Cloth, Color & Connection
September 19–25, 2027 · Reliance, Tennessee
Cloth, Color & Connection
Blue in the Mountains Fall Retreat
September 19–25, 2027 · Quilters Getaway · Reliance, Tennessee
Welcome the changing season with a week of cloth, color, and creative exploration in the mountains of Tennessee. Join Suzanne Connors for a retreat bringing together shibori, eco-printing, surface design, and independent study.
Explore the possibilities of indigo through shibori, discover the impressions that leaves and plants can leave on cloth, and consider new ways to develop pattern, color, and texture. Demonstrations and supported exploration will invite you to experiment, follow unexpected discoveries, and find connections between processes.
Independent study offers time to pursue your interests—continue a project from home, revisit techniques introduced during the retreat, or spend unhurried time stitching and developing your cloth.
Shared meals, optional outings, and relaxed evenings with fellow makers round out a week of thoughtful making and creative companionship. Additional program details and guest instructor information will be announced as plans are finalized.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for fiber artists and curious makers looking to step away from everyday demands for a week of immersive fiber art, creative exploration, and community.
Rather than a series of full workshops, the retreat offers demonstrations, supplies for exploring the featured techniques, and time for independent study. You can experiment with the processes introduced, bring a personal project, or combine both.
Beginners are welcome, provided you feel comfortable working independently after a demonstration. Instruction will introduce processes and offer guidance, rather than direct every step throughout the day. Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to explore will help you make the most of the experience.
The Rhythm of the Week
A Gentle Start
Continental breakfast will be available from 8:00–9:00 a.m., giving everyone time to ease into the morning before gathering for demonstrations.
Demonstrations & Independent Study
Morning demonstrations will introduce techniques and possibilities to explore throughout the week. Afterward, settle into your own work—experiment with a new process, continue a personal project, or exchange ideas with fellow makers.
Meals Made Together
Cooking is another form of creativity! We’ll prepare meals in teams of two, with each team responsible for one lunch and one dinner during the week. We’ll coordinate the cooking schedule around our outings.
Let me know if you have a specialty you’d love to prepare. One year, a participant from Italy made delicious pasta using locally grown tomatoes from a farmers market. Another year, a Japanese participant prepared a wonderful Japanese dinner. These meals become memorable parts of our time together.
You don’t need to be an accomplished cook—simple, nourishing meals are welcome. Menus and dietary needs will be coordinated before the retreat.
Mountain Outings & Local Flavor
On outing days, we’ll plan to eat locally near our destinations. Optional outings may include wineries, scenic train rides through the mountains, markets, and seasonal festivities.
The nearby Hiwassee River offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, with whitewater rafting available in the region for those seeking more adventure. River activities will depend on seasonal outfitter schedules and conditions.
Just down the road, Reliance Fly & Tackle offers a deli and country store for another nearby meal option. You may join an outing or enjoy a quieter day at the lodge.
Evenings at Your Own Pace
Unwind in the onsite hot tub, gather around the outdoor fire pit, or keep creating. The workspace will remain open throughout the evening for total immersion. Equipment and processes requiring supervision will be available during designated times.
Your Home in the Mountains
Quilters Getaway brings our lodging, creative workspace, and gathering areas together in one welcoming mountain lodge. Near the Hiwassee River and Cherokee National Forest, it offers room to work, rest, and connect.
Shared Accommodations
Five shared guest rooms accommodate up to 14 participants, each with an individual twin bed.
RoomBeds
Bedroom 2: Two twin beds
Bedroom 3: Two twin beds
Bedroom 4: Three twin beds
Bedroom 5: Three twin beds
Bedroom 6: Four twin beds
The master bedroom is reserved for Suzanne, your host. The separate guest house will accommodate retreat instructors.
Linens, towels, extra pillows, and blankets are provided. Heating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and an onsite washer and dryer add to the comfort of your stay. Room assignments and bathroom arrangements will be shared before the retreat.
Please discuss roommate requests, dietary needs, or mobility considerations with Suzanne before registering.
Space to Create & Relax
The lower-level studio features individual six-foot worktables, design boards, and shared cutting and ironing stations. A spacious, equipped kitchen supports our shared meals, with outdoor gas and charcoal grills offering additional cooking options.
Comfortable living areas, an indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit, and hot tub provide places to unwind. Onsite parking is available.
Explore the Area
Reliance offers access to river and mountain adventures, including hiking, fly fishing, and the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure. A seasonal Amish farmers market approximately nine miles away offers local produce and regional flavors.
Activities will depend on availability, weather, and community schedules.
Traveling with a Spouse or Companion?
The area is known for fly fishing on the Hiwassee River and offers plenty for a companion to enjoy while you create. Local cabins are available to rent separately, allowing you to attend the retreat while sharing time together nearby.
Please contact Suzanne before registering to discuss attending while staying offsite.
Planning Your Week
Final retreat schedules, outings, and meal plans will be confirmed four months before the retreat, based on available community event schedules and seasonal activities.
Before arrival, you’ll receive a welcome packet with the schedule, supply and packing lists, meal arrangements, room information, and travel details.
Please review the registration information for tuition, deposits, payment deadlines, cancellation terms, and a complete list of inclusions and additional expenses.
Join us for a fall week of cloth, color, and creative connection in the mountains
PRICE: $2100
DEPOSIT: $600
Balance Due: August 4, 2027