Threads Experience in NYC's Garment District
Join us for textile and sewing adventures
2026 Tours
Set off with the team from Threads magazine to explore textile history, learn expert sewing techniques, and soak up inspiration in places you’ll always remember. You’ll make friends with like-minded fabric enthusiasts on the tour and rediscover that sewing is a universal language.
Only 15 spaces are available on this exclusive tour.
Tour Dates
May 11 – May 16, 2026
Tour Prices
$5,575 (USD) per person, double occupancy
$6,250 (USD) per person, single occupancy
Tour Includes
Threads Experience in NYC’s Garment District
Join Threads magazine in the Big Apple for a five-day fashion and textile adventure. Our small-group tour will explore the historic Garment District, including a trip to a flower-making atelier. You’ll meet our contributing editors, Susan Khalje and Kenneth D. King, and other special guests. You’ll also be among the first to view the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition. Plus, we’ve built in plenty of time to shop for fabulous fabrics and notions in the finest shops.
Itinerary
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you
At-A-Glance:
Day 1: Monday, May 11
Welcome to Manhattan. Join us for a reception at Āne Bar & Restaurant in our hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn New York, Times Square South.
Day 2: Tuesday, May 12
Tour and workshop at M & S Schmalberg Flowers. After a group lunch, we’ll take a guided walking tour of the Garment District. Later, we’ll visit the studio of Kenneth D. King.
Day 3: Wednesday, May 13
Shopping at one of New York’s premiere fabric destinations, Mendel Goldberg Fabrics, accompanied by Susan Khalje. In the afternoon, there’s snoop shopping at Printemps, then more fabric shopping in the Garment District.
Day 4: Thursday, May 14
Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute exhibition, Costume Art, along with a guided tour, Fashion in Art, throughout the museum. Then there’s an open afternoon for shopping on Madison Ave. or back to the Garment District.
Day 5: Friday, May 15
Visit to Watson Ellis, a custom tailoring business, followed by browsing at the FIT bookstore, Kinokuniya, and final forays to fabric and trim shops.
Day 6: Saturday, May 16
Departure from New York City.
In Detail:
Day 1: Monday, May 11
Arrival–Tour members arrange their own transportation to New York City, and make their way to the Hilton Garden Inn New York, Times Square South. We’ll welcome you with a reception at Āne Bar & Restaurant. Get to know your fellow participants and your hosts, or reconnect with folks from past tours.
Day 2: Tuesday, May 12
Start the day with an exclusive tour and workshop at M & S Schmalberg Flowers, where you’ll discover the secrets of four generations of custom flower makers. After a group lunch at Mr. Broadway, one of New York’s famous delis, we’ll take a guided walking tour of the Garment District, led by Mike Kaback, a garment-trade veteran. In the evening, we’ll pay a visit to Kenneth D. King in his studio, where he’ll treat us to a trunk show and share a look at the marvelous wardrobes he created for his two Doll Couture books. You’ll have the evening on your own to seek out your favorite cuisine and/or make theater plans.
Day 3: Wednesday, May 13
We’ll travel to the Lower East Side for a shopping spree at one of New York’s top fabric destinations, Mendel Goldberg Fabrics. Threads Contributing Editor Susan Khalje will accompany us, lending her experience to selecting the perfect textiles for your next sewing project(s). We’ll have lunch together at the historic Fraunces Tavern, the nexus of patriot activity during the American Revolution. While we’re downtown, we’ll take the opportunity to snoop shop at Printemps, where current and vintage luxury apparel and accessories are displayed in a stunning setting, inspired by the elegance of the original Paris Printemps. We’ll head back to the Garment District to check out fabric, trim, and notions stores; Threads will provide a list of stores to visit. This evening is open for your personal culinary exploration or other activities.
Day 4: Thursday, May 14
We’ve planned a guided tour, Fashion in Art, throughout the Metropolitan Museum’s main collection, and you’ll get to view the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition, Costume Art. After lunch on your own, at the Met or in the neighborhood, the afternoon is free for window shopping on Madison Ave.; a stop at the Frick Collection to see Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture; or a subway ride back to the Garment District to continue your fabric shopping. This evening, we’ll dine together at Victor’s Cafe, one of New York’s most beloved Cuban restaurants.
