TUFFET retreat FAQ
This page is for the TUFFET retreat at On Pins and Needles Castle Retreat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, held the weekend of April 7 – 9, 2017.
Tuffet FAQ
What is a tuffet?
A tuffet is a low footstool or seat. They're an accent piece as well as a piece of furniture. It's a great way to add a fun pop of color to your home!
Can a beginner make a tuffet?
If you can sew on a line, you can make a tuffet. Really, that's it -- sewing on a line! Basically, if you've ever made anything with a sewing machine, you're experienced enough to make the tuffet. And remember, you'll have an instructor there with you!
What pattern do you use?
We use the TuffetSource pattern, which includes pre-printed interfacing which is fused to a muslin foundation. This makes for a beautiful tuffet which is really quite easy to sew once you get the hang of it. The tuffet you'll make (maybe more than one!) is truly a piece of furniture that will last for years to come.
What is a tuffet?
A tuffet is a low footstool or seat. They're an accent piece as well as a piece of furniture. It's a great way to add a fun pop of color to your home!
Can a beginner make a tuffet?
If you can sew on a line, you can make a tuffet. Really, that's it -- sewing on a line! Basically, if you've ever made anything with a sewing machine, you're experienced enough to make the tuffet. And remember, you'll have an instructor there with you!
What pattern do you use?
We use the TuffetSource pattern, which includes pre-printed interfacing which is fused to a muslin foundation. This makes for a beautiful tuffet which is really quite easy to sew once you get the hang of it. The tuffet you'll make (maybe more than one!) is truly a piece of furniture that will last for years to come.
Retreat FAQ
When is the retreat?
The retreat runs from Friday, April 7, to Sunday, April 9, 2016.
Where is the retreat held?
The retreat is at the On Pins and Needles Castle Retreat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. More information about the retreat center below.
How much does the retreat cost?
The retreat will run $300 for the two night stay. That covers your overnight accommodations, use of the workroom, most meals, and the instructor fee. There is also a kit fee (which includes a pattern) payable to the instructor at the time of the retreat. The kit fee is $128.
What is included?
You get just about everything you need for your first tuffet except your fabric and basic sewing supplies (fabric requirements here), plus expert instruction. Also included are breakfast and dinner beginning Friday evening. Lunch is on your own, but there are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Lake Geneva, plus there is a full kitchen available. If you want to make more than one tuffet, you can do that for just the cost of the kit!
What is in the kit?
The tuffet kit includes a pattern with printed interfacing, a plywood base, tuffet foot hardware, high quality foam, upholstery batting, 2 1/2 inch button form, cording, and feet. During the retreat you will also have use of my tools and supplies, including adhesives, upholstery thread, needles, tools, upholstery staplers, upholstery nails, and more!
What if I've already made a tuffet with you?
This is a great time to experiment with different layouts and fabrics. Because you would already have the pattern you will get a $10 credit and your kit would include interfacing only.
How much are additional kits?
Additional kits are $118 plus tax-- a substantial savings off of the online price! This includes additional printed interfacing. If you don't need the additional interfacing (say you're doing a tuffet which has just large panels), then the basic kit cost is $100.
What do I need to bring for sewing?
You'll need your sewing machine, thread, needles, rotary cutter, and a 12 inch Add-a-Quarter ruler. If you don't have the ruler, they'll be available at the retreat. The retreat center has irons, ironing surfaces, and cutting mats. Fabric requirements for one tuffet are one jelly roll or eight fat quarters, plus another fat quarter for the bottom of the tuffet and a six inch square for the button. A more detailed supply list is available when you sign up for the retreat.
Will we have free time?
Yes, some free time is built into the schedule so that you can explore Lake Geneva. This town has lots of galleries and shops for you to enjoy.
What is the schedule?
A more detailed schedule will be published later, but here's the general plan. Arrival time on Friday is 2:00 pm. We won't start tuffets until everyone is there and settled. We will get started sewing tuffet tops Friday evening. Saturday will be spent sewing, with some time available to explore Lake Geneva if you wish. Tuffet construction will happen Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
What is your cancellation policy?
Signups are nonrefundable and final lodging/meals payment is due on March 1, 2017. The kit fee is due upon arrival. If something happens and you must cancel after March 1, we will do our best to fill your spot but we can't guarantee it. Roommate preferences will be honored based on the receipt of the second roommate's downpayment. Spots are limited so don't delay in signing up!
What is the downpayment amount?
We are asking for $100 as your downpayment to hold your spot, with the remaining due on or before March 1, 2017..
When is the retreat?
The retreat runs from Friday, April 7, to Sunday, April 9, 2016.
Where is the retreat held?
The retreat is at the On Pins and Needles Castle Retreat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. More information about the retreat center below.
