Good questions

Each retreat is a little different. Open your chosen retreat from our retreats page to see the fee and what’s included, such as teaching, activities, meals and materials. Any extras, including patterns or additional kits, will be listed there too. Cabin accommodation is paid for separately, and we’ll arrange it with you alongside your retreat booking.

The skill level is listed on each detailed retreat page, which you can find through our retreats page. If you’re unsure whether a retreat will suit you, have a chat with us about what you’ve tried and what you’d like to learn. We’ll be happy to help you find a good fit.

You’re very welcome to come on your own. Working on a project together is an easy way to get chatting, and there’s room to enjoy the company or quietly get on with your making. You can also come with a friend. Just let us know if you’d like to share a cabin.

Choose a retreat from our retreats page, open its detailed page and select the expression of interest button. The short form asks a few questions about you and your accommodation preferences. Once you’ve sent it through, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can to let you know whether we can offer you a place and help you with the next steps. An enquiry or expression of interest doesn’t hold a place. If the retreat is already full, you can join its waitlist instead. If you’d like a hand, get in touch — we’re happy to help.

Please let us know as soon as you can if your plans change. We’ll talk you through the cancellation terms for your retreat, including any refunds or charges. If you’d like someone else to take your place, check with us first. If we need to cancel, the organiser cancellation terms for your event will apply.

If the retreat you’d love to attend is full, join the waitlist and we’ll contact you if a place becomes available. The form also lets you share your cabin preferences. You can join our mailing list for retreat news, new dates and cancellation places, and follow us on Facebook to see what we’ve been making. You’re welcome to unsubscribe from the mailing list at any time. Joining either list doesn’t reserve a place.

Your detailed retreat page will explain what to bring and anything to prepare beforehand — find yours through our retreats page. Once your place is confirmed, we’ll send you the preparation details and a link to the retreat’s private Facebook group, where you can ask questions and get to know other makers. If you don’t use Facebook, let us know and we’ll help you get the information another way. Unsure about a machine, tool or something on the list? Please ask before buying anything — we’re happy to help you check.

You may already have a pattern we’re using, so we don’t always include it in the retreat fee. Buying directly from the designer also keeps the licence and downloads in your name. Your detailed retreat page will explain which patterns you need, any separate costs and when to buy them — choose your retreat from our retreats page. Once your place is confirmed, we’ll send you the links.

Sometimes! Some retreats have a Vendor Corner or Makers’ Marketplace where sponsors sell their products. It varies from one retreat to another, so check your detailed retreat page through our retreats page and bring everything on your preparation list. Get in touch if you’re hoping to pick something up while you’re here — we’re happy to help you plan.

We want you to feel well looked after while you’re here. Your detailed retreat page lists the meals and refreshments included — choose your retreat from our retreats page to see the details. Breakfast is yours to arrange, whether you’d enjoy a quiet start in your cabin or a visit to a local spot such as the bakery. Check opening hours before heading out. If you have dietary requirements, please let us know before your place is confirmed. We’ll talk through what can be arranged so you know what to expect.

Our retreats are held at Yarraman Caravan Park & Cabins, in the Queensland country town of Yarraman. We gather in the park’s club room, which we call the Craft Room, just a short walk from the cabins. You can settle in and enjoy your making without driving between your accommodation and the workshop. Most retreats we organise require an onsite cabin stay. Have a look at the accommodation options, then chat with us before booking and we’ll help arrange your cabin, charged separately from the retreat fee. Partners, friends and family can stay too — just let us know when we’re planning your booking.

Yes — you can have a cabin all to yourself, with your own space to relax after a day of making. If a friend is attending the retreat too, let us know if you’d like to share. We’ll talk through the cabin types and bed arrangements, then confirm what’s available and how much it will cost before you book.

Your cabin has its own ensuite bathroom, with bed linen, towels and a fridge included. Kitchen facilities and other inclusions vary, so have a look at the details for your chosen cabin. Pack your own shampoo and toiletries. There’s free guest WiFi too; just ask at reception for the login details.

You can check into your cabin from 2pm on your booked arrival day. Your retreat programme will give you the session times, which are separate from cabin check-in and checkout. If you’d like to stay a little longer, have a chat with us. We’ll check availability for extra nights or a late checkout and help you plan your stay.

Travelling by car is usually the easiest option, especially if you’re bringing a sewing machine, tools or other supplies. If you’re coming without a car, our Getting here page has public transport information to help you plan. Check current services, connections and luggage arrangements before booking, and let us know your expected arrival time.

Have a chat with us about parking and unloading before you arrive, especially if you’re bringing a machine or heavy supplies. Let us know what you’re bringing and any access needs so we can discuss the arrangements with you.

Let us know about any access or unloading needs when arranging your stay so we can talk through the cabin and route that would suit you. We have two wheelchair-friendly cabins with accessible bathrooms, and ramp access to the Craft Room. You can find more on our accessibility and visiting page. The park welcomes pets, but the Craft Room is pet-free and pets can’t be left unattended in cabins. Talk with us before booking so you can plan for your pet during retreat sessions, and check the park’s pet policy.

When you put your project down, take a dip in the pool or settle into a covered picnic area with a cuppa. There’s a camp kitchen and BBQs, herbs and seasonal veggies in the guest garden, a gift shop to browse and a communal firepit to enjoy when conditions and restrictions allow. You can watch the cows in the neighbouring paddocks or take a stroll into town along the off-highway walking path. Have a look around the park for more ways to enjoy your time here.