TUFFET retreat FAQ
This page is for the retreat at the Prairie Star Lodge in Browntown, Wisconsin, held the weekend of October 7 – 9, 2016.
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, October 7 until Sunday, October 9, 2016. If you'd like to add on an extra evening, either Thursday or Sunday (or both!), to work on your own projects, you can do that for only $50 (plus tax) per night!
Where is the retreat held?
The retreat is at the Prairie Star Lodge in Browntown, Wisconsin, which is very near the Wisconsin/Illinois border, about an hour east of Dubuque, an hour west of Rockford, IL, and an hour south of Madison.. Prairie Star Lodge is a luxury retreat and creative center, complete with heated outdoor pool (which may still be open, weather depending), as well as an outdoor hot tub and sauna. More information about Prairie Star Lodge is below.
How much does the retreat cost?
The cost for lodging (including tax), meals, and instructor time is $315. There is also a kit fee of $128 plus tax which includes a wood base, furniture grade upholstery foam, upholstery batting, hardware for the feet, a button form, cording, four finished feet, and the TuffetSource pattern (which includes printed interfacing for one tuffet). The kit fee is payable at the time of class. The kit fee reflects at least a $30 discount from the online price -- a perk for attending the retreat. You will also have use of my tools and supplies, including adhesives, upholstery thread, needles, tools, upholstery staplers, upholstery nails, and more!
Are there any other costs?
There is a short supply list: Sewing machine, typical sewing supplies (scissors, seam rippers, pins, etc.), a rotary cutter, a 12 inch Add a Quarter ruler, muslin, and your fabric. We will have supplies available for purchase at the retreat if you don't have them.
What if I forget something? We will have a small boutique sponsored by one of the area quilt shops, so if you forget supplies or decide to make another tuffet, there will be a selection of jelly rolls and fat quarters/bundles to choose from.
What meals are included?
Included meals are Friday evening (light dinner/hors d'oeuvres), Saturday breakfast, light lunch, and dinner, Sunday continental, and Sunday brunch. Saturday lunch is optional -- there are restaurants in Monroe, which is about ten minutes away, or feel free to bring something. We will also have a complimentary wine tasting Friday evening!
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 will include interfacing only.
How much are additional kits?
Additional kits are $118 (depending on your foot choice) plus tax -- this includes printed interfacing. The second kit is $10 less because you don't have to purchase the pattern/instructions again.
Will making the tuffet take up all of the time?
That depends on a lot of things, including how complicated a tuffet you're making, how fast you sew, and how much socializing you do. :-) I haven't had someone not be able to finish yet. So in theory, if you just wanted to make just one tuffet, you may have some other free sewing time. If you think you'll be speedy, then feel free to bring another project to work on! If you feel that you're not a quick sewer, don't worry -- you'll have part of Friday and all day Saturday to finish your tuffet top. We'll make it work!
What is the schedule?
A more detailed schedule will be published later, but here's the general plan. You may arrive any time on Friday, but we will likely not start tuffet instruction until after dinner since some people may be coming from work. Saturday will be spent sewing. Tuffet construction will happen Saturday evening and Sunday morning. And again, you can stay Thursday evening (arrival on Thursday is at 11:00 am) or Sunday evening (checkout Monday is 11:00 am), for only $50 per night (meals not included).
What is your cancellation and roommate policy?
The deadline to cancel is September 15, 2016. 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! A full refund will be given if you cancel on or before the September 15, 2016 deadline. If you cancel after the September 15, 2016 deadline, you will only receive a full refund if your spot can be filled by another student. If your spot cannot be filled by another student, the full amount minus $50 will be refunded. Refunds will be issued in late October after the class has taken place.
What is the payment schedule?
We are asking for $50 payable to Prairie Star Lodge upon signup. The balance of $265 is due to Prairie Star Lodge by September 15, 2016. If you'd like to break up your payments, that's fine. Kit fees are due, payable to UnSpooled, at the time of the retreat. Send your $50 deposit to Prairie Star Lodge, N1401 Dill Rd., Browntown, WI, 53522. Be sure to fill out the signup form here!
