Do I have to choose? I love both. For about the past 12 or so years, I have participated in two annual quilt retreats. One has more people, but essentially the same core group. The other consists of the same women each time. I love both--did I say that already? 8^)) I get lots of work done in both places, as much or almost as much as if I were alone. The benefits of group work is other opinions, learning new things (in all realms, not just quilting), show-and-tell, seeing others' experiments, and fabulous companionship. Sewing alone, I get to talk to myself, play with my fabric, and quilt not just piece or applique.