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I'm going to my first quilting retreat this week-end. Any suggestions on what items to take besides the obvious sewing machine, mat, cutter, scissors, needles, ruler ....or even items not to bother with? I don't want to overpack if possible. Any other advice on what I might do to prep or organize before going would be helpful too.
Have an extension card available. It is also handy to have a small iron and ironing pad you can put next to your spot, if there is room. The retreat will probably have full-sized irons and boards available, but having one right next to you saves a lot of getting up and down. Bring some starch or sizing for pressing too.
I would give the opposite advice. When sewing for long periods of time, we NEED to be doing a lot of getting up and down. It gives the spine a big break and helps you continue sewing for longer, comfortably. So chain piece your stuff, then walk it all across the room and press at a pressing station. You need some standing time after a while of sitting.Originally Posted by CanoePam
You also get to smile and speak to people and see what they are doing, while you are up and about. Bonus!
http://www.craftsy.com/user/333534/pattern-store?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewbizgirl
"The reward of a thing well done is having done it." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Make sure you label all your stuff with your name.
I AGREE! Make sure your name is on all your rulers and rotary cutter. Have FUN.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
If you are going to be working on your own project, you might want to have it all cut out and pieces labeled. I'm on the short side so I would pack a chair cushion, as I have found that some table were a little high for my machine to be comfortable to me. Take breaks from sewing and enjoy the people around you. Mainly have fun.
If you are warm-natured, be sure to take a small fan; cold-natured, take a sweater. Also, take a covered cup for drinks. And if you sew barefooted, take a pair of warm socks or soft slippers, in case your feet get cold. If you have paper manual for your machine, be sure to take it. If your manual is online, be sure you can access it from your smart phone or tablet.
Every retreat center I have gone to has several irons and boards set up and some of them ask that you don't use your own iron because of the strain on the electrical system. Getting up to use the iron gives you a break from sitting, so you can stretch and get the blood moving. However, I do take a wooden TV tray for a cutting station; it fits a 12"x18" cutting mat.
Is this a class-type retreat or a "bring your own projects" retreat? For a class, cut all your fabrics ahead of time if instructed and be sure to bring your extra fabric. If it is a bring-your-own, decide if you will start a new project or make it a UFO retreat. I finished 4 tops at one three-day retreat and worked on 3 others until I had to stop because I didn't have enough fabric or was missing blocks. I usually do a combination of both UFOs and a new project. I had one quilt that I considered my retreat UFO -- it went to 3 or 4 retreats before I finally finished it.
Don't worry about forgetting something. Chances are that someone has brought extra.
Be sure to take your phone charger and cords. I always take my iPad and headset. If there is WIFI service, I may find a show on Netflix or HULU. It just depends on how sociable I'm feeling or if I'm sewing late at night or early in the morning.
Most of all, have fun!
typing in retreat lists on this site gives a few hits where we've discussed this before too. http://www.quiltingboard.com/blogs/g...st-b11686.html
Quilt Retreat Checklist
I like a small table or clip on light. You never know if the lighting will be good or bad.
Beth in AZ
www.bzyqltr.blogspot.com
Innova 22' with Lightning Stitch and Pantovision
Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great. Mark Twain
all the above and also take along a good book to read in your room at night to get away from it all.!!!!lol
Landscape quilts and needle turn applique favs.Antlers,Ok
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