jcrow

I was going to a retreat Thursday-Sunday at a working Dude ranch that let us come at the end of the season in the fall and before the season begins in the spring. The owners cooked all the meals for us but everyone brought snacks and specialty foods. We could go in the kitchen and dig around for food in the evenings and we had tea and coffee all day. It is in the mountains and we were alone in the big house by ourselves at night. One night some bears surrounded the house and snorted and banged against the place. One lady really freaked out. We only had lights on in the sewing room and one brave soul ran through the dining hall to the kitchen to use the only phone to call for help. It had knotty pine in the dining hall. It had so much character in the whole house. We could have our own bedroom or share or even stay aross the dirt road at another house where 2-4-6 people could share a room. I need to go back. My sister took me to the dude ranch but she died at 53 in 2003 and it was so sad going without her. So I quit. I think I will find another friend and try it again. I had the best time. We would go for walks but the black bears would appear out of no where and scare you badly. They have been good except that one night.

Tothill

I have only gone to two over night/out of town retreats and many guild weekend events (slept at home).

Last year I was lucky to be able to attend Saskatchewan Stitches at St Peter's Abbey. What an incredible place for a retreat. My 19 year old son came with me (we made a trip of it and visited family along the way). We shared a big room with two beds and private bath. Some of the single rooms has shared baths.

All our meals were prepared on site and oh my were they ever good. Home cooking. The Abbey has a farm, makes their own jams etc. The room and board was $90.00 per person per day, classes were extra.

There were a series of different workshops going on, from quilting to knitting to bra making, felting and more. Each instructor had their own classroom. There was an onsite shop, as the nearest fabric store was 20 minutes away. That was important as it allowed attendees to buy supplies, kits and more.

My son took the car during the day and went exploring.

The other retreat was a sewing one with Sandra Betzina and Ron Collins. It was held at a city hotel. At this one only lunch was included. There were lots of restaurants nearby, so it was easy to find a place for dinner. I only ever eat a light breakfast, so I just provided my own.

I am not prepared to share a bed with anyone and really would not enjoy sharing a room with a stranger. I can share a room with a close friend or family. I truly do not understand why women are expected to share a bed, when it would never be suggested that men share a bed?

I am ok attending workshops on my own. None of my friends are sewers or quilters, so I am quite used to it.

Just to give an idea of numbers and costs. One of my guilds is looking to bring in an out of town instructor. Her cost is $400.00 per day, plus travelling expenses, perhaps $100.00 (we are on an island to there are ferry costs, meals etc). She limits her class size to 12, as she finds this the best size for sharing her skills and giving proper attention to each attendee.

Lastly, at this point I am only going to workshops and retreats to learn new skills. My guild does sit and sew days and I do go to them on occasion, but I would not go to a retreat that was just sit and sew at this point in my life.

I did hear about an embroidery retreat that will be happening in May 2017. I may consider going to it.