I hear where you are coming from -- I'm the older quilter, retired, with grandkids. If I were at a retreat and knew you didn't know anyone I would make a point to introduce myself and spend time with you. Try it--you may decide you like it. Let them know you are new and I would bet you will make lots of new friends. When at a table with someone introduce yourself, tell them a little about yourself. Don't come across as a know-it-all (and hopefully they won't either). You will find that quilting will give you something in common and you will find other things you will have to talk about too. Let us know what your experience is like.