BobKat’s Autumn 2025 Shipshewana Retreat – Feeling Groovy!

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Indiana’s Amish country.   Shipshewana is great place for quilters!  There are several massive quilt and fabric shops within walking distance of our retreat space at the Farmstead Inn, and there are more than a dozen more with in a 20 minute radius.  We keep the participant group to less than 30.   I’m now doing both a Spring and an Autumn retreat and we’ve sold out the Spring retreat last two years.

As usual we’ll focus on Quiltworx projects and this year I’ve chosen some great patterns with a wide range of options including Feeling Groovy, Hocus Pocus, and Summer Solstice.  You can do them straight, expand them to queen size or even give them a swirl!  See the examples below.  Of course you’re welcome to purchase another Quiltworx pattern at a discount or bring one that you’re already working on. Choose one of the featured patterns or a pattern I’ve taught before and I’ll share the class videos so you can get a head start on your quilt before the retreat.  Need help after the retreat?   I’m there for you as well via phone, email, facetime or Zoom.

Featured Patterns

Added Benefit

Want help planning your  Feeling Groovy, Hocus Pocus or Summer Solstice?  Soon after you register, we can meet face-to-face on Zoom and  I’ll help you plan your color way on Quiltster. You’ll get a personalized report outlining your fabric shopping list,  an index of Fabric ID’s and general fabric cutting information  .  Click here to see a preview of how we’ll design your quilt in Quiltster! 

I’ll support you in securing your fabric and getting organized before the retreat.  At the retreat I’ll help you make great progress on your own one-of-a-kind Quiltworx keepsake quilt.  And if there is a Zoom series available — you’ll receive that full class series as well.  Everyone gets my pledge to be by your side from start-to-finish!

Looking to do a different pattern?  No problem, You can purchase any Quiltworx pattern from me at a discount or bring your own pattern and you’ll still get great personal support from me (and complementary class videos when available!)  Just want some quality sewing time in a supportive environment? We’d love to have you join us!

About the retreat:

WHEN:   Tues. October  7 – Sun. October 12, 2025.

WHERE:  The Farmstead Inn in Shipshewana, Indiana

WHY:  Because you’ll have six days of fun, sewing, shopping, eating and spending time with other Quiltworx Quiltmakers!  I’ll be there to help you every step of the way (before, during and after the retreat!!!)  And Zoom Class support before and after for many pattern options!

COST:  The retreat is $550 and includes all instruction and support,  sewing room access , video support, Quiltster design support and a recorded Quiltster Instructional Class.  Contact The Farmstead Inn directly to make your reservation (info below)  — tell them you are with the BobKat Quilts Retreat for a special rate on your room!  You are NOT obligated to stay onsite at the hotel!  Looking to come but would love a roommate? I’ll be happy to share your contact information and you can explore the opportunity with other registrants.   Several of our repeat retreaters bring their RVs or rent a nearby cabin for the the week.  Check out OUTDOORSY.COM for RV park and cabin rental information

Reserve your spot today with a deposit  of $150.

Save $75 off the retreat fee by paying in full before July 15, 2025 using the EARLY BIRD COUPON CODE – earlybird.  Payment in full is due no later than August 15, 2025.  Retreat payment is refundable through August 30th less the PayPal and related Processing fees — after that you receive a credit toward  Zoom Classes, notions, Quiltworx patterns, Fabric Kits or a future retreat.

Here’s what others have said about our retreats and classes…

Your Classes are Fabulous!

I thoroughly researched many educators offering classes for the Quiltworx Jungle Magnolia and BobKat Quilts was the best fit for me!   Your classes are FABULOUS!   I’m so glad that I found you!

Mary T.

Fun instructor who teaches to all levels of skill

Hi,
Just wanted to post a little note. I am very new to sewing and especially quilting. My friend, who lives in Indiana, asked me if I wanted to take a quilting class with her. So I did. Kathy was beyond fantastic. She is a true instructor who understands how not to overwhelm students who are trying to learn a new skill set. It was super fun, relaxing and I learned a lot. There were some very experienced quilters in the class who also learned a lot. I’ve already decided that I’m going to Shipshewana again next year (2025)!

Thanks for a fun week!

Dana A

Retreat, Videos, In-Person – Great ways to learn!

I really like your hybrid teaching concept with great in-person instruction, supplemented with videos shared before and available for review after the retreat.  I think that is more of the way the future will look.  Many traditional quilters like the in-person sessions, and I understand that. But those of us with jobs and kids and other responsibilities cannot afford to be away for long periods of time.  While this was a table topper class,  I did purchase a queen size pattern, so it was worth going thru the class versus doing something from videos only.

Gina Viviano

Yoder's Department Store - Shipshewana, IN

“My First Retreat! — What A Blast!”

What a blast! The “Best Little Quilt Retreat in Texas” was my first retreat, my first paper piecing project, and a first-class teacher . Thank Kathy for making the Judy technique doable for me!

