Please give me some idea of what to expect. What should I bring?
Should I have a big or small project to work on? Thank you for helping.....

I don't know, but wanted to tell you have a great time. I'm hoping there will be one in my future.

I am going on my first one the middle of May, and plan to ask the organizer lots of questions beforehand. Enjoy!!

Have a great time at your retreat!
Do you know if they are having projects for you, or if is a do your
own projects retreat?
I have a list somewhere of what I bring to retreats, will dig it out and post later, but #1 on the list is your machine and to be sure to have your FOOT PETAL and ALL attachments you want to be using over the weekend.
Almost anything else if you don't have it with you, someone else will...and will be willing to share.

You didn't say how long it was for but there's a 3-5 day list here.
http://www.bryerpatch.com/wkshops/ma...p.htm#supplies

So much depends on who organized it. I belong to two guilds. Each has retreats. The one I attend has projects you can do but it is not "required". The second group has your every breath planned. I go to the first group's retreat it is limited to 25. We usually have about 20. Each of us has her own table. They set up at least two ironing stations and cutting stations that we all share. They usually offer two projects. You are not obligate to do either. Everybody brings their own projects to work on durring the day and we share meals together. In the evening we might play a few games like quilt bingo or have a penny auction of quilt or sewing related items we have brought to exchange. Then it is back to the sewing machines until we can't stay awake any longer. There is usually a field trip to a local quilt store as most of us are at least an hour away from our home territory. Those that don't go along give us a list of things to pick up for them.
The retreat I don't attend is micro managed by the planners. It is also over crowded. The max for it is 45 or 50. They have projects that are required. The price tag is significantly higher. It reminds me of summercamp with an aggresive leader. I am a Domestic Goddess so I have time to quilt at home. Most of the other girls work fulltime so they have lots of things to do. ONe of the woman spent her whole retreat making garmets for her first grandchild. I usually have to make up "kits" of projects for myself, usually Linus quilts or Christmas presents etc. Dragging my machine etc. is not as rewarding for me as I have a great set up at home and time to use it. I go for the company of the other woman. It is fun and gives me time to get to know the others.

Well I just got back from mine & just recovered! How long is your retreat? Remember when you were a little girl & you had sleep overs? Well a retreat is just like this but for us 'grown' women! We take food & snacks, lots of them. We take "drag & brag" which is our show & tell of projects we have done. I take my camera, a tv tray that is big enough to hold my June Taylor pressing board w/my cutting mat on the other side, my iron, my light, my sewing machine, scissors, rulers (more than what you need!), masking tape, rotary cutter, pencils for marking projects, we take prizes for bingo, my own quilt & pillow to sleep with, & my retreat goes from Mon-Sun but I only go Wed-Sun so I usually take 3 projects to work on. Something simple since there will be a lot of talking & having fun. I also take my chair that I sit in so it will be comfortable to sew, any & all gadgets you can't do without while you sew....& caffene, caffene, caffene! We have ladies that stay up until 3-4 a.m. sewing but I can't do it anymore! I made it until 11:30 & call it quits. I tried attaching a photo to show you the actual quilting area but it's not in the right format. I have attached a picture of a friend, Sandy, showing her quilt & you can see all the quilts that have already been finished. We call them "Tahhhh Dahhhh's" & we get a drum roll as we go up the cat walk to display them! You are going to have so much fun. Let me know more when you get back! If I think of anything else I will post it. I will try to post a pic to show you what the sewing area looks like! It really looks like a bomb went off with all the supplies everyone brings! It also helps if you have your projects cut out & ready to sew too. You feel like you've gotten so much more done if you get there & start sewing right after set up.

Take some comfortable clothes with a loose waist because you'll be sitting a lot and waistbands get tight.

I used to take sweats instead of PJs because you could go anywhere in them without a robe.

