email

You’ll receive registration confirmation automatically from my website. If you can’t find it, search your spam, junk, trash, promo, etc folders for an email from help@kateoatesdesign.com. I can always resend it, but if it got filtered the first time it is likely to happen again! If you can’t find it, feel free to email me and I can check and see that your registration went through. I won’t be bombarding you with emails throughout but you can expect to hear from me about the following details.

The next email will be after the house is booked, sharing images and more house details (I’m hoping for a heated pool or hot tub this year!) Next, I’ll contact each guest individually with detailed information about their room assignment and of course, if there are any guests who registered for a Single but ended up not getting one, we’ll figure out what you want to do. In the months to come, I’ll share detailed information about what kinds of items/fabrics/fibers are best to bring for the dyeing workshop with Kristy. 10-14 days prior to the retreat, I’ll email everyone the address to our house. You can always feel free to contact me if any questions come up as well.

discord

Each guest will be invited to join a private Discord channel where we can chat about all things retreat & get to know each other a bit. Anything I send via email will also be posted in Discord so it’s a great way to stay in touch, especially if your spam filter doesn’t like me! We’ll talk packing and workshops, you can ask downtown Charleston questions, etc. Discord is not required, but it really has been a great space for each one of my retreats. Anyone in a double room that hasn’t met their roomie will also be set up with a private chat. It’s a lot of fun not only leading up to, but during and after the retreat! You can stay in touch with your fellow guests, provide feedback, whatever you want.

stitch marker swap

As for every Stitch & Beach experience, participating in the swap is totally your choice, but it’s a sweet and easy way to introduce yourself to everyone. It is the only thing you need to prepare for ahead of the retreat. Once registration is closed, I’ll provide a total count in one of my emails (and Discord) so you know how many you need. The markers can be anything you want! You can buy them, make them, bring them from stash; you can bring all the same markers or they can be varied. It’s all completely up to you. If you forget markers but still want to participate, shop from Boutique items I bring or pop down the road to Wild & Wooly. The swap itself is not the slightest bit strict or fancy. When it’s your turn, you’ll give a short introduction and pass out your markers. That’s it!

settle in

When you arrive at the retreat, you’ll be guided to your room to get settled; there will also be a nametag on your door to make it easy. The house will be fully stocked with snacks & drinks in case you’re feeling hungry after your travel day. Unless you want to go to the store yourself (or you wish to pick up alcoholic beverages), I will make any necessary store runs to make sure you have what you need.

workshops & experiences

do what you want

Sarah, Corey & Kristy are world-class creatives, and I couldn’t be more excited to have their invaluable skillsets as a part of your South Carolina experience. It may be tough for you to determine whether you’d rather be learnin’, beachin’ 🏝️ or simply sittin’ & knittin’. I’ve also curated our schedule so that you can enjoy lazy mornings as you wish—whether that’s sleeping in, knitting with coffee, enjoying the sunrise or looking for shark teeth. All workshops & experiences are included in your registration, but as I’ve mentioned, know that if you’d rather spend your time doing your own thing, go for it! There is no pressure on your time, just promise me you’ll relax and enjoy yourself each and every minute.

stay comfy

Don’t stress over packing, absolutely nothing we do requires you to change out of your PJs… heck, I don’t even think anyone would look twice if you wore them into Charleston 😆 Most of you will eventually get dressed daily, but know that leggings or sweats are welcome and everything we do is casual. Stay cozy! You probably won’t see me out of leggings (or PJs) throughout the retreat. The one suggestion I have is to bring something to wear for the dyeing workshop that’s either dark in color or you don’t mind getting stained. Think painting-clothes.

good eats

Charleston is a foodie town and we will be taking full advantage! you’ll love Chef Sarah’s cookin’ and downtown Charleston has so many great spots for you to to choose from. I’ll be happy to pass on recommendations. Your retreat fee includes all breakfasts/brunches & dinners at our house, along with plenty of snacks & non-alcoholic beverages. During registration, you’ll have the opportunity to share any allergies, dietary restrictions or food preferences and we will accommodate you for every retreat meal. Lunches are on your own but if prior years are any indication, there will be plenty of leftover goodies to munch on. You can always eat out or order in at any time.