On the Road to The Patch
August 4-8, 2027
Prepare to be Pampered...
...join us in the Shenandoah Valley with quilts, mountain views , summer sunflowers and TWO celebrated designers - Giucy Giuce & Southwind Designs.
Salem Stitches and Patchwork Plus, Virginia's largest quilt shop have teamed up again to offer a unique opportunity for YOU to join us in downtown Harrisonburg for our second annual 5 star retreat in early August of 2027.
Retreat features Spacious sewing space & sleeping rooms, Delicious catered meals, lots of natural lighting, all in a walkable area at the Hotel Madison, 710 S Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Includes TWO full-day workshops, plus time to work on your own projects. Check out the daily itinerary for more information. Our guest designers are Giuseppe Ribaudo AKA Giucy Giuce and Annette Ornales of Southwind Designs.
Check in to Hotel Madison on "Early Bird" Wednesday to have time to explore the City and surrounding area. We'll have your badge ready AND a place to store your sewing machine & supplies until Thursday when the sewing room opens at 1 pm!
Download the "MyTrips by WeTravel" APP on your mobile device to be ready for a detailed itinerary for retreat attendees.
Call Kathleen at (336) 631-5356 with questions.
Looking for other dates? Click here for more Salem Stitches Retreats!
Updated August 11, 2026 at 11 am
Giucy Giuce & Southwind Designs
Join the incredibly talented Giucy Guice and Annette Ornales for a retreat weekend not to be missed. An exclusive opportunity to dive into the world of traditional quilting elements with a modern touch.
Expect hands-on sessions where you can experiment with fabric choices, learn new techniques, and explore how to bring new life to traditional quilting methods. Plus, you'll get the opportunity to interact with a community of like-minded creators, share ideas, and get personalized tips from Giuseppe and Annette in person!
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from TWO of the quilting world's leaders whose designs are fresh, fun and a mix of traditional elements with a modern touch. Workshop fees included, kits are extra.
Project details provided in early 2027.
What To Expect
Event takes place in the conference center at The Hotel Madison in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Great location in a walkable area
A Thursday Evening BBQ Supper at VA Quilt Museum followed by "Desserts & Shopping" at Patchwork Plus
TWO day-long workshops, one from each designer
Plenty of time to sew your own projects
Delicious catered meals with attention paid to allergies
Gathering spots to meet up, or sit, sip & stitch
Enjoy the Show & Tell as projects are finished
A great group of people
A Dedicated Sewing Space For The Weekend
You will love being creative in our retreat sewing room!
Large individual table to spread out & leave set up at night
Lots of windows, natural & room lighting
Ironing, Cutting & Design Stations, plus light tables (on request)
Arrive Thursday at 1 pm and sew 'til Sunday at 4 pm
Sew all night... room open as long as 2 people are present! Note Thursday night room does close at 10 pm.
The Patch Pop-up Shop
Patchwork Plus is just down the road, so expect daily deliveries of items you need
Fabrics, precuts, notions, supplies you may need
Selection of Kits just in case you are inspired
Cynthia will have the newest and greatest to demo
Giuseppe's and Annette's favorite notions will be in stock!
Purchases at Patchwork Plus Pop Up Shop away from home earn Points that never expire and Charms, just like at the shop or online.
Zoom Information Sessions
A short meeting is the perfect time to ask questions.
For those interested in attending the retreat, but desire additional information, this is the perfect way to get a feel for the upcoming retreat. Contact us for the link.
Registered attendees will receive the link to attend a Zoom session in their welcome email. The link remains the same for all scheduled Zoom meetings. Come as many times as you like.
Feel free to pop in for a minute or stay the whole time.
Upcoming 30 minute Sessions:
Dates to be announced
Your Retreat Home
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Hotel Madison
710 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
Check inThursday, Aug 5, 2027
Check outSunday, Aug 8, 2027
Retreat Sewing Rooms, Dining & Lodging in One Place
Hotel Madison is a full service hotel close to the historic downtown
Information will be sent to registered attendees to book rooms in our group block at a reduced group rate.
Arrive early Wednesday and we will have a place to store your sewing machine and supplies until the sewing room opens on Thursday.
Both Single King and Double Queen accommodations available. Nights before & after retreat qualify for group rate.
Includes FULL Hot Breakfast Buffet for those who book in our room block. ($17+ for those not staying overnight or those who book through an online site or agent)
Refrigerators, Keurig coffee makers, free wireless, indoor salt water pool, exercise room, great areas for visiting and a business center are a few of the reasons we chose this property.
Summer hours may apply at Grace & Main Coffee Shop , so we are offering an optional mid-afternoon Coffee Break Friday & Saturday with specialty drinks delivered from a local coffee shop.
