Deborah BoschertSmall Stories in Fabric
September 12, 2027, 5:30 pm: Meet & GreetSeptember 13-17, 2026 |$1295
Creating original art is a powerful way to celebrate life’s meaningful moments. In this five-day retreat, you’ll explore what inspires you, uncover its deeper meaning, and learn to express it creatively.
Students will create a series of small fabric collages inspired by photos, memories, or experiences. You’ll explore unique colors, shapes, lines, patterns, and compositions for fresh inspiration. Hand embroidery and machine stitching will enhance each piece, as we consider the pleasures and challenges of working on a small scale. You will also learn printmaking techniques to design original patterns on fabric to add richness and individuality to your work.
Deborah will guide and structure each step, while also allowing for personal choice and creative freedom. She’ll share tips on design, composition, and creating a body of work.
At the end of the workshop, we will mount and frame the collages so you leave with a finished piece you can be proud of.
Learning Objectives
Master the basics of machine foundation paper piecing. Learn how to use paper guides for precise seam placement.
Develop Original DesignsYou'll learn how to reverse-engineer your ideas using a special sketch exercise and paper blanks that match Daisy's curved templates.
Refine fabric selection skills
Strengthen curved piecing skills
Create Precise, Matching Seams
Skill Level
This retreat is appropriate for the confident quilter.
What's Included In Retreat
● Meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres on Sunday, June 14th at 5:30 pm● Five days of instruction--Monday through Friday● Light breakfast items available ● Three lunches● Two dinners
Rent a Sewing Machine
If you need to rent a machine, we rent the Bernina 350 Ricky Tims' Special Edition which is a great machine for quilters. You will have the option to add a sewing machine rental onto your retreat registration. Click here for more information about renting a machine.
Daily Schedule
Sunday, June 14, 5:30 pmMeet & Greet 5:30 pm
We kick off our retreat with hors d'oeuvres and an informal gathering to meet the instructor and your fellow participants.
Monday, June 15, 9 am to 4 pm
● Explanation of machine foundation paper piecing (lecture)● Practice with Daisy's pre-printed paper templates (work time)● Lunch● Paper piecing inspiration and design fundamentals (lecture)● Sketching and planning (work time)
Tuesday, June 16, 9 am to 4 pm
● Introduction to Curved piecing: the mechanics● Sewing curves with pre-cut fabrics. Skip the cutting and dive right into sewing to get used to sewing with curves. Experienced quilters can continue with project planning. (work time)● Lunch● Finalize project plan, select fabrics, begin sewing.
Wednesday, June 17, 9 am to 4 pm
Production day: continue sewing units
Thursday, June 18, 9 am to 4 pm
Joining units into blocks and joining blocks into a quilt top
Friday, June 19, 9 am to 4 pm
● Assessing block placement● Troubleshooting challenges, and final assembly● Group showcase
Supply List for Deborah Boschert Retreat
Basic Sewing Tools Required
Fabric
Supply Fee
Supplies Provided by Deborah: $20 fee payable on the first workshop day • prefused fabrics scraps in several colors, prints and patterns to share • acrylic paint to share
• parchment paper and freezer paper
• spouncers and brushes
• 5 8x10 boards and plastic sleeves to mount your finished collages • sticky back fun foam for stamp making
• styrofoam mounts for stamps
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, so reserve yours when you book your retreat. If you don't see a machine rental option, it means all the machines have already been rented.
$100 per retreat
Deborah Boschert
About Deborah Boschert
Deborah Boschert is an artist, author and teacher. She creates art quilt collages with layers of fabric, paint and stitching. Her artwork make a visual impact from across the room and offers intimate, personal details upon close viewing. Deborah’s art quilt collages often include personal symbols like ladders, chairs and bowls. The shapes, compositions, lines and textures in her work serve as metaphors for ideas and themes including growth, transition, rest and curiosity.
Deborah is the author of Art Quilt Collage: A Creative Journey in Fabric, Paint and Stitch. She has appeared on Quilting Arts TV and The Quilt Show and is published in several books and magazines. Her work has been included in Art Quilt Elements, Quilts=Art=Quilts, several Studio Art Quilt Associates global exhibitions, and many other juried exhibitions. Deborah’s quilts can be found in the collection of the International Quilt Museum, the Frank Klein Quilt Collection and as a mural in the Dallas Arts District.
Deborah lectures and teaches workshops both in person and virtually with artist groups and quilt guilds all over the US and internationally. She offers opportunities to explore fused appliqué, print making on fabric, captivating compositions, personal symbols and using stitch as a design element. Her workshops provide students with both structure and creative flexibility. She is known for her organization, enthusiastic spirit and encouraging vibe.
Deborah lives in Lewisville, Texas with her husband, Jeff. She’s delighted her two grown kids also live in the Dallas area. Deborah loves to travel, do crossword puzzles, drink coffee, practice yoga and listen to podcasts.
Social Media Website: DeborahsStudio.com Blog: DeborahsJournalEmail: moc.liamg%40trehcsoBharobeD Facebook: DeborahBoschertArtist Instagram: deborahboschert Etsy: deborahhope E-newsletter: Click here.
Important InformationRead Before Registering
Cancellation Policy
If the Estelle Center cancels a retreat, you will receive a full refund of all payments made.
The $450 deposit is non-refundable.If you cancel your reservation and the Estelle Center is able to fill your space with another participant, your $450 deposit will be refunded minus a $100 cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 45 days of the retreat's Meet & Greet date, no refunds will be issued unless the Estelle Center is able to fill your spot. In that case, any refund will be subject to the $100 cancellation fee.
Payments
A deposit of $450 is required to register. The balance of $845 is due by April 15th 2026, 60 days before the start of the retreat.
After April 15, 2026, the full retreat cost of $1,295 is required to register.
Meals & Lodging
The Foundation Paper Curves Five-Day Quilting Retreat includes meet and greet with appetizers, light breakfast items, 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 To Expect Next
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Service Animal Policy
To preserve a calm and welcoming space for creativity and connection, we ask that guests do not bring pets or emotional support animals.
Service dogs, trained to assist and supported by law, are always welcome. Thank you for helping us hold this space with care. If you have questions or specific needs, we invite you to reach out ahead of your visit.
Click here to learn more about the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Service Animal Policy.
Payment
Register for Retreat Here
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