Slippers and some comfortable shoes

Take plenty of whatever soda you like to drink because there is a lot of sitting around and talking and you'll be thirsty. And some little candies or snacks that won't dirty your hands. Wetwipes come in handy.

Something to read for when you're laying in a strange bed with your mind racing.

The retreat organizers should be giving you a packing list, but here are some things to consider:

Personal supplies:
1. bedding - will depend on where you're staying. Most of the ones I've gone to are at camps, so I have to bring sheets, quilts, and pillows. However, I've been to one at a hotel, so I only had to bring my pillow.
2. normal toiletry supplies (shower stuff, make up, meds, tooth paste/brush, hair stuff, etc.) Towels if not provided. Robe and shower shoes (necessities at a summer camp facility when having to walk to the bathhouse :-)).
3. PJ's and clothes for time you'll be gone. Wear comfortable clothes. Comfortable shoes. Try layering your clothes - a lightweight short sleeve layer and a light weight long sleeve. It's hard to adjust the temperature in large sewing rooms.

Quilt Supplies
1. Sewing machine in good working order INCLUDING the FOOT PEDAL!!!! Extra needles, bobbins (maybe pre-wound in colors you'll be using), spare bobbins in case you use a different thread, any feet you'll need (1/4", walking, FMQ, applique, etc.)
2. Surge protector & (optional) small sewing light - not all sewing rooms have great lighting.
3. (optional) iron & ironing board. At every retreat I've gone to, it would not have worked for everyone to bring their own iron due to space/electrical concerns. Usually a few are provided and/or the first few people to arrive set up theirs for everyone to share.
4. Normal sewing/quilting supplies (hand needles, pins, seam ripper, neutral color thread, scissors (large and small)
5. rotary cutter & extra blades, rulers (6 1/2" x 24", 9 1/2", 6 1/2", 12 1/2", 15 1/2" squares for squaring up blocks), mat (I usually bring my 18" x 24" and 18" x 12" mats, space will dictate which I actually use)
6. Project supplies. If the retreat is sponsoring classes/projects, make sure to bring everything they request. If cutting directions are given, do any cutting at home so you're ready to sew at the retreat.
If you'll be working on your own projects, make up a list of what projects you'd like to do. Then for each project, make up a supply list that accounts for all fabric you'll need, your pattern, any applique supplies (like template paper), threads (especially if not using a neutral), rulers, etc. that you would need to do the project.

Have fun. Can you tell us a bit more about this retreat?

Oh, I forgot to add ...
Some of the camps I go to has a snack table where we share snacks for everyone. For the others we just eat our own snacks. So bring snacks with you! And your favorite drink. Just be careful not to bring something that must be refrigerated b/c not all camps/retreats provide refrigerators.

Some where on this sight someone started a list, a lot of us contribuated to it not sure who it was. I'll try to find it

Crafty bear started a thread about what to bring. Search Retreat list. March 11. Lots of ideas on what you should pack.

Thank you ALL so much for the great suggestions. My daughter is coming with me and we are getting SO excited!!! :-D
I am so afraid of forgetting something vital and then not being able to take full advantage of our time there. We are going from Friday thru Sunday, and I think there are 2 optional classes available for us. If anyone has anything else to add, please do so. Thanks again, you ladies are awesome!!!

When I went to my first quilt retreat I took everything I could think anyone would ever need. I didn't use most of it. I travel a little lighter to retreats these days. But here are a few things I won't do without. Power strip, desk light, chocolate, extra needles and cutter blades. If you have a roommate you may want some ear plugs. I know my roommate would need them. ;-)

LOL good thing my daughter loves me! (zzzzzz)

Ask the organizers what is included and what you need to take!

There's no sense in taking more than is necessary ... and at the same time, you want to be prepared.

I'd go with what they tell you to bring ... and have some extra things in my car "just in case".

