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
The Philly Makers Tour: a gathering for makers
Bugoji & Patchwork with Approved Textiles
Maker Caddies with m.a.b.e.l
Hand Weaving with Linda Ruggiero at Wild Hand
Our days together are thoughtfully structured around making. Curated textile workshops take place on Tuesday through Thursday, leaving Friday and Saturday open for exploration and connection. The rhythm is intentional: focused studio time first, followed by the yarn crawl.
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 Wild Hand for a weaving workshop led by local weaver, knitter, and textile artisan Linda Ruggiero. This session invites us to slow down and work with fiber intentionally, guided by a maker deeply rooted in Philadelphia’s craft community.
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 the Greater Philly Yarn Crawl. We’ll visit much-loved yarn shops across 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 Anna & Bel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. Originally built in 1769, the building has lived many lives—first as a home for widows and single women, later as a retirement home—before being thoughtfully renovated as a hotel in 2024. This year, Anna & Bel was recognized as a Michelin Key hotel, a rare distinction that speaks to its exceptional design, service, and sense of place.
The hotel is chock full of amenities, inviting spaces to relax, thoughtful details at every turn, and heartfelt service. Staying here isn’t just about comfort; it’s about connecting us to the neighborhood and the city around you. Step outside and you’re immediately immersed in local cafés, shops, and streets that feel lived in and loved.
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.
All meals are included throughout the trip—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—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; Suraya, a must-visit that locals return to again and again; and Picnic, the exciting new kid on the block. We’ll close the week with a special final dinner at Bastia, located right in our hotel. 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.
More about our craftspeople
Bojagi with Matthew at 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 with Paige at NextFab
Spend an afternoon at m.a.b.e.l's maker space, sifting through vintage quilt remnants and sewing your own maker caddy!
Weaving with Linda at Wild Hand
Linda, a prolific knitter, weaver, and textile artisan will guide us through a weaving experience at Wild Hand, one of Philly's wonderful LYSs.
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 Caddy workshop @ NextFab (to keep all your makes in order!)
Welcome dinner at Suraya
March 11 (Wednesday)
Private Tour at The Barnes Foundation
lunch in Chinatown at Emei
Historic Old City walking tour
Meet & Greet at Kelbourne Woolens
Evening weaving workshop and catered dinner at Wild Hand
March 12 (Thursday)
Tour and fabric printing workshop at Fabric Workshop & Museum
lunch at Reading Terminal Market
Garment Row walking tour
workshop at Approved Textiles
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)
Dinner at Picnic
March 14 (Saturday)
Greater Philly Yarn Crawl (all day with suburb shops)
Send off dinner at Bastia
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 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, 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!
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, and it recently was recognized as a Michelin Key hotel in November, 2025.
It is chock full of amenities and wonderful spaces to gather, converse, and craft.
I live nearby, can I participate in some of the activites ala carte?
The Philly Makers Tour is an all-inclusive retreat. We are not offering day-passes at this time.
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 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 yarn 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 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 $4500 for Queen accommodations and $4800 for King rooms. 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.
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.