I've been going to quilt retreats for years. Our group has one in the spring and one in the fall. It use to be at a Dude Ranch, way out in the woods. Well, it closed down and now we are having them in my town (I'm the only one who lives here) and it's not the same. It's a half mile from home. I went and slept there the first two years (I had an outside door to my room also, so when we all went to bed, I snuck out the door and drove home and slept in my own bed and got up at 5 am and drove back to the retreat and entered the outside door of my room and then came out of my bedroom, just like I had slept there all night...am I weird?). After that I just went for the day and paid to set up and eat there and went home at night. It was very reasonable, but it's not the same being in my home town. It's not like a retreat anymore. People come from (the closest) 75 miles and the furthest 300 miles. It's a great place with 2 beds in each room and a kitchen just for us and two huge rooms with tables all set up to sew in. We went together and bought two ironing boards and cutting mats and we leave them in the storage room for each year. I filled my car up with everything I had to take. Seemed like everyone took their unfinished projects because by the end of the 4 day retreat, everyone had about 4 quilts completed. I might go this spring, I don't know. I wish it was somewhere away from my hometown tho. But they are so much fun. You ohhhh and aweeee over everyone's projects and get to make new lifelong friends. We have the same people come every year. We're a close bunch. Or were, since I haven't been for a bit. But go, you aren't the only one who's nervous. Just take things you want to finish. That's my opinion.

:thumbup:Aren't they wonderful! My sister and I go to four quilt retreats every year. We have such a good time and have met so many wonderful ladies there. Hope we never get too old to do them!

I did talk to the shop when I registered and found out they will have a couple of irons. I also found out I need to take my own sheets and pillow. Fortunately, I am meeting my aunt and she will provide those for me so that I don't have to pack them.

When I decided to go to this I bought a Singer 301 to take with me because I was waiting to find the "perfect" (for me) Featherweight. Two weeks ago I bought her, too! I am still taking the 301 because I love it so much.

As I said in my intro last month, I don't really consider myself a quilter. I worry a lot I will be awkward and out of place. I sew (and most people say well) but only started making quilts a few years ago on a constant basis.

I am OCD about some things, suffer from severe, chronic migraines. I don't do well with lots of over powering scents. No offense, but I find a lot of ladies wear them.

So, those are my worries. But, I am stepping outside of my box and trying it! I also joined a BOM at the LQS. I have to say the first night didn't go well for me but I am working on making it work for me.

UFOs...I will have to remember that. I have to be selective when packing. I have two quilts I planned to work on. One very simple and one more complex. I signed up for their mystery quilt. If I run out of stuff to do, I can buy more. Right?!? LOL

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies.

my guild has one a year, they are addictive and we look forward to them. About 40 women with the same addition to sewing and having fun. there are times we don't actually get much done but we do have so much fun and laugh to the point that we hurt

I go 2 times per year faithfully. We just started our very own last fall with 16 ladies and it was so much fun. Can't wait to do it again in March.

I'm signed up for one in February, however, my daughter is having my first granddaughter and it will be close if she comes on time. She's due January 29th, but doc says he'll induce on February 6th if she hasn't come by then. The retreat starts on February 9th -- cutting it mighty close.

I am also concerned about bringing a sewing machine if we're flying plus projects, tools etc... I have never been to a quilt retreat but it is something I am thinking about doing

Your right they are so much fun & I'm glad you had a good time. I haven't been to one in a long time & after reading this thread I'm going to see if they have any in my area.

Hi,

I am sure there is somewhere in Yorkshire where they have quilting retreats, could fancy one myself. let me know if you manage to find one.

Eileen

I haven't been to any in England - I'd love to, but the only ones I've seen advertised have been down South.

Try looking in British Patchwork and Quilting in the ads - they normally have something there to at least start you off. Or Google it?