Every seam you stitch adds to something lasting – a bag you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re heading to a class, packing for another retreat, or setting up for a focused sewing day at home.
SEWING RETREAT
Thursday, 9 July, 2026 - Sunday, 12 July, 2026
Free
A Creative Escape to Nature
Wide open skies. Fresh ocean air. The gentle rhythm of nature setting the pace.
Now picture your sewing machine humming in the middle of it all.
Our very first Bernina Overberg Sewing Retreat at De Hoop Nature Reserve is designed for sewists who already know their way around a machine – from confident beginners to advanced creators – and who are ready for something deeper than a classroom setting.
Here, creativity isn’t rushed. Conversations aren’t interrupted. And your love for sewing isn’t squeezed into the corners of a busy week – it’s given centre stage.
If your machine could choose a getaway, this would be it.
Create the Ultimate Carry Bag
Thoughtfully designed. Beautifully structured. Packed with purpose.
During the retreat, you’ll create an elegant, ultra-functional carry bag featuring 18 cleverly placed pockets and smart clear vinyl storage that lets you see exactly what you’ve packed – no more digging, no more guesswork.
There’s space for fabric, your mini iron, thread spools, tools, patterns and all the essentials that usually end up in three separate totes. Everything has its place. Everything travels well.
Practical. Polished. And ready to go wherever your creativity takes you!
Hester and Louis will guide you step-by-step through cutting, prepping, pocket construction, assembly, binding, and those satisfying finishing touches. Whether refining skills or building confidence, you’ll feel supported throughout.
Time to Sew, Time to Wander
Between our sewing sessions, there will be plenty of relaxed free time woven into the retreat. You’re welcome to keep sewing, add those satisfying finishing touches to your bag, or step outside to enjoy the beauty of De Hoop.
Take a peaceful walk through the reserve, breathe in the fresh air, or explore some of the activities the reserve has to offer. If you’d like to see what’s available, you can find more information here.
Pack for comfort and a little adventure – walking shoes, warm clothing, a raincoat just in case, and a flashlight for the evenings will all come in handy. After all, this is nature at its best.
Comfort, Connection & Good Food
Lunch and dinner are provided, with drinks available for purchase. In between sewing sessions, enjoy easy conversations, shared tips, and that special retreat energy that only happens when creative women gather!
Come ready to create something beautiful in one of the most breathtaking settings in the Overberg!
Spaces are limited. Join us for sewing, good company, and a refreshing change of pace!
FAQ
What’s included in the retreat?
We’ve taken care of the essentials so you can focus on sewing and soaking up the experience.
Your retreat includes:
- Shared accommodation
- Bedding and bath towels
- Welcome tea or coffee on arrival
- Three delicious lunches (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
- Three hearty dinners (Thursday, Friday & Saturday)
- Teas and coffees throughout the day
- Access to the conference room for all sewing sessions
When is payment due?
To secure your place at the retreat, payment is required as soon as possible, and no later than 30 April.
Because we need to confirm and settle arrangements with the nature reserve ahead of time, your spot can only be secured once payment has been received. Early payment also helps us manage the limited spaces available – and if someone needs to cancel, it gives another sewist the opportunity to take that spot.
I’m a Sewing Club member. Does my 20% workshop discount apply to this event?
For this retreat, the Sewing Club discount unfortunately doesn’t apply. We’ve already worked hard to negotiate a very special rate with De Hoop Nature Reserve and included a little extra to cover the various details that make the retreat run smoothly.
The good news is that the price you see already reflects excellent value for this unique sewing getaway.
Where will I be staying?
You’ll share a charming cottage with five fellow sewists – the perfect way to build new friendships and enjoy late-night creative chats.
Each cottage has three bedrooms with two beds per room, as well as a bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. Cutlery, crockery, towels, bedding and even good quality electrical warm blankets are all provided, so you can travel light and settle in comfortably.
Why not invite a few sewing friends and share a cottage together!
Can I request my own accommodation?
The heart of this retreat is connection — sharing space, stories, and laughter. We’ll thoughtfully pair you with women of a similar age and background to help you feel at ease.
If you have a specific reason for requesting your own unit, please let us know. We’re happy to explore options with you, keeping in mind that a private unit will carry an additional accommodation supplement.
What do I need to bring?
FOR THE RETREAT
- Warm clothes
- Jacket
- Torch
- Toiletries
- Pocket money (drinks are not included)
- Your own snacks
OPTIONAL
- Raincoat
- Walking shoes (if you’d like to explore)
- Walking stick
TOOLS
- Your sewing machine (recently serviced)
- Your sewing kit
- Extension cable
- Small iron (if you have one)
FOR THE PROJECT
- 2m exterior fabric (outside fabric)
- 80cm fabric for interior pockets
- 1.5 m interfacing of your choice
- 15 cm plastic vinyl
- 1.5 m bias binding (will be explained during construction)
- 50 cm elastic band
- 2.15 m webbing (or other straps for handles)
- Open ended zips:
– 2x 30cm
– 1x 15cm
– 1x 20cm
– 1x 30cm
When is arrival and departure time?
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a detailed schedule with everything you need to know.
For now, here’s the general idea: you’re welcome to arrive at De Hoop anytime on Thursday. Check-in to your accommodation opens from 14:00, but you’re free to explore the reserve before then or relax at the tranquil restaurant while soaking up the beautiful surroundings.
Our first sewing session will begin at 16:00, when everyone gathers and the creative retreat officially begins.
We’ll wrap up the retreat after Sunday afternoon lunch – giving everyone time to enjoy one last relaxed meal together before heading home with new memories, new friendships and a beautiful finished bag.
Can I bring my husband?
As much as we appreciate supportive spouses, this retreat is a special girls-only escape. It’s time to relax, connect and enjoy uninterrupted creative company.
Is the conference room far from the cottages?
If you enjoy a brisk walk, you can stretch your legs on the way to class. Otherwise, it’s perfectly fine to drive to the conference venue and dining area for convenience.
Can I bring my UFO (unfinished object) projects to sew in my free time?
We know how tempting it is to slip a UFO into your bag 😉 – but for this retreat, we’re keeping the focus on our beautiful carry bag project.
Staying on the same project keeps the energy shared, the momentum strong and the conversations flowing around one common goal. It also creates more opportunity to meet, mingle, and connect with fellow sewists instead of disappearing into separate projects.
Let’s give this one our full creative attention and enjoy finishing it together.
Bernina Overberg Sewing Retreat
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Connect with Us
Tel. 021 773 0145 (Hermanus)
Whatsapp: 072 987 2512
Email. [email protected]
Address. Shop 2,
Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Cnr R43 & R320, Sandbaai, Hermanus,
Western Cape, South Africa
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