Sewing classes.
Sewing friendships.
Grow your sewing skills, confidence and creativity alongside the Bow Bench Retreat community.
Located near Carseland, Alberta.
Our sewing and quilting classes are just the beginning.
Bow Bench Retreat is a sewing and craft studio located south of Carseland, Alberta, overlooking the Bow River.
If you’re looking for a place to quilt, sew, scrapbook, knit, crochet or create, Bow Bench has a spot for you.
Classes
Spread out, share ideas and create.
Everything has been designed just for sewists and crafters: there is power, tools, supplies and scenic views of the Bow River. All retreats and classes are taught by certified instructors.
Rent Our Facility
Bow Bench Retreat is too good not to share.
Located south of Calgary, Bow Bench Retreat is the perfect spot for quilters and sewists to plug in their machines, spread out their materials and get inspired by the scenery and community.
Teaching
Certified instruction for quilting and sewing.
Nancy Strath leads classes, workshops and retreats at Bow Bench Retreat and beyond. She will travel to your guilds, quilt shops and groups across Canada for custom workshops and classes.
Classes and Events
Bow Bench Retreat hosts classes and events year-round. We have regular sewing and craft days, sewing and quilting classes, and special events with guest instructors.
For classes that require registration, sign up online or call Bow Bench Retreat at 403-614-8584.
Latest News
Summer 2020 Update
I am not going to resume Sew Days or classes at Bow Bench with the current restrictions in place. The workspace can only accommodate 6 sewers with physical distancing. Most of you come to Bow Bench for more that just sew time. It's wonderful to relax and enjoy the...
August 2019 Newsletter
Hello! I hope you are enjoying your summer, its hard to believe its already the middle of August! I had the pleasure of hosting 7 lovely ladies for a week long Dinner Plate Dahlia "Boot Camp" at Bow Bench in July, most of them camped out so they could sew early and...
Summer 2019 Newsletter
Hello! There are so many exciting things happening at Bow Bench Retreat, The Heritage Park Festival of Quilts Quilter of Distinction for 2019 is Ana Buzzalino, and we are so honored to have her coming to Bow Bench Retreat to share her artistry and teach a Color...
April 2020
Foundation Paper Piecing Workshop April 1 – 5, 2020
*******The Retreat is Full, Contact Nancy to have your name placed on a waiting list ***** The Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino is located just 35 minutes west of Calgary, on the Trans Canada Highway at the junction of Highway 40 going to Kananaskis. The Resort is also just a short distance to the towns of Canmore and Banff. …
Find out more »“Slab” Quilts with Cheryl Arkison – Quilts for Everyday Heroes
This is a focused workshop on the Slab Technique from Sunday Morning Quilts, co-authored with Amanda Jean Nyberg. Slabs are what refer to as the “fabric” made from joining scraps together. It is an improvisational piecing technique that results in unique slabs of fabric that can be used in many ways. The class includes scrap sorting discussions and play as well as detailed instructions on making a slab. Students will then work to make additional slabs, practicing the technique. During…
Find out more »May 2020
Octagon Rose – Gemstone Class
You've had so much fun making the monthly birthstones now its time to create your own personalized jewel. This is MJ Kinman's latest pattern and it is exclusive to Gem Affiliates, you cannot purchase this pattern anywhere, it is included as part of the class. Nancy, A Gem Affiliate representing MJ Kinman, Textile Artist will teach you techniques to understand value and color placement of fabrics in your jewel so you can personalize and create your own Octagon Rose. Class…
Find out more »Tullamore Retreat Centre – Quilt Retreat May 22 – 24
Tullamore Retreat Centre Quilt Retreat Friday May 22, 2020 - Sunday May 24, 2020 with Nancy Strath, Certified Instructor with Judy Niemeyer Quilting and Catherine Rawlek RYT 200, AFLCA Certified This is the perfect get away weekend, includes everything you could possibly need, relaxation, friendship, learning, creating, delicious meals, comfortable accommodations, beautiful scenery, laughing, gentle chair yoga, stretching, what more can you ask for?? Nancy Strath, Certified Paper piecing instructor will teach you how to make a paper pieced table…
Find out more »Meet Nancy Strath – Owner and Instructor
Certified Judy Niemeyer Instructor | Gem Affiliate with MJ Kinman Textile Artist | Westalee Quilting with Rulers Instructor
Nancy shares her two passions at Bow Bench Retreat: quilting and her beautiful facility along the Bow River. In all her classes – for beginners to more experienced sewists – she focuses on developing confidence, creativity and talent.
Bow Bench Retreat is a scenic, serene and specialized facility located near Nancy’s home, south of Carseland, Alberta.
Learn more about Nancy and Bow Bench Retreat.
Bow Bench Retreat feels like my secret sewing retreat just outside of Calgary and has provided me with self care and relaxation.
I keep coming back to Bow Bench because of Nancy’s warm smile, the comfortable and well stocked sewing room, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the beautiful scenery.
