be an intimate retreat with only 8 participants, for the week of October 29 through November 4th. There are still spots left and time is running out to fill the retreat, so I told Daisy I would love to help spread the news. Amsterdam is only a 2 hour train ride from my home. I’d like to come down the last day of the retreat to see what you all create!

So, let’s have some details. Daisy is cohosting the retreat with Leentje of Tinctoria studio. Leentje is a textile designer with expertise in dying fabric with natural plant materials. For the first part of the week, you’ll explore natural dyeing techniques.  Participants will learn how to prepare fabrics, understand the range of natural dye options available with indigo and madder, and apply natural dyes to materials to create a range of colorful options for using in sewing projects. Each participant will get 2.5 meters of material to dye.

That’s right, you take home 2.5 meters of fabric (that’s more than 2.5 yards)! I know you will want your fabric fix while on vacation, and this is a smart way to do it. That’s because quilt fabrics here in Europe are more expensive than those abroad. Instead of buying fabric, you’ll create something totally unique - what a fabulous memento of your travels!

For the second part of the week, Daisy will help participants cut and sew together a minimalist, log cabin wall hanging that showcases their newly created fabric. On the final day, you will prepare this mini quilt for hand quilting and begin applying stitches. I can imagine you now: flying home, reflecting on all that you learned and experienced, as you continue to quilt meditatively.

But it’s not all about sewing! In the middle of the week, participants will have a full day for self-guided sightseeing and relaxing. Take a boat cruise on the canals. See the Van Gogh museum. Go to Anne Frank's house. Or, enjoy a traditional Dutch pastry and latte while you relax in the "Venice of the North." There is a LOT to enjoy in Amsterdam. I highly recommend it!

The satisfaction of making a project from fabric that you’ve dyed yourself - well, I can only imagine. It’s something I would like to do someday, when the stars align. If your stars are shining on you, run don’t walk over to Daisy’s website to purchase your spot. Daisy has arranged a beautiful hotel and food for you, so all you have to decide is to treat yourself!

If you decide to go, do let me know. I would love to come say “hi”.