Philly Makers' Tour
A small-group immersive journey through Philadelphia's vibrant maker community. Discover local artisans, craft workshops, and the creative spirit that makes Philly a hub for handmade excellence.
March 10-15, 2026
About the trip
An Urban Retreat (yes, really!)
Philadelphia proves that urban retreat is not an oxymoron. This is a city where historic neighborhoods, green spaces, and quiet studio corners coexist with vibrant, creative energy. Expect walkable days, room to breathe, and time to focus—without leaving the city behind.
And for the record: no Rocky steps. (unless you really really want to)
Craft Workshops
This tour is rooted in hands-on making. You’ll work directly with Philadelphia-based artisans in intimate studio settings, learning learning how the fabric of our city shapes our craft.
The experience culminates with private transportation for the Greater Philly Yarn Crawl—allowing for ample time to explore shops, knit between stops, and enjoy the day without rushing or logistics stress.
Exploring Philly
We’ll experience Philadelphia beyond the surface. Expect behind-the-scenes museum visits, guided neighborhood walking tours, and shared meals with our hosts and local makers.
Exploration here is about context and conversation—seeing how history, culture, and creativity intersect in everyday life.
Tell me more...
The Philly Makers Tour is designed as a layered experience—part hands-on making, part cultural immersion, part creative reset. Workshops include hand sewing, weaving, fabric printmaking, and sewing your own maker’s caddy, all led by local artisans working in real studios. Each session is approachable, process-focused, and deeply connected to Philadelphia’s long textile history.
Between workshops, we explore the city through places that shape its creative identity. Visits will include the Fabric Workshop & Museum, the Barnes, historic Old City, Philly’s long-standing garment row, and the always-inspiring (and delicious) Reading Terminal Market. Yes, we do a LOT, but these aren’t rushed stops—they’re opportunities to understand how craft, industry, and culture intersect here.
Food is part of the story, too. Philadelphia’s dining scene has recently earned Michelin recognition, and our meals reflect the city’s diversity—thoughtfully chosen restaurants representing a range of cuisines and styles. And yes, there will absolutely be a cheesesteak (or two).
2026 is an especially meaningful time to visit. As Philadelphia marks the semiquincentennial, the city is reflecting on its past while actively shaping what comes next. The Philly Makers Tour offers a way to experience that moment through creativity, history, and community—grounded, celebratory, and very Philly.
A small-group, thoughtfully curated experience.
Register now to reserve your spot.
See what's in store...
Bojagi & Patchwork with Approved Textiles
Matthew & Loren opened Approved Textiles in 2024 and quickly have built one of the most inviting and inspirational businesses in this city.
Matthew will lead us in an exploration of Korean Bojagi and Appalachain patchwork--two traditions that make something beautiful from what's at hand.
Maker Caddies Galore!
Spend an afternoon at m.a.b.e.l's maker space, sifting through vintage quilt remnants and sewing your own maker caddy!
2 Days of the Greater Philly Yarn Crawl
Over two days (and in private transport, so yes, bring your knitting) we'll visit BOTH city and suburb shops participating in the Greater Philly Yarn Crawl.
and so much more!!!
The Details & More
You will receive a detailed itinerary prior to arriving in Philadelphia. Additional group activities may be added, as well as opportunities for solo exploration.
All meals are included.
March 10 (Tuesday)
meet at our hotel, the Anna & Bel, at noon
Catered lunch
Maker's Caddy workshop @ NextFab (to keep all your makes in order!)
Welcome dinner
March 11 (Wednesday)
Private Tour at The Barnes Foundation
lunch in Chinatown
Historic Old City walking tour
Meet & Greet at Kelbourne Woolens
Weaving Workshop at Wild Hand
Group Dinner
March 12 (Thursday)
Tour and fabric printing workshop at Fabric Workshop & Museum
lunch at Reading Terminal Market
Garment Row tour
workshop at AT
Group Dinner
March 13 (Friday)
Pre-Hours tour of the Rosenbach's collection of rare books, manuscripts and textiles
Lunch in Center City
Greater Philly Yarn Crawl (city shops)
Group Dinner
March 14 (Saturday)
Greater Philly Yarn Crawl (all day with suburb shops)
Send off Dinner
How many people will be on this trip?
Ten or fewer.
Can Spouses/Partners Come?
Of course; the more the merrier! If your spouse/partner wants to participate in our activities, please register for 2. If they just want to tag along to Philly (to do their own thing) but eat breakfast/dinners with us, register your plus one for "meals only".
If your Plus One needs some suggestions pertaining to their specific interests, let me know and I can help.
