an Intimate, luxurious ko knitting retreat

Serenity for a maker’s soul, nestled in the hush of coastal calm

isle of palms, sc | 11-guest max

featured dyer: treasure goddess aka Christine Long Derks

Whether you come with friends or find them here,

this is your invitation to unwind surrounded by beauty, creativity, comfort & kindred spirits. 

Enjoy chef-prepared meals by Private Chef Sarah, The Carolina Chef, and intimate workshops with local fiber artist Kristy Bishop & fifth-generation sweetgrass basket weaver Corey Alston, whose work has been displayed in the smithsonian. you’re also invited to join in a couple of my own workshops. We’ll take a visit to the nearby local yarn shop, Wild & Wooly, and spend “second sundayexploring historic downtown Charleston, taking a historic carriage tour and enjoying dinner at one of this foodie town’s finest restaurants. Other than that, our time will be spent in relaxed luxury—soaking in coastal views, spotting dolphins, walking the beach, and cozying up with our making. We’ll kick off the retreat with a stitch marker swap during our welcome dinner—a sweet and simple way to connect and start getting to know each other. My dear friend and professional photographer, erica carter, will be with us throughout the retreat, quietly capturing the magic as it unfolds. She’ll also be available if you’d like any personal photos or videos, so you can tuck your phone away, be fully present, and still come home with beautiful mementos to look back on.

stitch & Beach Is more than a retreat

it’s a cherished escape you’ll want to return to year after year

registration opens 6.24.25 at noon EDT

registration opens 6.24.25 at noon EDT →

bookmark this page

listings will automatically appear below (In the white section!) at registration time

you might also want to check out the registration prep page for tips to secure your slot!

Stitch & Beach: A Midwinter Getaway Curated by Kate Oates

There’s lots to say about our retreat home,

but here’s a quick peek before you hit the accommodations page!

retreat overview

this retreat is limited to 11 guests

This getaway was created to be small & exclusive so that we can share common areas in the same home, while also having plenty of room to relax in each of our own personal spaces. I want to foster community and embrace the needs of each guest’s unique personality. After you’ve given this overview a glance, click on the buttons above (or below) to read all the fab details including the full itinerary, retreat basics, accommodations with room/bed pricing, travel and climate info, featured artists & retreat policies. I’ve also provided links to travel insurance if you need it.

Chase away the winter blues with this five-night escape
at the ocean’s edge, overflowing with curated comfort.

From chef-prepared meals and inspiring workshops to an on-site dyer, a visit to a charming yarn shop, and a day exploring historic Charlestonwith a professional photographer to capture it all—you’ll savor unhurried moments to create, connect, and unwind with kindred spirits.

“nothing could be finer than to be In carolina In the {winter} mooooorning!”

retreat logistics

check in

February 5, 2026 at 3pm eastern

check out

February 10, 2026 at 9am eastern

Location

oceanfront, luxurious & updated home on the point of Isle of Palms, South Carolina

featured dyer

christine long derks aka treasure goddess

retreat patterns

you’ll receive patterns for an exclusive top & accessory featuring treasure goddess. patterns will be beginner to advanced beginner to make them as accessible as possible but still fabulous.

photography

take as many pics as you want, but we’ll also have erica to capture all the things and don’t forget, she’ll be happy to take a photo for you anytime, just ask.

workshops

  • Corey will be teaching us how to indigo dye sweetgrass roses

  • Kristy Bishop will be teaching a weaving workshop. big thanks to christine for providing a skein for each of us to weave 🖤

  • kate oates aka moi! I will be teaching two workshops that are each 1.5-2 hours long. They will be related to our retreat patterns to make sure that no matter what your skill level is, you’ll have the techniques needed for success.

outings

  • historic tour in private carriage ride

  • free time to explore

  • dinner out at one of charleston’s many amazing restaurants

  • wild & wooly: a wonderful local yarn shop that prides itself on carrying local dyers

don’t forget

if you’re planning on participating in our stitch marker swap, remember to pack your markers! you’ll receive a final headcount once registration closes. the maximum number is 14.

goodies

don’t you just love surprises? In addition to everything that comes with your registration, you can count on an amazing goodie bag (just ask anyone who attended the retreat last year!) make sure you’ve got space in your suitcase…or bring an extra.

MISSED IT THIS TIME?

join the wait-list

I wish I had enough space to bring along each and every one of you! fill out the form below to be added to the waiting list. If a registered guest has a change of plans, I’ll reach out to the knitters on this list individually, in order of the time stamp on your form. If you are offered a slot, you’ll have 24 hours to secure it.

be sure to add help@kateoatesdesign.com to your

address book to ensure you’ll receive my e-mail