Learning on the Lake - Stitching at Chautauqua!

November 1 - 4, 2026

Join us for a fun and relaxing three days of quilting on beautiful Chautauqua Lake. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced quilter, this event is perfect for anyone looking to learn new techniques or to just enjoy time learning, laughing, and stitching by the water.

Our all-inclusive event will take place Nov 1 - 4, 2026 at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celeron, New York, starting Sunday evening with refreshments and a lecture/ trunk show. Monday through Wednesday will be packed FULL of FUN with hands-on classes filled with techniques, tricks and inspiration.

CLASSES

On Monday Tuesday and Wednesday you will enjoy an all-day hands-on class from three of the best in the industry:


Meet the Designer and Instructor


For nearly five decades, Kathy McMakin has enjoyed teaching sewing and serger
techniques to sewists around the world. Her career has included serving as President of
the Martha Pullen Company, Editor of Sew Beautiful and Classic Sewing magazines,
and Producer of the PBS television series Martha's Sewing Room. Today, Kathy
teaches at Original Sewing & Quilt Expo events, develops online sewing and serger
courses, produces educational sewing videos, and loves helping others gain
confidence, master new skills, and enjoy greater success in their sewing.

Tami Pheil, Dreamer. Designer. Quilter. Occasional garment sewer. Unapologetic fabric junkie. Tami thrives on the visually unexpected and love to ignite a spark in the creative imagination of others. A midwesterner at heart from St. Louis, Missouri, she is a self-proclaimed dabbler in many creative things. 
On a trade-market beat, Tami met and became friends with the  team from Premier Prints, one of the last standing family-owned textile printers left in the country. The long and short of it is they asked me at a show way back when to make a quilt out of their canvas fabrics. If you haven't already guessed, thinking outside the box is how she rolls! Many quilts and sewing projects later, the design ideas just keep coming to her in her sleep. Well, THAT is how BEHG Designs happened. Along with Tami we are SEW excited to share her talent with you! 

                                          

Each student will bring along their favorite sewing machine to use during the workshop, or rent one for the event from us. Payment and reserve are required. Included in your event fee are fabric kits to finish all three projects. Any additional items, notion or tool information will be emailed to prior to the event.

And, of course, there will be a shop set up with all the trunk show inspirational goodies and additional items you may want to pick up! 

Grab your favorite sewing supplies— your open mind and willing heart-- and come join us for three days of creativity and camaraderie. Don't forget to ask a friend or two to join in the fun!

ACCOMODATIONS

•       A full breakfast and lunch buffet will be provided each class day:  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Dinner will be on your own.
  
  
•       You will call the Harbor Hotel directly (716-489-2800) to make your room reservations. The hotel has a block of rooms reserved just for this event. It is a gorgeous place to stay and has the indoor/outdoor Lake house Tap & Grille as an option for dinner. 

Relax each evening while sewing as late as you would like OR enjoy the beautiful views of Chautauqua Lake on the massive outdoor patio complete with a pool and hot tub, and five gas fire pits. Enjoy a beverage and conversation with your newly found quilting friends. Be a part of the quilting retreat event you will talk about for years. Come and make beautiful memories with us!

 Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. We can't wait to see you there!