Gratitude, Gourds & Getaways
- Olivia Martinez
- Nov 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 4
The season of Thanksgiving is here, and I find myself reflecting on what makes Seamless Getaways truly special – YOU! My heart is grateful for every guest who has walked through our doors, the beautiful friendships that have formed within these walls and the countless moments of laughter, creativity and connection we've experienced together.
One of the greatest joys of hosting retreats is witnessing quilters gather with friends and family, sharing not just their craft but warm meals, heartfelt conversations and memories that will last a lifetime. This is what Seamless Getaways was created for – bringing people together through creativity and community.
This month, I'm delighted to share our featured Gourd quilt, offer gift-giving inspiration for the quilters in your life and highlight my upcoming teaching opportunities plus our exciting 2026 retreat calendar!
Feature of the Month: Gourd Collage Quilt
This Gourd collage quilt captures the essence of autumn in the most beautiful way! Vibrant fall colors and whimsical details come together to create something truly special. Look closely inside the gourd and you'll discover fall flowers, fruit and vegetables beautifully layered in intricate detail. The fabric selection and precise placement create depth and texture that draw you in for a closer look. Butterflies of every color, shape and size dance gracefully across the background – a lovely reminder that even as seasons change, beauty surrounds us in each present moment.
This quilt is a perfect example of Laura Heine's collage quilting techniques, demonstrating how thoughtful layering and creative fabric choices can transform a seasonal autumn theme into a dimensional work of art.
Give the gift of creativity this season!
Give a gift that keeps on giving this holiday season! Surprise the quilters and crafters in your life with a Seamless Getaways retreat experience. Perfect for moms who need relaxation, aunts who love to create, best friends who deserve quality time or creative children ready to explore their artistic side.
Our retreats offer more than just sewing time – they provide space for connection, inspiration and making memories that last long after the projects are finished. Browse our 2026 calendar to find the perfect creative adventure or choose a gift card that lets them select their ideal retreat timing!
Catch Linda at these creative events!
Bring your creativity and join Linda at these upcoming teaching events. Whether you're interested in wearable art or collage quilting, there's an opportunity waiting for you:
November 11 – Thimbles Quilt Shop
Gourd Collage Quilt
November 15-Thimbles Quilt Shop
Reindeer Collage Quilt
Dec. 4–6 – Hands All Around Quilting Guild of Central Illinois
Presentation/Trunk Show + Workshops
Inktense Pencils Workshop.
Creative Tamarack Jacket
Birch Street
New year, new projects: 2026 retreat calendar
Ready to plan your 2026 creative adventures? Our retreat calendar is filling up with exciting opportunities perfect for quilters seeking focused project time, new skill development and meaningful connections with fellow crafters.
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.
*Only three openings left!
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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 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. 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.
Whether you attend solo to meet new quilting friends or bring someone special along, these retreats offer the perfect blend of instruction, creative time and community. Many of our most beloved group retreats have started with friendships formed during these individual retreat experiences!
Our 2026 calendar is filling up fast! September, October and most of November are already booked, so be sure to check our reservation calendar and secure your preferred dates while other months are still available.
I hope to welcome you to Seamless Getaways soon!
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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