Day 5: Friday, May 15
On our final day together, we’ll visit Watson Ellis, a custom tailoring business founded by McCall’s pattern designer Melissa Watson. The studio’s lead designer and fit expert, Katherine Roulston, will help us understand what it takes to craft beautiful bespoke suits for any body type. We’ll keep the afternoon open for browsing at the Fashion Institute of Technology's bookstore for fashion design textbooks and/or at Kinokuniya for inspiring global fashion publications. You can also make your last forays to textile and trim shops. Our farewell dinner will be at Arno Ristorante, for a family-style Italian meal.
Day 6: Saturday, May 16
Bid farewell to Manhattan, or stay on for further New York adventures.
Secure your spot today. Places are limited.
Plan to leave room in your luggage to bring back textile and design souvenirs. We look forward to hosting you on this adventure.
Pricing
Tour Price Includes:
- Hilton Garden Inn New York, Times Square South, 5 nights (May 11-15, 2026)
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and welcome reception
- Public transportation: OMNY card fare provided for all activities
- Tour of the Garment District with a professional tour leader
- Tour and workshop at M & S Schmalberg Flowers
- Admission to Metropolitan Museum, plus guided tour
Tour Price Excludes:
- Transportation to and from Manhattan: Each member books their own transportation to New York City, to arrive at the hotel by May 11, 2026.
- Travel Insurance (required)
- 2 dinners, 2 lunches, and all drinks and snacks
Payment Schedule:
Payment in full is due by April 9, 2026.
Tour Member Reservations:
Due April 9, 2026. Reservation forms must include full name, full address, email address, home phone number, cell phone number, emergency contact name with cell phone number, room type (single or double occupancy), roommate name, and special meal needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
Tour Member Travel Insurance Purchase Confirmation/Declarations Page:
Due April 9, 2026, for each tour member. See final item in Terms & Conditions.
Accommodations
Hotel Accommodations:
May 11-15: Hilton Garden Inn New York, Times Square South.
Transportation while on the tour:
We will be using the New York subway system and will provide OMNY cards for all travelers to cover fares for the planned itinerary. We’ll also walk, especially on our 2-hour guided tour of the Garment District. Plan to wear comfortable shoes and to put in at least 10,000 steps per day. Participants may use taxis or ride-share cars at their own expense, if desired.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Tour Participant Agreement
Please read carefully before booking. By making a reservation you agree to all terms below.
1. Responsibilities
As the hosting organization, Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc., the publisher of Threads and referred to herein as “Threads”, provides reservation and coordination services. Each third-party service provider (including but not limited to hotels, airlines, ground transportation operators, local guides, and garden venues) is solely responsible to the participant for providing their respective services. Threads acts as an agent for these third-party providers and not as a principal. Threads does not select, supervise, or control the manner in which third-party providers render their services.
By making a reservation for a tour hosted by Threads, the participant certifies that they have disclosed to Threads any condition that may require accommodation or that may affect their ability to safely participate in tour activities. Threads reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a tour at any time for any legitimate, non-discriminatory reason, subject to the provisions of Section 10 of these Terms and Conditions.
2. Physical Fitness & Medical Acknowledgment
Threads tours involve physical activity including walking on uneven terrain, cobblestones, subway platforms, steps, and outdoor environments in varied weather conditions. By booking this tour, the participant affirmatively represents and warrants that:
• They are in sufficiently good health and physical condition to participate in the tour activities as described in the itinerary;
• They have consulted a physician if they have any medical condition, physical limitation, or disability that could be affected by travel or tour activities;
• They will promptly inform Threads in writing of any medical condition, allergy, dietary restriction, or mobility limitation that may require accommodation prior to departure;
• They understand that certain tour locations may not be fully accessible to individuals with limited mobility, and that Threads cannot guarantee accessibility at all sites; however, Threads will make reasonable efforts to provide accommodations where feasible upon advance request.
Threads is not responsible for any costs, losses, or damages arising from a participant's failure to disclose a medical condition or physical limitation.
3. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability
BY BOOKING THIS TOUR, THE PARTICIPANT EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND ASSUMES ALL INHERENT RISKS OF TRAVEL AND TOUR PARTICIPATION, including but not limited to: slips, trips, and falls on uneven or slippery surfaces; exposure to weather and environmental conditions; risks associated with transportation by air, motor coach, rail, boat, or other conveyance; risks of illness, injury, or death; and risks arising from the actions of third parties or unforeseen events.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the participant, on behalf of themselves and their heirs, assigns, and legal representatives, hereby releases, waives, and discharges Threads, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or in connection with the participant’s participation in the tour, except to the extent directly caused by the proven gross negligence or willful misconduct of Threads.