When is the retreat?
The retreat runs from Friday, October 7 until Sunday, October 9, 2016. If you'd like to add on an extra evening, either Thursday or Sunday (or both!), to work on your own projects, you can do that for only $50 (plus tax) per night!
Where is the retreat held?
The retreat is at the Prairie Star Lodge in Browntown, Wisconsin, which is very near the Wisconsin/Illinois border, about an hour east of Dubuque, an hour west of Rockford, IL, and an hour south of Madison.. Prairie Star Lodge is a luxury retreat and creative center, complete with heated outdoor pool (which may still be open, weather depending), as well as an outdoor hot tub and sauna. More information about Prairie Star Lodge is below.
How much does the retreat cost?
The cost for lodging (including tax), meals, and instructor time is $315. There is also a kit fee of $128 plus tax which includes a wood base, furniture grade upholstery foam, upholstery batting, hardware for the feet, a button form, cording, four finished feet, and the TuffetSource pattern (which includes printed interfacing for one tuffet). The kit fee is payable at the time of class. The kit fee reflects at least a $30 discount from the online price -- a perk for attending the retreat. You will also have use of my tools and supplies, including adhesives, upholstery thread, needles, tools, upholstery staplers, upholstery nails, and more!
Are there any other costs?
There is a short supply list: Sewing machine, typical sewing supplies (scissors, seam rippers, pins, etc.), a rotary cutter, a 12 inch Add a Quarter ruler, muslin, and your fabric. We will have supplies available for purchase at the retreat if you don't have them.
What if I forget something? We will have a small boutique sponsored by one of the area quilt shops, so if you forget supplies or decide to make another tuffet, there will be a selection of jelly rolls and fat quarters/bundles to choose from.
What meals are included?
Included meals are Friday evening (light dinner/hors d'oeuvres), Saturday breakfast, light lunch, and dinner, Sunday continental, and Sunday brunch. Saturday lunch is optional -- there are restaurants in Monroe, which is about ten minutes away, or feel free to bring something. We will also have a complimentary wine tasting Friday evening!
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 will include interfacing only.
How much are additional kits?
Additional kits are $118 (depending on your foot choice) plus tax -- this includes printed interfacing. The second kit is $10 less because you don't have to purchase the pattern/instructions again.
Will making the tuffet take up all of the time?
That depends on a lot of things, including how complicated a tuffet you're making, how fast you sew, and how much socializing you do. :-) I haven't had someone not be able to finish yet. So in theory, if you just wanted to make just one tuffet, you may have some other free sewing time. If you think you'll be speedy, then feel free to bring another project to work on! If you feel that you're not a quick sewer, don't worry -- you'll have part of Friday and all day Saturday to finish your tuffet top. We'll make it work!
What is the schedule?
A more detailed schedule will be published later, but here's the general plan. You may arrive any time on Friday, but we will likely not start tuffet instruction until after dinner since some people may be coming from work. Saturday will be spent sewing. Tuffet construction will happen Saturday evening and Sunday morning. And again, you can stay Thursday evening (arrival on Thursday is at 11:00 am) or Sunday evening (checkout Monday is 11:00 am), for only $50 per night (meals not included).
What is your cancellation and roommate policy?
The deadline to cancel is September 15, 2016. 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! A full refund will be given if you cancel on or before the September 15, 2016 deadline. If you cancel after the September 15, 2016 deadline, you will only receive a full refund if your spot can be filled by another student. If your spot cannot be filled by another student, the full amount minus $50 will be refunded. Refunds will be issued in late October after the class has taken place.
What is the payment schedule?
We are asking for $50 payable to Prairie Star Lodge upon signup. The balance of $265 is due to Prairie Star Lodge by September 15, 2016. If you'd like to break up your payments, that's fine. Kit fees are due, payable to UnSpooled, at the time of the retreat. Send your $50 deposit to Prairie Star Lodge, N1401 Dill Rd., Browntown, WI, 53522. Be sure to fill out the signup form here!
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.
