Join Daisy Aschehoug for an amazing adventure north of the Arctic Circle, November 8-14, 2026!

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. And this year, we're joined by the wonderful Jo Avery!

What to Expect:

• Incredible Arctic Location: Nestled north of the Artic Cricle at 78°, the city of  Longyearbyen is bathed in twilight during the polar night, offering the perfect opportunity for reflection, creativity, and inspiration. There's a good chance that fresh snow and northern lights will brighten up the darkness, promising a once-in-a-lifetime sewing adventure. 

  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.  

• Curved Piecing Workshop: Learn curved piecing techniques via an Arctic-inspired project designed by Daisy. There is no packing list, as all workshop supplies are provided, including acrylic templates, precut fabrics, Sewline glue pen, and other fun goodies. We'll sew on antique featherweight sewing machines over the course of two days, so you can travel home with most of your quilt top assembled.

• Applique and Embroidery: I'm thrilled to offer a special opportunity to learn applique and embroidery with Jo Avery! Jo is known for her expertise in a variety of quilting techniques as well as being a ton of fun to spend time with. She'll introduce you to her favorite tools and materials (all included in each participant's kit) and then guide you through a project influenced by the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard. 

• Cultural experiences: As a group, we'll tour the city of Longyearbyen on our first day. Later, we'll learn about historical exploration, mining operations, and the phenomenon of northern lights via a lecture and authentic Norwegian meal with Hurtigruten Adventures. An optional sauna trip includes a chance to bravely swim in Arctic waters. Two days are left open for you to explore the area on your own. 

• Small Group Experience: Workshop spaces are limited to 12 participants, and the meals, lectures, and tours are open to guests. Reserve a spot for your guest by selecting the "Double Occupancy Plus Guest option" when making your deposit.

Both workshop experiences include everything needed to participate - no packing list to follow! 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.

What is included in the retreat cost:

• all excursions and two workshops
• 1 lunch, 3 dinners , all breakfasts
• 6-night hotel stay at Hotell Polfareren
• 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. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

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 to Longyearbyen 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.

Payment:
Reserve your spot by January 1 to receive a 10% discount on the trip. The remainder of the balanced owed will be invoiced following your deposit and should be paid anytime  before June 1. The cost of the trip is fixed in Norwegian kroner, and invoices will reflect your local currency. Use your preferred search engine to to find an approximation of the total cost (for example, "What is 34,300 nok in USD?")

Single Occupancy - 41,700 NOK

Double Occupancy - 34,300 NOK

Double Occupancy with Guest - 49,300 NOK

Cancellation policy: Before June 1, deposits or payments can be refunded for any reason minus a 10% processing fee. After June 1, payments are final and cannot be returned. If the minimum capacity isn't reached by June 1, all participants will be notified and all payments refunded in full.

Trip insurance purchased by your preferred insurance company is highly recommended.