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RUNWAY READY: 1 week intensive retreat
for aspiring fashion designers
🌟 Who This Retreat is For:
Are you an aspiring fashion designer preparing for college? Runway Ready is a 1-week summer retreat created just for you — hosted by Sew by the Sea in beautiful Sebastian, Florida. This is more than a sewing camp — it’s an intensive, skill-building experience taught by a former college fashion professor with over 30 years of experience.
This program is designed for young creatives ages 16 to 23 who are passionate about sewing and fashion design — and are ready to level up their skills in a focused, supportive, and inspiring environment. Whether you're preparing a college portfolio, exploring a future in fashion or design, or simply want to reconnect with your creative voice, this immersive week is for you.
Participants must be mature, self-directed, and excited to engage fully in a week of hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and personal growth.
Students will learn:
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Flat pattern making (basics)
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Draping techniques on professional dress forms
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Garment construction techniques
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Fashion sketching & concept development
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Portfolio prep to impress top design schools
With five hours of daily instruction and homework assignments, students leave with portfolio pieces that reflect their individual design voice — and the confidence to succeed at the college level.
Classes are small (2–8 students max), allowing for personalized instruction in a relaxed, waterfront setting in beautiful sunny Florida just 5 minutes from the beach. On-site housing is available for 4 out-of-town students (ages 18+) with supervised structure balanced with unsupervised free time.
To view some of what you will learn, visit the Fashion Design Classes and Pattern Making pages.
The instructor is Carol Kroegel, formerly Carol Serpa, who has 15 years high school and Fashion College teaching experience, in addition to 6 years teaching sewing to children ages 6 -12. Please read about my credentials on the About page. I was in the Fashion Industry for 14 years doing various design jobs, including being a patternmaker for 5 years.
*Parents are welcome to travel and lodge with their teens off-site and view the retreat home quarters, but are not allowed to attend classes. Reasons for this are to instill independence and autonomy in the designers, crucial steps in creative development.
RETREAT DATES:
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Week 1: Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19, 2026
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Week 2: Sunday, July 19 to Sunday, July 26, 2026
daily schedule
Captain Hiram's - on the Indian River (great hotel & restaurant)
Have a safe trip home and hope to see you next summer!
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome (Sunday)
4:00 - 7:00 PM: Check-in.
7:00–8:00 PM: Dinner plus Meet and Greet. Catered dinner will be delivered.
Miss Carol will join the group for a Meet and Greet over a catered dinner at 7 p.m. She will conduct a welcome talk and go over the house rules and schedule for the week and answer any questions.
8:00-10:00 PM: Free time, unpack, socialize with retreat-mates
Settle in, unpack, meet your fellow designers. As retreat-mates in the Runway Ready program, you’ll form friendships while learning valuable design skills.
Day 2 - 6: Monday - Friday
Creative Immersion
8:00 - 9:00 AM: Students prepare breakfast with provided food stocked in the house
9:00 - 11:00 AM: Students can swim in the backyard pool or choose to go to the nearby ocean 7 minutes away to Wabasso Beach and :
Learn to surf with a 1 hour lesson
Paddleboard on the ocean
Kayak on the ocean
Jet Ski on the ocean
To get to the beach (carpool by Uber or shared rental car). Retreaters must swim within sight of the lifeguard on duty. There is a great sandwich shop at the beach: "Beach Bites" carries subs, wraps, salads, muffins, ice cream, sodas, coffee, snacks and fresh fruit smoothies with dragon fruit, mango and papaya!
Out of the Beach Bites building, Tides Watersports
(772-589-5050) rents the following equipment by the hour or day:
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Boogie and Paddle Boards
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Kayaks
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Surfboards
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Surf Lessons
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Jet Skis
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Floats
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Umbrellas
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Wet Suits
or retreaters can visit:
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For the real adventurous, you can go Sky Diving at Skydive Sebastian which operates one of the largest skydiving schools in the country. They also offer parasailing. Must be 18.
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Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum - (5 miles away) is the world leader in sunken shipwreck recovery and has the most spectacular collection of Spanish artifacts and treasures ever assembled. There are still Spanish shipwrecks off the coast of Sebastian, where treasure hunt boats search for these sunken ships. People have found gold doubloons on the beach!
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Vero Beach Museum of Art (11 miles away) Vero Beach Museum of Art is one of the nation’s best-attended small museums.
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Visit Rock City Gardens (2 miles away) Get inspired viewing 7 acres of beautiful landscape with every tropical plant you could imagine!
11:00 - 1:00: Instructor demonstration
1:00 -1 :30: Catered lunch
1:30 - 4:30: Students work on assigned projects with instructor supervision and guidance
4:30-5:30: Continue to work on daily project
5:30-8:00: Dinner - Options:
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Students may cook their own dinner onsite using provided food. The refrigerator will be stocked with a variety of staples: milk, juice, eggs, lunch meats, ground beef, hot dogs, salad preps, fresh fruits and vegies, cheese, bread, pizza. No special dietary choices are provided.
