A Little Quilt Fairy Magic at French Lick

Five glorious days of sewing, friendship, and a little well-deserved pampering with Angela and the Quilt Fairies.

March 31 to April 4, 2027
French Lick Springs Resort | French Lick, Indiana

Have you ever wished you could pack up your favorite sewing projects, escape the everyday distractions, and spend a few wonderful days stitching with people who love quilting just as much as you do?

Well, get ready, quilty friend. The Quilt Fairies have been making plans!

For the very first time, Quilted Joy is taking its Quilt Fairy magic on the road for a five-day quilting retreat at the beautiful, historic French Lick Springs Resort in southern Indiana.

Imagine five days where the only thing on your to-do list is whatever makes your quilty heart happy. YAY!

You'll be surrounded by your favorite projects, gorgeous surroundings, a whole room full of quilting friends, and plenty of uninterrupted time to create something wonderful.

Angela Huffman will be there sewing right alongside everyone, sharing her favorite techniques, helping with those tricky spots, and undoubtedly getting distracted by everyone's fabulous fabric.

After all, half the fun of a quilting retreat seeing what everybody else is making!

The Quilt Fairies have been dreaming about hosting a retreat for years, and French Lick Springs Resort is the perfect place to make it happen.

Come make some beautiful memories and a little Quilt Fairy magic!

A Grand Old Hotel. A Whole Lot of Quilting Joy.

There's something special about French Lick Springs Resort.

From the magnificent historic lobby to the inviting rocking chairs on the sprawling front porch, this is the sort of place that makes you want to slow down, settle in, and stay awhile.

And that's exactly the idea.

A spacious ballroom will become Quilt Fairy Headquarters for five wonderful days, with room to spread out, settle into your projects, and enjoy the delightful energy that happens when a bunch of quilters get together.

When you're ready for a little break from your machine, the resort has plenty to tempt you. Perhaps a spa treatment? A leisurely stroll? A free trolley ride to visit the spectacular domed atrium at nearby West Baden Springs Hotel? There's even a casino on the property if you'd like to test your luck! The entire resort is connected with free train and trolley.

Or, maybe you'll find a rocking chair on the porch and catch up with a new quilting friend.

This is your getaway. You get to decide.

And when that next block starts calling your name, your sewing space will be waiting because we are keeping it open after midnight for our quilty night owls.

Come Sew With Angela!

You may know Angela Huffman from PBS's Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting, from a visit to Quilted Joy, or from one of her quilting classes.

But this retreat is going to be something a little different.

Angela isn't coming to French Lick to teach a class and disappear. She's coming to quilt with you!

She'll have her own sewing machine set up in the ballroom, working on projects right alongside everyone else.

There will be plenty of fabric chatter, opportunities to compare techniques, and chances to ask Angela those quilting questions you've been saving.

And because this isn't a quick class squeezed into a busy afternoon, there's time to really enjoy the experience.

Time to try something new. Time to get another set of eyes on a tricky technique. Time to discover how someone else approaches a familiar quilting challenge.

Angela loves sharing the clever little tricks that help quilters improve their accuracy, work more confidently, and enjoy the process.

And the Quilt Fairies will be there throughout the retreat, helping keep everything running smoothly and making sure every guest feels right at home.

A Little Learning, a Lot of Sewing

Some of the best quilting lessons come from discovering one small technique that makes everything else work a little better.

Maybe it's a more accurate way to piece a block. Maybe it's a clever shortcut that saves time without sacrificing precision. Or perhaps it's a fresh approach that makes a familiar technique even more enjoyable.

Angela and the Quilt Fairies will teach a special lesson each day of the retreat, sharing practical tips and techniques you can use in your quilting long after the French Lick adventure is over.

Attend every lesson or choose the ones that interest you most.

The rest of the time? Sew to your heart's content!

Bring that quilt you've been itching to finish, a project you've been saving for a special occasion, or something new you've been wanting to try.

