Well, I have been on about 12 retreats and I always try not to overpack, but I always do. But it's nice to be able to pull something else out when you get frustrated with something that is difficult or repetitive and you get bored. Have fun and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't accomplish a "goal". I am starting to let that go and have fun with my friends and new people that I meet.

OH and one more tip. Don't bring a lot of clothes, just daily change of casual wear and no make up. Takes up too much space that can be used for fabric!!! It's not a fashion show!!

Oh, I so agree with this. Retreats are so much fun and no cooking, dishes, laundry. I usually take my small iron but don't always use it. It takes up space and I like to get up and move to the ironing boards. A friend and I take a short walk each day also. Have fun. My next one is the first weekend in Nov. Can't wait.

A BIG thank you to all of you for your advice and encouragement, only 5 days until my first ever quilt retreat.

I do machine applique using a huge industrial machine. When going on a retreat I take several enlarged patterns, a bolt of wonderunder, a box or two of freezer paper, sharpies and plastic bags for the pieces. Then when I get home I can pick fabrics and go to the next step for a number of different quilts! I don't need to be near an outlet and can even take my work outside!

I try to keep things to a minimum. Most people look like they are moving in and never touch 1/10th of it. I precut about 3 or 4 projects for a 4 day retreat. I get it to a point where things are cut and marked and I can just sew, sew, sew. If I finish the blocks, I usually wait to bring them home so I can lay them out on the floor. There is usually space on a designing wall that somebody has but I usually am doing large quilts and it is easier on the floor. I usually have a little tray and I can square up and bring some square rulers that will work for the project but leave most in the car. I carry in my sewing machine, a plastic tote, and my clothes and hat is it. If it don't fit in the plastic tote it don't go.

I just returned from our guild's retreat. I suggest finding a rolling storage crate (like teachers take to conferences) to put all of your things in such as your box of threads, your notions box with needles/blades/pins/etc, your project boxes or baskets. Not only does the larger crate help you keep your stuff together, it also makes the transportation from the car easier. It also makes the unloading the car at home easier, too! I had my rolling machine tote and my rolling crate tote and that was all I had to take in. Here is a link to several choices; I love the one with the outer pockets!
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_7rbufnkurr_b

Something else to be sure to take is a chair cushion. Not only does it soothe your buns, it also helps to raise you to the correct height for sewing.

Have fun!!!!

Kaye, thanks for your suggestions, I didn't think about a chair cushion or a rolling crate. And Applique, I don't applique except Hawaiian Quilting but hadn't considered taking my plastic to make my patterns, that would be a simple, SMALL, project.

Getting everything lined up by the front door! Need to pack some clothes, we're suposed to get our first rainfall in weeks this week-end and the group is discussing a walk on the beach.