Virtual Retreats

GillyMac Designs is delighted to announce the 2025 Hybrid Retreat will open for bookings at 10am on Friday 3rd January.

The Weaver Quilt – 2025 Hybrid Retreat

This year, we’re offering a unique hybrid experience that allows you to choose how to participate. You can join us for an immersive in-person sewing weekend at GillyMac HQ or enjoy the entire retreat online from the comfort of your own sewing space.

Mark your calendars:

In-Person Weekend: April 5th  & 6th  2025 or April  26th & 27th 2025

Virtual Retreat: April 12th & 13th  2025

During this retreat, we will learn to make the Weaver Quilt, which consists of only three blocks and is finished at 52” square. While not a giant quilt, to make the quilting easier, I will show you how to tackle this as a Quilt as You Go project in three sections before finally combining them.

No matter how you join, you’ll be part of the same amazing retreat group, complete with additional online teaching for all participants.

Don’t miss this opportunity to sew, connect, and create in your own way. Secure your spot today!

 

How will the GillyMac Hybrid Retreat Work?

At GillyMac, we’re dedicated to creating a retreat experience that fits everyone! Whether you’re joining us online or in person, our Hybrid Retreat is designed to bring our community together in a fun and creative way.

Here’s how it works:

  • Pre-Retreat Colour Planning:In February, we’ll kick off with an interactive online session to explore colour options for your version of the Weaver Quilt. You’ll leave this session ready to select your fabrics and cut your pieces before the retreat.
  • April Retreats:The In-Person Weekend and the Virtual Retreat will take place in April. Though I can only offer cake and hospitality to those attending in person, the Virtual Retreat will feature our much-loved game of bingo – guaranteed to bring lots of laughs! All participants will also receive a special retreat gift ahead of time.
  • July Quilting Class:Since the Weaver Quilt will take more than a weekend to complete, I’ll host an online quilting class in July. Here, I’ll guide you through my recommended quilting options and we’ll check in on everyone’s progress as a group.
  • October Cocktail Party:To wrap up the experience, we’ll host an online cocktail party in October to celebrate and showcase all the beautiful Weaver Quilts created throughout the year.

This retreat is more than just a weekend – it’s a journey of creativity and community. Don’t miss out on this special experience!

 

Join Our Vibrant Sewing Community

From February to October, all retreat participants will have exclusive access to a dedicated Facebook Group – your go-to space for inspiration, support, and connection. This is where you can ask questions, share your fabric selections, showcase your progress, and celebrate milestones with fellow retreaters.

The best part of any GillyMac Retreat is the wonderful community that comes together, and for 2025, we’re making this a central part of your experience. Whether you’re attending in person or online, you’ll feel connected to a group of passionate quilters who are on this creative journey with you.

This group will be buzzing with activity from the moment we start our February colour-planning session until our final October online cocktail party. Plus, it’s a great place to continue sharing and learning long after the retreat is over.

The GillyMac Hybrid Retreat isn’t just about making a quilt – it’s about joining a supportive, enthusiastic community that will cheer you on every step of the way.

Sign up today and start your journey with us!

 

Worried about missing something? We’ve got you covered. 

At the GillyMac Hybrid Retreat, we ensure you won’t miss a thing, no matter what. All sessions are thoughtfully designed to be flexible and accessible, so you can join at your own pace.

Here’s how we keep you in the loop:

  • Instructional Videos: For both the April Retreats and the June Quilting Workshop, detailed instructional videos will be provided. You can follow along in real time or watch them later, at your convenience.
  • Recorded Sessions: The February Colour Planning Call and our fun October (online) Cocktail Party will be recorded and sent to all participants. You can catch up on everything and never feel left out!

We understand that life happens, so whether you’re crafting from home or attending in person, you’ll have all the resources you need to enjoy your retreat experience fully.

Rest easy – with GillyMac, you’re always in the loop! Sign up now and join us for a seamless, stress-free retreat experience.