Terri J.M.

Best Little Quilt Retreat in Texas 2023

I learned a LOT!

I have special needs children and really needed a 2-day respite, but the pace was faster than I expected, so I didn’t get much rest!    The videos you shared ahead of the retreat were a life-saver!  However, with that said, I did enjoy my time at the retreat. I appreciate how you were able to attend to everyone in the place they were as we got going. You were thorough in your explanations, which was great. And you shared some invaluable tips and tricks to surviving a “Judy project”.  Meredith the other instructor from Yoder’s Department Store was a strong, stable persona in the room the entire time and that helped as well!   I enjoyed getting to know you and the ladies in the group, which is rare for me as an extreme introvert!  Thank you for the experience!

Gina Viviano

Yoder's Department Store - Shipshewana, IN

Her first Paper Piecing Project – WOW!

Kathy’s note:  This was Elaine’s first paper piecing project!  All I can say is WOW!!!

Thanks Kathy!  Couldn’t have done it without you!  You are a great teacher.  I highly recommend her for your quilting projects.

PS The Quilt is even more beautiful in person!

Elaine Y.S.

Can’t Recommend Kathy Enough!

Take one of Kathy’s classes- live and/or zoom. You will be guided through the process with as much support as you need. I can’t recommend Kathy at BobKat quilts enough!

She is wonderful!

Wendy S

BobKat’s Retreat – The Value is Phenomenal!

Can’t say enough about how fun, laid back, and informational this retreat has been! I can’t truly say I’m “bummed” about missing her next one because I’m going to Quiltworx (!!!) in October, but if it weren’t for that I’d be doing everything I could to be here. But that just means my seat is open for someone else!   This retreat WILL fill up!  If you have the time, you should be here —  The value is phenomenal.

Thank you Kathy for a fantastic week!

Tabitha A.

I Loved the Retreat!

I joined Kathy at her BobKat Quilts Shipshewana Retreat where I worked on my 1st Quiltworx Quilt Carnival Flower. I loved the retreat and Kathy’s world of knowledge!

If you get a chance,  join Kathy at one of her future in-person or zoom classes or at an upcoming retreat

Daphney C

Thank You for a Fantastic Week!

Thank you so much for a fantastic week. This is my first time making a JN quilt and Kathy made the whole process understandable and enjoyable. She is an outstanding instructor and I will be taking future classes with her.

Wendy S

Outstanding Retreat!

Your Shipshewana Retreat  was Outstanding!!! Had a great time with great people. And I will go home with my Carnival Flower in Tula colors 3/4 assembled. Couldn’t quite get that last slice in there but will finish at home. I learned so much this week

Janet L.

Great class with Kathy Groves

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I really enjoyed our class in Shipshewana doing Zen Garden. I thought your teaching was right on. Loved all of your short cuts and tips so our projects would come out perfect. Even at home as I continue my project, I can use your tricks.

We really didn’t go thru the instruction book. I don’t know if that was a good thing or not. I certainly have had no problem following along now that I’m at home.

Lastly, I would like to know how you organize your instruction book(s). I know a lot of people use highlighters on certain instructions. How do you do it?

Again thank you for a great class. I am looking forward to seeing you again in Shipshewana for future classes.

Debra R

Yoders/Cotton Corner

Enjoyable and relaxing

I enjoy Kathy’s method of teaching. It’s relaxed and free form. I can progress at my pace. Kathy is always happy and open to suggestions. She had a terrific solution to a fabric problem. I didn’t need to recreate a section or buy more fabric! I wish the workshop was four days. I felt that I was just understanding the methods of construction plus making progress when it was over! I am looking forward to her return to Shipshewana.

Marilouise H

Yoder Department Store and The Cotton Corner

Great Instructor, I highly recommend her!

Very nice, patient and knowledgeable teacher. Easy to follow her instructions. Kathy has great tricks that she easily shared and made sure we understood before moving on. Highly recommend one of her classes.

Debra R

Yoders and The Cotton Corner

Great group instructor…AND personal follow up!

Kathy was very helpful during Qultworx University. She provided helpful tips and shortcuts, written cue cards. I found her group instructions to be helpful and appreciated individual follow up after the demonstration. She was also quick answer individual questions and requests for help with problems. I enjoyed learning to know and work with Kathy.

Sarah Buller Fenton

Great instructor! Very easy to understand…

Kathy is very patient and knowledgeable.  She teaches in a way that is very easy to understand no matter your level of experience

Sandra Berg-Whiley

After your class…I am having a ball!

I can’t believe how smoothly my quilt is going together.  I’ve been sewing 2-3 hours a day! Thanks for the joy you have brought me through your class!

Sherri W.A.

Cotton Corner, Shipshewana, IN

Need more information? Please email me!  kathy@bobkatquilts.com