Design Outside the Lines - Ashland, OR October 19-24, 2025

  Location: Ashland Springs Hotel • Ashland, Oregon

•Dates: Oct 19-24,2025 

•Retreat Cost: $2,275. 

 • Deposit: $600. due upon registration

Includes 5-day workshop, tea & coffee in the studio & inspiring work environment!. Our workshop venue will be in the Crystal Room in the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. See link below for booking on-site rooming options.       

  -Carol Lee Shanks -

      guest teacher 

"I’ve been watching the light shift in different parts of my studio since the winter solstice.  Soft and moody shadows and shapes capture me with the mystery they express.  I’m swirling with fresh ideas".

"I read this quote today from an interview with actor William Dafoe.  He is speaking to a scene from a movie he was in and the question is “Do any challenges from “The Lighthouse” come to mind?”  Dafoe responds, “I would say a scene where I’m buried alive, I’m speaking poetic language, and it’s really cold, cold, cold.  But you know what?  All those elements I love, because they push me to a place I’ve never been before.  And it’s not just about overcoming obstacles.  It’s really about getting outside of yourself and getting beyond your experience and having something happen that’s meaningful and curious and taps into a sense of wonder. 

So sometimes you’ve got to push it..It's time to push it! "  Carol Lee Shanks                        

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"I love creating outer garments in the fall and look forward to sharing this Oct.studio time you.  The process starts with an inspiration, a seed, a unique combination-often  a fresh direction for recycled pieces. The metaphor of 'meaning' can reveal new aspects of sewing, textile play and silhouettes. We'll explore construction techniques and how wearing impacts silhouettes, details  and closure design. So whether you love wool, quilted cottons or polar fleece... start dreaming of a garment you've always wanted, collect your favorite materials and join us to create it. "  Diane  

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       Our October Retreat in Ashland, Oregon can add that much needed spark to your winter making. Come… settle into our fall studio in the historic Ashland Springs Hotel for a week of designing, exploring new techniques and sewing garments with beautiful textiles. Stay upstairs in beautiful bedding and meet sewing friends for breakfast on the landing, or start the day with coffee and some quiet time in the studio. Guest teacher & designer, Carol Lee Shanks and I will share our design processes, couture sewing techniques, coaching and silhouette ideas for your coats and jackets projects.

Growing your design process will be a topic at our fall retreat. Join us and build on your experience in the company of other passionate, creative makers. 

Come… deepen your work and grow that creative voice calling inside you now. Is it a textile with simple, clean lines…maybe a textured collage coat? or more layered stitching?  We will be waiting to welcome you into our studio there.

In the meantime, breathe deeply and celebrate this precious time you have. Diane

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     Payment Options- deposits & balance payments can be made online. All others email to request wait list.

  "The Design Outside the Lines Retreat met my expectations and so much more! It changed the direction of my work and has given me a lifetime network of delightful, creative women to play with!"                                                      2020 Participant  

“I think Ashland is the perfect spot for a DOL retreat.  What a beautiful little town.  Holding it at the Historic Ashland Springs Hotel is so convenient.  You can walk to all the terrifies shops and restaurants and even see a play if you like.  I’ve been to lots of DOL retreats and this one was super!”                                       2023 Participant

 This retreat is not about sewing....it is a life changing experience ."                                          2021 Participant                     

''The above  quote sounded kinda corny to me...but I came...and it really was!"                 2020 Participant