What does the retreat fee include? The retreat fee covers your time in the sewing room from Tuesday at 11 am until Sunday evening. It also helps cover the cost of door prizes, retreat expenses, and other retreat supplies needed.
Are there other charges? You need to stay at the Blue Gate Garden Inn to attend the retreat. Call the hotel directly at (800) 545-4725 to make your reservations. Do not use online booking services like Expedia, etc. Be sure to tell them you’re with Shipshewana Quilt Retreat. A group rate has been contracted for each of the retreats. It can vary from one retreat to another depending on availability at the hotel. I have rates set through 2025 so you can always email me if you have a question about what you should be paying.
A full breakfast is included with your room (it’s amazing!!!) and each room has a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, etc. There is no restaurant within the hotel. Check the hotel website for details and be sure to check out the ice cream shop. It’s open Thurs. – Fri. and Sat. evenings for pizza and ice cream!
How long does the retreat last? The retreat begins at 11 am on Tuesday and goes until Sunday evening. Not everyone stays late on Sunday but many of us do. We enjoy the dedicated sewing time while the shops are closed. We sometimes have our meals delivered to the hotel and eat together as a group. There are several fast-food restaurants open in the area and someone is always willing to make the drive for take-out.
How many people can I have in my hotel room? If you’re coming with friends, the retreat rate stays the same for up to two people in a room and increases by $15 per person for each additional person.
How is the sewing room set up? There are no assigned seats. The room is set up so each person will have a 6-foot table, a power strip to plug in their machine, light, etc., and a small waste basket. There are cutting stations and rulers and ironing stations with full-size irons for you to use. Small travel irons next to your machine are okay but full-size irons are not permitted. Please bring any special rulers or tools you might need for your own project.
There is a snack table in case you get hungry and everyone is welcome to bring something to share. Paper plates, napkins, cups, etc. are provided. Water, coffee, and tea are available.
There is also a sale table if you have any quilt-related items you’d like to bring. Please mark your items with your name and the price to buyers can find you.
Still have questions??? You can email me or call Sentimental Stitches at 616-422-7226 and I’ll do my best to help.