As for what you will do ... here's how some retreats in my area do it
* you pick fabric ahead of time, and they prep it ready for you to sew Mystery Project!
* you are told yardage and type to get, for a Mystery Project
* you bring your own project

One in this area is pretty deluxe ... you stay at a B+B Spa, with next thing to five star meals. A massage included and other spa treatments available for extra $. You take your sewing machine and basic supplies. All the other things (cutting mats, rulers, rotary cutters, iron and ironing boards etc) are there for you. Makes for a lot less packing!

And then there's others ... that are pretty much like moving your whole home, including taking all the food!

So ASK!!!!!!!!

I'm off to a retreat this afternoon. For this one there will be an actual 2 day class with Shelly Burge. She sent out a supply list needed for class. The retreat center sent out a list of things that are furnished and what is not. At this particular center, they furnish a snack room (price included with registration) has coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, micro popcorn, package snacks, yogurt, apples/oranges/bananas, even chocolate chip cookies.
You should get a list of supplies from the organizers. One I attend, we have to take our own bedding and towels etc. Ask the retreat sponsor.
For your own sewing, your pattern, fabric, threads, cutters, mats, rulers, sewing machine and all you need for sewing your project, extension cords, possibly iron and small pressing surface, sometimes large board and iron are furnished.
Clothes, something comfortable, most retreats are NOT fashion statements. You will be sewing for long stretches of time, so think lots of water to keep hydrated.
Most of all go with a smile and have a ball.

Always start with a list and check it off as you pack. I have seen so many women get to a retreat without there footpedal or there power cord or feet. These are things at home you just take for granted but when packing you really need a master list. Also after you return from retreat recheck your list to see if you would add anything. Also make sure to label all of your stuff. With that many scissors and rulers in one room you don't want to misplace your stuff.

Are classes scheduled for the retreat. If so, take what is suggested. Otherwise take what you need for what you wish to work on. Things to consider are: Will you be able to leave your machine and project set up in a secure space? How far do you have to transport your stuff. Can you drive right up to the door or do you have to "toke things a ways." Retreats are a joy. Meeting new people and getting to know old friends better is a much a part of the retreat as the quilting.

bring your UFO's You might get bored just working on one project - bring several. It's a retreat where you are supposed to relax and have fun. You don't have to finish anything. You might be able to have a large design wall to lay out completed blocks. I don't have one at home but always bring a flannel sheet and thumbtacks to retreats. Have a wonderful time.

Make sure you have your name on your supplies. I have it on everything, sewing machine foot pedal, power cord, light and even my sewing machine. With many people having 'the same' rulers, mats and rotary cutter, it is to easy that someone can return home with 'extras' by accident. If it is from my sewing room it has my name on it!!!

A retreat sounds like fun. Enjoy!

I go to my first one in May too. I was supplied with a list of what is essential to bring. It should be loads of fun!!

How does one find out about these retreats?

I went on my first retreat last April. I took a charity UFO and the fabric to work on the siggy blocks for last year.

Also took my favorite drinks, snacks. Our group has always been a sharing one so we put everything on the counter and shared. Our retreat location has a fully-furnished kitchen. One night we ordered pizza and played cards. After everyone else went to bed, a couple of us went back to our machines and sewed several more hours.

We opted to go "into town" for lunch and to the local LQS one day. The other days, I just got up got a cup of coffee and started sewing.

This year I have a UFO, and I am scheduled to teach a class on making a quilt carrier later this year, so I plan to make one on retreat as a test run. I also plan to make a couple of "Just One Star" blocks -- one for me and one for my SP (already have these cut out). Also, I have been thinking about a new layout for a small twister and I plan to work on that as well.

I always take my laptop, it has all my quilting info and patterns on it -- just in case.

Above all, plan to have a good time.

Absolutely ... Label! Label! Label .... even your sewing machine!

Better still ... be sure to check your list before you leave to come home. Nothing worse then losing some of your supplies ... or the foot pedal! :)

I've been making a list of things for making a carrying case for the miscellaeous supplies. Last night, I realized I hadn't thought about the extension table ... added to the list now!

