The Gathering Thread Retreat
August 14 – 16, 2026
Experience a weekend of creativity and connection with fellow crafters at our August 2026 retreat. Register now to secure your spot!
Featured Designer: Nora Corbett
There will be a Meet & Greet!
Explore Our Crafting Features
Join us for a weekend filled with creativity, connection, and crafting at The Gathering Thread Retreat. Perfect for all skill levels!
Experience a supportive community of fellow crafters in person. Show off your impressive Finished Objects! Or finish a project and ring the bell for applause from the entire room! Take part, if you wish, in a smalls gift exchange with fellow crafters. Shop at vendor booths for all things cross stitching and yarn related. Unleash your creativity!
Craft, Connect, and Create Together!
VENDORS:
- Tiny Modernist (Patterns and kits)
- Brin & Nedle (fabric, floss, accessories)
- Stitch Toolbox (patterns/kits, xstitch supplies)
- Textured Treasures (floss, supplies, patterns/ kits, embroidery sets)
- Canadian Stitchery (patterns/kits, xstitch supplies)
- Enchanting Lair (fabric, patterns & kits)
- Kelly Gillis (knitting supplies)
- Quilting by Design (cross stitch accessories)
- Red Brick Knitwear (hand dyed yarn!)
- Paradox Printables (knitting/crocheting/ cross stitch accessories)
- The Sewing Shop (fabric, floss, patterns)
- Rocky Mountain Needleminders
- Stitching Stands by Fabriksto (https://stitchingstands.com)
- Wool-Tyme
Why Attend Our Retreat?
Our retreat offers a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share your creativity with new friends, and enjoy a relaxing weekend dedicated to your craft.
Come with friends or come alone and meet new friends! You will leave with goodies, new projects, and new friendships. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience!
Join Us for a Memorable Weekend!
Scroll Down for all the details!
Join Us for a Creative Escape
Secure Your Spot at the Gathering Thread Retreat Today!
Experience a weekend filled with creativity, connection, and crafting.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in crafting with fellow enthusiasts. Sign up today and be part of an unforgettable experience!
August 14 – 16, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
Hotel Block Rate $165/night available until noon on July 15th.
Frequently Asked Questions and All the Details!
When and Where is the Retreat?
The 2026 Retreat will be held from August 14 – 16, 2026.
Location: The Hilton Garden Inn Airport, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Retreat Cost: $236.28+HST= $267CAD
What is included in the retreat fee?
– Access to the stitching room at the following dates & times:
- Friday, Aug. 14th 8:00am-11:00pm
- Saturday, Aug. 15th 8:00am-11:00pm
- Sunday, Aug. 16th 8:00am-1:00pm
– Coffee / tea / water bar
– Dinner on Friday evening OR Lunch Saturday (TBD with hotel)
– Swag bag
– Access to great vendors who will be at the retreat
– Door prizes
– Access to lounge areas in hotel for quieter stitching times
– Optional smalls exchange on Saturday
Optional smalls exchange at 11:00am on Saturday, August 15th:
- Participation is optional. This involves making an item of your choosing, using any craft (stitching, knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc!) to share with someone at the retreat. You bring one, you pick one!
- Please place your item in a wrapper or gift bag so the contents are a surprise. Add your name (and perhaps table number) inside the bag as well, as giftees generally want to thank you in person – this can be the best part!
- You may also add extra goodies if you wish – please limit this to a maximum of $10USD / $12CAD.
- You will place your gift bag on the designated table on Saturday morning.
- At 11:00am we will call up participants from each table to go pick a gift from the exchange table.
- Open your gift and if you like, once all gifts are picked, go find your gifter!
What is not included in the Retreat Fee:
- travel to and from the venue or other locations
- food or beverages above what is noted above
- guest rooms – We have obtained a block rate of $165/night for attendees at the venue hotel. Simply call 613-288-9001 and mention the Gathering Thread Retreat room block rate. PLEASE NOTE: The block rate is only being held by the hotel until July 15th at noon, after which their normal rates would apply.
What should I bring to the retreat?
Please bring your own crafting supplies and projects you wish to work on during the retreat.
The space is well lit but you may consider bringing a portable light, as well as items such as: portable batteries for those electronic patterns!, goodies to share with your table mates and friends, reusable water bottle with lid, cushions for your back.
In advance of the Retreat: you will receive a Retreat Waiver, to fill out and return to us, about 3 weeks before the event.
Are meals included in the retreat package?
Meals are not included in the retreat package except as noted. However, we will provide a list of nearby restaurants and cafes for your convenience. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks to enjoy during crafting sessions.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, we have a cancellation policy in place. If you need to cancel your registration, the following will apply:
- cancellations prior to June 30th: full refund less a non-refundable fee of $50;
- cancellations after June 30th: we will not be able to issue a refund due to having already paid the venue.
- Regardless of timing, cancellations of non-retreat costs such as accommodations and travel are also your responsibility.
