Frequently Asked Questions For The Lingerie Retreat

  1. Do I need any prior experience in sewing attend?

    Yes, You must know how to sew and successfully operate a sewing machine.

  2. Do I need any prior lingerie sewing experience to attend?

    No, but you should practice sewing ¼” seam allowances on curves to best prepare yourself.

  3. What materials do I need?

    All supplies will be included with the retreat, including thread. You may be sent the materials to cut ahead of time, so make sure you bring those all prepped and ready to go.

  4. Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?

    Sewing machines for the Scotland retreat are being provided by our sponsor PFAFF UK.

  5. I have a special diet and cannot eat certain foods, can you accommodate my diet?

    We will be able to accommodate most dietary restrictions, but if you have a food allergy that can cause anaphylaxis, we cannot guarantee that there will not be cross contamination at the restaurants we are getting catering from and we highly recommend preparing your own lunches. We will be working with a private chef for the Scotland retreat, so we can accommodate all restrictions.

  6. If I have a conflict in schedule, get sick and am no longer able to make it, can I get a refund?

    Unfortunately refunds are not available. You can transfer your registration to someone else and find another person to take your place.

  7. I want to book my flight and hotel as soon as possible. When is the earliest I can start booking it?

    You may book your travel arrangements as soon as you register, but we recommend purchasing insurance for both airfare and hotels reservations.

  8. I will be traveling on my own, can I be paired up with a roommate to help cut some expenses?

    We have created a Facebook group dedicated to the retreat. You can use this group to partner up for rooms, Airbnb and ride shares.

  9. Can I have the location information?

    The Scotland Retreat is being held in Oban at the Achnacloich Castle.

  10. I’m a very difficult person to fit patterns, how can I ensure that I will have well fitted garments upon completion?

    We will be providing guidance prior to the retreat on taking measurements and will even send you a fabric muslin kit to mock up the garments prior to the retreat for complicated patterns. You can work virtually with the designers to adjust the pattern and get a proper fit prior to the retreat. Then all you have to do is have your pattern cut and ready to sew when you arrive.

  11. Can I sign up for a payment plan?
    Yes! Our registration platform only requires a deposit to reserve your space at one of our retreats. You can create and arrange for any payment plan you require on your own schedule. The Fall Retreat requires a $1000 deposit. Pay your balance down when you can, but know that your total must be paid in full prior to the retreat. We recommend making monthly payments towards your balance to ensure you don’t overextend yourself.

  12. How can I pay down my balance?
    You can go to https://sewingretreats.account.webconnex.com and pay down your balance.

Frequently Asked Questions For The Resort Wear Sewing Cruise

  1. Do I need any prior experience in sewing attend?

    No, We have two options for class tracks, either a beginner or an intermediate/advanced. Beginners will attend a 1-2 hour session to learn basic machine operation.

  2. Do I need any prior swim wear sewing experience to attend?

    No, our projects span across garments and swim wear. Being able to follow small seam allowances would be helpful, but not required.

  3. What materials do I need?

    All supplies will be included with the cruise, including thread. If you are local, you will be invited to come to Sew Pinellas in St. Petersburg to help prep your own garments.

  4. Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?

    Necchi sewing machines are being provided by Sew Pinellas. If you are local or prefer to sew on your own machine, be sure to have it packed in its own luggage for transportation to the ship from port.

  5. I have a special diet and cannot eat certain foods, can you accommodate my diet?

    The cruise ship can accommodate any dietary requirements.

  6. If I have a conflict in schedule, get sick and am no longer able to make it, can I get a refund?

    $600 of your total payment is non-refundable/non-transferable. Refunds for cancellations will follow this schedule: Cancellations from February 12 to the cruise date will be nonrefundable. Cancellations from January 1 to February 11 will receive a 50% refund of cruise total (minus the $600 deposit). Cancellations prior to January 1 will receive a full refund (minus the $600 deposit).

  7. I want to book my flight as soon as possible. When is the earliest I can start booking it?

    We will announce when we hit our minimum enrollment. We suggest waiting until our minimum enrollment has been met prior to booking your air travel to Tampa.

  8. I will be traveling on my own, can I be paired up with a roommate to help cut some expenses?

    We have created a Facebook group dedicated to the retreat. You can use this group to partner up for rooms and ride shares.

  9. Can I have the location information?

    We will be departing from Tampa on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Sea cruise ship. Check in usually occurs between 11 am and 3 pm.

  10. I’m a very difficult person to fit patterns, how can I ensure that I will have well fitted garments upon completion?

    We will be providing guidance prior to the retreat on taking measurements. Our designers will prep your patterns and garments prior to the retreat. If you are local, you will be invited to join us in preparing your patterns for the cruise.

  11. Can I sign up for a payment plan?
    Yes! Our registration platform only requires a deposit to reserve your space at one of our retreats. You can create and arrange for any payment plan you require on your own schedule. The Resort Wear Sewing Cruise requires a non-refundable $600 deposit. Pay your balance down when you can, but know that your total must be paid by February 12, 2026. We recommend making monthly payments towards your balance to ensure you don’t overextend yourself.

  12. How can I pay down my balance?
    You can go to https://sewingretreats.account.webconnex.com and pay down your balance.