Join WarmFolk and Libs Elliott for an amazing adventure north of the Arctic Circle, November 3-8, 2024!

Halfway between Norway's northern coast and the North Pole is an archipelago of islands called Svalbard. We'll be gathering for a week of sewing and exploration in Longyearbyen, a small coal mining town on the largest island, Spitsbergen. 

Even though we're traveling to the top of the world at the edge of civilization, this experience will be a comfortable adventure. We've arranged for elegant meals and accommodations, a variety of experiences for entertainment and education, top-notch sewing workshop instruction, and plenty of free time to rest or pursue more adventures on your own. 

Retreat schedule:

• Sunday at 1600: Guided tour of the city of Longyearbyen, duration 2 hours
• Sunday at 1830: Three-course meal at Restaurant Nansen (casual)
• Monday 1000-1700: English Paper piecing workshop with Libs Elliott
• Monday 1830: Northern Lights dinner and lecture with Hurtigruten duration 3 hours (dress warmly) 
• Tuesday: self-guided sightseeing (suggestions below)
• Wednesday1000-1700: Curved Piecing workshop with Daisy Aschehoug, WarmFolk
• Thursday: more self-guided sightseeing
• Thursday 1830: Show-and-tell at the bar followed at 1900 by a three-course Concept Dinner at Restaurant Nansen (dressy casual)
• Friday: depart Svalbard

We'll be staying the in the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen. The hotel is accessible by taxi or airport shuttle. 

The workshop experience provides everything needed to participate - no packing list to follow! You are, of course, welcome to bring your favorite sewing notions if you wish. Each participant will receive two kits in a large canvas zipper pouch at the start of the week with the following:

• notebook for recording travel thoughts, sketches, ideas
• needles, thread and snips (airplane friendly!)
• SewFine thread gloss
• SewTites
• Printed Patterns for both workshops
• Acrylic templates for both workshops and papers for EPP
• ALL fabric precut and ready to sew!

Even though there is no need to bring supplies or materials, please allow for approximately 3 pounds (1.5 kg) of space in your suitcase for the return home. Airlines can be strict about their baggage weight policies, and preparing ahead may save you overage fees.

Workshop project pictures coming soon. A hint: they're both aligned with a Northern Lights theme!

What is included in the retreat cost:

• all excursions,
• lunches on workshop days, 3 dinners
• 5-night hotel stay, and breakfasts
• all supplies for the workshops
• access to sewing machines, cutting mats, irons - there is no need to bring anything!

What is not included: airfare to and from Svalbard, some lunches, some dinners, drinks, extra excursions, travel insurance.

Details about travel:
All flights to Svalbard begin inside of Norway. Travelers from outside of Norway will likely transfer in Oslo. Both Norwegian Air and SAS fly from Oslo on Sundays, and flights arrive between 1200-1430. The tour of Longyearbyen on Sunday will begin at 1600.  Contact Daisy if you would like advice or assistance planning extra hotel stays on either end of your flight itinerary. 

Cancellation policy: Before June 1, deposits or payments can be refunded for any reason minus a 5% processing fee. After June 1, payments are final and cannot be returned. If the minimum capacity isn't reached by July 1, all participants will be notified and all payments refunded in full. Trip insurance purchased by your preferred insurance company is highly recommended.