Sewcation Episode 2: Cozy Cabins, Thrifted Treasures & a Handmade Wool Parka
There’s something magical about stepping away from daily routines, surrounding yourself with beautiful places, and letting creativity take the lead. That’s exactly what Episode 2 of Sewcation delivers. A blend of cozy cabin life, thrifting adventures, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own two hands.
In this episode, I packed up my sewing machine and set out for a new retreat. The journey included stays at Earthlight Villas and Camp Randonnèe, visits to four one-of-a-kind thrift shops, and the challenge of transforming found textiles into a long wool parka. Here’s a closer look at what made this Sewcation so inspiring.
Earthlight Villas & Camp Randonnèe: Cabins with Character
The first stop was Camp Randonnèe - a rustic, woodsy escape that felt like the coziest of creative cocoons. Each cabin had its own charm, with textures and details that mirrored the handmade values at the heart of this series. These settings weren’t just backdrops, they fed directly into the inspiration for the sewing project that followed.
From there, I shifted gears and headed to Earthlight Villas, a modern retreat perched high above the valley with sweeping views that made me want to stay forever. Floor-to-ceiling windows filled each space with light, creating the perfect setting for slowing down and stitching in peace.
Thrifting Adventures: Four Shops, Endless Inspiration
What’s a Sewcation without a good thrift hunt? I explored four unique shops, each filled with unexpected gems.
One shop carried racks of vintage blankets with the kind of worn-in wool that sparks endless ideas.
Another was overflowing with quirky prints, retro textures, and fabrics begging for a second life.
Every stop reinforced the magic of thrifting: you never know what you’ll find, but you always leave with your imagination buzzing.
Thrifting isn’t just about the hunt, it’s also about sustainability. Giving textiles new life means less waste and more stories woven into each garment.
The Creative Highlight: A Long Wool Parka
The centerpiece of this episode was crafting a long wool parka from thrifted textiles. The process was part puzzle, part meditation, piecing together fabric, shaping it into a coat, and watching it transform into something completely unique.
The parka itself was full of character: soft but structured, cozy but stylish, and layered with details that made it truly one-of-a-kind. Sewing in the quiet of the cabin, I was reminded why I started this series in the first place: to blend creativity with adventure, and to show how meaningful handmade fashion can be. I used the Camp Coat Sewing Pattern and just extended the length!
Reflections & Takeaways
This episode was about more than just sewing a coat. It was about:
Slowing down and letting a new environment spark ideas.
Finding beauty in the unexpected- whether tucked on a thrift store rack or hidden in the grain of a wooden cabin wall.
Creating something lasting with your own two hands, instead of buying something disposable.
For me, the most inspiring part was the way everything tied together. The cabins, the thrift shops, and the sewing project weren’t separate, they were all threads of the same story: that creativity flourishes when you give yourself space to explore.
Final Thoughts
Sewcation Episode 2 was a reminder that creativity doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens in the places we explore, the textures we notice, and the stories we stitch together. Whether it’s thrifting for fabric, cozying up in a cabin, or tackling a new project, the joy is in the process.
If you love slow travel, sustainable fashion, or just need a little inspiration to dust off your sewing machine, this episode is worth a watch.
And I’d love to know….what’s the best thing you’ve ever thrifted and transformed into something new? Share your stories in the comments below!