13th Annual 3-Day Retreat 2026

Once Upon A Quilt - all-inclusive 13th Annual 3-Day Retreat 

*Pertinent Information about the 2026 Retreat 

2026 Retreat is the *1st week-end in December 

Dates: Saturday December 5th – Sunday December 6th- and Monday December 7th
*Retreat Fee $675.00 - Non-Refundable Deposit $ 275.00

 **Early Bird gets the worm or in this case the discount. Early Bird registration is $ 625.00 save $ 50.00. Early Bird Registration closes September 1^st. No exceptions!


About the Retreat

At Once Upon A Quilt, we are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming retreat where the only thing you need to bring is yourself, your passion for learning, and a smile. We take care of the rest to ensure you have an unforgettable 3- day weekend. For over a decade, our attendees have basked in the warmth of our sewing community, forging lasting friendships and eagerly anticipating the camaraderie that awaits. Join us for a retreat where creativity and fun come together to create a magical experience like no other. 

Each day, you'll embark on a new learning adventure with renowned educators like Kathy McMakin, serger expert -, Kate Green   embroidery expert -  and Joanne Leonard & Kari Curley BERNINA experts, teaming up together and sharing their expertise in quilting and software. That’s 4 amazing educators new this year.  You will master a variety of techniques using BERNINA sewing machines that will be provided for each class. 

Select BERNINA machines will arrive new in the box the week prior to the retreat, these machines will be gently used during the 3-day retreat and will be available for purchase after the retreat at unbelievably discounted prices. If you think you may be interested in a classroom machine, please contact the shop 954-987-8827 or you can email lisa@onceuponaquilt.com You can reserve a machine prior to the retreat or pass this savings along to a friend not attending the retreat. 

On Sunday evening following class you will sit back, relax and be inspired when attending the retreat lecture/demo presentation. Door Prize give aways to follow the presentation where you will have the opportunity to win many prizes to include 3 big Grand prizes. You must be present to win!

You will observe demonstrations throughout the retreat, these will be set up at the shop and the retreat store.  This year our demonstrations will come with a passport so you can win more exclusive prizes.  You will be able to shop at Once Upon A Quilt and in our exclusive retreat store where you will receive discounts on select items. 

We will provide coffee and tea each morning, delicious catered lunch where you will have choices for multiple diets and a spread of appetizers Sunday night before the lecture and most important chocolate throughout the day.  Please note that special diets cannot be accomodated. However we have made note when ordering our lunches to have something for everyone.

Class projects: ANTICIPATION!!! Our class projects are always a closely guarded secret until the event. We want you to be surprised and excited the first day. Our projects are specially created for our retreat using the above-mentioned techniques with direct input by our teachers. We only use the highest quality fabrics and notions when making our class kits.  Three beautiful kits are created by our staff, with approval from our teachers. All 3 kits are provided to our attendees at no charge. This is all part of our inclusive registration fee.

When: Saturday December 5th 9:00 am - 4:00pm, Sunday December 6th, 9:00am - 4:00pm appetizers at 4:30 and Lecture begins at 5:00 pm and Monday December 7th , 9:00am - 4:00pm. You will need to arrive by 8:30 am. Class will begin at (9:00am promptly). 


Directions to Event:

* Event to be held in two locations 1 mile apart: You will enjoy class one day at Once Upon A Quilt in our classroom/event center and two days at the Courtyard Marriott's ballrooms. 

Courtyard Marriott - 400 Gulfstream Way, Dania Beach 33004
(located next to Outdoor World/Bass Pro Shop right off the Griffin Road Exit I-95
954-342-8333) 

Once Upon A Quilt - 3404 Griffin Road Dania Beach FL 33312
(located 3/4 of a mile from I-95)

A block of rooms has been reserved. To book your reservation you can call 954-342-8333 or follow the link below. The room rate of $199.00 per night will close on November 3rd or when room block is full. When registering please tell the agent you are reserving a room under the Once Upon A Quilt special rate for the discounted rate or you can register via the internet by using the link below. All rooms are queen beds double occupancy, easily shared with a friend. Our group rate is $199.00 per night.  

Book your group rate for Once Upon A Quilt 

             

Meet the educators 



            Kate Green

Embroidery and Software Expert

Kate Green is the Embroidery Education Specialist for BERNINA of America, where it’s her mission to get everyone addicted to machine embroidery. Kate has been focused on helping people feel confident in machine embroidery via courses like “Embroidery on Everything” which you can find on the BERNINA Skill Hub.

In addition to being an expert contributor on We All Sew for many years, Kate has written several articles for Creative Embroidery Magazine and has been a frequent contributor to Auri?l’s Auribuzz blog. You can also find Kate’s work in the book “Sew Bags for Every Occasion” from SEW NEWS books.

                Kari Curly

Sewing Quilting and Software Expert

Kari is well-versed in BERNINA Embroidery Software 9 and known for her software

classes and expertise in helping neophyte computer owners become fearless when working with BERNINA Embroidery software. Her specialties include technique sewing, machine embroidery, quilting, and anything that requires technology. She has professional work experience in costuming, operating a custom drapery and bedding workroom, custom long-arm quilting, and software trouble-shooting and instruction.

Kari is also a “Parrothead” who loves craft beer, scuba diving in exotic locales, traveling with her oldest son (32 countries and counting.) She lives on a one-acre orchard property in southern California with her two rescue dogs.

         




               Joanne Leonard

Sewing Quilting and Embroidery Expert

Joanne’s love for sewing is infectious. Sit in front of a 

machine with Joanne and she will show you more features

than you knew existed! Joanne has been sewing since she was five years old. Although her mom and aunts didn’t let her use a sewing machine early on, she could hand piece some fancy Barbie clothes. Her first job was at a big box store that had the same name as her.

She was a garment sewist for years then moved on to quilting and other crafts. Over the years Joanne has taught many sewing and craft classes to include BERNINA Club, Block of the Months, Tucker University and many quilt classes. Joanne is no stranger to Once Upon A Quilt and is loved by our customers. We are honored to have her team up with Kari and teach for us this year.

                  Kathy McMakin

                  Serger Expert

For nearly five decades, Kathy McMakin has enjoyed teaching sewing and serger techniques to sewists around the world. Her career has included serving as President of the Martha Pullen Company, Editor of Sew Beautiful and Classic Sewing magazines, and Producer of the PBS television series Martha's Sewing Room. Today, Kathy teaches at Original Sewing & Quilt Expo events, develops online sewing and serger courses, produces educational sewing videos, and loves helping others gain confidence, master new skills, and enjoy greater success in their sewing. Known for her encouraging teaching style and 

practical approach, Kathy's mission is to help every student build confidence, master new skills, and achieve beautiful results. Whether teaching in the classroom, on camera, or online.