Quills Lobby Bar features specialty cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings
Locals are invited to drive in and join us, though you may want to stay at least one night- it's more fun! Call a friend to room with you and make the retreat a "Staycation"
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Discover Harrisonburg
Come Early & See the Sights!
Are you a quilter who likes to come early and be refreshed after your travels? Before the sewing room doors open? Plan to arrive Wednesday afternoon!
Take time to explore Harrisonburg on Thursday morning before the retreat doors open at 1 pm. We'll even have your Virginia Quilt Museum ticket ready so you can spend some time there. Alicia will be ready to welcome you.
The Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center (pictured) is a multi-use facility located in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. Inside on the first floor you will find Visitor Services, Rocktown Gift Shoppe, The Valley Turnpike Museum, The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Civil War Orientation Center and Heritage Bakery & Cafe. Come to learn more about Harrisonburg’s rich historical roots, then stay for a delicious pastry.
The Green Valley Book Fair in Mt Crawford is a fun place to browse if you love books!
A Walkable Town
Harrisonburg is home to JMU- James Madison University and is pedestrian friendly.
Restaurants
Check your map to locate a few local favorites:
Bella Luna, 80 W Water St
Babylon, 1435 S Main St
Clementine Cafe, 153 S Main St
Jimmy Madison's, 121 S Main St #3602
Coffee & Sandwich Shops
Grace & Main at Hotel Madison
Greenberry's Coffee, 400 S Main St 2 Blocks from Hotel
Heritage Bakery 212 S Main Street , Downtown at Visitor Center
Sweet Molly Kate's Near Patchwork Plus and Museum, 221 Main Street in Dayton
What To Bring
Ready to Get Organized?
A Checklist of What to Bring will be emailed before the retreat and added to the APP Itinerary. This list has been compiled over the years from attendees and you will find it quite helpful. To help you plan, here's a short list:
Your sewing machine. It is always good to have your machine cleaned and serviced prior to a retreat! We have a few to rent for the weekend, be sure to add that request in your participant information section
General Sewing supplies
Tools to include rulers, rotary cutter, if specific tools will be needed a list will be sent
Projects you want to work on
Threads to match your fabrics, in case top stitching is needed. (We will have a variety of thread types & colors in the shop)
We make it easy for you to pack before your trip! Supply kits for workshops include everything you need, with the exception of piecing thread. We know everyone's machine has their favorite!
We save you the worry of running around to gather everything! Should there be specific items to bring, it will be listed in this section in your Itinerary.
What NOT to bring!
Worries & Cares
Scented ironing spray, perfume or hand/body lotions. Many quilters are sensitive to fragrances!
Extension cords and Multi outlet strips - we provide them if needed
Large, full size irons
Large folding tables- a few small folding TV trays can be accommodated. Please let us know in advance- we are counting...
What's Included
What's included
Thursday Welcome Supper
Evening Gathering at Virginia Quilt Museum & Patchwork Plus just for retreat goers from 4:30 - 7:30 pm.
Virginia Quilt Museum
A ticket to this local treasure is included
Designer Workshops
TWO full day workshops.
Meals
3 lunches and 2 dinners to RAVE about for ALL! Full, hot breakfast buffet for hotel guests in our group block. Food allergies are noted.
Cookie Breaks & Snacks
We will break to energize up for our projects!
Gifts and goodies
The quilting elves will pay you a visit nightly with fun surprises!
Demos
Techniques, tools, and new products
What's not included
Transportation
To/From venue retreat. If flying, we recommend Charlottesville Airport (CHO) 30 miles away and using Uber/Lyft or a rental car. There is also the smaller Shenandoah Airport (SHD) 20 minutes away with limited service by American Airlines
Hotel Madison Lodging
Lodging is purchased separately using our group link, sent after deposit is made, for discounted rate which includes full breakfast buffet. Group rate also available Wednesday & Sunday nights.
Early Bird Wednesday
August 4th
Are you a quilter who likes to come early and be refreshed after your travels? Before the sewing room doors open?
Plan to arrive Wednesday afternoon and and meet us from 3-5 pm to pick up your badge. Take time to explore Harrisonburg on Thursday morning before the retreat doors open at 1 pm.
Leave your sewing machine & supplies in a secure room until Thursday at 1 pm... better than in your car or sleeping room.
We'll even have your Virginia Quilt Museum ticket ready so you can spend some time there. Alicia will be ready to welcome you.
You will love the Shenandoah Valley! Check out Harrisonburg, Virginia by clicking here.
Welcome Thursday
August 5th
We're excited to see you! Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in Harrisonburg on your way to Hotel Madison. We'll send suggested places as retreat gets closer.
Check into our quilting oasis for the long weekend. We open at 1 pm for you to set up and start sewing, after you enjoy cookie break of course. We'll also have info on local attractions if you want to "walk off" your travels or grab a coffee and pastry. Take this time for a visit to the Virginia Quilt Museum, admission is included in retreat!
