Daisy Aschehoug
Curve Curious: Independent Study
Five-Day Quilting Retreat
July 11, 2027, 5:30 pm: Meet & Greet
July 12 - 16, 2027
$1395
Bring your boldest ideas to this quilting retreat. The ones you’re not sure you can achieve. The creative vision you haven’t yet figured out how to manifest, or just the idea that’s been simmering inside you.
This is the week where you’ll learn how to add curved pieces to your quilts. You will learn simple methods to sew circles into your quilt designs that will free your creativity in new ways. You’ll learn how to make complex geometric designs without fear and develop new techniques to fuel your quilting all year long.
Daisy Aschehoug is the perfect teacher for this retreat, having spent over 10 years creating methods for curved piecing. Her techniques blend simple geometry and precise craftsmanship so that you can produce dazzling results. This independent study at the Estelle Center gives you access to all her knowledge and experience to advance your quilting and bring your designs to life.
Each day will begin with a demonstration or lecture meant to spark new inspiration and end with a group recap of the day’s accomplishments. Throughout the week, use your time with Daisy to learn from her vast experience in publishing, exhibiting, teaching, and lecturing. She is open to all quilting questions. Come and let Daisy help you develop the skills you need to bring your bold ideas to life.
Learning Objectives
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Explore design opportunities with block-based curves.
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Develop original designs and a plan to reverse engineer them.
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Refine your fabric selection skills to support your visual goals.
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Become fluent with the math and engineering methods needed for precise seams.
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You’ll learn to master seam illusion for the look of continuous curves.
The Curve Curious Independent Study with Daisy Aschehoug Retreat offers a comprehensive learning experience focused on curves in quilting. The key learning objectives for participants include:
Skill Level
This retreat is appropriate for the confident quilter.
What's Included In The Retreat
Meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres on Sunday, July 11th at 5:30 pm
Five days of instruction--Monday through Friday
Five lunches
Retreat Schedule
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Sunday, July 11th
5:30 pm
Join us for an informal gathering with the instructor and participants. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
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Introduction to design opportunities with curves (morning lecture)
Guided design exercise with a mix of analog and digital tools (morning activity)
Introduction to curved piecing (afternoon demo)
Sketching and planning (work time)
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Inset circles, improv curves, and other techniques (morning lecture and demo)
Develop design plan and begin work on proof-of-concept (morning work time)
Finalize project plan, select fabrics, begin sewing. (afternoon work time)
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Putting it all together/ joining blocks (morning demo)
Continue sewing (morning and afternoon work time)
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Morning lecture and demo to be determined by the week’s progress
Continue sewing (morning and afternoon work time)
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How to Quilt It? (morning lecture and guided activity)
Assessing block placement, troubleshooting challenges, and final assembly
Group showcase
Supply List for Daisy Aschehoug Retreat
Scissors
Two Rotary Cutters (size 28 is mandatory and also bring either size 45 or 60) With 2 spare blades each
Pins
Seam Ripper
Sewing Machine, quarter inch foot without a flange/guide
Thread (50wt or average piecing thread, any color)
Basic knowledge of your machine (threading, tension, bobbin winding, etc.)
24" Straight Ruler
Multiple Square Rulers (i.e. 3.5”, 6.5”, 12.5”)
Any Curved Templates you own (plenty available to borrow or buy at the retreat)
18” (or Larger) Cutting Mat
Fabric Glue Stick small diameter (any brand is good – Sewline, Bohin, Quilters Select)
Pencil and Notebook
Colored Pencils, Markers, Crayons - whatever you'd enjoy using to add color
Folder for storing your loose sketches and quilt plans
Fabric
This is an independent study, so what you bring is largely determined by what you want to accomplish. You may ignore this list and bring what you like. If you’re not sure how you’d like to spend your week, follow the guide below as you pack materials. Don’t fear arriving without “enough.” Designing with material constraints offers opportunities for new perspectives and growth.
Yardage
Two yards each of three or four colors
The colors can coordinate or be in high contrast with each other.
