I relate! I bring good supplies, start out great, then fizzle. Once I get home I do good work. Still, I love workshops because they get me started on something I wouldn't have done otherwise and I usually learn something good == a new technique, a new way of thinking, a new tool. It's also a good day of socializing and making new sewing friends.

...I just don't want to play anymore...hehehe...I get this way too...

I love the camaraderie, but I really like sewing by myself. I sort of get "in the zone" and don't want to be distracted. You're not alone.

I love retreats because I get so much done. But as for classes. I seem to get real frustrated and do the most stupid things. I teach so this is very humiliating to me. I do as much as I can to get the technique down then I finish (ha ha) at home. Some times I just listen and take notes and watch.

I feel the same way. Our sewing club has mini-retreats after our meeting each month. With 12 or more women setting up machines in the small space that we have, it gets pretty crowded. I am claustrophobic and it unnerves me when I try to sew under those circumstances. I love the friendship and socialization, but I prefer to sew at home.

Hookem, I am delighted to see a 68 years young gentleman learning to quilt. My husband is just starting to become interested in quilting. He started out digitizing machine embroidery designs for me. I love machine embroidery, but I'm not really into computer digitizing. Now he is starting to talk about making a quilt with some of his embroidered car designs. I told him to go for it. He is 68 also.

It's too much trouble to pack up the sewing machine and all supplies, set them up at a table that is either too high or too low, sit in a chair that is too high or too low, discover that I have left scissors, rotary cutter or other indispensable item at home, beg or borrow the item from someone better organized, eat a cold lunch or supper or both, pack everything and drag it to the car, get it home and take it inside and try to find all the things that are now hopelessly out of place. The fellowship is great and seeing what other people are doing is fun and inspirational, but I have about given up sewing there unless the piece is limited to handwork. froggyintexas

I too only like to sew at home -alone. - piece and quite ! That is why I don't belong to a group ! I also do not like dragging all that stuff along just to sew a cole hours!

Yes! As much as I like to get together with my quilty friends, I find I would much rather sew in the quiet of my home. I do bring hand sewing along when gathering with groups or even just a few friends.

I LOVE the friendships, socializing and chit chat. Can any of you relate?[/QUOTE]

You betcha! After the last sewing "event", I declared that hauling my machine and all the stuff I need is too much work and the adrenalin that is released just makes my tremor worse...HOWEVER, a friend just gave me a "fix up" Singer 221 (Featherweight) that I believe I will be able to fix. If so, I might give group sewing a try again. I think that it needs a new belt and the tension assembly removed and replaced correctly (I think someone put parts in wrong). Then if it works, well...we'll cross that bridge after Christmas...too much to do to get gifts made. After Christmas I shall play again.:D

I seldom take my machine to guild. Seems that I always some handwork that I need to finish and this enables me to visit and check out the projects other member are doing.

Theres no place like home....