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.
Registration for April 2027 opens soon
The Philly Makers Tour: a gathering for makers
Stitching with Approved Textiles
Rug Tufting at Tuft the World
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. New this spring: a pre-game option for Monday!
What's the Pre-Game? Early birds are treated (yes, this is my treat for you) to a wonderful foodie walking tour of Philly's famed Italian market, an evening mending loom workshop with Philly maker Linda Ruggerio, and a free night at the Deacon, allowing you to settle in before all the action starts.
For those making travel plans, our Pre-Game starts Monday early afternoon (plan to be in Philly by noon). If you're skipping the Pre-Game, you'll join us at the Deacon for lunch on Tuesday. Saturday culminates in a final workshop, some curated shopping/show & tell, and lovely send-off dinner. We'll depart our creative clubhouse Sunday morning.
Workshops include a visits to NextFab, home to m.a.b.e.l’s maker space, The Weaving Circle where we'll weave our own CLOTH (!), the Fabric Workshop & Museum, where we screen-print our own yardage, Tuft the World (yes, rug-making!) and Approved Textiles, to practice beautiful Bojagi and patchwork hand-sewing. All these are interspersed with visits to The Barnes Foundation, a Mural City Walking Tour, and exploring other cultural touchpoints.
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 The Deacon, a renovated church in Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood. The Deacon is steps away from Rittenhouse Square and the Italian Market, and the perfect launch point for all our adventures.
People, we have the run of the place! The entire space is ours--all the rooms and common spaces will become our creative clubhouse! This means lazy mornings with coffee on the couch, late nights for crafting and conversation, and not having to pick up our workspaces while we're out! It's the perfect launch to enjoy Philadelphia as an insider.
The Deacon has 7 share-able bedrooms with either King beds or combos of Queens and Doubles. When you register, you will need to choose your room preference. Please note the majority of the rooms share a jack & jill bath, meaning the bathroom is located between two bedrooms. The only people with access to those bathrooms are the people staying in those rooms. The bathrooms lock from both bedrooms (For example, if you are in room 3, your bathroom is also shared with room 4. While you use your bathroom, the bathroom door to room 4 can be locked). What does this mean? It means that you can come with a bestie and share a room, and another bestie-to-be may share your bathroom. Or you and your bestie can each take a room and share a bath between them. Each bathroom is brand-new, has a walk-in shower and generous vanity, and comes beautifully outfitted with plenty of towels and robes.
Read more for the room descriptions, and click here for a virtual walk-through.
The Deacon 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!
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 Suraya, enjoy a pizza party at Pizzeria Beddia; and discover new faves like Cry Baby Pasta. 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. You will love this city, and it will love you right back!
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
Pre-gamers come to Philly EARLY; we start Monday April 5 at noon! And then we're off for our pre-game foodie walking tour, happy hour crafting, and lots of good conversation through the evening!
Our "official" tour starts at noon on Tuesday, April 6, and our last communal activity is our send off dinner Saturday, April 11.
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 offered at the Deacon.
April 6-11: four workshops including
Maker Caddy workshop at NextFab
Screen printing at Fabric Workshop & Museum
Bojagi at Approved Textiles
Floor loom weaving at The Weaving Circle
Rug Tufting at Tuft the World
Cultural Exploration
Private Tour at The Barnes Foundation
Mural Arts walking tour
additional gallery or museum visits subject to what's new in town!
Curated Craft Visits
visits to Philly's most loved yarn, craft, sewing (and more) spots!
Activity time slots are subject to change
For 2027, the Philly Makers Tour has tiered pricing based on your choice of accommodation at the Deacon. There is one activity cost, and then your final price depends on which bedroom you choose.
The activity cost for the Philly Makers' Tour is $3500. This includes:
- 4 specialty workshops led by professionals in their field
- all scheduled cultural activities and entrance fees,
- lunch and dinner daily
- all ground transportation
- private bus for the craft crawl
- light breakfast offerings, snacks, beverages, and treats at The Deacon
The Rooms at the Deacon are priced as follows:
Rooms 1, 3, and 4 are on the main level off the living area
- Room 1: King with private bath: $2400
- Room 3: two Queen, shared bath with room 4: $1850
- Room 4: 1 Queen, 2 Doubles (in bunk bed formation), shared bath with room 3: $1850
Rooms 5-8 are on the mezzanine
- Room 5: King bed, shared bath with room 6: $2000
- Room 6: King bed, shared bath with room 5: $2000
- Room 7: King bed, shared bath with room 8: $2000
- Room 8: 1 King, 1 Queen, shared bath with room 8): $1850
The shared baths are completely modern Jack & Jill style, with walk-in showers and a generous vanity and locks on both doors. They are only accessible through the bedrooms.
The non-refundable deposit is $800; the remainder is due February 1, 2027. If you prefer to pay in installments, email Paige at hello@mabelstyle.com. You can register here.
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 Tours and one room. If they just want to tag along to Philly (to do their own thing) but eat dinners with us, email Paige (hello@mabelstyle.com) and I'll set that up for you.
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?
Pre-gamers start Monday, April 5 at noon sharp (at the Deacon).
Our tour starts on April 6 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, there is street parking nearby.
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?
Yes and No. When you register for the tour you will be prompted to pick your room. This is a separate cost, based on the type of room you choose.
Do I need to stay in the hotel?
The Deacon is our hotel/clubhouse for the Philly Makers Tour.
Can my friends & I share a room?
Yes, there are share-able rooms at the Deacon. When you register, choose your room, and if you will have a roommate, indicate in your order notes that you'll be sharing. One of your pair will book the room, and the two of you can work out the reimbursement amongst yourselves.
What’s the weather like?
Spring in Philadelphia is delightful. It can also be not delightful! Temps may be warming up, and we'll see a bunch of blooming trees and flowers. And then the next day it may snow. Pack layers and you'll be good!
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 February 1, 2027.
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.
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.