Patricia has two in-person workshops in 2026:
APR: Creativity & Inserted Curves | Estelle Center for Creative Arts +learn more
AUG: Modern Medallion Mojo | Woodland Ridge +learn more
By Patricia Belyea
UNION WA It was my big idea to offer a retreat workshop combining two well-known quilt techniques in a new way — Stitch and Flip with Quilt-As-You-Go. I named the theme: Double The Fun.
I fussed as I prepped my teaching samples — quilted tiles made with strip piecing and joined together with narrow ribbons of fabric. Plus a few curves! Would this actually be fun? Or would it be too much for a four-day workshop?
The venue was Saint Andrew’s Retreat House in Western Washington. Our group narrowly missed the atmospheric river that drenched the region! We settled into the great lodge, beautifully decorated for the season and filled with truly wonderful food.
Here’s the best part: everyone loved the workshop. My students were fully engaged, challenged just enough, and clearly having a great time. Their smiles said it all.
On the final afternoon, I slipped away to the alder grove for a quiet call on the Wind Phone. I dialed my late brother-in-law’s cell phone number for a one-sided conversation.
The participants, the projects, the place — what a special week of quilty adventures!
# # # # #
ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria import vintage Japanese textiles, host in-person and online creative quilting experiences, and lead textile tours to Japan.
FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts
