Ask about attendees who are beginner sewists. Perhaps you can befriend them beforehand to ease your nerves. Ask the retreat co-ordinator if you two or 3 can meet at the shop for an intro....go get lunch and get acquainted beforehand if you can. Always nice to see a familiar face.
Hey, sewing is like bowling, i dont want anyone to tell me how to do it! Unless, of course, I ask for help. Bowling is just an annoyance to me.
enjoy the retreat! I wish I had time to do one myself!
sandy