Welcome to our Cocktails & Stitches Retreat at Crown Towers
7, 8 & 9 August 2020
Here you will find all the latest information you need for your weekend. It will be updated as information is confirmed to us and note that times may change, so please check regularly over the next couple of weeks.
LAST UPDATE Wed, 5 August
OUR HOSTS
Hi I’m Kelly, I am so excited about this years Retreat, especially after the crazy year we have had. Things happen for a reason and when I look at all the dates I considered for this year, August just felt right and what a perfect choice it was! So perfect in fact, that our sewing space is no longer in The Botanical rooms, we have been upgraded to the Ballroom. My sneaky suspicion is that the footballers have taken over our original space. I would be happy to buy them a cocktail and make them a new pair of shorts! So, we have an extra decadent weekend being in the Ballroom. You will have access to the terrace if you want to enjoy a cuppa in the fresh air. TWR is a stone’s throw away if you feel like a midday cocktail and we will be nice and close to our rooms and Crystal Club. I feel super lucky that they have chosen us for this space.
I look forward to hosting my loyal Sewists, fifteen of which are attending for their third year at Crown and I’m thrilled to meet a new bunch of you. There will be 40 of us this year!
SARAH was our “go to gal” last year and she’s back again this year! With years of experience in the hospitality and marketing industries, Sarah is here to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Sarah is now a personal Stylist and we will be working together, sharing our knowledge with you, offering a workshop on how you can turn a favourite garment that you don’t wear, yet can’t bear to get rid of, into something you will wear again!
If you are lost, late or need anything on the weekend, please contact Sarah on 0414 841 892
WHAT TO MAKE
These APRON KITS include pre cut linen apron, straps, pocket, interfacing, thread & leather strap. You just need your sewing machine and a buttonhole foot. Don’t know how to use your buttonhole foot? We’ll teach you!
Colours Available – Olive (as shown above), Musk, Indigo, Rust ⦁ Cost $49
Let us know by the Friday, 31 July if you would like a particular colour. Extras will be available over the Retreat weekend.
I made this dress at the end of summer and I’m stopped every time I wear it. This photo does not do it justice! It is easy to make, although I always say that haha! This dress will fit all sizes, even you large busted ladies. Whilst this dress may not suit you falling from the bust you can belt it or make thin ties. I’ll be here to guide you. The SHIRRED DRESS KIT contains 2.5 metres of beautiful drapey fabric, shirring elastic, thread & pattern. Cost $85.
Let us know by Friday, 31 July if you would like a particular colour. Extras will be available over the Retreat weekend.
The cute 11 flag CAT BUNTING KIT includes 6 precut cat panels, 5 coloured fabrics, white backing fabric, handmade binding, thread and instructions. Cost $45. Available on Retreat weekend.
MISS MARY SHOP
There will be a range of sewing notions available including 80 shades of Gutermann cotton thread, a few Miss Mary patterns, sewing machine needles and the best scissors, snips & pinking shears ever!
Ironing board & Iron, Bernina Overlocker with black & white thread, a variety of Bernina presser feet. If there is anything you would like me to bring, please ask.
ITINERARY
Friday, 7 August 2020 (optional extra night)
Check in from 3pm, however I have requested an early check in for you. Concierge will store your sewing gear for you and take it to the Ballroom. Concierge will then take you up to the Crystal Club where you will check in.
5:30pm – 7pm Drinks and Canapés in the Crystal Club – look for the reserved section – this is optional.
Due to Covid19, Canapes are now served to the table instead of buffet style. Here is the Drinks Menu Please note that 5:30pm – 7:30pm the drinks are complimentary. After this time, the prices of the drinks are as per the menu attached and will be charged to your room account.
Enjoy your evening!
Saturday, 8 August 2020
If you stayed Friday night, please enjoy Breakfast in the Crystal Club, 7:00am – 12:00pm. Due to Covid19, breakfast will now be A La Carte. Here is the Crystal Club_Menu_Breakfast
Everyone else…Arrive from 7:30am.
Drive up to Crown Towers, direct Concierge as to what you would like assistance with to the sewing room and which bags need to be dropped to your room. Then go park your car.
There is plenty of free parking available in the Crown complex. Click here to see your options. Last year I did the Stay & Park Free, parking in the multi-level carpark. Please note that I chose not to include Valet Parking with our Crystal Club as it was extra, however you are welcome to Valet Park at $55 per car, per day.
Make your way to the Crown Towers Ballroom.
The Ballroom opens at 8am for you to set up and start our fabulous retreat!
TABLE SETTINGS – Your name tags and the items you ordered will be on your table when you arrive.
9:30am Morning Tea
12:00pm Lunch
2pm – Workshop Do you have a piece of clothing that you love but it just isn’t right and so you don’t wear it? Do you often think, maybe if I just altered it in some way it would work? Bring along that item and have me and Sarah, our resident Personal Stylist take a look and see what magic can be created.
3pm Check in
3:30pm Afternoon Tea
5pm Ballroom will closed and locked to keep our valuables safe.
5:30pm Drinks & Canapes in the Crystal Club. Look for our reserved area.
Please make your own dinner arrangements.
8pm Ballroom will re-open. Sew until midnight! Please note that there will be limited assistance during this time. There is no food service during this time, however we are allowed to bring our cocktails and drinks from TWR into the Ballroom!
Please remember that you are encouraged and welcome to come and go as you please throughout the weekend.
Sunday, 9 August 2020
Breakfast will be in the Crystal Club 7:00am – 12:00pm. Due to Covid19, breakfast will now be A La Carte. Here is the Crystal Club_Menu_Breakfast
8:30am Ballroom opens. Sew all day!
10am Morning Tea
12:30pm Lunch
West Coast Eagles vs Carlton – we are unable to get access to a TV so please bring your iPads to watch if you wish.
3:30pm Afternoon Tea
5pm begin our pack up, ready to say our goodbyes for 6pm.