BY BOOKING THIS TOUR, THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ITS TERMS.
4. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:
• Threads’ total cumulative liability to any participant for any claim arising out of or relating to a tour shall not exceed the total amount paid by that participant for the tour from which the claim arises.
• Threads shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of enjoyment, missed connections, lost business income, emotional distress, or any costs arising from changes to transportation arrangements.
• Threads has no responsibility or liability for loss of baggage, money, valuables, documents, or other personal property. Participants are advised to carry travel insurance that covers personal property loss.
The liabilities and conditions set forth in this agreement apply regardless of the legal theory upon which any claim is based, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise.
5. Third-Party Service Providers
Threads arranges services provided by independent third-party suppliers including, but not limited to, airlines, hotels, motor coach companies, rail operators, restaurants, museum venues, and local guides (collectively, “Suppliers”). Threads acts solely as an agent for these Suppliers and does not own, operate, or control their services.
By booking a tour, the participant acknowledges that they are responsible for reviewing and accepting the terms and conditions of major Suppliers, including airlines and hotels, which may contain additional limitations of liability, assumption of risk provisions, and forum selection clauses.
All tickets, vouchers, and bookings are issued subject to the terms and conditions of the respective Suppliers. Any additional liability of Threads for the acts, omissions, or negligence of Suppliers is expressly excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law. Participants agree to address any service complaints directly with the relevant Supplier in the first instance.
6. Force Majeure & Liability for External Events
Threads has no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, injury, delay, or additional expenses caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: weather conditions (rain, wind, fog, extreme heat or cold, snow, or ice); natural disasters; acts of God; civil disturbances; riot; war; terrorism; strikes or labor disputes; government actions; travel advisories or restrictions; pandemics or public health emergencies; illegal acts of third parties; or any other event constituting Force Majeure.
In the event of a Force Majeure situation, Threads will endeavor to minimize disruption to the tour, but shall not be obligated to provide refunds for any services affected by such events unless otherwise required by applicable law. Any voluntary refund or credit provided by Threads in the event of Force Majeure shall be at Threads’ sole discretion and shall not establish any precedent or obligation for future events.
7. Price
Tour prices are based upon exchange rates, tariffs, and taxes in effect at the time of publication. Fluctuations in these rates may result in a price adjustment prior to full payment of the tour price. Threads will provide written notice, which may be by email to the address provided at booking, of any price adjustment as promptly as reasonably practicable.
Price Protection: Once the tour price is paid in full, no further price adjustment will be made due to changes in exchange rates, tariffs, or taxes.
Significant Price Increases: If a price increase exceeds 8% of the original quoted tour price and occurs prior to the final payment deadline, as specified in the booking confirmation, the participant will have the option to cancel their booking and receive a full refund of all amounts paid, provided written notice of cancellation is received within 14 days of notification of the price increase. Failure to provide written notice of cancellation within such 14-day period shall constitute acceptance of the revised price, and the participant shall have no further right to cancel with a refund based on such price increase.
8. Cancellations by Participant
If you need to withdraw from a tour for any reason, written notice of cancellation must be submitted to Threads by email to the address provided at the time of booking or by certified mail. Cancellation becomes effective upon confirmed receipt of written notice. The following cancellation schedule applies:
• On or after the final payment deadline: No refund from Threads. Participants are strongly encouraged to hold travel insurance to cover this period.
• Mid-tour departure: If a participant must leave the tour after departure for any reason (including illness, personal emergency, or removal under Section 10), no refund will be issued by Threads for unused services. The participant is solely responsible for all costs associated with their early departure, including alternative transportation and accommodation.
Threads strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance with cancellation-for-any-reason coverage to protect against losses within the non-refund period.
9. Tour Cancellations & Changes by Threads
Cancellation by Us: Threads aims to operate all tours as booked. We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any legitimate business reason, including but not limited to insufficient enrollment, safety concerns, Supplier unavailability, or operational necessity. If we cancel your tour for any reason other than your failure to make required payments, you will receive a full refund of all amounts paid to Threads. Except as expressly provided in this Section 9, Threads is not responsible for any incidental or consequential costs incurred by participants in preparation for the tour, including non-refundable airfare, visa fees, or other personal expenses. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover such costs.
