The Heart Behind Stitchwood Retreat
About Your Host
For as long as she can remember, Laurie McDonald has found joy in creating — whether through a brushstroke on canvas or a carefully stitched quilt block. What began as a love for color and texture grew into a lifelong passion for the arts.
Years ago, Laurie turned that passion into a thriving decorative arts studio in East Gwillimbury, where she taught others to paint, design, and express their creativity. Those experiences deepened her belief that art has the power to bring people together, to heal, and to inspire.
Over time, quilting became Laurie’s favorite way to tell stories — one piece, one pattern, one heartfelt gift at a time. Her dream was to create a place where others could experience that same joy and sense of connection.
That dream is now Stitchwood Retreat — a cozy, creative quilting retreat in Ontario where artistry meets tranquility. Here, guests can create, relax, and recharge in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, yet still close to the comforts of town. It’s more than a retreat — it’s a place to breathe, create, and belong.