How to Host a 3-Day Quilting Retreat

How to Host a 3-Day Quilting Retreat at St. James in Payette, Idaho

Bring Creativity, Community, and Comfort Together in a Historic Setting

Are you dreaming of a peaceful, productive quilting getaway with friends, fabric, and inspiration? A 3-day quilting retreat at St. James in Payette, Idaho for your Oregon or Idaho quilting club is the perfect opportunity to slow down, stitch together lasting memories, and finish (or start!) those long-awaited projects—all in a charming historic venue.

Here’s how to plan a successful quilting retreat at St. James:

🧵 Day 1: Arrival, Set-Up, and Inspiration

Morning - Arrival & Welcome Check in your guests and help them settle into the cozy accommodations at St. James. The overnight spaces are comfortable, allowing for relaxed, focused creativity throughout the weekend. Offer welcome kits with goodies like thread, patterns, snacks, and name tags.

Midday - Workstation Set-Up in the Banquet HallUse the spacious upstairs Banquet Hall for your quilting stations. Set up sewing machines, cutting tables, ironing boards, and project bins. Ensure ample power strips, lighting, and comfy seating. With access to the fully-equipped kitchen, you can keep refreshments nearby.

Evening - Kick-Off Potluck & Sharing Circle Gather in the Dining Hall or kitchen for a shared meal. Let participants introduce themselves and share a “show-and-tell” piece or quilt story. This sets a warm, welcoming tone for the weekend ahead.

✂️ Day 2: Workshops, Free Sew, and Fun

Morning - Guided WorkshopOffer a mini-class led by a local quilting expert or retreat host. Choose a pattern that works for all levels, or introduce a new technique (paper piecing, free-motion quilting, etc.). Use the Rec Hall for breakout sessions or quieter spaces for concentration.

Afternoon - Free Sew TimeEncourage participants to work on their own projects or continue workshop work. Play music, serve snacks, and keep the coffee pot full.

Evening - Game Night or Movie in the ChapelWind down in the peaceful Chapel, which transforms beautifully into a quiet viewing or conversation area. Try a quilting-themed movie, trivia game, or even some karaoke if your group loves to sing and laugh together!

🪡 Day 3: Finishing, Reflection, and Farewell

Morning - Wrap-Up & Binding BeeDedicate time to finishing projects or collaborating on a group quilt. Offer stations for squaring up, binding, or photographing completed pieces. A group photo is a must!

Midday - Farewell Luncheon & Show-and-TellUse the kitchen and hall to serve a casual lunch, with participants displaying finished or in-progress works. Celebrate each person’s creativity and announce a few fun awards (“Most Creative Use of Scraps,” “Fastest Needle,” etc.).

Afternoon - Clean-Up & DepartureLeave time for packing and cleanup. You can optionally include a final reflective moment or journal activity in the chapel to close the retreat with intention.

🧺 What St. James Offers Retreat Hosts

• Banquet Hall for sewing stations and meals

• Overnight accommodations on-site for multi-day events

• Chapel space for meditation, quiet time, or creative inspiration

• Kitchen for cooking or catered meals

• Historic charm, peaceful ambiance, and welcoming spirit

  
  

Tips for a Smooth Retreat

• Plan meals and breaks thoughtfully—quilters work hard!

• Include a variety of activities to suit different energy levels.

• Provide name tags, iron-on labels, and thread kits.

• Invite a local quilt shop for a pop-up booth or supply swap.

• Don’t forget extension cords, table risers, and plenty of lighting!

  
  

Ready to Host Your Quilting Retreat?

The team at St. James Event Center in Payette is ready to help you create a weekend of joy, learning, and connection. Whether you're bringing a guild, a group of friends, or inviting new quilters from afar, St. James is the perfect backdrop for making beautiful memories—one stitch at a time.

📧 stjamesidaho@gmail.com📞 208-991-2569🌐 www.stjamesidaho.org