Hello lovelies! Things have been busy behind the scenes at Mojo Stitches, with some new releases (including my special birthday release) coming very soon – so keep an eye out…
The first people to see them will be the attendees at next weekend’s Summer 2025 Stitching in the Mountains Retreat. As we have a new venue, I wanted to let attendees know some information before you come, as well as some general retreat do’s and don’ts, as I know we have some newbies.
Venue information: The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba, NSW (get directions HERE).
Transport: There is limited free parking at the Guesthouse, and at Katoomba Station, Coles and Scenic World. Street parking is by parking meter. I highly recommend coming via train – as the Metropole is right across the street from Katoomba train station. If you are catching a train from Sydney, catch the Blue Mountains trains and check beforehand for timetables and/or trackwork delays (the train ride is a great way to see a lot of the mountain scenery too).
Accessibility: The Metropole has a few steps into and out of the building, with the easier entrance being at the back. Once inside, it is fully wheelchair accessible (there is a small lift) and we’ve just heard that plans for full wheelchair accessibility are on the way!
Tourist info: There are several tourist info centres (see here) for those of you who want to explore, and I highly recommend visiting Echo Point Lookout to view the spectacular Three Sisters (more info here). One way to access Echo Point easily (and explore more of the mountains) is to use the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, a hop-on, hop-off bus that runs periodically. You can buy tickets for this bus at a stand right by the train station at Katoomba or find more information here.
Food: For those of us staying at the guesthouse, breakfast is included and a light supper is optional. Lunch is also available from the guesthouse separately, and there are many, many cafes and restaurants nearby. There are some delivery options (check your apps) and many are within very close walking distance. There are also nearby supermarkets. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available for guests in their rooms, and tea, coffee and other drinks are available at the bar in the Metropole Guesthouse. if you have very specific food/milk requirements etc., feel free to bring what you need.
What to bring: Bring comfy clothes, snacks, some relaxing stitching and you! Additional things to consider are portable lamps (the rechargable and portable desk lamps are the best kind – there is limited room for full floor lamps).
As for stitching, the more portable the better. If you want to bring a table frame, please bring some felt or wadding to use for the clamp, so you don’t damage the tables. There is limited room for floor lamps, and if you want to bring a floor frame, please make sure that all walkways remain clear at all times, for safety. Personally, I always bring some easy, hand stitching where I don’t have to do a lot of counting (fill-in is perfect!) as I’m having too much fun catching up with everyone to count! There are also some exclusive kits that you’ll receive in your goody bag…
Katoomba can get cool in the evenings and overnight, and the daytime temps are forecasted to be early 30’s during the day. There is aircon in the main stitching room/dining room and the guest bedrooms, but not in the Library and other stitching rooms (although there were lovely breezes coming through the open windows last time I stopped in). For clothing, I recommend bringing some layers, as mountains weather can be unpredictable!
What to expect: A fun, relaxed atmosphere and an opportunity to share inspiration and creativity with like-minded friends. Whether you’re returning or are new, everyone is welcome and we have several different stitching rooms to suit different needs. The main stitching room will be in the dining room, where the majority of the activities, prize draws etc. will occur. There are also additional rooms upstairs, for those who prefer a little more quiet (you can join me in the Library).
All classes, activities, stitching competitions etc. are optional – you can join in as much or as little as you’d like.
Shops and raising money: Both Lisa (Paddock Lane Designs) and I will have our shops there, as well as some guest makers, so bring some spending money… We’ll also be raising money for our favourite charity, the Older Women’s Network NSW, who do such wonderful work. We have incredible people who have donated prizes and will be selling items for this charity, so please bring some cash for this too.
I hope you’re as excited as I am, and I can’t wait to share this weekend with you. See you soon!
Mojo Stitches 