rush88888

i would say that don't buy anything special for the retreat that you wouldn't use at home. it is just a waste of money. go to this retreat, then you can find out what you can't live without for either the next retreat or at home.

i went on a retreat, and some people make "kits" for themselves ahead of time, thus the major cutting would be done. i wish i would have done this, because i spent alot of my time cutting rather than showing and telling about my FINISHED quilt tops. another thing...so many people laughed at all the stuffs we brought with us. i brought practically my entire collection of black and whites when i probably should have cut ahead of time. it would certainly have saved time at the retreat.

also, 30 minutes away is a quilt store? 30 MINUTES??? what were they thinking? anyway, 30 minutes is close enough for a small excursion. i am sure someone would want to go. i always visit quilt stores if i am that close!

above all, have a great time.

sewdamncute

I covered a small board, a bit bigger than a fat quarter with insulated batting. I have the Rowenta travel iron, works great. When I pack the car, I lay my mat and ironing surface on the floor of the trunk and have not had a problem. Remember extra bobbins, needles and your cords and foot pedal. Cut what you can and bring a variety of projects. Sometimes its hard to know what you will be in the mood to do. I'd look in a thrift store for a large tote or suitcase. Oh and I always bring my own pillow Have fun!!!

My time

This is what I was going to say. Every retreat I have been to they provided an ironing station and sometimes a cutting station. We have also shared equipment like has already been suggested. One thing I do recommend you bring is an extra extension cord. You can never have too many of these.

mdall

Thanks for the input everyone. I have talked to some of the ladies. They did suggest that I bring most of what I thought I should. A travel iron and mat. Cutting mat and of course to make sure I dont forget the cords to my machine. Have just decided to make my own ironing mat. One of the ladies that is the group has the cutest pattern for an iron carrier than unfolds into a mat. So hoping DH takes my advice and gets the pattern for Xmas. Also need to purchase a travel iron. Also told DH about that one. So I think I am set. Going to do a trial packing of all the stuff needed after Xmas to see if all fits in the space I need it to.

nycquilter

I go to two retreats each year and have for about 12 years now. I tend to be the lightest packer of the group--A shopping bag or duffel for my clothes and toiletries, my handwork, and a quilt for show and tell. In another bag, I bring my project, two rulers (1x6 and 6x24), my pins, thread holder thingy, and whatever may be needed for the project. In my sewing machine case are pins, seam ripper, sewing machine necessaries (extra needles, screwdriver, cleaning the machine things). I think there was only one or two years where I needed something I hadn't brought.

MoMoSews

Without reading all the previous posts, I'll mention what I take to my twice yearly retreats.

I purchased an inexpensive wire shopping cart (the ones with 2 wheels). I can fit most all I need into it.
Then I don't have to carry it all!

I cut a plywood board the size of a wooden TV tray, cover it with batting and some old fabric, staple.
Viola, ironing surface. Your retreat organizers should have full size ironing boards. Ours also provides full size cutting mats too.

I always take my back support that slides over the back of a chair.
I try to cut all the fabric I can for my projects ahead of time.

Have a great time!

cricket_iscute

As someone who goes to maybe 6 or 8 quilting classes every year, and always has a bunch of stuff to lug and a supply list, different for each teacher, here is what I do:

I take my "Gotta Have It Bag" with it's one big bag on wheels and smaller bag that fits over the extendable handle (which I got some time ago at Allbrands.com) and put in it:

Big bag
----------
Sewing machine - which one depends on what teacher specifies
power cord for machine and extension cord
Foot pedal
Fold-down Ott light
pack the biggest area of the biggest bag with batting and fabric

Small iron, either Clover craft iron or Rowenta craft iron - include cord!

Bag with essential sewing stuff including rotary cutter, extra blades, needles, pins, thimble, stiletto, measuring tape, metal measuring "square" for small measurements on seam allowances, bobbins, extra machine feet, a couple neutral spools of thread, scissors, snips, tweezers, etc.

A June Tailor 23X16(?) inch cut and press board. This is excellent, does not warp, and I highly recommend it. I've worn out about 3 of them over the years. You cut on one side and press on the other.

Rulers: 6"x24", 12.5" square, and any ruler teacher specifies. I usually put these behind the June Tailor cut and press, away from the machine, and have never had a problem.

____
In a pocket on the front goes all the threads I may need in addition to the neutral thread.
In other pockets on the big bag go other supplies the teacher may call for.

In the smaller bag, pieces of cut fabric, whole yardage, and other supplies for the class projects.

I also keep a well-equipped sewing kit in my vehicle and can get whatever I need. It also contains sewing machine oil, even though I oil machines before I pack them.

If necessary, I take an extension table for the machine bed and that goes in the big bag or tied to the smaller bag, which is over the extendable handle.

You might want a pad for under your machine, which also has pockets on the front for your supplies while you sew.

I can wheel in everything I need in one trip. I pack the things I want to get at first on the top except for an extension cord, which goes on the top of the machine just in case.

Enjoy your retreat! Take a pillow to sit on.

Maire

Even tho I have been going to retreats for years, and have even organized some, at my last retreat I forgot the most important thing-the power cord to my machine-and I wasn't the only one, luckily I had brought a machine for someone else coming the next day so I was able to use that & a friend coming the next day picked up the machine cord for me.
Most important-all cords, foot pedal for machine; surge protector power cord & extension cord. Usually we share irons because with too many irons we have blown the fuses of the room more than once.
And have fun, I love the retreats!!

quilt3311

When our guild has a retreat several people have the large mats. These are set up so all can use. you can have a small mat at your sewing area. Irons are also furnished. We have 3 ironing boards and irons set up in an area at the end of the room.
In the case with my machine, I have small mat, cutter, rulers (for my project) pins, extra cutter blade, extra machine needles, bobbin or two. I can usually get the fabric and threads packed in around the machine. Oh yes, do not forget your machines power cord and foot control . Seems like every retreat someone forgets these.
Have a rolling suitcase for clothes and put anything that doesn't fit in with the machine in the suitcase. We are very casual at our retreats, so its jeans and a tee or sweat shirt. Jammies usually appearing early in the morning in the sewing area. Most do not want to wake their room mates if they are still asleep. Hope that helps a bit and have fun at your retreat.

quilttiger

mdall, I loved reading the suggestions from all the QBers. They are all good! It is a matter of knowing what will be provided at the retreat (such as a cutting station, ironing station) and going from there. I have gone on two retreats, both wonderful. What helped was that I made "kits" ahead of time to keep the cutting to a minimum. They were of different sizes so that when found myself sleepy doing a big one, I would switch to another one and come back later to the first project. I concentrated on making quilt tops only. I worked on 5 "kits" the last time and I finished two of them while the other ones were ready to have blocks sewn together at home later. This is what worked for me, and you will find what works for you. You may want to bring a seat cushion along. I also brought my back pillow support that I could slide over the back of the chair...one of the best things I could have brought to the retreat!! Have a wonderful time, and be sure to get back to us and let us know how it went for you. We would love to hear from you!