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FAQ's

 What is included in the camp price?   

This retreat is your chance to spark your sewing mojo, connect with other creative sewists, and spend focused time on your own projects in a supportive, inspiring environment.

Here’s what’s included:

  • Three days of creative sewing fun with a small group (maximum of 4 attendees) so you get personal attention and a cozy, relaxed experience.

  • Daily morning workshops focused on fabric selection, mixing, styling, and creative approaches to garment-making.

  • Fit discussions and guidance throughout the retreat to help you elevate your sewing results and finish pieces you love to wear.

  • Daily lunch is included — I’ll be bringing in fresh, homemade lunches each day so we don’t lose valuable sewing time heading out to restaurants. It’s a relaxed, no-rush way to enjoy a good meal together and get right back to creating. I’ll give you a call before camp to check on any dietary preferences or restrictions.

  •  Optional group dinners (not included in the retreat price) — we often head to local favorites like Barcelona, Alinos, or Picasso.

  • Weather-permitting cocktail boat ride — sometimes we end a day with a scenic ride and dinner at North Harbor Club.

This is a time to dive into your sewing passion, try new techniques, and enjoy great conversation with fellow creatives. We’re here to guide and inspire you — and help you grow your own Unique Boutique style.

We also have a sewing room stocked with notions and misc. supplies you may need while constructing your garment and can even hook you up with a  skirt project!   We are not connected to a fabric store so we Do Not have a supply of fabrics on hand for your garments But we do have a Michaels, Hobby Lobby and a Quilt store nearby! 

The retreat price does Not include Hotel Stay, Dinners, Alcohol, Airfare, Airport transfers, ride shares or rental cars.  (Uber in, you will not need a car!)

We are all about problem solving so please don't hesitate to ask us for anything you might need. 

Do I bring my own project? 

Yes! Since everyone has their own unique shape, size, and style, we don’t provide one-size-fits-all projects. Instead, you're encouraged to bring a project that excites you — whether it’s a garment you’ve been meaning to start, a fabric you’ve been saving, or a pattern you’ve always wanted to try.

Not sure what to bring? No problem!

We’ll also have optional creative projects available, including working with white Kona cotton and a variety of skirt patterns designed to teach fun techniques like dyeing, painting, and trimming. You’ll have access to fabric paints, dyes, trims, and other embellishments to truly make your project your own.

Forgot something? Need inspiration? There’s a Hobby Lobby, Michaels and a Walmart nearby with a sewing section for patterns or supplies you may need.

Many campers bring fabric from their stash that they’ve been waiting to use — this is the perfect place to finally make something amazing with it. If you’d like to talk through your ideas or get suggestions, feel free to call me anytime!

I’m Not Sure I’m a Good Enough Sewer — Should I Still Come?

Our retreat is best suited for confident beginners through advanced sewists. While we love welcoming all skill levels, this retreat is not designed to teach the absolute basics of sewing.

To get the most out of your experience, you should already be comfortable with:

  • Threading and operating your sewing machine

  • Understanding seam allowances

  • Having completed a few simple projects (like a pillow, tote bag, or elastic-waist skirt)

We’ll guide you through creative techniques, fitting help, and more — but it’s important that you come with a basic foundation so you can dive right into sewing and creating with us.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, feel free to reach out and we’ll chat about it together!

I'm just not creative enough.  That's what this camp is all about!  Creativity comes from trying new techniques and getting new techniques in your memory bank.  Our camp is the perfect outlet to try new things and get coaching and support in doing so.  We make it fun to play. 

 Here is a blog I have written about creative ideas: 

https://www.futurefashiondesigners.com/post/infusing-creativity-fashion-sewing-ideas

I don't want to come alone.  We are all like minded people with the same love of sewing, making friends is easy here.  And we love to learn from each other.

Can I bring my husband or family?  A retreat is all about taking time and focusing on you.  To reinvigorate your creativity.  Husbands are welcome as long as they are supportive of our fashion and sewing passions.  

Family's?  No, we are not a family vacation.  This would take away from our other campers.

It's hard to take time away.   We all have that issue.  But what is life for but for fun experiences along the way!  Getting away is essential to re-invigorating your creative genes.  Problem is... you will not want this retreat to end!

Do I need to bring my own machine and sewing tools?  We have all the tools we need.  You are welcome to bring what ever tools you would like.  We have basic Brother machines, you are welcome to bring your own, just let us know so we can have one for you or clear space for yours!

What will I learn at the retreat?  Shawnelle has extensive knowledge from working in the garment district of LA, the movie business as a costume designer for over 30 films, has designed hundreds of wedding gowns and gowns for the Hollywood crowd and now teaching for over 15 years at her studio school.  

You will learn all kinds of tips and techniques, it all depends on what you want to learn.  We do have workshops on pattern fit, grainlines and all about fabrics.  

I am a advanced sewer, what would I get out of it?  You would be in it purely for the fun of sewing. If you know it all then you may find you have many fans in the room and will be asking you for tips and techniques!

Please call with any questions you have!  Shawnelle (704) 799-3553

or email her at Shawnelle@FutureFashionDesigners.com

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  Camp Sew Social 2025.  Future Fashion Designers, LLC   

122 S. Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115   (704) 799-3553

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