Prairie Star Lodge FAQ
What is the room occupancy at Prairie Star Lodge?
Prairie Star Lodge offers 6 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms - 2 bedrooms and a bath on each level of the lodge. Each bedroom contains 2 queen/full size luxury memory foam beds and can accommodate 2 retreaters - each with their own bed, with one bedroom able to accommodate up to 3 retreaters - each in their own full/queen size bed - if needed. Rooming will be based on double occupancy...so bring a friend or make a new one!
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. :-) If you have 2 friends who want to join the fun too, then we can arrange to put you all three of you together in our master suite!
Tell me about the workroom
The lodge contains a huge workspace outfitted with state-of-the-art lighting, fourteen 6-foot work tables (one for everyone), adjustable rolling chairs, additional Ott lights (sometimes used but often not needed), flannel design walls surrounding the entire workspace, a sitting nook around a gas fireplace, and a cutting and pressing center, furnished with irons, ironing tables, a 2-person cutting table, a light table, a pressing machine, and a small refrigerator to store the beverages of your choice.
What else does Prairie Star Lodge offer?
Prairie Star Lodge offers a comfy-cozy living area, boasting 25-ft vaulted beamed ceilings, 2 large stone gas fireplaces (one in the living area and the other in the workroom), a large dining table for 12, a full cook-in kitchen equipped with all of the cooking utensils, appliances, and gadgets found in any home kitchen, a beautiful, garden room surrounded by windows to let in the natural light, an in-ground heated swimming pool (weather permitting), a 6-person hot tub, and a sauna room. You will be able to take in all of the beautiful fall foliage, gardens, and views from one of the many rockers on the front porch, or from the patio furniture on one of the surrounding decks, gazebos, patios, or garden areas.
Where can I see pictures and find more information about the Prairie Star Lodge?
Check out their website here to see photos, or call 773-339-6736!
What is the room occupancy at Prairie Star Lodge?
Prairie Star Lodge offers 6 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms - 2 bedrooms and a bath on each level of the lodge. Each bedroom contains 2 queen/full size luxury memory foam beds and can accommodate 2 retreaters - each with their own bed, with one bedroom able to accommodate up to 3 retreaters - each in their own full/queen size bed - if needed. Rooming will be based on double occupancy...so bring a friend or make a new one!
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. :-) If you have 2 friends who want to join the fun too, then we can arrange to put you all three of you together in our master suite!
Tell me about the workroom
The lodge contains a huge workspace outfitted with state-of-the-art lighting, fourteen 6-foot work tables (one for everyone), adjustable rolling chairs, additional Ott lights (sometimes used but often not needed), flannel design walls surrounding the entire workspace, a sitting nook around a gas fireplace, and a cutting and pressing center, furnished with irons, ironing tables, a 2-person cutting table, a light table, a pressing machine, and a small refrigerator to store the beverages of your choice.
What else does Prairie Star Lodge offer?
Prairie Star Lodge offers a comfy-cozy living area, boasting 25-ft vaulted beamed ceilings, 2 large stone gas fireplaces (one in the living area and the other in the workroom), a large dining table for 12, a full cook-in kitchen equipped with all of the cooking utensils, appliances, and gadgets found in any home kitchen, a beautiful, garden room surrounded by windows to let in the natural light, an in-ground heated swimming pool (weather permitting), a 6-person hot tub, and a sauna room. You will be able to take in all of the beautiful fall foliage, gardens, and views from one of the many rockers on the front porch, or from the patio furniture on one of the surrounding decks, gazebos, patios, or garden areas.
Where can I see pictures and find more information about the Prairie Star Lodge?
Check out their website here to see photos, or call 773-339-6736!
How do I sign up?
To secure your spot for the retreat, please send your $50 deposit to Prairie Star Lodge, N1401 Dill Rd., Browntown, WI 53522. Several spots have already sold, so don't delay!
To secure your spot for the retreat, please send your $50 deposit to Prairie Star Lodge, N1401 Dill Rd., Browntown, WI 53522. Several spots have already sold, so don't delay!
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!