Letters & Thread

By Julia Navik 

@Fairlywell_handmade

When Abbey of Saturnalia Stitching announced their inaugural retreat, the theme was so perfect for me that I set an alarm for registration. Letters & Thread combined some of my favorite things: stitching, talking about books, and a stunning bed and breakfast in Ann Arbor, MI. 

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Thursday, Nov. 13 Abbey greeted us the first night with pizza, salad, many snacks and sweets, and even a hosted wine and beer bar. I was so thrilled to meet people in person who have become online friends! There was a lot of “oh you are ____” going around the room. The Stone Chalet is an interesting place, with each guest room having a different fairytale theme. My room was Alice in Wonderland, and even had a “tea bar.”

Friday, Nov. 14

Morning: Breakfast was a perfect opportunity to meet new people, which for me is one of the best parts of a retreat. The staff assigned us places at large tables, which avoided the awkwardness of trying to break into a group. Meanwhile, Abbey staged the gift bag tables. There were several options of cute tote bags, and a fun lineup of things. Everyone got a small candle, a notepad that looks like an old library checkout slip, a L&T needleminder, a L&T project bag, a set of pens with choices of colors, a reading light, and a tape measure.

The first set of trunk shows were open for shopping, and the excitement was real. Some of the Saturnalia family of designers were there, and Nellie Needleworks had beautifully embroidered sweatshirts, totes, and bags of all kinds. After shopping, I settled in at a table with two friends. The tables all had stacks of books wrapped in white paper, with a “blind date with a book” description. It was such a unique touch. 

Meanwhile, the book clubs we had chosen during registration began to meet in the dining room. Mine was general fiction, and the book chosen by group vote was excellent for discussion. Recipe for a Perfect Wife by Karma Brown raised a lot of thoughts about relationship dynamics, gender roles, and life choices related to career and family. 

In a nearby sitting room, two masseuses had set up for chair massages. I enjoyed it very much. In another room, a tarot card reader was giving individual readings. I missed the memo to sign up at first, so my time ended up being one of the last ones. That turned out to be a good thing, though!

Afternoon: Lunch was catered by Zingermans, an Ann Arbor classic. Abbey had us pre-order from the menu, and all the

lunches came labeled by name. Again, a very thoughtful thing that was certainly not the easiest way to cater! After lunch, I went back to stitching. I brought an ambitious project that had been languishing, the large diamond from What a Gem. It really seemed like people had begun to settle into groups and weren’t moving around much, but happily so. The next event on the schedule was a visit to The Wool & The Floss, who were staying open late for us. Abbey had thoughtfully hired a coach bus for transportation, but I ended up making the hour drive with a friend to visit The Knotted Needle before their closing time. Both stores were wonderful, in their own unique ways. After all the shopping, groups started making dinner plans. I wish I had been more social, but I was tired and it felt right to be cozy with my tea and novel. (Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishigiro.)

Saturday, Nov. 15

MORNING: On the second full day, I boldly asked to join a table where I knew just one person. I’m so glad I did! They were so welcoming, and even pulled tables closer together to make more room. Throughout the retreat, Abbey had several giveaway prizes, which felt like a list of favorite things. More lovely and thoughtful touches!

 The vendors for the second day were Saturnalia’s main collection, Ziggy Stitches, and Imilia Designs .Since they each have their distinctive style, it felt nicely balanced. As the day wound down, it began to feel like the last day of summer camp. 

AFTERNOON: We took group photos under the fabulous balloon arch, and eventually there was only one thing left on my list. At my first ever tarot reading, I did not know what to expect. I chose two sets of cards from a number of options, and followed the instructions to shuffle, cut the deck, and draw cards. The interpretation of them felt so clearly pointed at one specific thing, and though I have no idea how it works, I came away from it encouraged and motivated. It’s possible that her lovely retreat will be a pivotal event in my life. Watch this spot, more or less! 

I had a wonderful time, and I think retreats are great for making connections, bringing a social aspect to what could feel like a solitary hobby. The friends I have made through needlepoint have become some very special people in my life. It did feel slightly magical, but perhaps the magic is in building each other up and gathering in positivity.

Julia loves retreats so much she recently planned one called Stitch and Stay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Stay tuned for registration opening this fall! @StitchandStay