I'm starting a list of must-haves! I've never been on a retreat before...what should I take?

Thanks!

Machine
Scissors
Rulers (6x18 & a 6" square)
Small cutting mat
Rotary cutter
Seam ripper
Thread (3 colors)
Bobbins

That's the basics. Then whatever supplies on the list for the class. If an open sewing day...whatever!! :-)

Along with all the usual quilting equipment, I have found a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots came in handy when I wanted to walk in the hills (the usual retreat I go to is very rural and remote). Also, bring along a good book or few magazines to read. Because, believe it or not (GASP!!), you just might end up not feeling like sewing/quilting for a few hours!!!

Here's a list to get you started! One of my retreat buddies put this together for us, it's VERY handy!

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/8EhpTmn...ist%5B1%5D.pdf

(I hope you can see it... )

Great ideas and tips! Keep 'em coming!

:)

A list of what you take to the retreat. Check list when packing to return home. :)

A comfortable chair cushion....and maybe your own comfy chair...and YOUR TOOTHBRUSH LOL

Your favorite quilts for show and tell (if they have that). A heating pad for achy back! I love to take an empty tissue box to set next to me to use for a mini trash can. Chocolate! (I like M & M peanuts!) I always take my thermo mug for diet coke (or coffee). Quilt books and mags for inspiration! Swim suit if they have a pool. And my favorite snips!

What should you take? Me (LOL he he he)

Chocolate!!
Positive attitude!
sewing machine.
or donn't forget your clothes.

I'm leaving Sunday for my very first quilting retreat in Dillard, Georgia....Pretty sure I'm taking everything related to quilting that I own....lol....

General Sewing supplies:
machine in good working order, foot pedal & plug (yes, people forget these!) - if you need to and have time, take it in for a tune-up before the retreat!
extra machine needles
any machine accessories you need (walking foot, FMQ foot, extension table, attached light, etc.)
depending on the setting, a small light for your area (not all rooms or all spots in the room have great lighting)
good scissors - large for cutting fabric, small for trimming threads
rotary cutter & extra blades
most useful rulers - usually a 6 1/2" x 24 & a square up ruler (6 1/2" or 9 1/2" or maybe 12", depending on what size blocks you plan to use) .. remember any specialty rulers you need for projects
cutting mat - 18" x 24" is good size to have at your table, usually there are a few large mats provided or shared by others at cutting stations
iron & ironing board (maybe - some places provide them or only permit a few limited ironing stations)
seam ripper, pins, pin cushion, hand sewing needles, safety pins
marking pens, permanent fabric pen, pencil, scratch paper (graph paper works great for last minute designs & quick sketches)
neutral thread for piecing - maybe a couple of light neutrals and a couple of darker neutrals
prewound bobbins w/ your neutral threads & empty bobbins for if you use a different thread
surge protector

If you are not participating in retreat projects, plan some projects to take. Pack the supplies for each project in its own ziplock bag. If possible, pre-cut any fabric. Make sure you include the fabric, the pattern, any templates that you need, thread (if you can't use the neutral), pre-wound bobbin to match, and any other notions that you need for the project. This way you can just pull out a ziplock bag and start working.

If you are participating in a retreat project, package the supplies for each project in the same manner.

most retreats have a snack table - so bring something yummy to share.

plastic cup to have a drink at the table (but be very careful w/ food & liquids around sewing areas!)

painters tape
duct/packing tape - to tape down any wires that might be in the way.

If you're working on your own projects, I've found it best to have the cutting done ahead of time. Cutting space is usually limited and not the right height. Clothes that can be layered -- hard to get everyone to agree on a "comfortable" temperatre - be flexable. The list that was linked to above is a good start.
One year a friend forgot her power cord. Snacks, wine

eye drops, Aleve, Aspercream, Tylanol PM, Water,

Have organizer keep emergency contact information and/or medical information.
Got this from a Fons & Porter Tips: quilter had a problem and nobody knew who to call.

All your sewing & quilting supplies with your name on them!!!!!! (Important!!!!)

chocolate enough to share
favorite supply of drinks
aspirin(you'll need it because of all the laughing you will do) LOL
comfy clothes
comfy shoes
cushion/s for your bottom & back
sense of humor
brag book of your family & quilts you may have done

Great ideas. I could of used a small fan at my last retreat. And I had forgotten my seam ripper.

The first one I went to I didn't take enough un finished projests to switch to when I got bored with one. I also learned this trick from a freind, she puts all her sewing stuff in a medium suitcase and just wheels it in. Unlike me I with fifty million tote bags and struggling to carry all of them.

So how many projects would you take next time?

The last one I went to I took a quilt I had just started and 2 that were partly dona and some scappy blocks that I didn't have to think much about. I could sew and talk with those ones. Too many is better then not enough to swap if you get tired of one your working on.

I can't open the link . . . :-(

I couldn't either.

A lot of great helps here.

I'd include a notebook to make any notes or journal ... and a camera so you can take pictures for reference and remembrance.

Dress comfortably in layers ... even down here it can get too cool when someone changes the a.c. ... or too hot. I always have more layers than I would use visiting with a friend. Ladies together seem to have different temperature needs.

If you don't drink caffeine you may want to take something just for you ... to go along with any snacks you take. Some places allow alcohol [wine] and others prohibit it ... just a fyi.

ali

If you have a lot of address labels that come in the mail utilize them on labeling things. Works perfect for sure with name and address.

Make sure you take your power cord and foot controller. EVERY retreat I go to, someone leaves theirs at home.

Bandaids

A portable light. I purchased an ott light that is rechargeable. If I don't have enough plugs around my station, I can charge it during the day in the bedroom and have plenty of light in the evening.

Hand sewing and machine sewing in case you get bored or the power goes out

Depending on where you are staying, we always bring our favorite coffee mug and wine glass.

What I took to my retreat,
sewing machine, regular extension cord, large power supply extension, desk Ott light, bendable light, a selection of scissors and snippers, rotary cutter and an extra blade, a small cutting mat, threads for each project, pins, tape measures, fabric markers, my 4 most used rulers, extra machine needles, hand sewing needles, my favorite thimble, a small folding table, a table top ironing board, a travel iron, four projects in Art Bins and my sewing chair.

I can't recommend taking your own chair enough. A folding chair will kill your back before too long.

I never used the table top ironing board or the travel iron. I'm not taking them next time. Too many irons going in one room tends to blow breakers or fuses. Besides getting up and walking across the room once in a while is good for you.

If you're someone that gets cold you might want to take a comfy sweater or warmer shirt. Several of us had our house slippers and wore them in the sewing room instead of regular shoes.

Two of the things we needed were small bags for trash and tape to tape them to the tables. The B&B had some bags and we used a sticky roller for the tape.

CHOCOLATE!

Your own surge protector with 6-8 outlets allows you to have your extras plugged in. You can turn the extras on & off as needed.

Okay try this....

I was able to open the download. Thank you so much!!!!

You're welcome! Glad it worked this time!

hmmmm...I haven't been on one, but after hearing some other quilters talk about their retreat...alcohol comes to mind! LOL

If you're lucky enough to get a location that allows it...