I see you got LOTS of ideas on what to bring. I just wanted to say that I like to pick a project or two and work on those....
Have a great time !!!

I have been to several and have always had a blast. I don't know what they have for tables and chairs but it always seems like my chair is too short so now I take my adjustable sewing chair. Also I take several projects to work on in case I get frustrated with one. Then I just can do something else for a while

ITA ... most times I find the chairs/tables are not anywhere near the right height for any remote comfort.

I've never taken a sewing chair with me ... though I do take a couple of chair pads with me now as boosters for that reason!

Another possibility ... if the chairs are stackable, sometimes I find that is the best comfort I can get.

OH, I envy any and all of you who are lucky enough to be attending those retreats.

Since reading the "Elm Creek" Series, I 'sew' want to go to one.

One day soon, I hope.

Enjoy!

Some are sponsored by local quilt guilds or quilt stores. Other times certain community organizations sponsor them. I've been to two different YMCA camp facilities for camps. In another case, some online friends decided to host one in Shipshewana, IN. It's become an annual plan - 2nd one is this year and space was already reserved for 2012 :-). I found my first one by googling "quilt camp Kentucky". While the camp I found was not in KY, KY was mentioned on the site because campers (for that and/or other programs they sponsor) come from KY.

You're in Cinci? Have you ever been in Bellefontaine, OH? (basically between Dayton and Columbus). There's a YMCA camp facility that has a retreat in March. It was my first time there and the facility was great. There was a store owner there from Columbus and she's made arrangements for her store to host one in November. Price is around $170 (the camp's one is a little less) and runs from Friday after dinner to Sunday after lunch and includes 5 meals (Sat. breakfast - Sun. lunch). With the store sponsoring it, I'm not sure what the project/schedule will be, but for the camp one, they offered a project (directions) or you could work on your own stuff.

Link to camp: http://ymcacolumbus.org/willson/fabr...s-weekend.html Since the camp's retreat just happened, they haven't updated the info yet.

Link to the store hosting the Nov. retreat: http://www.glassthimble.com/ You can call the store for more info.

don't forget the cord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
guess how i know that.

I never understood the big deal about a retreat. I have a sewing room all set up and I can sew anytime I feel like it. Well, I went to my first retreat last fall and it was so much fun! Sewing with other people and making new friends is great.
My friend just whipped through her projects and got so much done. She had precut all of her fabric. She already has her things cut out for our next retreat in June. I hope to get my projects cut out ahead of time too.
You might want to have a small table right beside you so that you can have your own cutting mat and iron/pressing mat right next to you. It seems everything has already been mentioned that you will need.
Have fun!

I always bring about 3 projects so i can go between them...for some reason even with the socializing (and occcasional drinking) i get more done at a retreat than at home. But then that may be because I live my computer at home and there is no TV or family for distractions :)

I keep google searching retreats in my area and have gone solo...great way to meet new people...you will have a blast. :lol:

This is soooo familiar! That's why I love retreats!

Wonky, Can you tell us where your retreat is being held?

First - Have a great time.

Second - bring EVERYTHING (lol)

On a more serious note - when I have gone on these - I brought at least two projects. I pre cut all the fabric before I go. I bring extra blades for the olfa, rulers that I might need, markers, small iron, small ironing surface(an18X24 piece of plywood covered w/ batting and muslin), fabric, thread, light, machine (I have an acrylic table for mine which I bring), extension chords (several just in case), Best Spray, water bottles (one for the iron the other for me -lol) and extra fabric just in case I mess up!!

Have a great time!

Please do not forget your purse. A close friend forgot hers, but she was fortunate her daughter-in-laws were able to go by her home and bring it with them. At different times we have forgotten power cords, specialty machine extension table. Your meds are also a high priority and if you are diabetic, I bet you won't go anywhere without those, too.

WiNe

Have fun!