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
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...
Spring 2019 Newsletter
Hello! I am so happy that Spring is around the corner, we have some exciting classes coming up at Bow Bench, Tara with Uh Oh Creations is back, Terry Rowland will be teaching and of course I have a variety of Judy Niemeyer classes scheduled, including the newest -...
September 2019
Dinner Plate Dahlia Workshop – September 19
Join Certified Instructor Nancy Strath as she teaches this pattern in a slower pace, 6 workshops over 4 months. Every class you will start a new booklet learning new techniques every class., and as you complete them you will join to the next unit, with the goal of putting at least one section together over the program. Workshop dates: Thursday August 29, 2019 10:00am – 5:00 pm Booklet 2 (Booklet 1 is introduction and general information) Thursday September 19,…
Find out more »Mini Quilt Block Class – Log Cabin September 26
Allison Glass + Giucy Giuce Mini Series patterns - Log Cabin by Giuseppe Ribaudo Want to challenge yourself to try something new? Do you have enough full size quilts? We've all seen the new rage of mini quilt blocks, aren't you intrigued? but don't know where to start? Sharon will teach you the tips and tricks of the trade to make your own version of this mini block. Her experience and expertise will help eliminate the intimidations factor of making…
Find out more »Elizabeth Gemstone Class
MJ Kinman presents the Diamond Diva Series: Elizabeth A Princess Cut Diamond quilt Pattern in 4 Colorways The Princess Cut Diamond Block is 48" square; set on point, it is nearly 70" from tip to tip The Technique used is traditional piecing with freezer paper templates Class Time: Saturday, September 28, 2019 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Pattern cost: $100, includes Booklet, 1 set of freezer paper templates (can be reused), and 1 set of regular paper copies to make…
Find out more »October 2019
Dinner Plate Dahlia Workshop – October 3
Join Certified Instructor Nancy Strath as she teaches this pattern in a slower pace, 6 workshops over 4 months. Every class you will start a new booklet learning new techniques every class., and as you complete them you will join to the next unit, with the goal of putting at least one section together over the program. Workshop dates: Thursday August 29, 2019 10:00am – 5:00 pm Booklet 2 (Booklet 1 is introduction and general information) Thursday September 19,…
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.
