🧶 The Sow’s Ear Fall 2025 Retreat

September 19–21, 2025 | New Glarus, Wisconsin
Cost: $600
Your registration includes all workshops (with most materials), all meals, and group activities throughout the weekend.
💆 Optional massage sessions are available as a paid add-on.
🏨 Lodging is not included.

👉 REGISTER HERE

📍 Main Venue

The Chalet Landhaus
801 HWY 69, New Glarus, WI 53574
A charming, Swiss-style inn with cozy accommodations and inviting indoor and outdoor spaces. Most retreat activities will take place here, with a few special events held off-site.

Friday, September 19 – Welcome & Connection

5:00–8:00 PM

5:00 PM – Check-In
Check in at the Chalet Landhaus conference room to receive your welcome packet, swag bag (featuring exclusive supplies and treats), and full weekend itinerary.

6:00–8:00 PM – Opening Celebration at Baileys Run Winery & Distillery
Ease into the weekend with a lively, relaxing evening at this scenic winery just north of New Glarus.
🍷 Enjoy a full buffet dinner and open bar on their covered outdoor patio. Mingle with fellow crafters, sip wine, and take in beautiful views.
🚐 A complimentary shuttle will run between the Chalet and the winery. Indoor seating is available if needed.

Saturday, September 20 – Inspired Exploration

7:30 AM–8:00 PM

7:00–10:30 AM – Continental Breakfast
Start your day with fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, coffee, and more, served at the Chalet.

9:00–10:00 AM – Morning Yoga by the Pool
Join certified yoga instructor Deb Ballweg for a gentle morning movement session to ground and energize.
🧘 Open to all retreat guests (limit 20). If you're not staying at the Chalet, you’ll receive a pass to access the pool and hot tub. Don’t forget your yoga mat!

💆 Add-On Option: Enjoy a 30-minute massage, available all weekend. Booking links will be sent after registration. (Limited availability.)

🎨 Morning Workshops (10:00 AM)

Choose your creative path:

Wet Felting with Jarka
Join Jarka, a Madison-based fiber artist, and explore the tactile beauty of wet felting. You’ll learn traditional techniques and create your own felted floral masterpiece.
🪻 All supplies included | Limit 20

Knit/Crochet-A-Long with Crystal Berry
Work through your exclusive Blue Sky Alpaca Metalico Kit, included in your swag bag. Choose knit or crochet and select a warm or cool color palette when registering. Crystal will offer guidance and support as you work through your pattern in a relaxed group setting.
🧶 A peaceful, process-focused session with no pressure—just good yarn and good company.

🥗 Lunch (12:00 PM)

Catered by Chef Laura of Thyme Savor Cuisine, the midday meal will feature:

Caprese salad
Rainbow wraps (meat and vegetarian)
Brussels sprout salad
Moroccan chickpea stew
🥤 Beverages: Iced tea, soda, and water included

📧 Have dietary restrictions? Email debra@knitandsip.com so we can accommodate your needs.

☀️ Afternoon Drop-In Sessions (1:00 PM)

Relax and craft at your own pace in an inviting environment. Choose from:

🎨 Live painting demonstrations with artist Shannon Clayton
🌱 Build-your-own terrariums with all supplies included
🧵 Open crafting spaces to gather, chat, and make in community
💗 Optional charity projects (TBD)

Want to take a stroll into downtown New Glarus, find a sunny patio spot, or sip coffee with a friend in a quiet corner? It’s your retreat—follow what feels right.

🧵 Afternoon Workshops (3:00–5:00 PM)

Knitting Mastery with Leanna Worrall (Details TBD)
Level up your knitting confidence with Leanna’s thoughtful instruction and technical tips.

Embroidery as a Practice of Pause with Amber Burton
This beginner-friendly embroidery session invites you to slow down and stitch your story. Learn basic techniques while beginning a piece that reflects your journey as a maker and individual.
You likely won’t finish during the weekend—and that’s okay. A cozy space will be available throughout the retreat for continued stitching. Completed pieces can be displayed at The Sow’s Ear afterward.
🧵 All materials provided. Just bring yourself and your story.

🫕 Swiss Dinner at the Chalet (6:00–8:00 PM)

Enjoy a hearty, authentic Swiss meal and open bar in the Chalet’s warm and welcoming restaurant. A perfect close to a full day of creativity and connection.

Sunday, September 21 – Nature, Reflection & Creative Closure

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

7:00–10:30 AM – Continental Breakfast
Fuel up with a light, nourishing breakfast before your final day of making.

9:00–10:00 AM – Gentle Morning Yoga
Ease into the day with another peaceful session led by Deb Ballweg. (Limit 20)
Pool and hot tub passes included for off-site guests.

💆 Massage add-ons continue today for those who reserved appointments.

🌿 Morning Workshop (10:00 AM)

Foraging Walk with Belle
Join Belle from The Sow’s Ear for a gentle hike through the New Glarus woods. As a trained horticulturist, Belle will guide you through local plant identification and share ideas for incorporating natural elements into your creative work. A peaceful, refreshing way to begin your day.

🍽️ Lunch (12:00 PM)

Chef Laura returns with another thoughtfully crafted meal, featuring:

Spinach-stuffed chicken breast
Penne with vodka marinara
Loaded vegetarian quinoa bake
Lemon blueberry trifle
🥤 Beverages included

🎨 Creative Free Time (1:00 PM)

Settle in for your last open crafting session, with options to:

Watch or join in Shannon Clayton’s painting
Build another terrarium or finish your first
Work on charity projects (TBD)
Continue stitching your embroidery story
Or simply enjoy community time with your fellow makers

Feel free to explore downtown New Glarus, grab a coffee, or craft quietly on your own.

💫 Final Workshop – Unhurried Making (3:00–5:00 PM)

Unhurried Making: A Space to Create, Reflect & Play
Wrap up the weekend with a meditative, unstructured creative session. Choose from a variety of simple yet meaningful activities:

Press and design botanical bookmarks
Craft a unique notions bowl
Start a personalized bullet journal
Write and send heartfelt cards
Continue your embroidery project
🌸 All materials provided. Let your creativity flow in a warm, open environment.

🍻 Closing Happy Hour at The Dirty Dog Taphouse (6:00–7:00 PM)

Gather for one final toast at this cozy local taphouse, just a short walk from the Chalet. Celebrate new friendships, creative joy, and the community you've helped build.

⚠️ Note: This itinerary is subject to change in the event of teacher, vendor, or venue availability shifts. We’ll notify all attendees of any updates promptly.We have a block of rooms reserved at the Chalet Landhaus for retreat attendees—please mention The Sow’s Ear Retreat when booking.

There are also several charming local Airbnb options and mom-and-pop hotels in the New Glarus area to suit a variety of budgets and preferences.