Quilt Like An Artist: Faces & Figures with Jamie KalvestranFive-Day Quilting Retreat
July 27 - 31, 2026 |$1,295
This workshop is a deep dive into the experimental “Quilt Like an Artist” method, where you’ll design and stitch a figurative portrait art quilt using a series of approachable, “easier-than-they-look” techniques.
Together, we’ll explore the art of creating faces and figures while uncovering your unique artistic voice. The process is playful, liberating, and full of delightful surprises!
See the full week's schedule here.
Learning Objectives
Artistic Development● Overcoming perfectionism● Building confidence● Developing your unique artistic voice
Process & Approach● Embracing the creative journey● Learning experimental techniques● Mastering improvisational methods
Technical Skills● Designing figurative elements● Learning face creation techniques● Understanding fabric selection
Creative Outcomes● Expressing personal artistry● Engaging in playful experimentation● Discovering creative surprises
Skill Level
This retreat is open to anyone with basic sewing skills.
What's Included In Retreat
● Meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres on Sunday, July 26th at 5:30 pm● Five days of instruction--Monday through Friday● Five Light Breakfasts● Three lunches● Two dinners
Rent a Sewing Machine
If you need to rent a machine, we rent the The Bernina 350 Ricky Tims' Special Edition which is a great machine for quilters. Click here for more information.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1: Inspiration & Foundations
● Morning: Introduction to the Quilt Like an Artist method.● Presentation on design, composition, and creativity in quilting.● ands-on creativity-enhancing exercises to unlock fresh ideas.● Afternoon: Begin sewing experiments—playful exploration with fabric and design, utilizing the methods explored earlier in the day.
Day 2: Expanding Experiments
● Morning: Continue sewing experiments with guided prompts.● Deeper dive into improvisational techniques and design variations.● Afternoon: Evaluating your direction with regard to the process and end product.
Day 3: Faces in Fabric
Morning: Step-by-step guided process for creating faces.Demo - three techniques for creating faces.Afternoon: Students begin their own portrait pieces.One-on-one support throughout the process.
Day 4: Extending the Portrait
● Morning: Moving beyond the face—adding the background and potentially adding figurative elements.● Exploring proportion, gesture, and storytelling through fabric.● Afternoon: Expanding individual projects with personalized guidance.
Day 5: Bringing It All Together
● Morning: Refining and unifying each piece—composition, balance, and finishing touches.● Afternoon: Group showcase and reflective discussion.● Strategies for continuing the creative journey at home.
Supply List for Jamie Kalvestran Retreat
Fabric
Sewing Items
Rent a Sewing Machine
Weekly Sewing Machine Rental
We rent the 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 class
About Jamie Kalvestran
Jamie Kalvestran is an accomplished artist, product designer, textile designer, and quilt maker. A published illustrator and long-time friend of the sewing machine, Jamie brings her inspiring artwork to life in mixed media and art quilts. A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Jamie is known for her skillful use of color, pattern, and authentic design.
Jamie has composed several books for quilters.
Jamie's website is quiltlikeanartist.com
Her YouTube channel is @QuiltLikeAnArtist
Find her on Instagram @jamiekalvestran
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 May 27, 2026, which is 60 days before the start of the retreat.
After May 27, 2026, the full retreat cost of $1,295 is required to register.
Meals & Lodging
Quilt Like an Artist: Faces & Figures includes meet and greet with appetizers, five light breakfasts, 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 accommodations.
What To Expect Next
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Payment
Register for Retreat Here
Book a Guest Room Here