Annual event

The Annual Retreat

August 12–15, 2026 · Plymouth, MN · $555Members & guests

The Guild's beloved annual getaway returns August 12–15, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West — four days of classes and independent study, 11 meals, and the company of fellow stitchers. This year's theme: "We the people…stitch."

About the retreat

More than a meeting

Once a year the Guild gathers for a retreat — a relaxed few days to take a class from a visiting teacher, dig into a project, and enjoy the company of fellow stitchers. It's one of the most anticipated events on the calendar.

Guided classes
Visiting teachers
Open stitching
Good company

A past retreat

Stitching together

A finished project

The details

What to expect

When

August 12–15, 2026 (Wednesday–Saturday). Classes begin at 9 a.m.

Where

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN 55441.

Registration fee

$555 — covers the participation fee and 11 meals (four breakfasts, four lunches, three suppers). Class kit fees are extra and vary by class (about $75–$115). Pay by PayPal or check, full or in two payments.

Stay over

Optional — the Crowne Plaza group rate is $99 per night plus tax. Book by July 20 to get the rate.

2026 faculty

Teachers & classes

Cissy Bailey Smith

EGA canvaswork teacher, sampler collector, and designer of self-lined antique 'smalls.'

In My Heart Needle Book & Scissor Sheath$115 kit
Margaret's Holdall & Pin Wheel$113 kit
Updated Red House Patriotic Etui$95 kit
Useful Antique Tools & Treasureslecture

Kim Sanders

EGA-certified crewel & surface embroidery teacher and Master Craftsman in Surface Embroidery and Smocking.

Silk Ribbon Smalls$75 kit
Crewel Necessities Huswife$90 kit

Stephanie Burnham

Beading expert and author of six books, teaching internationally — her class is taught via Zoom.

Holly and Noel$100 kit

Carmen Nordback

Quilter specializing in prepared-edge appliqué.

Prepared Edge Appliquédemonstration

Good to know

Common questions

Who can attend?

All Guild members and their guests are warmly welcome.

What does the $555 fee include?

The participation fee plus 11 meals — four breakfasts, four lunches, and three suppers, Wednesday through Saturday. Class kit fees are extra and vary by class.

Do I have to stay at the hotel?

No — staying overnight is optional. The Crowne Plaza offers a $99/night group rate (plus tax); book by July 20 to get it.

When do I need to register by?

Registration is open now. Class deadlines: Cissy Bailey Smith by May 15, Kim Sanders by June 5, and Stephanie Burnham and Independent Study by July 15.

What's the cancellation policy?

Cancel by June 10 for a full refund (minus a $25 processing fee), or by July 16 for a half refund. Requests must be made in writing.

Do I have to take classes?

No — you can register purely for independent study and stitch on your own projects, with two large rooms of clustered tables just for that.

Save the date

Come away and stitch

August 12–15, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West. The $555 fee covers four days and 11 meals; classes fill quickly, so register early. New to the Guild? Join and be part of it.