I've never been to one because they are to far away, my sewing room is my retreat, this board is my chocolate!

I've only gone to two retreats and doubt I will go again. I'm quiet and need time away from folks. My husband says I could be great hermit. I loved the opportunity to get new ideas and but was disappointed at how little I got done. I also don't sleep well and that was an issue esp sharing a room with several gals. So for me the plus is being pumped up to try new projects. The rest was disappointing.

I went to the my 1st retreat last September and I found myself getting more done than I could I home though I live alone. But as someone else stated, something is always calling you away from your sewing machine. Plus when I know I'm going to one I start pulling out those UFO's and projects that have been waiting for such a long time to start and decide to take one or two of them along. If I do get to it, I'm happy, if I don't, oh well. I still have a grand time chatting with other quilters. I'll always take a hand project such as binding to do so at night I'll walk around the various rooms of sewers, sit down and chat while I sew on my binding. Very relaxing to me. Plus I don't have to cook or do dishes while I'm there.

Paper princess THAT WAS PRICELESS!!!

I've thought about retreats but I have a customer facing job and I sew to get away from people ;) I can see the appeal though.

OMG! Thought that I would split my jeans laughing!!! Are you sure that you don't live at MY house???

I'm in your camp on this one. Perhaps because I already sew once or twice a week with a group. And since it's just my DH and myself, I have all the time in my sewing room that I want. I have no desire to go on a retreat, even though everyone I talk to enjoys them, and encourage me to go.

I certainly can't convince you if you feel that negative about going to a retreat. For me, I get quilts completed, start new ones, get ideas from all the quilts being made, learn how other people do things in a better way (technique, tools), start new hard things without interruption. Two groups I go with found lower costs. One, we rent a closed convent ($50 each for the weekend) and each person is assigned part of a meal to bring/make. The other group, we go to a converted boarding school and they provide meals/lodging/a huge space we leave set up for a reasonable cost- three nights $200, two nights $165.
I plan my projects so they are like a kits in plastic zipper bags, so I don't haul lots of big stuff. I use a collapsible crate from Office Max with wheels and a handle for all the projects and sewing accessories, a machine, a small folding side table, a suitcase, a portfolio case for rulers. I don't think that is unreasonable or bulky. I always come back with many things finished and a healthy amount started. And being around wonderful people who I learn so much from.
But if your mind is made up against the hassle and cost of retreats, so be it. I need them.

If retreats didn't meet the needs of a lot of people, there wouldn't be retreats. Obviously. many find them fun and rewarding. They can be a social outlet, an escape, a place to learn, a place to accomplish for those who enjoy that type of venue. I enjoy meeting with a group on a local basis, but don't enjoy packing up and sleeping in a strange bed. Isn't it wonderful there are retreats for those who enjoy them and the rest of us can make other choices? And it is okay either way. This principle applies in a lot of areas of life. We are all different. Everybody doesn't like strawberry ice cream.