What do you take to do at retreats?
 

I am going to a quilt retreat on Orcas Island, WA. I was wondering if you precut the things ahead of time or do you take kits? I went last year too.

I prefer to precut because my cutting table at home is set high, therefore easier on my back. Every time I do a bunch of cutting on folding tables, I get a back ache. I like to get everything organized and then just sew!

First of all - I am so jealous!!!! I heard about the retreat in Orcas Island and would love to go. My DH & I honeymooned on Orcas Island back in 1973 and it was wonderful!!!
If I were to take a kit, I would still pre-cut just to make sure I have all that I need. The same as CanoePam, I am 5'9" and most cutting tables they use in retreats are too low for me. Also, I tend to talk and not pay attention so my chance of cutting something wrong, or even cutting me would be higher. So I would like to get my project ready to go. Have my bobbins wound and ready to go a couple extra needles too.

I take a variety of projects so I can make up my mind what to work on when I get there. I try to pick projects that don't take up too much real estate. Sometimes that means using precuts and sometimes I make a very clear step-by-step plan. Have fun.

I agree on taking multiple projects so you can change and work on something else if you want or need to do so. I have only gone on a couple retreats but the cutting areas were shared so if you have a lot of cutting to do before you can sew there may be a delay. Have fun.

I am 6' tall, so cutting on a folding table is out of the question! Our guild holds 2 retreats a year, and we have taken the 6" tall bed risers (plastic, light weight and stack together) to put under the tables. EVERYONE seems to enjoy having the table higher. We have several ironing tables as well, so no one has to wait long for a chance to press. Some ladis have a mini cutting board and ironing board at their stations, but still get up to press larger items. I love a retreat! I take way more than I can possible get to, but I always seem to finish more than I thought I would! Take lots of munchies!

I do mindless sewing at retreats. I am talking and enjoying the company too much to have to do a lot of brain work. I take a few jelly rolls for jelly roll race quilts. Scrap strips and foundation papers for string quilting. I toss in a few layer cakes and charm square packages. I take my hexie kit so I have some handwork to do. I love retreats, especially the ones where meals are catered and the rooms and view are extra nice.

What did you do/ bring last year? Depends on the retreat..group projects, some new technique or ufos.......

I took a jelly roll and charm pack. A quilt to sandwich( batting was too small). OBW precut pieces.

I do two retreats a year in Silver City, MI on beautiful Lake Superior. I spend about a week before getting things cut out so that I can just sew while I am there. This year I am taking several pillowcases ready to sew, a baby quilt cut out, some round table hot pads ready to put together and a jelly roll or two for a string quilt I have wanted to make. We always have a small "store" in one of the rooms and if per chance I run out of something I want to work on there is always something on sale that takes my eye and I can then do another project. I too usually take more than I get done cuz it is so nice to catch up with the other ladies who come that I sometimes spend more time looking at what everyone else is doing that I get behind on mine. lol