JanieH

Your experience at the retreat is like so many at classes! Loved your descriptions!

SandScraps

Experience sure saved your retreat. There is nothing as irritating as having to spend that valuable time trying to sort out someone else's machine deficiencies. I usually say I'll try for 5 minutes and walk away after that. Probably does not make you popular but allows you to do what you came to do.

itsmesuzq

I haven't been to a quilting retreat yet but I've been to day long workshops. Things to remember, bring the tools you are familiar with, always bring a sweater or jacket (you don't know what the air temp will be in the room), turn off all cell phones (have lots of breaks so people can go outside the room to answer phone calls etc.) and remember to keep your sense of humor and most of all have fun! I am so glad you moved until you found a comfortable space. You were there to there to learn and have the best experience you could considering you were all strangers. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Caswews

So glad you made the best of it .. Others seem to forget they are not the only ones at the retreat. Sometimes its just great to have the peace and quiet to listen. Cell phones should be banned at retreats ! LOL or at least told to be put on vibrate and leave a message till the break or someone goes outside. LOL

bearisgray

If there is a speaker or program or instructor - if you don't want to listen, please go somewhere else so those that DO want to hear/learn, are able to do so.

cat2quilt

You handled the situation with style and grace! You have a great sense of humor.

tlambing

Never have attended a retreat, but have done sewing days and UFo nights. At first I felt bad about choosing my spot away from those with "special needs". Then I came to the conclusion that I showed up for me. Not to be a tutor, confidant or house maid. I know that that sounds harsh, but if I didn't look at these times this way, my hyper vigilance drives me crazy. I seem to clue into every possible annoyance! "I know me and my issue" so I must avoid it or I'm miserable!
Kudos for you recognizing and avoiding the pitfalls! You my dear, are my HERO

mtnma52

I really loved hearing all the comments! I cook for Crafty Chicks Retreat (fb) out of Spokane and I hear just about all you said. Our groups are small (14) and no teachers as the retreaters do their own thing (quilt, crochet, scrapbook, sleep, read a book...) and after the shell shock wears off, everyone learns to laugh, love, help, eat, sleep, and enjoy. Only one retreat out of many did we have a group of "prickly porcupines" did the rest dislike as the 6 stayed by themselves and were critical of everyone else. They will not be invited back! It started as one retreat in the fall, 2 in the spring, and this fall we have 3 and next spring we are planning 4-all from word of mouth and a small bit of advertising. Just remember to eat, sleep, craft, repeat!

AuntieD

Never been to a retreat, but will keep your 'advice' in mind when I do. Glad you were able to move to a better location and enjoyed your retreat.

DonnaC

Ah, yes. When I attend classes with my sewing group (not necessarily quilting, but other types), I always have a list in my head of which members I do NOT want to sit with. I try to pre-arrange with somebody I know to do the "you save my seat, I save yours" routine so we can sit together! Some of the ladies are very nice, but they are real energy-suckers who keep distracting your attention from the class every few minutes, whether it's a machine problem or asking you to repeat what the teacher just said because they weren't listening (because they were dealing with the aforementioned machine problem...).

And just a quick note to MaryLane who said she's a talker... don't let it chase you away from retreats...there are always people around who would find you more entertaining than someone who just hunches over her machine all day. It takes all kinds, right?! When I used to attend scrapbooking retreats....hoo boy, I could tell you stories about those ladies. Suffice to say, once they smuggled in the wine, there was talking, singing, dancing, and assorted husband-yelling on cell phones going on non-stop. At least quilters don't usually smuggle in wine, because we're afraid of getting our fabrics stained LOL!