There's no pressure to finish a certain number of blocks or keep up with anyone else's progress.

The beauty of a quilting retreat is having the time to enjoy the process, discover something new, and create at your own pace.

Two Exclusive Projects, With the Cutting Already Done!

Oh, the Quilt Fairies have a special treat planned for you!

Angela has designed two exclusive projects especially for this first-ever Quilt Fairy retreat, and it is precut so all you need to do is SEW!

Both exclusive projects are included with your retreat registration.

And because the kits are yours to keep, you can work on them at your own pace. Finish them at French Lick or take them home as a lovely reminder of your Quilt Fairy getaway.

Just wait until you see what Angela has dreamed up!

Your Sewing Space Is Ready When You Are

One of the best parts of a quilting retreat is being able to leave everything set up and come back to it whenever inspiration strikes.

The Quilt Fairies have reserved a spacious ballroom, and your sewing space will be yours for the entire retreat.

Settle in, spread out, and make yourself at home.

The sewing room opens at 7:00 each morning, with late-night sewing available for those who find their second wind after dinner.

Shared pressing and cutting stations will be available, and the Quilt Fairies will be nearby to lend a hand.

Prefer not to travel with your sewing machine?

A limited number of rental machines will be available. Reserve yours when registering, and your machine will be set up and ready for you when you arrive.

That's one less thing to squeeze into the car!

A Little Mischief From the Quilt Fairies

Did you really think the Quilt Fairies would host a retreat without a little fairy foolishness?

Of course not!

There will be games, prizes, and a few surprises tucked beneath those fairy wings.

Every guest will also receive a special Quilt Fairy swag bag, waiting at their sewing space upon arrival.

What's inside?

Nice try. Even the Quilt Fairies have to keep a few secrets!

Good Food, Good Friends, and No Dishes to Wash

There's something lovely about gathering around a table with quilting friends during a day of sewing. And, you certainly won't go hungry at our retreat.

To make the getaway even more enjoyable, a wonderful selection of meals is included with retreat registration.

Here's what's on the menu:

• Wednesday: Welcome reception and dinner

• Thursday: Breakfast, lunch, and late afternoon snack break

• Friday: Breakfast, lunch, and late afternoon snack break

• Saturday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Sunday: Breakfast before heading home

Thursday and Friday evenings are yours to enjoy however you please. The resort has numerous on site restaurants or hop on the free shuttle and check out the restaurants in town.

Gather a few quilting friends and try one of the resort's restaurants. Make an appointment at the spa. Explore the property. Or sneak back to the sewing room because those last two rows of blocks are calling your name.

We all know what that is like!

Your Very Own French Lick Getaway

Part of the magic of this retreat is staying somewhere that feels like a special occasion.

French Lick Springs Resort is a beautiful historic hotel with a full-service spa, indoor pool, multiple restaurants, and plenty of lovely places to relax.

There's even a non-smoking casino for anyone who wants to try their luck away from the sewing machine.

A complimentary trolley connects French Lick Springs with West Baden Springs Hotel, famous for its breathtaking domed atrium. A tram also serves the resort grounds and downtown French Lick.

And if someone is joining you who doesn't quilt, there's plenty for them to enjoy while you're happily stitching away. The resort even has a beautiful golf course for companions who find a fairway more appealing than a quarter-inch seam.

Although the Quilt Fairies may never understand that particular preference. :)

Special Hotel Rates for Quilted Joy Guests

• Wednesday and Thursday nights: $169 per night

• Friday and Saturday nights: $239 per night

• Plus applicable taxes

Hotel accommodations are booked separately and directly with French Lick Springs Hotel.

Reservations: 1-844-241-6361
Group Code: 0327QJR

The room block is limited, so booking accommodations as soon as you register is recommended.

Traveling solo? Wonderful! If you'd like to share a room but don't have a roommate in mind, give the Quilt Fairies a call. They'll see whether they can help connect you with another quilter looking for a roommate.