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OR have food delivered (at their own cost)
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OR share an Uber and eat at one of the recommended local restaurants (list provided upon arrival) There are many excellent and affordable restaurants on the ocean, like Captain Hiram's, where they have live music playing outside every day. You can eat freshly caught fish while listening to music! Only 5 miles away. Portside Bar and Grill, Sebastian Saltwater and Squid Lips are also nearby on the Indian River. Restaurant eating is at their own cost.
8:00–10:00 PM – Free time to work on design projects, or just hang out with your new friends.
10:00 PM: Night check: Miss Carol will do random evening check-ins, to make sure students are at the retreat and winding down for the night. Miss Carol lives 1 house away from the retreat house and is available 24/7 if needed. 772-783-3636
Day 7 – Wrap-Up & Showcase (Saturday)
8:00–11:00 AM – Optional beach or activity time
11:00–12:00 – Final studio time: finish projects, prep for display
11:00–12:00 PM – Students display their work for final critique and photos; Peer feedback session
12:00–1:00 PM – Farewell lunch
1:00 PM–end of day – Free time to go to the beach or do a fun activity with your retreat mates.
As this day is over at 1:00 student could arrange to leave, or choose to stay Saturday night and check out by 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
Day 8 – Check out at 10 AM
Materials & Supplies
All the supplies a student needs will be provided. We will be making a garment that is composed of 3 yards of woven fabric. If you choose to use your own choice of fabric, additional choices will be available for purchase, or you can bring 3 yards of your own (woven) fabric. No stretch fabrics. I have lots of thread as well.
Students are free to bring their own sewing machine if they want to work on it after 5:30 in the retreat house. All instruction will be provided at Miss Carol's studio in her home, which is one house away from the retreat house. Miss Carol provides 6 high end sewing machines to work on.
HOUSING & AMENITIES
*Bedroom choices come by a first-come first-serve basis, so enroll early!
Rates and Packages
RATES
Sew by the Sea offers three enrollment tracks to serve students based on lodging preference and independence level:
👩🎓 Group 1: On-Site Student Lodging (Ages 16+)
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Instructional Tuition: $1,400/week
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Lodging and Meals Fee: $800/week
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Total Cost: $2,200/week
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5 hours/day of fashion instruction (Mon–Fri 11:00–4:30 & Sat 11-12)(26 hours total)
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8 days and 7 nights of shared accommodations in retreat home with swimming pool
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Dinner on Arrival Sunday and Lunch daily is included
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Refrigerator and cupboards are stocked with a variety of healthy food, drinks and snacks to make breakfast and dinner. Lunch is prepared.
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Social time with retreat-mates
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Ocean access for swimming, surfing, surfing lessons, paddleboarding and kayaking during free time
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Skydiving and parasailing is available in Sebastian
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Full access to stocked-with-food kitchen, screened-in swimming pool, and common areas
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Studio with sewing machine, cutting table and draping mannequin available for independent evening work (after class until late)
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Social time with retreat-mates during free time in morning and evening
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Beach access during free time. Free parking.
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Internet
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Cable TV
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Washer and dryer
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Refrigerator stocked with drinks and snacks.
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Maximum 5 students
👨🎓 Group 2: Off-Site Commuters (Ages 16+)
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Instructional Tuition Only: $1,400/week
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No lodging provided
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Students must arrange their own Airbnb, hotel, or local accommodations
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5 hours/day of fashion instruction (Mon–Sat, 11:00–4:30 and Sat 11:00-12:00)(26 hours total)
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Access to studio during class hours and extended time until 5:30 PM
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Must commute daily for class by Uber or car (11:00 AM–4:30 PM)
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Catered lunch daily
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Maximum 5 students
🧵 Group 3: Local Day Students (Ages 14–16, Advanced Only)
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Instructional Tuition Only: $1,400/week
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No lodging provided
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Intended for local students with daily transportation by parent/guardian
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5 hours/day of fashion instruction (M–F, 11:00–4:30 and Sat 11:00-12:00)(26 hours total)
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Students attend class daily (11:00 AM–4:30 PM) and may stay until 5:30 PM to finish projects
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Must be at a level to keep up with older peers. I will question you before your admittance.
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Catered lunch daily
✅ Included in $1,400 Tuition (All Students)
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26 hours (5 hours/day over 5 days, 1 hour on Sat) of hands-on fashion design, sewing, patternmaking, and portfolio prep
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Studio Access to access to machines, mannequin, tools, fabrics and workspace during instruction hours
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Materials: All muslin, drafting paper, and basic materials included
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Daily lunch prepared for all students — on-site and off-site
Additional Notes
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All students must have health insurance and submit signed parent/guardian permission forms.
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The retreat home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and is limited to 4 residents. There is the following bed choices:
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1 bedroom has twin beds.
