Bra Talk Retreat 2022
We are excited to share this wonderful invitation to meet each other in person and spend a weekend sewing, and even better "bra making".
My favorite bra making instructor, DeWahn and myself are hosting our first bra making retreat and you're invited to the AC Hotel in National Harbor MD. Beginners and Intermediate, everyone is welcome to join us Thursday April 28 and enjoy bra making and fun for 3 days.
You too can make a bra and you too are invited...
Retreat Includes:
Welcome Bra Kit & Goodies
Personal Fit Sessions
Beginner and Intermediate Workshop Sessions
Special Guests
Breakfast & Afternoon Treats
Fabric Store Field Trip!
Bra Talk and the AC Hotel, a Marriott Property are partnering to Host the Retreat on the Potomac River at National Harbor, where you'll find lots of entertainment and yummy restaurants for lunch and dinner.
What is the Retreat Registration Cost? $575
We are so excited to share The Bra Talk Retreat will be hosted at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia….and the best part of the registration is it’s all-inclusive of accommodations and meals for 4 nights Wednesday - Sunday. For those of our friends that will be traveling to the area for the Retreat, you have a choice of single occupancy or double suite occupancy…all queen beds. For our friends that live in the area, we also have a “retreat only” registration and all meals are provided for every participant including snacks. Once your registration is complete, you will be assigned a room based on your occupancy choice.
2026 Registration will open soon.
If you have already secured your spot during pre-registration you are welcome to continue making payments on your registration which can be whatever amount you like in February, March, and final balance paid no later than March 31. Incidentals at the conference center hotel will be your responsibility.
VENUE:
The Bra Talk Retreat 2025
National Conference Center
18665 Conference Center Dr.
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-724-5139
ACCOMODATIONS:
Single Occupancy:
Retreat Only:
Retreat Schedule:
Wednesday 4/30 - check-in 4pm - Retreat activity until 10pm
Thursday, 5/1 - 9am-10pm
Friday, 5/2 - 9am - 10pm
Saturday, 5/3 - 9am - 10pm
Sunday, 5/4 - 9am - 1pm
TRANSPORTATION:
Washington Dulles Int’l Airport is the closet airport choice to the venue - UberX is priced about $35.00 and is a 20min ride to the National Conference Center.
****RETREAT INFORMATION****
You are cordially invited to join us in the art of bra-making! We are thrilled to extend this invitation for an in-person gathering where we will spend a weekend sewing and, even more excitingly, making bras. Whether you're a beginner or at an experienced level, everyone is welcome to join us
Registration must be paid in full by posted date (tbd). If you’d like to pay half/half, please send an email with a request as pre-registration is over.
For those who have never crafted a bra, this is your chance to learn from scratch and leave with a well-fitting bra and much more!
The retreat will cover:
- Taking accurate measurements
- Understanding bra patterns and materials
- The importance of a fitting band
- New this year: Bra Talk Fit Clinic
- Crafting a second bra and matching panty
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We also invite experienced bra-makers to advance their skills with techniques and specialty bras or explore new patterns throughout the remainder of the weekend. Topics include:
- Achieving a better fit in our new "Fit Clinic"
- Going Strapless or Longline
- An introduction to corsetry
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LIST OF SUPPLIES TO BRING WITH YOU:
Sewing Machine (if you are traveling, we will have machines to rent for $100)
Your basic sewing kit/tools: cutting, measuring, thread, needles, etc.)
Whatever you’d like to bring to ensure you sew with your favorite tools!
We will provide muslin bra-making kits, practice kits, and raw materials if you run out. All patterns will be provided. You will have “washaway thread” to use during your first muslin to redo areas without using a seam ripper.
Where is the Retreat and Where do I stay?
AC Hotel National Harbor, MD
Check in: 3pm Check out: 12noon
THURSDAY
3pm Welcome - Check-in
5pm
**Bra Talk Welcome Session**Expectations of the Weekend**Beginner Sessions**Intermediates Sessions
7pm - Bra Talk After Dark & Treats
FRIDAY
9am Beginner & Intermediate Sessions
12:30 Lunch
Sessions Continue
4pm - Zoom Guest
Sessions Continue
7pm Dinner
Sewing Time
9pm Bra Talk After Dark & Treats
SATURDAY
9am Beginner & Intermediate Sessions Begin
12:00 Lunch/Fabric Store Field Trip
4pm- Zoom Guest
Sessions Continue
7pm Dinner
Special : Bralettes and Matching Panties (Zoom Guest)
9PM Bra Talk After Dark & Treats
SUNDAY
9am - Breakfast and RUNWAY, RUNWAY, RUNWAY!
11am - Zoom Guest
Bra Talk Planning for Future Bra Making
What Else?
Q: I've never made a bra before, can I participate? A: Absolutely, we have Beginner Sessions where you will come away with a well-fitting bra
Q: Are meals included? A: Bra Talk will provide light breakfast snacks and afternoon and late night snacks - lunch and dinner are on your own, as National Harbor is full of yummy choices
Q: Do I bring my sewing machine? A: This is a traditional retreat where you bring all of your equipment and supplies - each participant will have a table for setup, plugin and table space. The room will have a main cutting table space for shared use.
Q: Will there be fabric bra kits available for purchase?
A: Yes
Q: What fabric store are we going to?
A: There are so many choices, will let you know
Q: I live in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, do I have to stay at the hotel?
A: No, you do not have to stay at the hotel - Retreat registration is separate
Q: Can I partner with someone for a double room? A: Yes, we will use a private group messaging app to share participant needs and you can coordinate planning there.
Q: Can I use Marriott points to book my room?
A: Yes, however you will not be inside our room block - so please let us know to keep up with your reservation.
Q: Do I have to pay the entire amount, or can I make payments:
A: Yes, email nikkig@sewingmystyle.com to set up a payment plan
Q: What if I register and I have to cancel? A: Registration is non-refundable if requested after April 5, 2022 - and we will try to replace your spot, and if we can replace you from the waitlist, then you will receive a full refund.
COVID SAFETY
We are extremely thoughtful about the health and safety of ourselves and our guests and will host participants with all the attention necessary. There will be 25 people total in the Retreat room at any given time - 20 participants and 5 instructors/support team.
- The AC Hotel has their general guidelines on COVID safety behavior that our event will abide by.
- Please be prepared to show proof of your COVID vaccination AND/OR your negative test results within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival...at home testing kit results will be accepted.
- While in the sewing room, we (staff) will wear masks as we engage with participants as we help with bra making learning - fitting, touching, etc.
- You will have your own table for sewing, so masks are required to be worn as you engage with others closely.
- Please enjoy the Retreat!
Additional questions can be asked via email: nikkig@sewingmystyle.com
