Like the others I usually bring several projects to work on. I'm going to a retreat next weekend (can't wait!) and I've been busy designing a paper pieced project. I didn't intend to bring it, but I'm too excited about it to leave it home.
I do try to do most of my cutting before I go. I will probably bring strips for a Scrappy Trip Around the World. There's a lot of mindless sewing involved in piecing those strip sets!