Carolina Oneto Imaginary Places Five-Day Quilting Retreat
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 5:30 pm: Meet & GreetOctober 19 - 23, 2026 |$1,295
Come to a five-day quilting retreat to learn how to harness color to create different feelings in your landscape quilts. In the first two days, participants will explore color theory in depth and learn how to harness color to convey distinct moods. They will also examine the use of transparency effects in quilt creations for powerful visual results. The participants will learn techniques, such as curved seams, adding circles, and the freezer paper method. By the end of the second day, participants will have a wealth of new skills and knowledge to begin their own unique “imaginary place” quilt design.
On days three, four, and five, participants will immerse themselves in breathing life into their designs. They will express their creativity through their careful choices of colors, shapes, and piecing methods. After defining the fundamentals of their quilts, participants will begin sewing their designs and watching them come to life.
This immersive, hands-on workshop invites participants to explore color and experiment with new techniques. Attendees will feel empowered to craft quilts that reflect their individual artistic style. This retreat equips participants with technical expertise and invites each member to tap into his or her own unique creative voice. By the end of the retreat, each participant will have a stunning quilt that is their imagination brought to life in fabric, color, and stitches.
See the full week's schedule here.
Learning Objectives
Artistic Development● Understand and apply color theory principles ● Master color value relationships, distinguishing between light, medium, and dark values to create visual depth and impact● Learn transparency techniques● Develop a unique creative voice and artistic sensibilities● Translate imagination into visual representation by designing and executing their own original quilt compositions
Process & Approach● Design original "imaginary place" quilts by drawing on color theory and technical knowledge gained during the first two days● Make intentional creative decisions regarding colors, shapes, and piecing techniques to capture your artistic vision● Plan and visualize your artistic vision before execution, using tools such as sketching and potentially digital design apps like Procreate● Approach quilt design systematically, considering foundational elements before moving into the construction phase
Technical SkillsExecute complex piecing techniques, including:● Working with curves ● Integrating inset round shapes ● Utilizing the innovative freezer paper method for construction● Practice piecing techniques
Creative Outcomes● Complete a quilt that represents your personal artistic vision● Produce a tangible reflection of your individual style● Demonstrate mastery of both technical expertise and creative vision● Witness the emergence of your design coming to life
Skill Level
This retreat is open to anyone with basic sewing skills.
What's Included In Your Retreat
● Meet and Greet with hors d'oeuvres on Sunday, October 18 at 5:30 pm● Five days of instruction--Monday through Friday● Light breakfast items available daily● Three lunches● Two dinners
Rent a Sewing Machine
If you need to rent a sewing machine, we rent the Bernina 350 Ricky Tims' Special Edition which is a great machine for quilters. Click here for more information.
Daily Schedule
Sunday, October 18, 5:30 pm
Meet & Greet
We kick off our retreat with hors d'oeuvres and an informal gathering to meet the instructor and your fellow participants.
Day OneMonday, 9 am to 4 pm
Color Theory Foundation
● Introduction to color theory and color values● How to use color to evoke mood ● Exploration of transparency effects ● Introduction to the workshop's creative vision● Material review and setup
Day TwoTuesday, 9 am to 4 pm
Complex Piecing Techniques
Morning & Early Afternoon:● Curved piecing techniques● Inset round shapes construction● Introduction to the freezer paper methodLate Afternoon:● Designing your own "imaginary place" quilt● Sketching and visualizing your quilt design● Translating design concepts into quilt patterns● Color and shape selection
Day ThreeWednesday, 9 am to 4 pm
Bringing Designs to Life: Part I
● Selecting colors, shapes, and piecing methods● Preparing fabrics and freezer paper● Beginning the sewing process● Watching designs emerge through construction● Progress check-ins and adjustments
Day FourThursday, 9 am to 4 pm
Bringing Designs to Life: Part II
● Continuing piecing and assembly work● Refining techniques based on progress● Problem-solving and creative adjustments● Building confidence in execution● Mid-project check in
Day FiveFriday, 9 am to 4 pm
Completion & Celebration
● Final piecing and assembly● Completing quilt tops● Reflection on creative journey● Showcase of finished designs● Celebration of individual artistic expressions
Fabric Items
Notes
If you have an iPad, download the app Procreate and bring it to the seminar. It is a fantastic tool to draw and design your quilts.
The best way to check value is using your phone camera with a black & white filter.
If you have any questions about supplies, send an email to the instructor by clicking here.
Sewing & Designing Items
* If you are unable to bring freezer paper, your instructor will have some available for purchase. Please email her by clicking here.
Rent a Sewing Machine
Retreat Sewing Machine Rental
We rent the Bernina 350 Ricky Tims' Special Edition which is a great machine for quilters. Standard accessories for the sewing machine includes the slide-on extension table, the practical Free Hand System (FHS), the BERNINA walking foot as well as two additional feet for quilting and patchwork.
There are a limited number of machines available for rent. You can reserve yours when you register for your retreat. If you don't see a machine rental option, it means all the machines have already been rented.
$100 per retreat
Carolina Oneto
Modern Quilter, Quilt Instructor
Carolina Oneto is an internationally recognized textile artist, modern quilter, and educator whose work explores the intersection of color, form, and emotion. Trained as an Industrial Engineer with a Master’s in Business Engineering, she later studied Color Interaction at the School of Art of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile—an experience that profoundly shaped her artistic vision. Carolina’s quilts have been exhibited worldwide in prestigious shows such as QuiltCon, the Festival of Quilts Birmingham, and Fiberart International. As a Janome Maker and Wonderfil thread specialist, she passionately shares her knowledge through workshops, lectures, and online classes that empower students to explore creativity, color theory, and contemporary quilting design.
Carolina's website is carolinaoneto.comFind her on Instagram @carolinaoneto
Important InformationRead Before Registering
Cancellation Policy
If the Estelle Center must cancel a retreat, you will receive a full refund.
Your $450 deposit is non-refundable. However, if you cancel your reservation and the Estelle Center is able to fill your space, your deposit of $450 will be refunded less a $100 cancellation fee.
We have limited guest accommodations. If you cancel your room reservation at any time, you will be refunded your payment minus a $150 cancellation fee.
Payments
A deposit of $450 is required to register. The balance of $845 is due by August 19, 2026, which is 60 days before the start of the retreat.
After August 19, 2026, the full retreat cost of $1,295 is required to register.
Meals & Lodging
Imaginary Places Five-Day Quilting Retreat includes meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres, five mornings with light breakfast items available, three lunches, two dinners, and five days of instruction. Other meals and lodging are not included in the registration fee.
Estelle's Upstairs guest rooms are available for retreat participants. There are single, double, and triple occupancy rooms that share a large bathroom down the hall. There is a separate button below where you can see which rooms are available and book a room.
Click here to learn more about our guest rooms.
Click here to find other accommodations in La Veta.
What's Next
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Download the supplies list by clicking here
Payment
Register for Retreat Here
Book a Guest Room Here