MAY 3-8, 2026 RETREAT
EBB & FLOW: A Textile Retreat with Jean Impey
May 3–8, 2026 | Orange County, California
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with an original Freddy Moran quilt top.
After Freddy Moran’s passing, a limited number of his signed quilt tops remain unfinished. This retreat was created to honor her work, her spirit, and the joy she brought to quilting. Each participant will receive one of these tops and complete it in their own voice, with guidance from Jean Impey, who worked alongside Freddy for years. This is legacy work.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
- A signed original Freddy Moran quilt top (one per participant)
- Hands-on instruction and demos focused on Fabulous Faces (FF) techniques, composition, and finishing
- Guided help with your quilt top selection, plus planning support so you feel confident before you start sewing
- A supportive, creative room with plenty of time to stitch, ask questions, and make progress
- Cinco de Mayo evening session for added fun and community
WHO SHOULD COME
- Quilters who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience working with an original Freddy Moran quilt top
- Artists who love portraits, faces, and expressive work, whether you are new to Fabulous Faces or already experimenting
- Confident beginners through advanced quilters — no perfection required, curiosity encouraged
- Makers who want focused studio time with guidance, demos, and the freedom to work at their own pace
- Quilters looking for creative momentum, clarity, and encouragement rather than rigid instruction
- Those who value community and enjoy learning alongside other thoughtful, passionate makers
- Anyone ready to immerse themselves in fabric, storytelling, and creative play in a supportive retreat setting
COST & REGISTRATION
The cost of EBB & FLOW: A Textile Retreat is $1,950 per participant. – Update: This retreat is now in South Orange County, California and limited to a small group.
A $750 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. Space is limited, and registration is confirmed in the order deposits are received.
The remaining balance will be due prior to the retreat. Payment details, deadlines, and reminders will be provided after registration. Remaining balance of $1,200 is due by March 15, 2026.
The retreat fee includes instruction, demos, studio time, use of the retreat space, and one signed original Freddy Moran quilt top. Lodging, travel, and most meals are not included.
These are a few of Freddy’s pieces that she has made and sold but it will give you some ideas about how they will look once “double quilted” and finished.
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
This retreat is not about completing a finished quilt, but about understanding the process, making thoughtful decisions, and gaining confidence to continue your work at home.
- Working with an original Freddy Moran quilt top, including orientation, planning, and next-step decisions
- Design and composition choices specific to portrait quilts, such as balance, emphasis, and visual flow
- Fabulous Faces (FF) techniques, including how to interpret facial features, personality, and expression in fabric
- Background and framing options that support the portrait without overpowering it
- Stitching strategies and finishing considerations, with guidance on how to move forward confidently after the retreat
- Problem-solving in real time, as questions naturally arise during the making process
- Developing your own creative voice, using Freddy’s work as inspiration rather than a formula
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
- Rent your Sewing machine or bring one, in good working order, with power cord and foot pedal
- Basic sewing supplies, including scissors, pins or clips, seam ripper, marking tools, and ruler(s) you normally use
- Thread for piecing and quilting in colors you enjoy working with
- Extra fabric for backgrounds, borders, or personal additions if desired
- Any specialty feet or tools you prefer (walking foot, free-motion foot, extension table, etc.)
- A notebook or sketchbook for notes, ideas, and planning
- An open mind and willingness to experiment — curiosity matters more than perfection
LODGING & TRAVEL
Additional lodging details, transportation tips, and participant coordination opportunities will be shared closer to the retreat dates.
Lodging
The retreat will be held in Orange County, California, located closest airport is SNA – Orange County Airport aka John Wayne Airport
Participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.
Travel
The most convenient airport is Orange County, California (SNA).
From san, you may choose to:
- Rent a car
- Use rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft
Driving time from Orange County Airport to the retreat is approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Transportation During the Retreat
Daily transportation between your hotel and the retreat center is your responsibility; however with the limited size of this group, we may be able to assist you with transportation.
Many participants choose to carpool, and details can be coordinated ahead of time.
FAQs
Do I need to finish a quilt during the retreat?
No. This retreat is focused on process, understanding, and decision-making. Some participants will sew extensively, others will plan, audition ideas, and build confidence to continue at home. Completion is not the goal.
Do I need prior experience with Fabulous Faces or portrait quilts?
No prior experience is required. Confident beginners through advanced quilters are welcome. Instruction and guidance are tailored to where you are in your creative journey.
Is an original Freddy Moran quilt top included?
Yes. Each participant will receive one signed original Freddy Moran quilt top as part of the retreat experience.
Can I bring my own fabrics or add personal touches?
Yes — absolutely. You are welcome to bring additional fabrics if you would like to explore creating one of your own portraits as well.
What sewing machines are allowed?
If you are flying, it’s not often easy to bring a machine, there will be a few available for use, but you are encouraged to bring your own standard sewing machine in good working order. Please bring your power cord, foot pedal, free-motion foot, and any specialty feet you enjoy using.
Will there be open sewing time?
Yes. In addition to structured instruction and demos, there may be some additional open sewing time.
Where is the retreat held?
The retreat location details are being negotiated right now and these details will be available in the next few weeks.
Where should I stay?
Participants are responsible for their own lodging. More details to be available in the next few weeks.
What if I have questions before the retreat?
Additional details and helpful information will be shared closer to the retreat dates. You will also have opportunities to connect with fellow participants in advance.
Is this retreat about copying Freddy’s work?
No. Freddy’s work serves as inspiration and a starting point. The focus is on understanding process, developing confidence, and finding your own creative voice.