I go on 3 retreats a year, they are so much fun. Lots of sewing, lots of eating, lots of chatting, and enjoying each others company. Great place for opinions on what you are working on. And don't worry if you don't sew on a sewing machine. Retreats are for you, for you to do whatever you like. Read, nap, hand sew, machine sew, go for a walk, swim, shop, whatever. I always bring hand and machine sewing along with several projects (you never know what you feel like working on). If you don't have any get-a-ways in the area, organize a weekend get-a-way yourself. It always takes one person to take the lead and organize it. Our weekends start on Wed and end on Sunday. People come whenever they can, I find them extremely enjoyable.