How much does the retreat cost?
The retreat will run $300 for the two night stay. That covers your overnight accommodations, use of the workroom, most meals, and the instructor fee. There is also a kit fee (which includes a pattern) payable to the instructor at the time of the retreat. The kit fee is $128.
What is included?
You get just about everything you need for your first tuffet except your fabric and basic sewing supplies (fabric requirements here), plus expert instruction. Also included are breakfast and dinner beginning Friday evening. Lunch is on your own, but there are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Lake Geneva, plus there is a full kitchen available. If you want to make more than one tuffet, you can do that for just the cost of the kit!
What is in the kit?
The tuffet kit includes a pattern with printed interfacing, a plywood base, tuffet foot hardware, high quality foam, upholstery batting, 2 1/2 inch button form, cording, and feet. During the retreat you will also have use of my tools and supplies, including adhesives, upholstery thread, needles, tools, upholstery staplers, upholstery nails, and more!
What if I've already made a tuffet with you?
This is a great time to experiment with different layouts and fabrics. Because you would already have the pattern you will get a $10 credit and your kit would include interfacing only.
How much are additional kits?
Additional kits are $118 plus tax-- a substantial savings off of the online price! This includes additional printed interfacing. If you don't need the additional interfacing (say you're doing a tuffet which has just large panels), then the basic kit cost is $100.
What do I need to bring for sewing?
You'll need your sewing machine, thread, needles, rotary cutter, and a 12 inch Add-a-Quarter ruler. If you don't have the ruler, they'll be available at the retreat. The retreat center has irons, ironing surfaces, and cutting mats. Fabric requirements for one tuffet are one jelly roll or eight fat quarters, plus another fat quarter for the bottom of the tuffet and a six inch square for the button. A more detailed supply list is available when you sign up for the retreat.
Will we have free time?
Yes, some free time is built into the schedule so that you can explore Lake Geneva. This town has lots of galleries and shops for you to enjoy.
What is the schedule?
A more detailed schedule will be published later, but here's the general plan. Arrival time on Friday is 2:00 pm. We won't start tuffets until everyone is there and settled. We will get started sewing tuffet tops Friday evening. Saturday will be spent sewing, with some time available to explore Lake Geneva if you wish. Tuffet construction will happen Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
What is your cancellation policy?
Signups are nonrefundable and final lodging/meals payment is due on March 1, 2017. The kit fee is due upon arrival. If something happens and you must cancel after March 1, we will do our best to fill your spot but we can't guarantee it. Roommate preferences will be honored based on the receipt of the second roommate's downpayment. Spots are limited so don't delay in signing up!
What is the downpayment amount?
We are asking for $100 as your downpayment to hold your spot, with the remaining due on or before March 1, 2017..
Instructor FAQ
Who is the teacher?
That's me! I'm an official TuffetSource affiliate, which means I worked directly with the author of the pattern and have had access to the wealth of knowledge that she has and also the network of other TuffetSource affiliates from around the world. I've made more than a dozen tuffets myself, and have taught well over 100 happy students. Check out the galleries to see some samples!
Do you teach other classes?
Yes! I teach several different classes. Check them out here.
Who is the teacher?
That's me! I'm an official TuffetSource affiliate, which means I worked directly with the author of the pattern and have had access to the wealth of knowledge that she has and also the network of other TuffetSource affiliates from around the world. I've made more than a dozen tuffets myself, and have taught well over 100 happy students. Check out the galleries to see some samples!
Do you teach other classes?
Yes! I teach several different classes. Check them out here.
On Pins and Needles Castle Retreat center FAQ
Is the retreat center handicap accessible?
Yes! The workroom is handicap accessible and there are two main floor bedrooms
What is the room occupancy of the retreat center?
There are two doubles, two triples and one quad. The retreat center can hold up to 14 guests.
Can I choose my roommate?
Yes! If you're attending the retreat with a friend, we will do our best to put you together! No promises, but there really shouldn't be any problem unless you have several people wanting you as a roommate. :-)
Where can I find more information about On Pins and Needles?
Check out their website here!
Is the retreat center handicap accessible?
Yes! The workroom is handicap accessible and there are two main floor bedrooms
What is the room occupancy of the retreat center?
There are two doubles, two triples and one quad. The retreat center can hold up to 14 guests.
Can I choose my roommate?
Yes! If you're attending the retreat with a friend, we will do our best to put you together! No promises, but there really shouldn't be any problem unless you have several people wanting you as a roommate. :-)
Where can I find more information about On Pins and Needles?
Check out their website here!
How do I sign up?
Just fill out this information and submit your downpayment here.
Just fill out this information and submit your downpayment here.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please use the contact form. I will answer you directly as well as post it here if it would apply to other attendees!