We are excited to welcome you and Jinny McAuliffe (of Stitch Style) to our Island House Studio for our Coastal Summer Weekend Retreat August 7 – 9, 2026!  Come alone or come with friends for a relaxing weekend of friendship (max 22 participants), needlepoint and coastal exploration.

Saturday and Sunday mornings, Jinny will be leading us through her stitch guide for her exclusive Sheffield Island Lighthouse retreat canvas.  Please feel free to bring your own project for open stitch times in the afternoons.  (Note: participants are not required to participate in the stitching instruction.)  Jinny will be available each afternoon for guidance with stitching and kitting.

When: Friday Aug 7th 6 – 8 pm || Saturday Aug 8th  10 am – 4 pm || Sunday Aug 9th 10am – 2 pm

Where: In Person – Island House Needlepoint Studio – 11 Day Street S. Norwalk, CT 06854

Retreat includes:

• Friday 6-8pm casual stitching with pizza and wine mixer.  Relax and get acquainted with retreat friends
• Saturday and Sunday classes with Jinny McAuliffe of Stitch Style.  Jinny will be teaching to her stitch guide for our exclusive retreat Canvas
• Exclusive Stitch Style canvas, including threads and stitch guide
• Fabulous customized SWAG BAG!
• Shopping Stitch Style mini trunk show with Jinny’s assistance kitting your purchases from her canvas line
• Lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday, as well as drinks and snacks throughout the day

Optional: Friday 2pm – 5pm Join us exploring Sheffield Island Lighthouse and stitching on Island.  Purchase your ticket(s) for the boat that leaves at 2:00 pm with the Norwalk Seaport Association.  Park at our studio and we will all walk the one block to the dock together.  Please let us know if you are joining us as we will not see a count or a list. Additional family members are welcome to join the excursion.  To purchase your boat ticket click the link here.

Supplies to bring: Your needlepoint tool kit, stand if you choose to use one, and battery operated light if you desire

Accommodations:  We have secured a room block at the Residence Inn by Marriott (45 S Main Street, South Norwalk, CT) for Friday and Saturday nights.  Please reach out to the hotel directly and ask for the “Island House Retreat” room block – 855-999-0131.  Alternatively, book on-line using our group rate link Book your group rate for Island House Retreat .  Accommodations include complimentary breakfast.  Parking is available for a nominal fee at the hotel.  The hotel is just a short 1 1/2 block walk to our studio or drive over and park in our lot.

South Norwalk is a lively area with many dining options and activities.  Please take a look at our website for dining suggestions.  We do not have a group dinner planned for Saturday evening, however we are happy to put groups together and help with reservations.

Please note: Retreat fees are non-refundable.  If you are not able to attend, you may choose to transfer your fee if you find a participant to come in your place.