When does the tour start? and how do I get to Philly?
Our tour starts on March 10 at noon at our hotel. Philadelphia is served by an international airport (PHL) as well as Amtrak (30th St. Station is our station). Both are a short taxi ride to the hotel. If you're within driving distance, our hotel has a secure (but parking lot.
If you need to come in a day early, the hotel can accommodate that, and I'll put you in touch with our reservations coordinator.
My craft skills are, let’s say, rusty…
It’s not about perfection! Our projects assume you're a beginner, but have options for those with more experience. Our instructors are there to teach the skill and provide support no matter your skillz. Bring your positive attitude and all is good!
Tell me about the hotel
We are staying at the Anna & Bel, a hotel in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. Originally built in 1769, the building has a long history in the neighborhood first as a home for widows and single women, then as a retirement home. It was renovated and re-opened as a hotel in 2024.
It is chock full of amenities and wonderful spaces to gather, converse, and craft.
Can my friends & I share a room?
The hotel's Queen and King rooms have one bed only. The suites are outfitted with either two beds (and bedrooms) or a bed and pull-out sofa (read the description for details). You do you!
What’s the weather like?
Early spring in Philadelphia can be delightful. Or downright frightful. We'll pay close attention to weather, but it should not affect our daily activities.
How fit do I need to be for this trip?
Philadelphia is a walking city! And so much fun to stroll. Our hotel's neighborhood is safe and walkable. We'll have the option to walk to many of our dinners (up to a mile in distance). Of course, for those with mobility issues, taxis are always available.
And the food…?
Philly is a small city with an outsized food scene. Breakfast and lunches will be at the most unassuming yet tastiest spots. We'll be eating dinner at restaurants representing some of the most creative and delicious meals you can find not just in Philly, but anywhere.
I’m in, how do I sign up?
You can register with a deposit here.
Final payments are due February 20th.
What if I need to cancel?
Keep scrolling for our cancelation and COVID policies.
In a nutshell: deposits are non-refundable, UNLESS I can fill your spot.
I want to make things as simple as possible for anyone who wants to travel with me. And I understand that unexpected events pop up, and that may prevent your attending the tour you’ve signed up for, requiring the need to cancel your reservation.
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance, with cancellation and curtailment provisions, including medical provisions with specific clauses for Covid-19 issues. Please read and understand the cancellation policy before you book your reservation, to avoid any disappointment.
Non-COVID cancellation
Non-COVID related cancellations may result in a partial refund (amount paid - any expenses already committed on your behalf) if we are unable to fill your spot. If we are able to fill your spot, you will receive a refund in full. There is no refund for cancellations less than 30 days before the start of the event.
COVID Cancellation
If you need to cancel your trip within 10 days of the event due to COVID-related issues, we will require proof of a positive PCR test. We will refund you less any expenses already committed by us, including but not limited to your room fees, any food/beverage commitments, and sundries already purchased.
You are responsible for any cancellation or change fees related to pre- or post- trip flights, rental cars, hotels, etc.
Should you develop COVID-19 symptoms while on our trip, we will assist you with testing and receiving medical attention to the best of our ability. We urge all guests to purchase travel insurance; we recommend that you buy a policy that includes coverage for expenses should you fall ill from COVID-19, as you are responsible for any fees incurred due to testing, hospitalization, treatment, or quarantine. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a retreat early.
If your tour, or portion of it, is forced to cancel due to inclement weather, or any other occurrence beyond our control, including but not limited to fire, flood, natural disaster, or if the venue and/or location of the event is closed or provides notice to m.a.b.e.l of its inability to hold the event, or if a local government declared emergency status or regulation is in effect for the location of the event, or in the event that our force majeure clause is initiated, every attempt will be made to reschedule the tour, or that particular portion , and your reservation costs paid will be applied to the rescheduled event date at the rate you locked into when you registered.
The cost for the Philly Makers' Tour is $4200. This includes:
- 5 hotel nights,
- all ground transportation
- private bus for the Philly Yarn Crawl
- all scheduled activity and entrance fees,
- three meals a day
It does not include your transportation to/from Philadelphia and our hotel.
The non-refundable deposit is $500; the remainder is due February 20, 2026. If you prefer to pay in installments, email Paige at hello@mabelstyle.com.
We offer a Peace of Mind travel assurances. If you must cancel and we successfully fill your spot (after you formally cancel) with another participant, we will issue a refund of your deposit, minus any unrecoverable expenses paid out on your behalf.
As your tour organizer, I will leverage my expertise to proactively seek a replacement for your spot, striving to recover your funds when possible.