Itinerary Changes: Threads strives to operate according to the published itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, or opportunities that would materially enhance the itinerary, adjustments may be necessary or appropriate. Threads reserves the right, without penalty, to make changes in the agreed-upon itinerary whenever conditions warrant or when deemed necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. In the event of material itinerary changes, Threads will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide experiences of comparable value and quality. We will notify participants of significant changes as soon as practicable before departure or, if discovered during the tour, will announce changes at the earliest opportunity.
Partial Tour Disruption: If the tour is shortened after departure due to circumstances within our control, Threads may, in its sole discretion, provide a pro-rated partial refund for the value of material services not provided. Any such refund shall constitute the participant’s sole and exclusive remedy for partial tour disruption. Refunds will not be issued for portions of the tour affected by Force Majeure events as defined in Section 6.
10. Participant Conduct
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of fellow tour participants, Threads staff, Suppliers, and the communities and venues visited. Threads reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove from the tour any participant whose behavior is determined to be:
• Disruptive, offensive, threatening, or harassing toward other participants, staff, or hosts;
• Dangerous to themselves or others;
• In violation of the laws or regulations of any country, state, or locality visited;
• Incompatible with the orderly conduct and enjoyment of the tour;
• In material breach of any provision of these Terms & Conditions.
A participant removed from the tour under this section will not be entitled to any refund and will be solely responsible for all costs associated with their return home, including transportation and accommodation. Threads will have no further liability to a removed participant.
11. Smoking & Vaping Policy
All participants agree to comply with a strict non-smoking and non-vaping policy on all motor coaches, in restaurants (unless otherwise permitted by the establishment), in all lodging facilities (unless in designated outdoor areas), and at all venues. Violation of this policy may result in removal from the tour in accordance with Section 10.
12. Travel Documents, Passports & Visas
Each participant is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required travel documentation, including but not limited to:
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond the tour end date;
• All required entry visas, travel authorizations (e.g., ETIAS, ETA), or permits for all countries on the itinerary;
• Any required vaccinations, health certificates, or medical documentation;
• Any other documentation required by the laws or regulations of destination countries.
Threads is not responsible for any costs, losses, or damages arising from a participant’s failure to obtain or maintain the required travel documentation. No refund will be issued if a participant is denied boarding, entry, or travel due to inadequate documentation. Participants are responsible for verifying document requirements with the relevant embassies, consulates, or official government sources. Any information regarding visa, passport, or entry requirements provided by Threads is for general convenience only, may not be current or complete, and does not constitute legal advice. Participants should not rely solely on information provided by Threads and must independently verify travel requirements.
13. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and , for certain tours as specified in the booking confirmation, is required as a condition of participation. At minimum, participants should obtain coverage for:
• Trip cancellation and interruption;
• Emergency medical expenses and hospitalization;
• Medical evacuation and repatriation;
• Loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal effects;
• Travel delay and missed connections.
Recommended search platforms include Squaremouth (squaremouth.com) and Insure My Trip (insuremytrip.com). World Nomads (worldnomads.com) is a commonly economical option for participants under 70. Threads does not endorse any specific insurer and recommends that participants review policy terms carefully. Threads makes no representations regarding the adequacy, suitability, or coverage terms of any insurance policy, and participants are solely responsible for selecting appropriate coverage.
Insurance Declination: If a participant chooses to travel without insurance, where insurance is not required as a condition of participation, they do so entirely at their own risk and acknowledge that Threads will have no financial obligation beyond the refund terms stated in Section 8 above.
14. Complaints
In the unlikely event that you have a complaint, you must promptly notify the Threads host so that remedial action may be taken on the spot. Failure to notify the Threads host of a complaint during the tour may limit or waive the participant’s right to pursue certain claims if the matter could have been remedied on-site.
If the matter cannot be resolved directly during the tour, any formal complaints must be submitted in writing to Threads within 20 days of your return date. Written complaints should be sent via email to the contact address provided at booking, or by certified mail to our principal business address. Complaints submitted after the 20-day period will not be considered, except to the extent such limitation is prohibited by applicable law. Threads will acknowledge receipt of all written complaints within 10 business days.
15. Dispute Resolution
Informal Resolution: Before initiating any formal legal proceeding, both parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute in good faith through direct negotiation for a period of 30 days following written notice of the dispute.
