Modavation Retreat 2026

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Hello, friends! I’ve just returned home from the Modavation Retreat 2026 in Dallas, Texas. This is my third year attending this incredible even hosted by our fabric company, Moda Fabrics and designed for quilt shop owners. This year there were approximately 120 attendees representing more than 80 different quilt shops of all kind. There were shop owners from all over the United States, Canada, and Europe!

Modavation Retreat 2026

Event Details

One difference this year was that I was able to attend this retreat with my son Billy–always so nice to have someone to travel with, especially a family member! I didn’t teach any classes or give any lectures at this year’s event; however, we did film six podcast interviews, several videos, and also filmed promotional content for our podcast for the visiting shops who were able to make it to our “on-the-road” film studio.

Poinsettia & Pear rolls of fabric in the Moda warehouse — So fun to see our Poinsettia & Pear collection in the warehouse ready to be rolled onto bolts!

Monday Events

Monday is a travel day for most attendees with things really getting started in the evening (although many shop owners do take advantage of the opportunity to do some early shopping at the Moda Warehouse). The Monday evening opening social is always a casual fun delight with a lively atmosphere. There is a mix and mingle event with lots of appetizers and dinner items in the halls outside the event classrooms. Halls display a variety of quilts, and there are cozy couches everywhere to sit and visit

Jen Kingwell display (left), me (center), Elizabeth Hartman display (right).

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Schedules

Shop owner attendees divide into three groups and remain with their group for class instruction, Schoolhouse sessions, and warehouse tours throughout the week. There were a variety of classes including projects with Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Quilts, Jenn Kingwell, Sara Thomas (Sariditty), Elizabeth Hartman, Ruby Star Society, and Brooklyn Olson of BrooklynDawnQuiltCo.

Schoolhouse sessions included trunk shows and educational presentations to help shop owners reset and recharge! There was also an evening panel discussion with Moda’s Josh Dunn, and several shop owners and designers.

Along the way there is a variety of entertainment, mix and mingle social games, music, dancing, and unicorns (if you know, you know)!