Even if you'd like to work within one colorway (for example, all blues), it's helpful to have at least one fabric that creates contrast with the rest (for example, 2-3 pastel blues with one navy blue).
Scraps
2 1/2 " by 4" or larger – maybe fill a quart size zip-loc bag.
Depending on your sewing style and preference, you might enjoy smaller or larger scraps.
Other
You're welcome to bring fat quarters, jelly rolls, layer cakes, etc.
Workshops are a great opportunity to experiment with fabrics that have colors or patterns that seem difficult to work with. Feel free to bring fabrics that you hate (but also slip in some that you love as a backup plan.)
Rent a Sewing Machine
Retreat Sewing Machine Rental
We rent the Bernina 350 Ricky Tims' Special Edition which is a great machine for quilters. Standard accessories for the sewing machine includes the slide-on extension table, the practical Free Hand System (FHS), the BERNINA walking foot as well as two additional feet for quilting and patchwork.
There are a limited number of machines available for rent, so reserve yours when you book your retreat. If you don't see a machine rental option, it means all the machines have already been rented.
$100 per retreat
About Daisy Aschehoug
The author and quilt designer Daisy Aschehoug is known around the world for her work that mixes old and new quilting techniques. Daisy’s designs use curved piecing in new ways, blending exact shapes with graceful movement. Her inspiration comes from a mix of things: Nordic design, maps, and the idea of “nesting,” or how people use crafts to feel like they belong.
Her bestselling book, Quilting with Curves: 20 Geometric Projects, has established her as a leading voice in contemporary quilting. And her technical expertise and artistic vision have made her a sought-after instructor in workshops and retreats internationally. As both a teacher and maker, she emphasizes the balance between precision and creative freedom, helping students discover their own artistic voice while mastering their technical skills.
In Norway, Daisy works from her studio, where she has separate areas for quilting, long-arm quilting, and making templates with a laser cutter.
Beyond her studio practice, Daisy actively shares her craft through online platforms (@warmfolk), video workshops, and in-person teaching engagements. Her work has been featured in numerous quilting publications and exhibitions, showcasing how traditional quilting techniques can be reimagined for contemporary expression.
In July 2027, Daisy will share her expertise in curved piecing techniques to empower participants to explore new dimensions in their quilting while experiencing shared creativity.
Social Media
website: https://warmfolk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warmfolk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warmfolk
Important Information Read Before Registering
Cancellation Policy
If the Estelle Center cancels a retreat, you will receive a full refund of all payments made.
The $500 deposit is non-refundable.
If you cancel your reservation and the Estelle Center is able to fill your space with another participant, your $500 deposit will be refunded minus a $100 cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 45 days of the retreat's Meet & Greet date, no refunds will be issued unless the Estelle Center is able to fill your spot. In that case, any refund will be subject to the $100 cancellation fee.
We have limited guest accommodations. If you cancel your room reservation at any time, you will be refunded your payment minus a $150 cancellation fee.
Payments
A deposit of $500 is required to register. The balance of $895 is due by May 12, 2027, 60 days before the start of the retreat.
After May 12, 2027, the full retreat cost of $1,395 is required to register.
Meals & Lodging
The Curve Curious Independent Study Quilting Retreat includes meet and greet with appetizers, five lunches, and five days of instruction. Other meals and lodging are not included in the registration fee.
Guest rooms at Estelle's Upstairs are available for retreat participants. There are single, double, and triple occupancy rooms that share a large bathroom down the hall. To book a guest room, scroll down to the payment section below.
Click here to learn more about our guest rooms.
Click here to find other accommodations in La Veta.
What To Expect Next
Please add sunshine@estellecreativearts.com to your safe senders list to make sure you receive our emails.
Service Animal Policy
To preserve a calm and welcoming space for creativity and connection, we ask that guests do not bring pets or emotional support animals.
Service dogs, trained to assist and supported by law, are always welcome. Thank you for helping us hold this space with care. If you have questions or specific needs, we invite you to reach out ahead of your visit.
Click here to learn more about the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Service Animal Policy.
