Winter Retreat 2027: The Practice of Pant Making

October 30, 2026

Explore the art of pant making through a multi-day, in-person workshop designed to immerse you in garment making, creative exploration, and community. Set in a beautiful natural environment, this retreat offers the opportunity to spend dedicated time sewing alongside fellow makers while deepening your understanding of pant fit, construction, and design modifications. Working from Open Studio’s existing hard-pant patterns, students will explore the relationship between pattern, proportion, and personal style through hands-on instruction in fitting and pattern manipulation. These techniques will extend beyond a single pair of pants, providing a foundation for continued garment making and the confidence to approach future projects with greater independence.
Readings and group discussions on sustainability, personal style, craft history, and clothing consumption will complement our studio practice, helping students consider the broader role clothing plays in our lives and culture. Students will leave with finished garments, expanded technical skills, and a deeper confidence in their ability to design and make clothing for themselves.

REGISTER HERE

This retreat was inspired by the two-week Wardrobe Design/Build workshop we taught at Penland School of Craft in 2024. Although the workshop covered a wide range of garment-making topics, many students found themselves especially drawn to the time we spent on pant fitting, construction, and pattern manipulation. After our time at Penland, we heard from many people asking when we might teach this class again. We created Winter Retreat 2027: The Practice of Pant Making as a chance to dive deeper into those techniques in a relaxed, immersive setting where students can spend several days sewing, learning, and building confidence alongside other makers.

Workshop space in the Sanctuary Building

Retreat Details

Dates 3/10/27 - 3/15/27
Location Highland Lake Cove Retreats - Flat Rock, NC
Class Size: Maximum 15 people
Ticket Options:
Single room $1800
Commuter $975
Instructors: Jonnie Rettele, Libby O'Bryan and Leigh Hilbert

Skill Level

Intermediate-Advanced: This retreat is designed for sewists who are comfortable using a sewing machine and have completed a few garment or accessory projects. While you don't need prior experience sewing pants or zipper flys, you should feel ready to tackle new techniques and enjoy learning through challenge. Instruction is structured to support a range of experience levels, but participants should have a foundation in basic sewing so they can fully engage with the workshop's focus on fitting, construction, and pattern manipulation.

What You'll Make

Throughout the retreat, participants will work from Open Studio Patterns' hard-pant collection, including the Shop Pant and our soon-to-be-released relaxed pant style. Both patterns feature classic jean construction details such as a waistband, fly-front zipper, front jean pockets, and back patch pockets. These designs will provide the foundation for exploring every phase of pant making and serve as a jumping-off point for customization and creative exploration.

Daily Structure

Whether you join us as an overnight guest or a daytime commuter, your six-day retreat includes daily discussions, demonstrations, and dedicated studio time to work on your projects (single room tickets include five nights of lodging). Printed patterns, along with written and video instructions, will be provided to support your work throughout the retreat. Open Studio instructors will be available between demonstrations for individual guidance, fitting assistance, and questions as you sew.
We'll also step away from the studio to enjoy the surrounding natural landscape, creating space to rest, connect with fellow makers, and return to our projects with fresh perspective. Take a look at the tentative workshop schedule below:

Notes:
-Recreational activities will be shaped by the group and incorporated into the schedule as we prefer. Optional nature walks will be available each day, and Wild Lotus Yoga Collective is located on the retreat grounds for anyone interested in taking a class.

-Demos and their scheduled times are subject to change based on group consensus.

-Meals will be available at 9 am, 12 pm and 7 pm.

Wednesday 3/10

Evening Arrival
Arrival time TBD

Introductions, workshop overview, and group reading of the introduction to The Creative Act in preparation for the following morning.

Thursday 3/11

9:00 am — Group Discussion
The Creative Act
Exploring the nature of creativity and considering it as a fundamental way of being rather than simply an activity.
Personal Style & Project Planning
We’ll explore personal style and how to use it as a guide when choosing what to make. We’ll consider what you’re drawn to, what feels like “you,” and how to curate your garment-making practice so that the projects you choose reflect your individual style and wardrobe.

10 am Demo
Top-Down-Center-Out pant fitting method.

Studio Time
Pant muslin fitting and pattern edits.

Afternoon Demo
Style variations: drafting instructions for alternative pant styles.

Friday 3/12

9:00 am — Group Discussion
Dictionary of Dress
We’ll explore how fashion can reflect complex emotions and societal norms, looking for deeper meaning in what we wear.

10:00 am — Demo
Cutting techniques.

Afternoon Demo
Sewing construction for pockets, darts, and legs.

Saturday 3/13

9:00 am — Group Discussion
Anti-Fashion Manifesto
We’ll discuss how we engage with the ready-to-wear industry and how that relationship might impact our own home sewing practice.

10:00 am — Demo
Sewing construction for fly fronts.

Afternoon Demo
Sewing construction for waistbands and finishing.

Sunday 3/14

All day - Studio time
4:00 pm — Garment Review & Studio Clean-Up

Monday 3/15

Pack Up & Goodbyes

Ticket Options

Outside of the Retreat House

Single Room
Designed for attendees staying overnight at the Retreat House, this ticket includes full access to all daily workshops and activities, plus on-site lodging.

Interior of single room

Accommodation: Single-occupancy rooms featuring a twin bed, in-room sink and mirror, desk, and a glider rocking chair.
Amenities: Each floor includes two private toilet rooms and two private shower rooms. Towels, linens, and soaps are provided.
Shared Spaces: Guests have access to a common living room and a fully equipped kitchen for meal preparation.
Location: The Retreat House sits adjacent to the food and flower gardens, just a short walk from the lake.

Commuter
Designed for attendees securing their own off-site lodging, this ticket includes full access to all daily workshops and activities.

Outside of the Sanctuary Building

Daily Access: Commuters will travel to the sanctuary building each day for all scheduled events.
Flexible Schedule: Commuter attendees are fully integrated into the retreat community and are welcome to remain on-site to work, eat, and gather for as long as they like each day.

What is included

Meals
Printed patterns
Muslin
Pattern paper
Interfacing (black & white)
Thread (basic colors only)

What to Bring

Sewing machine
Basic sewing tools
Fabric & notions for final garments
Notebook & writing utensils for sketching and note taking
Comfortable clothing and shoes for light outdoor activity (optional)

Cancellation Policy

Full payment is required at checkout to secure a spot.
Cancellations made by December 1st, 2026, are eligible for a refund, but refunds are generally unavailable after this date.
If a cancellation is made after the December 1st deadline and the spot can be successfully filled by another attendee, a refund may be possible. This refund will not be issued until 10 business days after the retreat start date.
To assign a ticket to another attendee or request a refund, email knockknock@openstudiopatterns.com.
In the rare event of severe weather or major disruptions, the retreat will be rescheduled rather than refunded, and all tickets will automatically carry over to the new dates.

Travel Information

The nearest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) | 61 Terminal Dr #1, Fletcher, NC 28732

Waitlist

In the event that all 15 spots sell out, a waiting list will be opened. If a spot becomes available due to a cancellation, waitlisted individuals will be contacted immediately with the opportunity to join the retreat.