2025: A Year of Creativity & Joy
- Olivia Martinez
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
What a remarkable year 2025 has been at Seamless Getaways! As December arrives, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful moments we have shared, the retreats that brought us together, the stunning creations you have made and the friendships that have grown within these walls.
This year introduced several exciting firsts.
Our Tamarack Jacket Retreat, where meaningful fabrics became treasured wearable art.
Our first Paper Piecing Retreat, which welcomed eager quilters into a new technique.
Our Collage Quilting and Inktense Pencil Retreats, which blended two beloved methods in a truly creative way.
We also made updates to the retreat to make your stay even more comfortable. A cozy new daybed on the first floor located conveniently near a full bathroom provides easier access for guests who prefer to avoid stairs. Two new full beds have replaced the king bed in the Queen Parlor which makes it easier for groups and friends to stay together. And in the kitchen, we added a brand-new stove to enhance your cooking experience during your getaway.
As we head into the holidays, I am also sharing a personal update. I will be having total knee replacement surgery on December 16. Thank you for the many kind words, prayers and encouragement. I am grateful and excited to welcome you back in 2026.
A Peek into our Christmas Wonderland
The most magical time of year has arrived, and Seamless Getaways is glowing with Christmas spirit! Christmas holds a special place in my heart as it is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, gather with loved ones, create treasured memories and enjoy the beauty in every detail. I have poured that same joy into every decoration throughout the retreat, transforming the space into a warm and festive haven.
Take a peek at our Christmas wonderland. It is ready to wrap you in holiday magic and creative inspiration.
Festive feature of the month: Christmas Collage Quilts
This month, we are featuring two festive projects from Laura Heine’s Teeny Tiny Number Ten
pattern collection. The best part is that you get Santa, Snowman and Deer all in one pattern set!
Both the Santa and Snowman designs (pictured here) use classic collage quilting methods with underlays and cuttables, but each one beautifully shows how versatile these techniques can be. Some collages use only cuttables while others use strips or a blend of both. No two collages are exactly alike. You’ll also notice that the Snowman includes Inktense pencil shading that adds
depth and dimension.
Whether you are new to collage quilting or looking to expand your skills, these patterns offer the perfect chance to try new techniques on a smaller, seasonal project.
Perfect Last Minute Gift Ideas!
This holiday season, give your friends or family the gift of a creative retreat they’ll always remember. Seamless Getaways offers two ways to make it special:
Reserve a spot for a 2026 retreat and surprise them with a planned getaway full of creativity, learning and connection.
Give a gift card and let them choose the retreat that fits their schedule and style.
Either way, your gift will offer more than just a weekend away . It’s a chance to relax, learn new techniques, create beautiful projects and make lasting memories. With gift cards delivered instantly, there’s no wrapping, no shipping and no stress, just the excitement of a creative adventure to look forward to in 2026!
Make 2026 your most creative year yet!
Ready to fill your calendar with creativity. Our 2026 retreat lineup is full of opportunities to learn, unwind, and grow.
FULL - January 6, 7, 8: Open Inktense & Collage Quilting Retreat - Start the new year with fresh creativity and new techniques. Bring your favorite Laura Heine Collage Quilt Pattern and Linda will guide you through the process.
The price is $235 for 3 full days, 2 nights, and four meals. You may attend by yourself and meet new friends or attend with a friend. A $50 deposit reserves your spot. We know January may offer questionable weather; your deposit if refunded or may be used for the next retreat if you should need to cancel.
*This retreat is FULL! Add your name to a wait list.
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January 17, 18, 19 Intro to Paper Piecing Open Retreat - Join instructor, Pam Riss in this 3-day retreat to learn the basics of paper piecing. You will create “Butterflies & Flowers”.
The price is $235 for 3 full days, 2 nights, and four meals. Instructor fee: $100 + Pattern. You may attend by yourself and meet new friends or attend with a friend. A $50 deposit reserves your spot. We know January may offer questionable weather; your deposit if refunded or may be used for the next retreat if you should need to cancel.
*Only 6 openings left!
January 21, 22, 23, 24 Open Inktense & Collage Quilting Retreat - This is a four day, 3 night retreat; the perfect setting for those large collage quilts. Bring your favorite Laura Heine Collage Quilt Pattern and Linda will guide you through the process.
