I usually lurk and don't post, but I did want to add something. I try to take already cut and ready to go stuff so that I feel confident in what I am doing, but sometimes I also take something that makes no sense to me at all and ask for help. The retreat I go to is at a small bed and breakfast in Hamilton NY and the owner specializes in quilt retreats. She can only take about 6 participants and so with such a small group it is easy to get help and feel good. I always come home refreshed, excited and feeling good about my quilting abilities. I just went there last weekend; now I am back to the real world of work and trying to fit in some quilting.