What would you learn on a mini-retreat?
 

I'm organizing a day mini-retreat. If you were attending, what do you think is "hot topic/technique?"

i think I would poll the attendees before the event. Ask them for two or three things they would like to learn or attempt. l bet they will give you lots of ideas. I love the show and tell at retreats because you see so many different styles and patterns. Perhaps you could ask your attendees to prepare a 10 minute demo of a technique that they have mastered.

I agree, I'd ask those attending what they would be most interested in.

There are so many possibilities, but almost impossible for us to make valid suggestions.

So much depends on the abilities your attendees already have; the facilities you will have available; budgets; numbers involved; does the group want to "learn" or "make"; what has already been done with the group before; the old "traditions" of what is expected ... and so many more variables.

There will be 60 attendees. The facilities are 4 classrooms. It is a guild with mixed interests. Last year we had: 1) make a purse, 2) split 9 patch, 3) make a portable design wall, and 4) make an embellished rooster. My question is what is "hot" this year for topics.

Painting on fabric is really popular. Modern quilting. Jelly roll race. Making fabric baskets or boxes.

Maybe a paper piecing session? For me, it was one of those things that I really needed to see and work 'hands on'. I ended up taking a full day class as that was what was available but I could easily have gotten by with a 1-2 hour session as well. Have not been to a retreat myself so no clue as to 'norms' for them. Not sure if my suggestion fits into that format. Just a thought.

Demo some of the new rulers available? I know of two that would be fun to do. A rapid fire hunter's star or maybe the 9 degree with its many fun settings.

You could look at the quilt store classes on line and see what fun quick classes they are offering. Not the ones in your area, but on line. Or check at U tube and get some ideas there? They have great mini tuts there that could inspire you.

Oh a mini class on an embroidery project that they could take home with them. Or how about a color and scale class? There are so many ways to present that and help the gals out that struggle with it.

I would enjoy a class or two on quick gift ideas. The more unique, the better. One session might be charity ideas - pillowcases, quilts for Linus Project, homeless shelters with ugly quilts, etc.

I think a lesson on binding would be very valuable.

This store's short cut binding tool demo was getting watched every time I went by their booth at Houston in Nov 2013 http://thequiltingsquares.com I know the technique has been shown before, but it is completely machine binding with a flange.

Something new to me....but maybe not 'hot' was honeycomb moda charm packs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TS7Zh-f9xM. Something for the beginner.

I think it would be on new tools or techniques. Simply Quilts use to inform me what new products there were available for us quilters. Now I rely on this board to keep me informed.

Maybe you could do a mix of easier and more complicated projects, or even one room where you bring your own project. Possibilities include doing a different star pattern, possibly one from Bonnie Hunter's site quiltville.com , lone star in a day. Ask the participants what they're interested in first.

suggest instruction on paper-piecing

Do something people would be hesitant to try at home alone, or something they need encouagement to keep going on. Fabric painting or FMQ for beginners.

Our "At home in the Guild" classes that usually run anywhere from 3 hours to a day have been on fabric dying, paper piecing, fusible applique, reverse applique, needle turn applique, free motion stitching , fabric baskets (with clothesline). It might be fun to throw in some new block patterns.

call paper pcs and get free starter kits for English paper piecing. start them on how to do it. it's a great take along
and the kits are free