 

 

What’s included in the price of the 2025 Hybrid Retreat? When you join the 2025 GillyMac Hybrid Retreat, you’re not just signing up for a weekend – you’re stepping into an all-encompassing quilting experience packed with learning, creativity, and community. Here’s everything that’s included:

  • Two Days of Live Tuition:Whether you join us in person or via Zoom in April, enjoy two full days of interactive sewing and guidance from GillyMac.
  • One-Day Online Quilting Workshop:On 19th July, join us for a focused session on quilting techniques specifically tailored to your Weaver Quilt.
  • Engaging Online Events:Take part in a colour choice discussion on 15th February and celebrate your work at our online “Show and Tell” Cocktail Hour’ on 17th October.
  • Fully Illustrated GillyMac Weaver Quilt Pattern:A detailed pattern guide to help you craft the perfect quilt will be sent to you on 8th February.
  • Three Different Quilting Plans:Explore different quilting options with three expertly designed plans for your Weaver Quilt.
  • Comprehensive Instructional Videos:Access instructional videos that cover every step of the quilt-making process, so you can follow along at your own pace. These will be available from 5th April
  • Exclusive Community Facebook Group:Connect, share, and support each other throughout the entire retreat experience.
  • GillyMac Bingo & Prizes (Virtual Participants):Enjoy some lighthearted fun with our traditional GillyMac Bingo, complete with exciting prizes!
  • GillyMac Sweet Treats (In-Person Participants):Indulge in delicious sweet treats as part of our in-person hospitality.
  • 2025 GillyMac Retreat Gift: In April, every participant will receive a special gift to commemorate this creative journey.

Join us for the ultimate GillyMac Retreat experience – sign up today and get ready for a year filled with sewing, learning, and fun!

What happens if I get stuck with the sewing, who will help me ?

The instructional videos will guide you through all the piecing of this project, howeber if you have questions you can mesage Gill via the dedicated facebook group or simply send her an email. We want you to enjoy this retreat so we will help you success with your project as thee year unfolds. 

 

What happens if I can’t be available for the whole weekend or miss a part of the retreat?

All the instructions video tutorials will be available in Gill’s website members for you to replay at your convenience. So there is no chance of you missing out on the tuition.   

 

Gill's Biography

What you'll need for the weekend

  1. An internet connection, access to Zoom (you do not need a Zoom account) and Facebook account,  if you would like to join the Retreat Group.
  2. Fabric – Gill will send you the requirements on 8th February.
  3. Sewing machine, Sewing kit, rotary cutting equipment and enthusiasm.

How much is this Virtual Retreat and how do I book it ?

The price of the GillyMac Virtual Retreat is £125 for an online spot and £145 for in-person places. Booking open at 10am on 3rd January. From that time, you will be able to book via the button below.

Bookings Open at 10am on Friday 3rd January

Will fabric kits be available to purchase? 

Not on this occasion, but with four fabrics find I am looking forward to seeing what you pick. 

 