Everything Included in Your Quilt Fairy Getaway

This first retreat has been thoughtfully planned to give quilters a wonderful balance of learning, creating, relaxing, and spending time with people who share their love of quilting.

Your registration includes:

• Five days of quilting fun at French Lick Springs Hotel

• Your own dedicated sewing space in the private ballroom

• Daily quilting lessons with Angela Huffman

• The opportunity to sew alongside Angela and learn from her throughout the retreat

• Two exclusive, precut retreat project kits.

• Shared pressing and cutting stations

• A special Quilt Fairy swag bag

• Wednesday welcome reception and dinner

• Breakfast Thursday through Sunday

• Lunch Thursday through Saturday

• Late afternoon snack breaks Thursday and Friday

• Saturday farewell dinner

• Quilt Fairy games, prizes, and surprises

• Plenty of time to work on your own quilting projects

• Five wonderful days surrounded by fellow quilting enthusiasts

• Quilted Joy Pop Up Shop with all the magic you'd expect

Hotel accommodations and optional sewing machine rentals are separate from the retreat registration.

Come Make Some Quilt Fairy Memories!

Some of the best quilting memories aren't just about the quilts.

They're about the friends made along the way. The technique that finally clicks. The fabric that inspires an entirely new project. And the laughter that happens when a room full of quilters gets together.

The very first Quilt Fairy retreat is an invitation to enjoy all of those moments in a truly beautiful setting.

A few days away from everyday responsibilities, surrounded by people who understand why quilting brings so much joy.

Join us for this inaugural retreat. It will be a special gathering with plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy time with Angela and the Quilt Fairies.

Retreat Registration

Early Bird Registration: $1,495
Through November 30, 2026

Regular Registration: $1,745
December 1, 2026 through March 1, 2027

Hotel accommodations are booked separately with our special room rate mentioned above.

If five days of sewing, learning, laughter, and a little well-deserved pampering sound like your idea of a wonderful getaway, the Quilt Fairies would love to welcome you to French Lick!

SAVE YOUR SEAT AT FRENCH LICK

Have questions? Call the Quilt Fairies at 502-718-7148. They'll be happy to help you plan your retreat adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration and Payment

Is my hotel room included in the registration fee?

No. Your registration covers the retreat itself: your sewing space, your two exclusive project kits, your daily lessons with Angela, your swag bag, and the meals listed above. You book and pay for your hotel room separately, directly with French Lick Springs Resort, at our discounted group rate.

When is payment due?

Your registration is paid in full when you sign up. There is no deposit and no balance to remember later.

What if I need to cancel?

You get a full refund of everything you have paid through January 30, 2027. After that our commitment to the resort is final and we are not able to refund your registration, but we will gladly transfer your seat to another quilter, and if we are able to fill your spot we will refund you in full. We recommend travel insurance. Your hotel room is booked and cancelled directly with the resort under their policy.

What if I want to register myself and a friend?

Register one seat at a time so we have each quilter's name and information. Then give us a call and we will make sure you are seated together.

I did not get a confirmation email. What happened?

Check your spam folder first, then call the Quilt Fairies at 502-718-7148 and we will make sure you are on the list.

What if the retreat sells out?

Get on the waitlist. Seats do open up, and waitlist quilters hear first.

Your Room and the Resort

How do I book my room?

Call the resort at 1-844-241-6361 and give them group code 0327QJR. Tell them you are with the Quilted Joy retreat. Book the same day you register, because our block is limited.

Am I required to stay at the resort?

No. But we highly recommend it. Staying at this historic resort is a big part of the experience, and the mornings when everyone wanders down to breakfast together are some of the best hours of the whole week.

What are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m. The resort will hold your luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Just let the front desk know.

Can I come early or stay a few extra days?

You are welcome to, but our group rate only covers the nights of the retreat. Call the resort directly to add nights on either end and you will pay their regular rate, subject to availability.

How do I get over to West Baden Springs to see the dome?

