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
January 2019 Newsletter
Happy New Year everyone! 2019 is going to be an amazing year!! I’m looking forward to spending time with all of you, cultivating your creative pursuits. Bow Bench Retreat has a new website - the new website is going to help me stay organized and it is much easier to...
read moreAugust Newsletter
I can’t believe summer is nearing an end, although I am very excited about what fall has in store, there are some fun things happening at Bow Bench Retreat. Shooting Stars Block of the Month Program Starting September 20th, I am offering a Block of the Month Program,...
read moreSummer Newsletter
Hello! I thought I should send you all an update on whats happening at Bow Bench Retreat, we’ve had a very busy winter and spring, with classes and retreats. Our Retreat at Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino was so much fun we booked another one next April. Below is a...
read more
February 2019
Beginner Foundation Paper Piecing
Judy Niemeyer’s techniques for paper piecing for beginners Have you often admired the beautiful paper pieced patterns designed by Judy Niemeyer and quiltworx.com and told yourself there is no way you can make something like that? Well I’m here to tell you that with my help you absolutely can do it! Join me, Nancy Strath, Certified Instructor with Judy Niemeyer Quilting for a one-day learn the basics Paper Piecing Class. In this class I will provide you will everything you need…
Find out more »MJ Kinman Trunk Show
I like to tell people I make the biggest diamonds in the world. The adventure started 22 years ago when an image of a gorgeous gem captured my imagination. As a new quiltmaker, I was unsure how to transform that image into a quilt, but knew there had to be a way. I began searching for the right techniques and, seven years later, made my first gem. My latest series, entitled “Bourbon Diamonds” celebrates Kentucky’s favorite spirit. My current series…
Find out more »MJ Kinman Bite Sized Gem Workshop
Create a Small Faceted Quilt In this fast-paced workshop, participants will create their own singularly beautiful work of faceted light using the same single-foundation piecing techniques I use to create my own “diamond quilts”. Participants will choose from one of several pre-selected abstract gem designs based on their skill level. They will then learn how to chart the design onto freezer paper; code each piece for color, location, and adjacency; position template pieces onto fabric to achieve the desired light…
Find out more »April 2019
Rustic Mountain Snowflake Table Topper Class
Join Certified Judy Niemeyer Instructor Nancy Strath to make this cute 20 1/2 " table topper, the pattern instructions are printed in the April 2019 edition of American Patchwork and Quilting, available everywhere quilting magazines are sold, the foundation papers are printed by Quiltworx and available to purchase through Nancy. This is a great beginner project to introduce quilters to the latest foundation paper piecing techniques by Judy Niemeyer, or quick project for those with more experience. There are enough…
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.
