tessagin

Have yet to go on a retreat. Too pricey for me. Classes at the LQS shops here are also pricey. One LQS has small retreats from 6p-3am and I'm not about to be out that late. I think tha is ridiculous. I just stick to the Craftsy classes and the YouTubes. I can eat a bowl of my favorite ice cream or box of chocolates and pause and proceed with the videos. I do this often when I don't like what's on the tv.

RedGarnet222

I tried to take a daytime class once and had a very bad experience with it. (Basically I taught the other girl how to sew blocks in the class the whole time we were there!) Never tried that again. I know not all classes are like that one, but sheesh! Give me a break! I paid good money to attend this. Besides, I hated dragging my machine and sewing things out of the house.

I agree with the ladies that take on-line classes or buy the book to learn something. It gives me the materials I need and more money for fabric. There is the utube videos and some other quilting sites have videos to watch and learn. I have always been a person to need quiet with no distractions to be able to understand instructions. So this works for me.

I used to subscribe to a few magazines and read the articles about construction and sewing/quiting. That helped me a lot in the beginning.

GEMRM

I usually do two or three classes a year. I have only gone to a retreat once. I do try and go to Quilt Canada when it's local, and I went to Paducah once and Houston once. This has been spread over several years (the bigger travel/dollar stuff).
I like to take classes locally, but there isn't much offered near me anymore. And our guild only does 2 or 3 classes/days a year.
I like the camaraderie of a group day of sewing and don't mind lugging my stuff to do it. I wish there was more around here, I would go more often.
I'm thinking of trying a "sit and sew" day at my house for a small group to see if it's an activity that could be sustainable on a more regular basis.

Geri B

I belong to 2 guilds......the retreats are "sleep in your own bed" types....meaning close enough that you spend the 2 days sewing/talking/munching, then at end of day...leave your stuff, it is secure, and go home to zzzzzzz., park district is one venue, other is local fire house. One has monthly 1 day class...no charge, as "teacher" is one of the guild members who volunteers to "show/do" something...if you're not interested in doing the group thing you can still come and do your own thing........very relaxing, no stress, no extra $$$$$.

Onebyone

I go to two 3-4 day retreats a year. Both are very nice, catered meals on site in nice dining room, nice bedrooms, beautiful views. It's my rejuvenating time just for me. I go to as many classes and workshop that are within an hour driving time that I can. I guess I went to about nine last year. I use to be a member of three guilds but cut back to just one as the programs and workshops were overlapping each other. I use to think I won't go to that class or retreat or make that trip to a big quilt show, maybe next time. Then I realized there could very well not be a next time and one day I simply won't be able to go. I tell DH bye, see you in a few hours or a few days and off I go.

Bree123

2 live ones. Most of my quilting education is online because my disability makes it hard to sit for long periods of time.

zennia

Classes at my LQS are just to darn pricy. I belong to 2 groups of ladies and have a teacher and each other to learn from. A few times a year we rent a hall and spend 2 days just quilting, talking, eating and having fun. If you know someone who belongs to an organization they may get a good price on renting the hall.

sewingsuz

I have the exact answer as sewbizgirl. I have not taken a class and have not gone on a retreat. They seem to be very expensive. I do a pretty good job on our budget on all the other fabric and rulers and patterns and notions and interfacing and batting.

Sheddah

I was taking/participating in probably one class per year until this year. I already attended two and have another coming up in April. I do a lot of self-learning, but going to a class with a renowned instructor is exciting and inspiring. Two of my instructors this year are quilt artists. What I'm learning from them I couldn't teach myself and it would be more difficult, and take a lot longer, watching YouTube. Plus they share secrets of the trade which are priceless.

I haven't attended any retreats. Must say, I just haven't had the desire to do so. But I'm retired and have all the time I need to devote to my craft. I'm having a few ladies over to join me in my studio next week for a day of sewing though. I'm looking forward to a great time. (And no $ needed. ��)

jmoore

I am fortunate to have a couple of wonderful and friendly LQS in my area and attend approximately 4 classes a year. In fact, I am taking a class today at my LQS on foundation paper piecing. However, since learning more about quilt guilds and discovering other sponsored events, I have taken more extensive classes on FMQ at MQX in New Hampshire and a variety of other classes held at our annual state-wide quilt show.

I have not yet been to a retreat but would go in a heart-beat if it fit into my busy work schedule.