Dolphyngyrl

I have the large folding omnigrid travel cutting mat/ pressing surface, works well. then I have everything else in a huge tote bag and my sewing machine rolling case. Just don't forget simple things like bobbins, cords, foot pedals, thread needles, those things I think are the most commonly forgotten. I got to a class with absolutely no bobbins in my machine or bag, luckily the LQS had prewounds, and luckily they fit otherwise that would have been a class I couldn't sew in

DonnaR

I go to several retreats each year and go quilt with my beelet 2 times a month. I have a travel machine bag, in it I put my machine, an omnigrid combo mat, travel iron, plug-in strip, small box with sewing supplies, rulers and I usually have room for some fabric. I used to also carry a fold up lamp but do not need it any more. I know that sounds like alot but those are the things I need when I travel with my machine. I have a large tote bag that will carry two of the artbins inside. I also bring my suitcase for clothes. Don't forget PJs. You would be surprised but people have forgotten their clothes. If this is your first one you will overpack but don't worry about it, just have fun.

mdall

Here is what I know so far, two of the ladies are bringing their irons and boards. They always do this but say that there is still a need for more since there are 22 of us going and they always have people sitting waiting to get to use an ironing station. That is one thing I know I would like to have of my own since I am going to be doing piecing and like to do my piecing by chain method. I dont want to be spending alot of time waiting to get to my ironing and then using so much time making others wait while I press who knows how many pieces.
Second, I do know that they told me to bring my own cutting mat. I expected that and since I need that and want the convenience of having my iron station right next to me I think I should go with the Omnigrid combo or other alternative. I did remember that I do have another cutting mat that is smaller. Its not in the best shape as it is a off brand and didnt hold up well to a years worth of use before purchasing my large Omnigrid mat. I'm just not sure if I should make my own case for my mat and a travel ironing surface. Not sure if purchasing one compared to making one is the best choice. Other than my carrying case for my machine I dont have any other items to tote these things in. I kid noone I even have to borrow a suitcase to take my clothes in since I dont own on because I dont travel much. I guess I could just ask some of the other ladies if they have an extra suitcase for me to carry everything else in. If its a duffle bag I could just put everything else in it and stack that ontop of the carrying case since it has the trolley system attached. I guess Ill just have to take some time to think about it and actually try out a couple of different things to see what works best. Maybe a little mock retreat to try it out. LOL BTW, I do like those artbin things most of you have suggested been looking at them just not sure what size to get since I do my shopping online and cant actually see how large they are.

Scissor Queen

At our retreat there are 16 to 18 people. We have two irons and ironing boards and one large cutting table. When you're doing three straight days of sewing it really seriously doesn't hurt one bit to stand in line and wait to iron or cut once in a while.

I had to go search for the third cart I take. I got mine at Clotilde but they've been bought out by Annie's Attic and I couldn't find in on the website. I found them on Amazon though and they have an even bigger one now than the one I have. It holds a lot of stuff and it's compact.

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keyw...3Asmart%20cart

pattypurple

I made this from a TV tray bought at a thrift shop. It works as an ironing station and also extra table space.
http://www.american-quilting.com/blog/?p=1908 and it folds flat.

thimblebug6000

I try to do most of my cutting prior to a retreat because the tables are too low for me to use for any length of time. Then all I need is my 18 x 24 mat, which fits perfectly into my suitcase, along with my 6 x 24 ruler. I use one of those scrapbooking totes on wheels because it was given to me, but I used to use a cooler & it worked just fine. Check around your house & see if there are containers you could repurpose for this retreat. If you do a search here on the site, there are a few threads that people have mentioned all the items they take to retreat. I like a glass wine glass so it's on my list LOL

amh

I hope you enjoy your retreat. I love them. Two things I haven't seen mentioned are:

Extension cord
The pedal for your sewing machine!!!!! -- You'd be surprised how many times people have forgotten that one.

The rest is stuff you would use to sew at home.

I pack everything into my large suitcase (including my sewing machine), and then my fabric is in another container. I usually cut out my project before I go, mainly because I really need to concentrate when cutting out, and the tables are low.

Wine is always on my list as well.

Hope you have a great time.

MisDixie

Since your traveling with a quilting friend can you share some items needed at the retreat, iron, mats cutters? (but not the glass wine glass, lol)

PaperPrincess

and be sure to label everything! Mats, cutters, rulers even your machine. I have all my power cords labeled at both ends, this way if you need to unplug, you know you've got the right one.
Depending on your physical strength, I would go with more smaller bags than one big one. You usually need to shlep everything yourself and it's easier for me to make a couple of trips with smaller bags than trying to wrestle one big one. It's also easier to pack smaller bags in the car, you can stuff them in odd places. My machine bag has its own trolley, but I also have another rolling luggage carrier for all the odd bits.

mltquilt

Check with the retreat location. Lots of them have irons, ironing boards, and cutting stations with mats. Perhaps they have a website. A small mat will fit in a suitcase. Have a wonderful time at your retreat.

mltquilt