April is a wonderful time of year to visit Texas; the wildflowers decorate our highways, the weather is mild, the fishing plentiful, and the “All Texas Shop Hop” is going on! Sewists will be able to visit a couple of the stores participating in the Shop Hop, as well as be able to set up their stations in a devoted rally space with an adjoining kitchen and, down the hall, bathrooms (no showers). We’ve tried to think of everything so that you can just focus on packing up your trailer, your sewing machine, and your favorite sewing necessities. We provide the tables, ironing boards/irons, some project supplies, information sessions, and most meals. Oh, and we have now famous swap tables! They are seeded with beautiful batiks that will blend with everything, and you are welcome to offload some of your stash too if you like.
The fisherpersons among you will enjoy a fully guided fishing trip on Monday. The lakes around Hillsboro are widely known for fantastic striped bass fishing, and we will be fishing the best time of year for catching stripers. Although personal fishing is open any day of the event, the solar lunar tables indicate that Monday, April 20th will be a four-star day for fishing! The trip will include breakfast, all rods, tackle, fully rigged striper boats, and guides. Participants will only need to bring snacks, drinks and of course a Texas Fishing License. Our catch will be cleaned and packaged for us. The day will be culminated with a fish fry in the NTAC pavilion (fryers, oil, and sides provided).
Don't stitch or fish? Be a cheerleader! Cheerleaders will be responsible for parking and food expenses.
Preliminary Sewing Agenda:
Friday, April 17th: Sewing station set-up, brief brush-up tutorials to prepare you for the classes ahead, free sewing time, and a visit to Loretta's Quilt Shop in Whitney to pick up fabrics for Project 2.
Saturday, April 18th: First Project Class at NTAC, supplies provided
Sunday, April 19th: Second Project Class at NTAC, Part 1, pattern and template provided
Monday, April 20th: Second Project Class at NTAC, Part 2
Preliminary Fishing Agenda:
Friday, April 17th: Tour of Homestead Heritage Craft Community (beautiful woodworking and crafts shops).
Saturday, April 18th: Tour woodworking shops here at NTAC and then make something! Bill Steddum and Greg King are bringing their woodshops to us for the day.
Sunday, April 19th: Blackstone/Pizza Oven Mentoring and Cook Off (we will have the Blackstones, pizza ovens, and pizza dough; you bring your ingredients/toppings, sides will be provided). May the best person win!
Monday, April 20th: Guided Fishing Tour
Sites:
Full hook-up sites on concrete included in fee--no need to contact NTAC; Check-in Thursday, April 16th and check-out Tuesday, April 21st (additional nights on either end of the rally are available--contact hosts to reserve)
Meals Provided:
Thursday evening: BYOB and Appetizers
Breakfast: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday mornings
Lunch: Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Lunch on your own Friday, April 17th)
Dinners: Friday, Saturday, and Monday catered; Sunday is the Blackstone/Pizza Oven Cook-Off (BYOB toppings for the pizza or ingredients for Blackstone entree).
As always, BYOB Happy Hours every day around 5
The Fine Print:
Total Cost per double: $695.00
Total Cost per single: $435.00
(Breakout of costs: Parking 5 nights: $150, Food per person: $100, Classes/Fishing per person: $160, and Supplies: $25 per sewist)
Deposit per stitcher and/or fisher due upon registration: $185.00, balance due February 1, 2026.
Cancellations before February 1 will receive a refund of $160.
After full fee is paid, cancellations before March 1st will receive 75% refund. Cancellations before April 1 will receive a 50% refund. If funds are available at the final reconcilation of accounts, partial refunds will be issued for cancellations after April 1, 2026.
Pets are welcome--NTAC has a fenced-in dog park. No animals are allowed into the rally room but are welcome in all open spaces. Support animals must have proper documentation and must remain with the owner at all times.
Because this is an ACI National Event Rally, all those participating must be members of ACI. The rally is limited to 23 sewists; when full, we will begin a waitlist.
Hosts: David and Anna Brandon, region9wbcci@gmail.com, 214-460-0420
Co-hosts: Scott and Vickie Graham