A free trolley runs between the two properties, and a tram serves the resort grounds and downtown French Lick. You can leave your car parked all week.

Is there a casino?

There is, right here on the property, and it is non-smoking.

How do I find a roommate?

Call the Quilt Fairies at 502-718-7148 and tell us you are looking. We will see who else has asked and introduce you. Sharing a room brings the four nights down to about $461 each.

What airport do I fly into?

Louisville (SDF) is closest, about ninety minutes away. Indianapolis (IND) is roughly two hours. There is no shuttle from either airport, so plan on a rental car or a ride with a quilting friend.

Is there a spa?

Yes, and it is lovely. Appointments are booked directly with the resort, and we suggest booking before you arrive. Thursday and Friday afternoons are your best bet.

Food

Which meals are included?

Wednesday welcome reception and dinner. Breakfast Thursday through Sunday. Lunch Thursday through Saturday. Late afternoon snack breaks Thursday and Friday. Dinner Saturday. Thursday and Friday dinners are on your own.

Can you handle my dietary restrictions?

Yes. Tell us when you register and we will pass it along to the resort kitchen. We will confirm final details with you by late February.

What do I do about dinner Thursday and Friday?

Whatever sounds good. The resort has several restaurants, the free trolley will take you into town for more, and plenty of quilters will be putting groups together. You will not eat alone unless you want to.

The Sewing Room

What are the sewing room hours?

The room opens at 7:00 each morning and stays open past midnight for our night owls.

Can I leave my machine set up overnight?

Yes. Your sewing space is yours for the entire retreat. Leave your project exactly where it is and come back to it after breakfast.

Do you rent sewing machines?

Yes. We have a limited number available to rent for the retreat, and we will have yours set up and ready to sew when you arrive. Add one to your cart when you register, because they go quickly.

Will cutting tables and irons be provided?

Yes, there will be shared pressing and cutting stations. Bring your own small tools and anything you are particular about.

What should I bring?

Your machine, power cord and foot pedal, an extension cord, a clip-on light if you like one, your favorite scissors and small tools, thread, extra needles and bobbins, and something to carry it all in. We will send a full packing list before the retreat.

Should I bring other projects to work on?

Absolutely. The two retreat projects will not fill five days, and half the fun is seeing what everybody else dragged along.

Any advice for traveling with a sewing machine?

If you are driving, a rolling case and a seatbelt around it. If you are flying, a hard case, and carry it on if your airline will let you. Remove the needle and tuck a copy of your manual in the case. Or skip the whole business and rent one from us.

Can I bring scissors on a plane?

TSA allows scissors with blades shorter than four inches in a carry-on. Rotary cutters are safer in your checked bag.

The Retreat Itself

I am not an advanced quilter. Will I be lost?

Not at all. The projects arrive precut and ready to sew, Angela teaches as she goes, and the Quilt Fairies are in the room the whole time. Confident beginners do beautifully at a retreat like this.

Will there be a pop-up shop?

There will. The Quilt Fairies are bringing a Quilted Joy pop-up shop with all the magic you would expect.

Will I get to sit with my friends?

Yes. Tell us who you would like to sit with when you register and we will put you together.

Can my husband or a non-quilting friend come along?

They are welcome at the resort and there is plenty for them to enjoy, including the golf course, the spa, the casino and the trolley over to West Baden. Meals and the sewing room are for registered quilters only.

What is the weather like in early April?

Unpredictable. Expect anywhere from the forties to the seventies. Bring layers, and bring a sweater for the ballroom because big rooms run cool.

Is there a schedule?

We will send the full schedule before the retreat. The short version is sew all day, eat well, learn something, laugh a lot.

How will you keep me posted between now and March?

Email, mostly. Watch for messages from Quilted Joy and add us to your contacts so we do not land in your spam folder.

I have another question.

Call the Quilt Fairies at 502-718-7148. We are happy to help you plan your retreat adventure.