Not able to attend a textile retreat? Whether you can’t afford it, or if you just don’t have the time, you can still have a textile retreat, in your own home. With these tips and tricks you can provide a creative environment for you, your friends and others who are into textile arts.

Send invitations and open yourself up to the world

- Call all your friends who love creating anything textile related.

- Social networking sites can be used to access other people in your area who are interested in spending a day with other like minded artists to create with textiles.

- Blog your experiences and enjoy the camaraderie of others from all over the world who share similar interests

What you’ll need to provide for your guests.

Space
Make sure you have enough space for all of the attendees to have a good spaced work place. Space should be approximately 8X8 ft, preferably with a work wall for each person. You should provide some comfortable chairs for your guests, as well as lots of natural and illuminated lighting, stainless steel sink, washer/dryer and looms or sewing machines if necessary. It’s best to keep it a small gathering if you don’t have a lot of space. Only accept new attendees when a space opens.

Timing
Will this gathering be a one day affair, or do you plan to have a weekly gathering? Know what works best for you and your attendees before you decide on a project.

Have a game plan
What would you like to achieve in the time limits? Depending on your time plan, you can choose the project which will be completed. A one day gathering can accomplish a singular project; a weekly gathering can create so much more.

Proj
ect choices
Ideas could involve making jewelry, fashion accessories, fallals, wet or dry needle felting, weaving, quilting, fabric dyeing, fabric collage, screen printing, surface design on fabrics, knitting, crocheting, macramé or sewing. Also for more in-depth textile gatherings you can work toward learning how to arrange visual elements successfully. Do a series of small studies based on color, value, shape, line, and texture, this will help to develop one or more small, pleasing, and balanced abstract projects. Slides, discussions, and visual material can be offered to help extend your groups understanding of the nature of design and the importance of feedback, all in a supportive environment.

Materials
Materials are the key to a successful gathering. Decide if you will be supplying the materials or the attendees should bring their own. If so, make sure to include a materials list to all people attending so everyone is working at the same level with the same materials.

Know your levels- Some people are ahead of the game in experience when it comes to textile arts, others are just starting out. Knowing where each of the attendees are starting from gives you the knowledge of what projects would be best, as well as who should be paired with whom.

Provide snacks and Meals
The gathering for meals also affords the opportunity for informal conversation and relaxation. As well as allowing your guests to know each other better, where there textile passions lie, and creates a welcoming environment for the attendees to want to return to.

With this guide you can have a textile retreat in your very own home. You are in control and have the ability to pick and choose the projects, and the guests you would like to work with. It’s worth the time and energy needed to achieve success in staying home and gaining creative inspiration through textiles. Enjoy.