What Past Retreat Participants are Saying…

It’s always great to receive feedback on my classes

Gill’s Virtual Retreat is fantastic. I cannot recommend this highly enough as it’s suitable for all levels. It’s wonderful to have Gill’s expert tutoring to guide the project and she is encouraging and supportive. It really is an amazing time of fun, friendship, sewing and creativity. Thank you GillyMac x
Spring 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant
My first virtual retreat, wasn’t sure what to expect... i felt Gill had got the balance just right .. was interesting and great fun ... would definitely do another....Sue N
Sue - Spring 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant
Gill was very welcoming and extremely supportive throughout. I felt confident, supported and that made me happy. Sue S
Sue - Spring 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant
A fab sewing project, with fab people, taught by a fab teacher. All in all an absolutely fabulous weekend
Spring 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant
Gill is a marvellous teacher and such a lovely, naturally friendly lady as well. This all makes her delightful to be around. She has mastered the technology really well for online retreat filming. The resources she makes available for post-retreat are very thorough too, including videos. Diane
Diane - Spring 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant
This was my first experience of a retreat on zoom and i absolutely loved it. Everyone was very friendly and supportive. Having the Facebook support group in advance to get to know people and to post updates on our progress was really supportive. Gill is a fantastic teacher and was willing to help with any questions we had over the weekend whether or not they related to the projects.
Carolyn - Spring 2021 Retreat Participant
Well organised, very engaging,Great project, Lovely people,Very informative, Easy to follow no rushing working at your own pace.Great Teacher.
Spring Virtual Retreat Participant
There is no doubt it is Gill's bright can-do attitude that makes even an incompetent sewer like me feel they can achieve the task. Gill's bubbly and easy-going character makes the whole retreat a delight.
Spring 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant
Easily the best online experience of the past year. Thank you Gill for all you put into these events.
Spring 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant 1
Fabulous Retreat in the comfort of your own home so no packing up equipment and lugging sewing machines to a venue. Great tuition and clear instructions. Super opportunity to learn new skills.
Marion - 2021 Virtual Retreat Participant
A fun-filled weekend! It was so nice to sew along with others and chat. Also lovely that everyone was going at their own pace. Gill’s videos were very good, as was her support throughout the weekend. The Bingo is always a great laugh. Rosie
Rosie - Winter 2021 Retreat Participant
Superb weekend
Winter 2020 VR Participant
A great way to sew at home, - with a talented tutor - learn new techniques or twists on old ones, in an informal format, and with a whole bunch of Zoom sewing buddies
Winter 2020 VR Participant
Gill is lovely, supportive and encouraging. All the instructions and tuition are very clear. The virtual retreats are a pleasure to be part of.
JL - Winter 2020 VR Participant
Gill has taught me both face to face and also using remote sessions. She is an excellent teacher, well prepared, willing to go over techniques, while keeping everyone engaged. Her classes book up quickly, which shows how popular they are. I thoroughly enjoy her sessions and highly recommend them to anyone, from the novice to the experienced quilter.
LL - Winter 2020 VR Participant
I really enjoyed my first virtual retreat with Gill - even though we weren't together Gill managed to provide excellent demos and was very engaging. Being able to ask questions and get real time help and advice was very helpful and the addition of a surprise box of treats and a bingo session added some fun to the weekend. I am looking forward to the next one !
MP - Winter 2020 VR Participant
Any class taken with Gill is full of information and her generous teaching style is always a delight. No matter what your anxieties or abilities you will have a fully informed, engaged and enthusiastic teacher and you will be given the tools to continue on your sewing journey.
MB - Winter 2020 VR Participant
Nothing is too much trouble for Gill when she runs a course or a retreat. Every detail is thought of in advance. Lots of options and advice and nothing you do as a participant is ever wrong!
SJ - Winter 2020 VR Participant
A thoroughly enjoyable weekend dedicated to sewing with lovely fellow quilters and fantastic teaching as always from Gill. I learnt so many new skills that will be useful in so many projects. Thank you so much - here's looking forward to the next one! 😊
Winter 2020 VR Participant
Another fantastic retreat - a gorgeous box of carefully thought out goodies, a stunning quilt with lots to learn, fabulous teaching with brilliant reference video, bingo... what more could you possibly ask for?! Roll on spring for the next one!
DK - Winter 2020 VR Participant
This was my first virtual retreat, I will certainly be doing another one, if I can get a place! Fun and informative with plenty of support material online.
HJ - Winter 2020 VR Participant
As a newbie to patchwork I found this really helpful, informative but most of all brilliant fun. Meeting new people and experiencing a new skill under expert guidance; couldn't be better! Gill is a generous; patient; friendly and knowledgeable. I look forward to learning more on her courses and Retreats.
MK - 2020 VR Participant
Such a fabulous idea – I really enjoyed working on a project with other people from all around the country……can’t wait for the next one.
TF - 2019 VR Participant
The virtual retreat was a fabulous weekend idea, masterminded and managed expertly by Gill. From the arrival of our Goodie Box, through the cutting out, Smarties Challenge, reverse sewing, fabulous fabrics, cats & dog, great encouragement, getting A & B mixed up, hints and tips and regular video tuition catch-ups I cannot enthuse enough about how much I have enjoyed the inaugural GillyMac Virtual Retreat. Oh, the Bingo too – how can we forget that! Gill’s generosity is fabulous- I can’t wait for the Winter Virtual Retreat. Thanks you all.
EC - 2019 VR Participant
Valuable experience for anyone who finds travelling a barrier when getting to a venue. Being able to go back and view a video session again makes it easier to catch up. This also means that you don’t have to make copious notes. Everyone was so encouraging, especial Gill
Summer 2019 VR Participant
The virtual retreat was a wonderful idea and something great to try! Really looking forward to the next one!
Summer 2019 VR Participant
Gills a awesome teacher. I’ve been blessed to be on a residential three day retreat and just finished a virtual 2 1/2 day retreat. What I know about Gill is she really meet you at your ability she doesn’t make you feel silly if the others are advanced she is such an encourager & inspiration. I’ve been blessed to be on a residential three day retreat and just finished a virtual 2 1/2 day retreat. What I truly know about Gill is she will meet you at your ability she doesn’t make you feel silly if the others are advanced she is such an encourager and is willing to help you on a one to one. Nothing is too much of a problem for her. I’m quite disabled and no feeling in my hands. But I’ve always found my way around those problems with her help. I Must mention the glorious GillyMac box 📦 of goodies that turned up just before the virtual retreat. Like Christmas. It’s a no brainier GillyMac Retreats are worth it for the teaching And comradeship.
JM - 2019 Retreat Participant
A lovely experience and an excellent new concept. Brilliant idea Gillymac.
JF - Virtual Retreat Participant 2020
Not only an excellent lesson but also a lovely box of quilting goodies. Nice touch.
MA - Virtual Retreat Participant
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