If you arrive before the sewing room opens at 1 pm, we will have a registration table open at 11 am for you to grab your badge and store your luggage.
After Hours at The Virginia Quilt Museum and The Patch! Enjoy visiting the museum and having a BBQ supper before you head to The Patch for "Desserts & Shopping". Virginia's Quilt Museum and Patchwork Plus, Virginia's largest quilt shop is open 4:30 - 7:30 pm just for retreat attendees.
Sewing Room will be closed 5-7:30 pm. Come back to sew after the party until 10 pm!
Workshop Friday
August 6th
We will start the day with a delicious breakfast buffet (included in room rate for those booked in our group block), followed by announcements in the ballroom at 9 am.
We have TWO Sewing Rooms in 2027 and Giuseppe will be teaching in one and another in another. They will switch rooms Friday & Saturday.
Workshop Saturday
August 7th
We have TWO Sewing Rooms in 2027 and Giuseppe will be teaching in one and another in another. They will switch rooms Friday & Saturday.
Finish It Sunday
August 8th
Finish your projects on Sunday... who wants a UFO to bring home? Your last chance for questions and shopping. Take a leisurely lunch before you travel or grab & go to keep sewing. Final farewells start at 4 pm... It's been a blast. Option to stay Sunday night at our group rate, so you'll be fresh to travel.
We look forward to seeing you at our next retreat.
Pricing
Payment Info and Other details
You have a personal "Travel Information" Dashboard on the WeTravel site which allows you to keep your information, such as contact info and food allergies, current!
You can purchase add-ons, make payments, update info and send messages through the "Dashboard" .
Do NOT set up an "account" on We Travel, trip attendees do not need one. Log in verification is through email.
Save your retreat confirmation email, it has the link to your Dashboard OR CLICK HERE. Enter email address and a code will be emailed... no password or account needed!
Payments can be made with credit cards, ACH debits from bank accounts, or checks
Checks may be sent to Salem Stitches, 832 S Main Street, Winston Salem, NC 27101 and will added to your dashboard page when received
Credit Card payments are subject to a 3%+ fee
ACH payments (direct debit from your bank account) have zero fees
Automatic reminders and payments can be set up
Standard payment plan is 4-5 payments
Cancellation policy: The $100 deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to another retreat depending on cancellation date.
If you cancel more than 120 days prior to the retreat, all monies paid, less deposit & processing fee will be transferred to another retreat or refunded to original payment source. More than 30 days prior, all payments less deposit & processing fee, not committed to vendors will be transferred to another retreat or refunded. 30 days or less before the retreat, refunds simply cannot be made.
At any time, your payments may be transferred to a new attendee, that you find & designate, coming in your place.
Upcoming Retreats
Navigating The Site
Salem Stitches Retreats uses We Travel to manage the retreat "nuts & bolts", or is it "needles & threads"? Here's a Quick Overview.
You have TWO Places on We Travel:
Website to handle registration, payments, information updates
Mobile APP, "My Trips by WeTravel" for use with Itinerary sent to attendees before retreat. It is view only, not interactive.
After registration, log into your Website "Trip Information" Dashboard to update info:
Use link in original confirmation email
Visit https://salemstitches.wetravel.com to log in with email. A link will be emailed to. you. Do not open an "account", it confuses log in.
Select "Manage Booking" then "Update Participant Info" and scroll down to section you need... update information, food allergies, seating requests, kit preorder, etc
Attendee Updates
The itinerary is your GO-TO for up-to-date retreat information. Get the "My Trips by WeTravel" APP and have it update automatically on your phone or mobile device OR download PDF OR view on computer. No more hunting for emails!
Itinerary has MORE details than this Trips page on the website, as it is geared for those coming to a specific retreat!
Steps to Use APP
FIRST Download "My Trips" by WeTravel at the Apple or Google APP store on your phone or tablet.
Itinerary link sent via email as retreat gets closer.
Click on the itinerary link in email, which opens to the home itinerary page.
Click Rectangle icon (phone with down arrow) in top right corner
Scan QR code in pop up box
Download opens in APP. APP updates automatically when we add new info.
We add additional information during and after the retreat.
Your Organizer
Salem Stitches
Salem Stitches, a Three Fifty Six, Inc company specializes in Gatherings for Quilters, Stitchers and Sewists. We offer in person and virtual retreats, sew days and our Thursday evening virtual "Sip & Stitch". Check out our website at SalemStitches.com.
Upcoming Retreats
About Salem Stitches
Salem Stitches
92 reviews
Salem Stitches, a Three Fifty Six, Inc company specializes in Gatherings for Quilters, Stitchers and Sewists. We offer in person and virtual retreats, sew days and the popular Thursday evening virtual "Sip & Stitch". Check out our website at SalemStitches.com.
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