Mediation: If informal resolution is unsuccessful, the parties agree to submit the dispute to non-binding mediation administered by a mutually agreed-upon mediator before initiating litigation. The cost of mediation shall be shared equally by the parties.
Class Action Waiver: To the fullest extent permitted by law, each party waives the right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration. All claims must be brought on an individual basis only.
16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms & Conditions and any dispute arising out of or in connection with a tour booking shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. If you are booking from outside the United States, you agree that U.S. law governs and that any proceedings will take place in the United States.
The participant acknowledges that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel regarding these Terms and Conditions and the selection of governing law, and voluntarily agrees to the foregoing provisions.
17. Photography & Media Release
Threads will photograph and video-record tour activities and events for editorial, promotional, marketing, and archival purposes. By booking and participating in a tour, each participant grants Threads an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, edit, crop, publish, and distribute photographs and video recordings in which the participant may appear, in any media now known or hereafter developed, including print publications, websites, social media, and promotional materials, without compensation to the participant.
Participants who object to being photographed or recorded must notify Threads in writing prior to the tour departure. Threads will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests but cannot guarantee that participants will not inadvertently appear in group photographs.
Participants under the age of 18 ("Minor Participants") may participate in tours only when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone, who is also a registered participant on the same tour. A parent or legal guardian must sign these Terms & Conditions on behalf of the Minor Participant and accepts full responsibility for the Minor Participant's conduct, safety, and compliance with all tour policies. All provisions of these Terms & Conditions, including the assumption of risk, release of liability, limitation of liability, and media release provisions, shall apply to Minor Participants to the fullest extent permitted by law. By signing on behalf of a Minor Participant, the parent or legal guardian represents and warrants that they have legal authority to bind the Minor Participant to these Terms & Conditions.
18. Severability
If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found by a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed from these Terms & Conditions and shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
19. Entire Agreement
These Terms & Conditions, together with the tour booking confirmation and any tour-specific addenda provided in writing to the participant, constitute the entire agreement between the participant and Threads with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements, representations, or understandings.
No modification of these Terms & Conditions shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Threads.
No Waiver: The failure of Threads to enforce any provision of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of Threads’ right to enforce such provision or any other provision in the future. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Threads to be effective.
Assignment: Threads may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms and Conditions to any affiliate or successor entity without notice to or consent of the participant. The participant may not assign their rights or obligations without Threads’ prior written consent.
Contact travel@Threadsmagazine.com for more information.
Reserve A Spot
Secure Your Reservation:
To reserve your spot on this tour:
- Fill out and submit the online reservation form.
Reservation Form - Submit your tour payment by calling
800-333-5441
or completing a checkout through our secure, online store.
Make Payment Online
Questions? Contact us at travel@threadsmagazine.com or 800-333-5441. We would love to chat with you about this exciting trip!
Note: After April 9, 2026, please contact us to confirm that there are still spots available on this tour. If we are able to accommodate your reservation, your payment will be due immediately.
Payment Details:
Full payment:
$5,575 (USD) per person, double occupancy
$6,250 (USD) per person, single occupancy
Note: For reservations made after April 9, 2026, the full payment, reservation form, and proof of insurance will be due immediately.
Additional information about the tour costs, including details about inclusions and exclusions, can be viewed under “Pricing”.
PLEASE NOTE: Travel with Threads reserves the right to cancel the tour. Payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled.
Travel with Threads follows COVID-19 safety updates from the CDC and our destination countries.
Tour Hosts
Jeannine Clegg
Managing Editor, Threads
Having grown up wearing dresses, shorts, and even bathing suits sewn by her grandmother, Jeannine appreciates the hard work that goes into stitching clothing. Once she began sewing, her admiration of the skills needed to sew well only grew. Her 15-year tenure at Threads magazine has deepened her fondness for all things related to handcrafted textile arts. She draws inspiration from the many Threads authors and sewing experts who’ve shared their sewing journeys.
Carol J. Fresia
Editor, Threads
In 50-plus years of sewing, and more than 20 years with Threads magazine, Carol has discovered that there’s textile inspiration to be found just about anywhere. Her work at Threads offers loads of creative input, though there’s never enough time to try every new technique that catches her eye. She's a former art historian who can't wait for this tour to spend time at the Met, one of the world's finest art museums. Plus, she's looking forward to checking out New York trends and breaking her years-long fabric diet.