Farmstead Series - One of Four | A Day at Hurd Orchards

A One-Day Needlework Gathering at Hurd Orchards

📍 Hurd Orchards, 17260 Ridge Road, Holley, New York 14470
🗓  Saturday, September 12, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

EVENT FEE: $165

Hobby House Needleworks is delighted to invite you to the first event in our brand-new Farmstead Series—a day designed to nourish the hands, the heart, and the mind.

Spend an unforgettable day at the breathtaking Hurd Orchards, where historic barns, fragrant gardens, harvest tables, and the beauty of the New York countryside create the perfect setting for stitching, learning, and fellowship.

Your day includes:

🥐 Brunch Tasting
Begin the morning with a beautiful farm brunch featuring freshly baked risen breads, seasonal fruits, fresh flowers, and the wonderful flavors of Hurd Orchards.

🪡 A Day of Stitching
Bring your favorite project and enjoy hours of relaxed stitching surrounded by fellow needleworkers in one of Western New York's most picturesque farm settings.

🎓 First Featured Lecture

"The Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Sewing Society"

Presented by Hinda Mandell, Ph.D.
Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology

Discover the remarkable story of our region's own Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Sewing Society—an effective and devoted group of Rochester women whose religious convictions and commitment to abolition changed lives.

Through their annual holiday craft bazaars and needlework sales, these determined women raised vital funds that supported Frederick Douglass, helped sustain The North Star, and aided freedom seekers escaping slavery on their journey to Canada.

It is a fascinating story that beautifully connects the history of women's needlework with courage, community, and social justice.

🍏 Tour Hurd Orchards
Explore the orchards, historic barns, market, gardens, and farmstead while enjoying one of New York's most beloved family farms.

🎓 Second Featured Lecture

Sneak Preview: "The New York Inspiration Sampler"

Presented by Theresa Baird
Designer and Owner, Heart's Ease Examplar Workes

Following her America 250 Retreat at Hobby House Needleworks, Theresa toured Upstate NY and now has set her sights on completing her eighth sampler in her 13 Colonies Series. We will all be treated to a presentation of the places, emblems, and natural flora that will grace her upcoming release.

🎓 Stitching Tutorial

The Spiral Trellis

Presented by Theresa Baird
Designer and Owner, Heart's Ease Examplar Workes

The Spiral Trellis brings fruit and farm grown bounty to life! This intimidating stitch will be broken down and made easy for even the beginner stitcher. Doodle cloth, floss and needles will be provided for this tutorial. 

🍂 Early Autumn Dinner Tasting
Our day concludes with an extraordinary seasonal supper featuring:

• A welcoming punch station
• Seasonal dip station
• Passed appetizers (weather permitting, enjoyed outdoors on the lawn)
• Farm preserves tasting and bread station with demonstrations
• Served salad
• A plated seasonal entrée with vegetable
• An irresistible autumn dessert tasting

Every meal at Hurd Orchards celebrates the harvest and generations of farm traditions.

❤️ Hosted by Hobby House Needleworks

This is more than a retreat—it is a day of history, friendship, beautiful food, inspiring conversation, and peaceful stitching in one of the most charming locations in New York State.

Space will be limited to create an intimate experience, and we expect this event to fill quickly. We can't wait to spend this special day with you!