The price is $335 for 4 full days, 3 nights, and six meals. You may attend by yourself and meet new friends or attend with a friend. A $50 deposit reserves your spot. We know January may offer questionable weather; your deposit if refunded or may be used for the next retreat if you should need to cancel.
*Only 6 openings left!
February 4,5, 6: Trapunto Tamarack Jacket Retreat with Sara Elizabeth Hochhauser
Elevate your Tamarack jacket to the next level! Join us for this special 3-day retreat with guest instructor Sara Elizabeth Hochhauser (www.sara-elizabeth.com), who will guide you through the art of trapunto quilting on your jacket. The results are absolutely stunning, and you'll gain skills you can apply to any fabric project beyond this retreat.
This technique adds beautiful dimension and texture that transforms your jacket into a true work of wearable art. Even I'm taking this retreat – come join me for this exciting learning opportunity!
The price is $235 for 3 days, 2 nights and four meals, plus a $125 instructor fee, pattern fee (if needed), and guests should bring their own fabric. A $50 deposit reserves your spot. We understand February weather can be unpredictable, if you need to cancel, your deposit will be refunded or applied to a future retreat.
Attend solo and make new quilting friends or bring a companion for a shared creative adventure!
FULL: February 10, 11, 12 Open Retreat - Beat the winter blues with warm fellowship and inspiring projects. Join instructor, Pam Riss, in this inspirational paper piecing clock pattern.
The price is $235 for 3 full days, 2 nights, and four meals. Pam Riss, Instructor Fee $100 + Pattern and supplies. You may attend by yourself and meet new friends or attend with a friend. A $50 deposit reserves your spot. We know February may offer questionable weather; your deposit if refunded or may be used for the next retreat if you should need to cancel.
*This retreat is FULL! Add your name to a wait list.
March 18, 19, 20, 2026 Women of the Bible Retreat - Welcome spring with renewed energy and beautiful creations. Perfect time for reflection during Lent. Pam Riss, paper piecing instructor, will give a one-day instruction on paper piecing. During this 3-day retreat you will choose which women of the bible you will create. There will be reflection and discussion throughout this retreat.
The price is $235 and includes 3 full days, 2 nights and four meals. Pam Riss, Instructor Fee $50 + $10 Pattern. On Day One Pam will be teaching the paper piecing method to create one block of Women of the Bible. On Day Two, Linda will create another block using collage quilting. You may choose which method you want to use. Come on your own and make new quilting friends or bring a friend along! A $50 deposit reserves your spot. We understand March weather can be unpredictable — if you need to cancel, your deposit will be refunded or applied to a future retreat. There is a $10 pattern fee, and guests should bring their own fabric. Full details will be sent by email.
Creative class opportunities in 2026!
Linda will be teaching at quilt shops and guilds throughout 2026, sharing collage quilting, Inktense pencil techniques, wearable art and more.
Dec. 4–6 – Hands All Around Quilting Guild of Central Illinois
Presentation/Trunk Show + Workshops
Inktense Pencils Workshop.
Tamarack Jacket
Pattern #11 Vases
March 16 Prairie Point Quilt Shop
Creative Tamarack Jacket
Tamarack Jacket
Creative Tamarack Jacke
Birch Street
Have a favorite quilt shop you'd love to see offer collage quilting classes? I'd be happy to reach out to them! Simply share the shop's name with me, and I'll contact them about bringing Laura Heine's collage quilting techniques to your area. As a certified instructor with advanced training, I'm always excited to connect with new shops and quilting communities who want to explore these one-of-a-kind techniques.
Reservation Reminder:
Online bookings come to me first for confirmation before updating the calendar. This allows me to personally connect with each guest, confirm retreat details and ensure everything is set for your creative getaway. I'll be in touch shortly after you submit your reservation!
To check your confirmed reservation or view current openings for upcoming retreats, visit our calendar on the website. The calendar will open as a PDF in a separate window, showing all available dates and confirmed bookings.
Wishing you much joy, relaxation and perhaps some stitching time during this Christmas season. Thank you for making 2025 a year filled with creativity, connection and cherished memories. Here's to all the beautiful things we'll create together in the year ahead!
Linda
Retreatologist
If you enjoyed your stay, I’d love for you to leave a positive review here. For any suggestions or ideas for future retreats, please email me at seamlessgetaways@outlook.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration, updates and more creative fun!
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