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1 bedroom has a Queen Bed
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1 bedroom has a King Bed
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The living room has a high end comfortable mattress in a pull out couch.
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Class size is limited to 8 students total for personalized instruction.
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The instructor, Carol Kroegel, is a former Fashion Design college professor who also has over 10 years experience in the clothing manufacturing field. Her last teaching job was in the public school system and she has a clean State of Florida background check to be certified.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
❓Who is this retreat for?
Runway Ready is designed for students ages 14+ who are serious about pursuing fashion design. It's ideal for those preparing to apply to fashion colleges or interested in building real-world design skills.
❓ Do I need previous sewing experience?
Some basic machine experience is helpful but not required. You’ll be asked to complete a brief questionnaire before acceptance so we can tailor instruction to your skill level.
❓ Where is the retreat held?
In Sebastian, Florida — just minutes from the beach! The retreat is hosted in a private 3-bedroom home converted for creative instruction and student housing.
❓ Is housing included?
Yes, on-site housing is available for up to 4 students.
❓ Are meals included?
For students that are staying at the retreat house, it will be stocked with food for breakfast and dinner that they may cook themselves. Lunch will be catered. The only food that is NOT INCLUDED is if they choose to go to a local restaurant. All students that are not staying at the retreat house also get a free lunch with the program.
❓ If I don't want to stay at the retreat house, where can I stay?
There are many AirBnb's and hotels in the area. There are 3 Airbnb's on this street within walking distance to the studio house. If parents wish to come along and have a nice vacation as well, I recommend staying at Captain Hiram's on the ocean in Sebastian or getting an Airbnb on the street, Concha Drive in Sebastian, Florida.
❓ Can parents attend or stay at the retreat house?
No. To create a focused, creative space for students, parents are not permitted to stay on site. They are welcome to inspect the quarters upon drop off and pick up only. Supervision is provided throughout the program, and random check-ins at 9 pm are part of the structure. Parents and guardians are not permitted to stay at the retreat home, in order to preserve a focused, immersive learning environment. Miss Carol has a clean background check which qualified her to work in the public school system.
❓ What’s the daily schedule like?
Classes run from 11am–1pm and 1:30 –4:30 pm, with a catered lunch at 1 pm for on-site students. Homework assignments are given each evening to reinforce the day’s lessons.
❓ Does the teaching studio with the sewing machines carry liability and accident insurance? Yes, it has a commercial policy.
❓ Is transportation provided?
No. Students must arrange their own travel to and from the retreat. We can provide a list of nearby airports and local transport options. For day trips to the beach or to local restaurants or museums, students may carpool in a hired Uber (cost not included in retreat package) at their own expense.
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🧠 Student Questionnaire
(for use after inquiry or enrollment)
✏️ Student Info & Experience
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Name:
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Age:
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Where are you coming from?
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Have you used a sewing machine before?
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How many years have you been sewing?
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What have you sewed before?
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Describe your current skill level:
☐ Beginner (never sewed before)
☐ Basic (some machine use, simple projects)
☐ Intermediate (comfortable with patterns, tools)
☐ Advanced (garment sewing, design experience) -
Have you ever used a dress form?
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Do you have any experience with sketching or fashion illustration?
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Have you ever made a garment from a pattern?
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Have you ever made a pattern?
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Are you hoping to attend fashion school in the future? If yes, which ones?
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What are you hoping to gain from this retreat?
🛏️ Housing & Independence Readiness
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Have you ever stayed away from home without a parent before?
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Are you comfortable sharing a room with another student?
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Do you have any allergies, medical needs, or dietary restrictions?
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Is there anything that might make your stay more comfortable or successful?
✅ Participant Readiness Checklist
To join this retreat, participants should:
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✅ Be age 14 and older.
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✅ Be able to work independently and respectfully in a small group setting
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✅ Have an interest in fashion, sewing, art, or creative expression
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✅ Be open to trying new techniques, receiving feedback, and exploring ideas
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✅ Be emotionally mature and able to manage their time and personal needs without constant supervision
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✅ Agree to follow the program’s community rules and safety guidelines which basically states that they are to be quiet after 10 pm. and use the sewing machines safely and responsibly.
🧭 Note for Parents & Guardians:
This is a mentorship-based retreat, not a camp. Participants are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, and capable of basic independence. While an adult instructor will be present for all scheduled classes, this program does not provide continuous chaperoning. If you feel your teen is not yet ready for that level of independence, we recommend waiting another year or enrolling a day-only option.
Emergencies
Sew by the Sea require all students to have health insurance coverage and to provide proof of it. Here’s why:
✅ Why we require Health Insurance:
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If someone needs to go to the ER or urgent care, the hospital will expect payment or proof of coverage.
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You will be required to sign a release form allowing Miss Carol to seek emergency care on their child's behalf if necessary.
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Short Term Medical Coverage- if you don't have insurance, you can purchase temporary short-term medical insurance for travel (very affordable). Ask me about that if needed.
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