Betty, how was the retreat? Would love to hear all about it. Any new ideas? Did you meet lots of new ladies? Did you go with a group?

Also found something that I found fitting for most of us...Curator of Private Textile Collection!

I love retreats, they are so much fun and you really get the chance to meet new people.

If you put together a list of everything that everyone suggested you should be set.

I also suggest a cushion for the chair. I find that most retreat chairs get a little hard on the behind after a while I also always bring my light. I am a night owl and I find that the extra light really helps a lot.

Have a great time.

Also found something that I found fitting for most of us...Curator of Private Textile Collection![/QUOTE]

I am a textile variety acquisition specialist! Lol!

I am a textile variety acquisition specialist! Lol![/QUOTE]

I like that!

Bring a camera so you can take pics of other people's projects that inspire you. A spare pair of glasses, if you use them -- I had my glasses fall apart on our cruise a few weeks ago and I can't do any kind of detail work without them! I like to listen to books on tape while I sew, so I always take my iPod loaded with a couple good books.

We go every year to the other side of the island on a boat. I usually take a mindless project - one that does not require a lot of concentration or thinking and figuring. We are chattering so much it is hard to concentrate. I always bring a little handmade gift for everyone. This year it is those biscuit shaped sachets. Past gifts have been triangle pin cushions, hair towels (turbitwist), covered button thumb tacks, coffee cup heat shields. One year I taught everyone to make a zippered pouch (tutorial from The Plaid Scottie). We have played quilter's bingo and sometimes we do don't say this word or you have to put a charm square or 2 1/2" strip in the bucket. Drawing names for winners. Lots of fun and no kids, pets, husbands, etc. I suggested taking a shot of tequila if you have to unsew something, but that didn't fly! Can't imagine why! lol The first year I didn't know what to bring but much better now that I am a veteran. Just don't forget an essential like the cord for pedal for your machine. One girl had to have her husband send her cord out on the mail plane. Bring ear plugs if you have a roommate - you never know!!! N

Just a bit less than three weeks and I will be off on the quilt retreat. How many projects do you ordinarily take to work on? I plan to take simple things so I can enjoy the retreat and not have to concentrate too much. So excited!!!

Returned home today from the most wonderful quilt retreat! Had so much fun and the food was gourmet. Everything about it was wonderful. I took about four times as much stuff as I needed. If I were a boy scout then I would have lived up to the motto - always be prepared.

Already thinking about when to go again. If you haven't been try to attend one and if you have gone --- go again!