Combine the joy of textile art with unforgettable travels in a magical sewing experience you’ll never forget.
Calling all textile artists, from seasoned stitchers to curious beginners! Are you yearning to ignite your creativity, learn new skills, and connect with a passionate community? Our immersive retreats offer the perfect escape, blending workshops, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery.
A transformative escape for textile art enthusiasts.
Our retreats feature a curated selection of workshops led by renowned textile artists. Expand your skill set with innovative techniques, delve into traditional practices, and push your creative boundaries in a supportive and inspiring environment.
We take care of all the details, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable experience. Relax and focus on your creativity while we handle the logistics, from comfortable accommodations to delicious meals.
Innovative textile
art classes
Explore cutting-edge techniques and push your creative boundaries with our curated selection of workshops.
Breathtaking destinations to explore
Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of our locations and relax at our luxurious venues, creating lasting memories with fellow artists.
A place to belong
Feel fully supported and valued throughout the retreat with our dedicated team ensuring your well-being, greet old friends and make new connections to cherish when you return home.
Seamless retreat experience
Enjoy a meticulously planned and flawlessly executed retreat, exceeding your expectations in every detail.
Wherever you are in your textile art journey, we have a place for you.
Textile artists of all skill levels, from beginners seeking inspiration to seasoned stitchers looking to refine their craft.
Anyone who craves a unique and enriching travel experience that combines creativity, connection, and cultural immersion.
Those seeking a chance to escape the everyday and reconnect with their inner artist in a place of profound beauty and serenity.
“A definite bucket list item.”
Attending the 2023 Sewing up a Storm in the Desert with Caroline and her team was my third time and definitely the best. Such a wonderful group of sewers including old friends and many new friends. The workshops were excellent, Hard to choose which one to do as they were all exciting, and then the evening activities handpicked by Caroline and her crew were amazing. I would definitely recommend Sewing up a Storm in the Desert as a definite bucket list item. 2025 is likely to be even more wonderful if I know the team!”body is left behind. All participants report having the best time ever.”
Vicki M.
An experience so exquisite, you can feel it already.
Each retreat takes place in a unique and awe-inspiring location, offering an opportunity to explore the local culture and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Imagine creating textile art inspired by rolling hills, vibrant cities, or majestic mountains!
Whether it’s in the heart of Australia beneath the majestic Uluru, amongst the birds and the breeze of the northern tropics, or relaxing to the sound of the waves by the coast - you’re sure to find a retreat just for you.
Stitch up a storm with talented guest tutors with a wealth of creative knowledge and experience, including your host Caroline Sharkey.
Luxury Accommodations
Relax and recharge in beautifully appointed rooms at your retreat’s host venue, or venture out into the region's many incredible accommodations.
Delicious Meals
Savour the flavours of Australia with gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Excursions & Cultural Experiences
Get out and about in between sessions to explore each location and the breathtaking inspiration nature has to offer.
Retreats Coming Up
Sewing Up a Storm in the Tropics:
Port Douglas, March 2025
Sewing Up a Storm in the Desert:
Uluru, Aug 2025
“It was certainly worth the wait!”
“After rescheduling because of Covid and the uncertainty of closed borders, the 2023 Uluru Retreat finally happened after a 3 year wait. So much hard work was done by Caroline Sharkey, her family and the wonderful, ‘behind the scenes’ team to make this happen.
As a ‘first timer’ to Uluru what impressed me was the level of communication that was sent to delegates. The Delegates Booklet, outlining the classes on offer, the accommodation options, things to do around the resort, included tours and a schedule of events and times made organising the trip very manageable.
The choice of tutors was excellent. Our 2 brilliant Australians, Caroline Sharkey and Gloria Loughman, along with highly acclaimed textile artists Sandra Mollon and Judy Coates Perez from the USA all made for an exciting and fulfilling 4 days of creativity and learning.
Bernina Australia sponsors this event and each delegate got to bring home a new Bernina 325 sewing machine that they used during the workshops. What an amazing feat to organise so many specially skinned machines showing Caroline Sharkey’s award winning quilt, ‘Star Talk’.
Although it was a busy schedule we had time to meet and chat with other delegates, getting to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.”