Join us for the fourth annual Region 9 sponsored National Event Rally, Stitchin' & Fishin'! 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 set up their stations in a devoted rally space with an adjoining kitchen and, down the hall, bathrooms (no showers) and a laundry room. We’ve tried to think of everything so that you can just focus on packing up your trailer, sewing machine, and 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.
Partners programming starts with a tour of Homestead Heritage, a community with a woodshop, blacksmithing, leather work, among other crafts. While the sewists are busy creating, partners will also have a couple of days of woodshop training and produce a surprise project. The fully guided fishing trip happens 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 5th 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 a Texas Fishing License (purchased online or on site). Our catch will be cleaned and packaged for us. The day culminates with a fish fry in the NTAC pavilion (fryers, oil, and sides provided).
Schedule
Thursday, April 1st: We will kick the weekend off with a local dinner.
Sewist Agenda:
Friday, April 2nd: 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.
Saturday, April 3rd: First Project Class at NTAC, supplies provided
Sunday, April 4th: Second Project Class at NTAC, Part 1
Monday, April 5th: Second Project Class at NTAC, Part 2
Partner Agenda:
Friday, April 2nd: Tour of Homestead Heritage Craft Community (beautiful woodworking and crafts shops).
Saturday, April 3rd: Machine-safety class followed by tours of NTAC woodshops after which Bill Steddum and Greg King outline the weekend project (machinery and supplies are all included).
Sunday, April 4th: Blackstone/Pizza Oven Mentoring and Cook Off (we will have the Blackstones, pizza ovens, and ingredients/toppings).
Monday, April 5th: Guided Fishing Tour
Sites:
Full hook-up sites on concrete included in fee--no need to contact NTAC; Check-in Thursday, April 1st and check-out Tuesday, April 6th (additional nights on either end of the rally are available--contact hosts to reserve).
Meals Provided:
Thursday evening: Local dinner
Breakfast: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday mornings
Lunch: Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Lunch on your own Friday, April 2nd)
Dinners: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Blackstone pizza) and Monday (fish fry).
As always, BYOB Happy Hours every day around 5
The Fine Print:
Total Cost per double: $725.00
Total Cost per single: $450.00
Cancellations before January 1 will receive full refund minus $25 for processing fees. Cancellations before February 1 will receive a 75% refund. Cancellations before March 1 will receive a 50% refund. If funds are available at the final reconciliation of accounts, partial refunds will be issued for cancellations after March 1, 2027.
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 28 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, Bill Steddum, and Greg King