Stitches & Saddles at the Mayan Dude Ranch

Let’s be honest: between the demands of daily life, family, and work, finding uninterrupted time to completely immerse yourself in sewing is nearly impossible.

Imagine slipping away to Bandera, Texas for a weekend where everything is taken care of for you. No cooking, no meal prep, no household distractions. Just scenic Hill Country views, a community of passionate makers, full cowboy breakfasts, horseback rides, pool time and hours of dedicated open sewing time.

What to Expect: Open Sewing & Fitting Support

This retreat is designed as a relaxed, self-guided sewing getaway. We take care of all the logistics and setup so you can focus entirely on your sewing projects!

  • Measurements & Pattern Setup: We’ll help you take accurate body measurements and print out your patterns so you’re ready to cut and sew.

  • Open Studio Sewing: Bring your own WIPs (works-in-progress) or dream projects and enjoy dedicated table space and time to sew alongside fellow makers.

  • Friendly Community: While this trip is primarily organized for independent sewing rather than structured masterclasses, casual help and advice are always available in the room!

  • Mayan Dude Ranch Activities: Enjoy horseback riding, hayrides, pool time, happy hours and delicious meals.

Equipment, Supplies & What to Bring

To make packing straightforward, here is what’s set up for you and what you’ll need to bring:

  • What We Provide:

    • Shared cutting stations

    • Shared ironing boards, heavy-duty irons, and pressing stations

    • Pattern printing setup and measurement assistance

  • What You Need to Bring:

    • Your own sewing machine (plus power cord and foot pedal)

    • Your fabric, thread, patterns, and personal notions (zippers, buttons, elastic, etc.)

    • Basic sewing tools (fabric shears, pins, measuring tape, seam rippers)

Retreat Schedule & Itinerary

Thursday: Arrival & Setup

  • 1:00 PM – Early Arrival

  • 2:30 PM – Afternoon Horseback Ride (Optional)

  • 3:00 PM – Room Check-In

  • 4:00 PM – Set Up Sewing Machines & Workstations

  • 5:30 PM – Welcome Happy Hour

  • 6:45 PM – Dinner at the Lodge

  • 8:00 PM – Evening Sewing Session: Measurements & Printing Patterns

Friday: Open Sewing & Ranch Life

  • 7:45 AM – Cowboy Breakfast (via Horseback Ride, Hayride, or Hike)

  • 10:00 AM – Open Sewing / Measurements & Printing Patterns

  • 11:30 AM – Lunch at the Lodge

  • 1:00 PM – Open Sewing Studio

  • 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM – Afternoon Horseback Rides (Optional)

  • 4:00 PM – Pool Time & Relaxation (Optional)

  • 5:30 PM – Daily Happy Hour

  • 6:45 PM – Dinner at the Lodge

  • 8:00 PM – Evening Open Sewing

Saturday: Open Sewing Studio

  • 8:00 AM – Breakfast at the Lodge

  • 9:00 AM – Morning Open Sewing Session

  • 11:30 AM – Lunch at the Lodge

  • 1:00 PM – Afternoon Open Sewing Studio

  • 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM – Afternoon Horseback Rides (Optional)

  • 4:00 PM – Pool Time & Relaxation (Optional)

  • 5:30 PM – Daily Happy Hour

  • 6:45 PM – Dinner at the Lodge

  • 8:00 PM – Open Sewing & Project Wrap-Up

Sunday: Farewell & Departure

  • 7:45 AM – Cowboy Trail Breakfast or Lodge Breakfast

  • 10:00 AM – Pack Up Rooms & Sewing Gear

  • 11:00 AM – Room Check-Out

  • 11:30 AM – Farewell Lunch

  • 1:00 PM – Departure

All-Inclusive Pricing

$1,200 per person (inclusive of all applicable taxes and staff gratuities)

What’s Included:

  • Boutique accommodations at the Mayan Dude Ranch. All rooms include private bathrooms. Single and dual occupancy are the same rate per person.

  • All meals (cowboy trail breakfasts, lodge lunches, and dinners)

  • Daily happy hours (wine/beer)

  • Dedicated sewing space, cutting stations, and ironing setups

  • Group ranch activities (horseback rides, hayrides, pool access, all optional activities but included in the price)

Reserve Your Spot

To keep this getaway intimate and fun, space is limited to just 20 attendees. Once 10 makers express interest, we’ll set the official dates, and as soon as we have 5 confirmed spots reserved, the retreat is officially locked in. Expressing your interest now helps ensure this retreat happens, so let us know you’re in!

Want to join us once we set a date? You can hold your spot with a $250 deposit, which is fully refundable up to 3 months before the trip and 100% transferable at any time.

We welcome non-sewing friends and family joining us, and you’re also welcome to extend your stay before/after our retreat. The rates for Mayan Ranch are listed here. You’re welcome to book your own stay before/after and family members. Mention you’re with the Stitches & Saddles retreat so they know you’re with our group. Unless you mention differently, you’ll be housed at the Lodge, directly in the same building as the conference room. There are also beautiful larger cabins for families in close vicinity to the Lodge.

I’m Ready to Take the Reins

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