Karen G

I worried, and packed everything possible for my first retreat, got it all in my car and just had that "I'm forgetting something" feeling. Sat in the car in my driveway, tried to clear my mind and think of what i WAS FORGETTING! I went through every quilty thing, then it came to me! I had packed NO clothes for a four day retreat! Quess I was pretty excited!

Maire

So funny, that is how excited I get!

Debra Mc

Check with the retreat people. The one I go to every year has cutting tables with mates. You bring your own cutter. They have ironing tables with irons too. We just have to keep filling with water for steam.

Scrap41

1st. Make a list of all the tools you need to have to make what you are working on.
2nd. See if you and friend could share iron/cutting mat/ironing board/etc.?
3rd. Cut out at home the parts and label them/putting in baggies
So you can concentrate and not make mistakes; take extra fabric just incase is needed.
4th. Make sure your pattern is with the fabric/thread needed
5th. Snacks/drinks/bedding/etc. if not furnished
6th. Take some small projects along just in case you have time for something else.
7th. Know what is availabe at the retreat so you don't have to carry duplicates!!
8th. Go and enjoy the fellowship; I love going to retreats and have found I love them
more if I have already cut what is needed, so I can just sew, sew, sew!!!
9th. Don't forget the ripper!!! lol

sulyle

I put my mat in the case with my machine. It stands up in the back of the case. The case is also big enough to hold my extension table if I take the legs off. I just pad it with some of the fabric I'm taking. Never had a problem with the mat warping. The rest of my stuff goes in a large tote bag, including my travel iron and folding ironing mat. Lots of times they have ironing stations and some places don't allow you to have your own iron so you might want to check on that. If you forget something, chances are you can borrow from another quilter or take a quick trip to the quilt store. Most of all, just enjoy the experience. Retreats are so much fun.

Quilter7x

I read every post, lots of great advice here. Having been on many retreats myself, I created a document in Word software of things to bring. If you're not as comfy creating a list on the computer, start a list in a notebook (you can use the notebook at retreat for people's names/addresses, recipe sharing, quilt pattern idea sharing, etc.)

I bring my own chair to retreats. I'm used to sewing on a chair that has wheels, so I got a cheap small chair to take to retreats with me. Makes a big difference.

Bring snacks/goodies to share with everyone. We usually have breakfast and dinner, and then "graze" at the goodie table for lunch.

Bring your Ott light. Once the sun goes down, you can't be sure there will be enough light for you to sew with.

Cutting your projects ahead of time is more helpful than you think. I tend to bring all my fabrics with me and cut there. The problem with that is that I am bringing so much extra fabric and it all has to be lugged back and forth.

Get a large suitcase to put your sewing projects/tools in. This works great because you can put only what you need on your table at retreat and store the suitcase underneath. If you need something else you brought, just get it out of the suitcase. The biggest help with the suitcase is that it's on wheels.

Check out the weather ahead of time so you can bring the right clothes. If you're going to sit near a window, you might want a sweater for after the sun goes down. Don't forget any medicines you take.

Depending on where we go for retreat, if the sleeping rooms are going to be visible to everyone, we bring a quilt to put on the bed. Makes for great conversation and makes the bed look nicer as well.

More than anything else, have a great time!

Monika

Loved the update about almost forgetting your clothes!!! Have great time and travel safe!

Gabrielle's Mimi

A couple things I have learned the hard way: LABEL everything, especially cords and pedals. Bring an Ott light as lighting isn't always the best. Use a small notion called a wood iron (think glorified Popsicle stick) for pressing seams. Often there are real irons available to share. Bring a coffee mug for whatever you like to drink....those styrofoam cups are yucky! If you are bringing your own projects and not making a mystery quilt, precut all your fabrics. I always do this and then I can just sew and not waste time waiting to use a cutting area. Also, I find it prevents measuring and cutting mistakes that can easily be made when you are distracted talking with friends. Bring some non-messy snacks to share, and some baby wipes for quick clean ups. Lastly, don't forget to bring some oil and cotton swabs to take care of your machine when you are doing hours of sewing. Have fun!

raspberryparade09

I use a laundry basket to carry my sewing stuff to retreats. I can stack many rulers in the back, and carry all sorts of notions that I might need, then layer my projects on top. This is easy to slip under my table, but easy to pull out to get whatever I need. I always try to cut my fabric before the retreat. I find it is difficult to concentrate in a room full of friends, so to avoid mistakes, I do all the major cutting before I leave.

Bearpawquilter

One mistake I made going to one retreat was not bringing enough to keep me busy all weekend. Offered my services - no takers. Here is a real good idea I read somewhere. Give each lady an index card and have them write their name, emergency contact person and phone number, meds they are on, medical conditions, car info if everyone is driving there, anything else you feel important and have them put it upside down under their machine. No one will see it unless absolutely necessary but this info may be vital for first responders should there be an emergency. Except for your sewing buddy you are going with, you will probably be in a room full of virtual strangers. I live on an island in Alaska and we go to our retreat once per year on a guild member's husband's fishing boat around to the other side of the island to a fishing lodge. No opportunity to run to the local quilt store. And yes there have been forgotten feet, cords, etc. Last year she had DH send the machine foot out on the mail plane. I have a small traveling machine for retreat and classes. I don't take my computerized big girl machine on the fishing boat. I did find out that my traveling machine does not like the cone thread and holder. Messy tension problems on the back side. Tried all the suggestions from others: rethread, change needle, rewind bobbin, yadda, yadda. Finally switched back to spool on the pin and problem solved. We play games: put a charm square in the bucket if you say the forbidden word, quilter's bingo, etc. Drawing for the charm squares once per hour. Fun. I also suggested taking a shot of tequila every time you use your seam ripper. No takers on that one either. Cowards! You have a lot of good advice here. I felt the same way you did before my first retreat. You will have a great time. I'm sure of it. Let us know how it went. N