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Sewing Up a Storm in the Desert

Sewing Up a Storm in the Desert

Ulura Retreat, NT

Overview

Textile Art Retreat, NT

The desert is calling! Escape to Uluru for a transformative sewing retreat unlike any other. Immerse yourself for a special time away with us stitching, stargazing, and connecting with fellow artists under the vast desert sky. Learn from renowned tutors Gloria Loughman, Kathryn Harmer Fox, Caroline Sharkey, Emma Jean Jansen and Mandy Murray of SewQuirky, nestled in the comfort and beauty of Ayers Rock Resort’s state of the art conference centre “The Uluru Meeting Place’.

Spots are limited, so secure yours now to avoid disappointment.

Wherever you are in your textile art journey, we have a place for you.

  • Textile artists of all skill levels, from beginners seeking inspiration to seasoned stitchers looking to refine their craft.
  • Anyone who craves a unique and enriching travel experience that combines creativity, connection, and cultural immersion.
  • Those seeking a chance to escape the everyday and reconnect with their inner artist in a place of  majestic beauty and cultural heritage.


PLEASE NOTE Your Accommodation and Travel are not included and must be booked by each delegate separately.

Full retreat package with Bernina sewing machine - exclusive retreat art skin to take home - $3,995
Or full retreat package with machine hire-only - $3,495

Meet the Teachers

Sue De Vanny, Bree Thomas, Denise Burkitt, Caroline Sharkey, Pauline Rogers
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About the Teachers

Gloria Loughman

Gloria creates unforgettable art quilts, a multi prize winner and internationally recognized textile art quilter and tutor. To spend time in class with Gloria is an absolute treat and learning from her is a bonus.

Caroline Sharkey

Caroline is the owner and host of the Sewing up a Storm Events as part of her business headquarters The Textile Collective.
Artist, Tutor, Business Mentor and Event Host means Caroline is a very busy and inspiring woman, she loves nothing more than gathering her Tribe to Create Art!

Emma Jean Jansen

Emma loves nothing more than designing new quilt designsand is known for her use of bright colours and re-take on traditional piecing. Emma is the author of her book called By The Bundle, A social media influencer in her field and is also a qualified Textile Designer getting her degree from RMIT and has already released 7 fabric ranges.

Kathryn Harmer Fox

Meet Kathryn Harmer Fox, a visionary artist whose vibrant Art Textiles have captivated audiences worldwide. Hailing from South Africa, Kathryn's artistic journey explores painting, sculpting, and sewing with unwavering passion Kathryn's award winning textile pieces reflect her unique artistic vision, As a dedicated teacher and avid traveler, Kathryn eagerly shares her expertise with aspiring artists around the globe.

Mandy Murray

Enter the wonderful world of Sew Quirky, full of colour, texture and whimsy. Mandy is the creative heart and talent behind Sew Quirky her business name. Designing projects featuring appliqué, fussy cutting, free motion quilting and inventive uses of decorative stitching to create textile art with an abundance of texture. Add in vinyl, leather and wool felt and you're set to explore a Sew Quirky dreamland that shouts out loads of uniqueness! 

Class Information

Rhythm of the Outback with Gloria Loughman SOLD OUT

Rhythm is defined as a combination of elements repeated but with variation. In this workshop we will play with repetition and pattern decorating our sky to add movement and interest for your individual design. Participants will construct a small wall hanging the first day where the pattern is provided and the emphasis will be on colour choices, creating perspective and becoming familiar with the construction process. We will then move on to create our skies, over painting some interesting commercial fabrics and decorate with a series of repeated shapes. Once the sky is constructed and quilted, we will add our foreground.  There will be a choice of two patterns.  One will feature Kata Tjuta and the other Uluru.

A Place Called Uluru with Caroline Sharkey

Designed specifically for this Uluru masterclass Workshop, Caroline has meticulously crafted three distinct kits for you to choose from. Drawing inspiration from the artwork design for the 2025 sewing machine skin, Caroline has created three stunning Desert scenes, featuring her favourite Galah bird. Before class, you will have the opportunity to select one of these designs, to then work alongside Caroline at the retreat workshop to bring your Desert artwork to life. Join Caroline at Uluru and let your creativity soar as you stitch up a storm in her engaging and enriching class.

Pickled Orange Peel with Emma Jean Jansen

Join Emma for a fabulous skill building class which is suitable for advanced beginners and beyond. Over the 4 days you will learn foundation piecing using the freezer paper technique and also master curved piecing. Emma will also share her knowledge about colour placement and values to help you get the best out of your own quilt.

Multiple Class Options with Kathryn Harmer Fox

In Kathryn’s Uluru class there are several options to choose from or make them all! Stitch a textural Uluru landscape, create a 3D Sturt Desert Pea inspired fabric bowl and sewing a printed fabric postcard designed by Kathryn. All possible with this dynamic master-artist, Kathryn guiding you to creating and learn new and exciting techniques.

Goldie and the Blooms with Mandy Murray

Mandy will take you on a journey where you'll grow confident in fabric selection, looking at fabric in a new light and immersing yourself with fussy cut blooms to create a rich scene of Uluru. Goldie the camel wants the spotlight, her energy fills the work with charm and character. A gorgeous big eye, detailed with free motioned lashes whispers an invitation for you to explore her home of spirit and beauty. Adorned with trims, pops of colour and vinyls bring a wonderland of interest to this kind hearted animal of the desert. Goldie is ready for an adventure of a lifetime with you! Memories to cherish and a practical fabric suitcase to display your textile art! 

About the Facilities

When it comes to writing the story of Ayers Rock Resort, it’s hard to know where to begin. Of course, there’s the elephant in the room...or, rather, the giant rock in the desert. Uluru is one of Australia’s most recognized – and respected – landmarks, a place of cultural and spiritual significance.

There’s the host of accommodation options, from a lavish resort to outback camping. There’s more than 100 unique activities, tours, and experiences to mix, match, and customize your perfect holiday. No two days here are the same. And our story isn’t complete without the characters: the people who make everything happen here at Ayers Rock Resort.


With accommodation options for every possible taste and budget – from the award-winning, five-star Sails in the Desert and the modern Desert Gardens Hotel, to the just-like-home-but-better Emu Walk Apartments, your perfect place to stay is waiting for you.

What's included

  • 4 Day Masterclass with the tutor of your choice
  • 4 day gourmet retreat lunches, morning and afternoon teas
  • Classes in the exclusive state-of-the-art conference centre at ‘The Uluru Meeting Place’
  • Retreat gift.
  • Poolside Gala Dinner to welcome Tutors and Delegates
    Enjoy memorable Cultural Activities together.
  • Uluru & Kata Tjuta sunset experience with wine and canapés
  • Award-winning ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner under the stars with world famous Constellation Star Talk.
  • Wintjiri Wiru - The New Uluru cultural storytelling drone & sound experience
  • Return airport-resort-airport shuttle transfers

PLEASE NOTE - You are responsible for all travel and accommodation for this retreat, The Ayers Rock Resort offers a discounted stay for delegates during the retreat.

Retreat location

Ayers Rock Resort

Address & map

170 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872

Google Map link

Cancellation Policy

TBC

4 days / 3 nights
Regular price $3,495.00
Regular price Sale price $3,495.00
Sale Sold out