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.
Join us September 15-20, 2026!
The Philly Makers Tour: a gathering for makers
Bujogi with Approved Textiles
Maker Caddies with m.a.b.e.l
Weaving at The Weaving Circle
Our days together are thoughtfully structured around making. Curated textile workshops take place on Tuesday through Friday, leaving Saturday open for a curated craft crawl of the best of Philly's fiber and textile related businesses.
For those making travel plans, we will start at noon on Sept. 15, and our last communal activity is our send off dinner Saturday, Sept. 19. You are more than welcome to come earlier and stay later (there is SO MUCH TO SEE in Philadelphia)!
We begin our workshop days at NextFab, home to m.a.b.e.l’s maker space, where we’ll rummage through quilt remnants and sew our very own maker caddy. It’s a hands-on, satisfying way to settle into the week—working directly with materials, tools, and techniques that set the tone for everything that follows.
From there, we travel to newcomer The Weaving Circle where we'll weave our own CLOTH (!) guided by two weavers deeply connected to Philly's maker heart.
We’ll spend time at the Fabric Workshop & Museum, where we explore the museum and screen-print our own quilt patterns—connecting contemporary textile experimentation with personal, hands-on work in a way that feels distinctly Philly.
The workshop series culminates at Approved Textiles, Philadelphia’s newest addition to the storied Fabric Row, with a beautiful Bojagi and patchwork hand-sewing workshop. This final session brings everything together—handwork, tradition, and thoughtful construction—in an intimate, deeply satisfying way.
The week culminates in a specially curated Craft Crawl. We’ll visit much-loved yarn, craft and textile shops in both the city and surrounding suburbs. We’ll travel between stops by private mini-bus, giving us ample time to ooh and ahh over each other’s projects, chat, and knit—without the stress of traffic, parking, or logistics. It’s a relaxed, communal celebration of everything we’ve been making together.
An Urban Craft Retreat (yes, really!)
Philadelphia proves that urban retreat is not an oxymoron. This is a city with an unhurried rhythm—tree-lined streets, deeply rooted neighborhoods, and a historic creative culture. It’s a place where you can slow down, settle in, and actually enjoy being where you are.
We’ll be staying at Yowie a boutique hotel located in Philadelphia’s eclectic Queen Village. Recently touted as a Top 100 New Hotel by Travel & Leisure, the Yowie is a design-forward hotel with each room featuring artwork from local artists and craftspeople. The Yowie is an invisible service hotel, making your stay more like visiting your BFF, and allowing you to slide into the neighborhood vibe from day 1. It's the perfect launch to enjoy Philadelphia as an insider.
The Yowie and Philadelphia’s grounded energy sets the tone for the entire tour. Days are full but never rushed, evenings are relaxed and convivial, and there’s space to unwind, reflect, and connect—with the city, with the work, and with each other. Friends, we are going to have so. much. fun!
And just to be clear: no Rocky steps. (Unless you really really want to!)
Hungry? I hope so!
Philadelphia’s dining scene has recently earned Michelin recognition, and it’s well deserved. The city is chock-full of wonderful restaurants representing a wide range of cuisines, shaped by chefs who approach food with the same creativity and care you’ll see in studios throughout the city. Our meals are thoughtfully chosen to highlight that spirit—creative without being precious, approachable, and deeply satisfying.
Lunch and dinner are included throughout the trip, so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience without planning or decision fatigue. From beautifully prepared restaurant meals to casual local favorites, food is an essential part of how we experience Philadelphia together. We’ll dine at thoughtfully chosen spots like Parc, a well-loved city standard; enjoy a pizza party at Pizzeria Beddia; munch our way through Picnic, the exciting new kid on the block. We’ll close the week with a special final dinner at Suraya, one of city's 'can't miss' meals. And yes, there will absolutely be some cheesesteak… and a hoagie, too. Because it’s an unspoken law: you can’t leave the city without trying either.
Exploring Philadelphia
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. There is also time for solo exploring down quaint side streets, popping in local coffee shops for a sip and a stitch or two, or night cap at a local wine bar.
2026 is an especially meaningful time to visit. We are marking our 250th anniversary as a country, and it's only fitting to start that celebration in Philadelphia. The Philly Makers Tour offers a way to experience that moment through making, history, and community—celebrating a city that has been showing up strong for 250 years.
What folks had to say
I’m a maker-by- heart so the Philly Makers Tour was amazing for me! Each day, by which I literally mean every morning, noon, and night, was completely filled and exceeded my expectations to create, explore, view, and dine. Paige was an energetic guide as well as a lively storyteller sharing her love of making and her home city of Philadelphia. The tour was incredibly thought out down to every detail with Libby adding her touch as a wonderful assistant. The activities were excellent and I went home with so many new ideas, (and of course yarns and patterns), for me to explore and make in the days to come. I couldn’t recommend this Tour more highly!
Lori/ Massachusetts
Paige organized an absolutely fantastic week for us Makers in Philly! All the workshops were tough by talented and knowledgeable artists. I got to see a side of Philly I didn't know existed. All our meals were incredible and varied. The group was small enough that it enabled us to get well curated private tours.
Would certainly highly recommend!
FM, MD
Then Philly Makers Tour went beyond my wildest expectations. Every workshop, activity, tour and meal was curated and executed with clear love and care. I left inspired and creatively fulfilled. I cannot recommend this experience enough!
Laura T, NJ
The Details & More
Our tour starts at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and our last communal activity is our send off dinner Saturday, Sept. 19.
The detailed itinerary will be shared prior to arriving in Philadelphia. Additional group activities may be added, as well as opportunities for solo exploration.
Lunch & Dinner are included daily. Breakfast is on your own.
Sept. 15-18: four workshops including
Maker Caddy workshop @ NextFab
Screen printing at Fabric Workshop & Museum
Bojagi at Approved Textiles
Loom weaving at The Weaving Circle
Cultural Exploration
Private Tour at The Barnes Foundation
Mural Arts walking tour
Quilt exhibit at Fabric Workshop & Museum
Curated Craft Crawl
private vehicle tour of four of Philadelphia's wonderful craft and textile shops: Approved Textiles, Wild Hand, HomeSewn and Forever Yarn
Activity time slots are subject to change
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 dinners with us, register your plus one for "dinner 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 September 15 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, or stay a day later, 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!
Does the tour price include the hotel?
No. Since the Yowie's rooms are all different, you are responsible for making your own reservation and choosing your own room. There are a few rooms with two beds, allowing you to share with your BFF, if you like. Upon registering, you will get a discount code for 10% your room rate.
Do I need to stay in the hotel?
For our September tour you can choose your own lodgings, which may or may not be your own home.
Can my friends & I share a room?
Yes, there are share-able rooms are the Yowie.
What’s the weather like?
Fall in Philadelphia is delightful. It will still be warm, but not hot. Nights may get cool, but not cold. You will love it.
How fit do I need to be for this trip?
Philadelphia is a fun walking city! Our hotel's neighborhood is safe and walkable, and we do have a few 'walking tours' on our schedule. We'll have the option to walk to many of our dinners (less than mile in distance). Of course, to move around in a timely manner, we will also be using taxis and for the craft crawl, a private bus.
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 August 1.
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:
- 4 specialty workshops led by professionals in their field
- all ground transportation
- private bus for the craft crawl
- all scheduled cultural activities and entrance fees,
- lunch and dinner daily
It does not include your hotel (see General FAQs for more info), transportation to/from Philadelphia, or personal spending.
The non-refundable deposit is $800; the remainder is due August 1, 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.