koko

I'm going to my first quilting retreat this week-end. Any suggestions on what items to take besides the obvious sewing machine, mat, cutter, scissors, needles, ruler ....or even items not to bother with? I don't want to overpack if possible. Any other advice on what I might do to prep or organize before going would be helpful too.

CanoePam

Have an extension card available. It is also handy to have a small iron and ironing pad you can put next to your spot, if there is room. The retreat will probably have full-sized irons and boards available, but having one right next to you saves a lot of getting up and down. Bring some starch or sizing for pressing too.

bearisgray

Make sure you label all your stuff with your name.

Bobbielinks

If you are going to be working on your own project, you might want to have it all cut out and pieces labeled. I'm on the short side so I would pack a chair cushion, as I have found that some table were a little high for my machine to be comfortable to me. Take breaks from sewing and enjoy the people around you. Mainly have fun.

mckwilter

If you are warm-natured, be sure to take a small fan; cold-natured, take a sweater. Also, take a covered cup for drinks. And if you sew barefooted, take a pair of warm socks or soft slippers, in case your feet get cold. If you have paper manual for your machine, be sure to take it. If your manual is online, be sure you can access it from your smart phone or tablet.

Every retreat center I have gone to has several irons and boards set up and some of them ask that you don't use your own iron because of the strain on the electrical system. Getting up to use the iron gives you a break from sitting, so you can stretch and get the blood moving. However, I do take a wooden TV tray for a cutting station; it fits a 12"x18" cutting mat.

Is this a class-type retreat or a "bring your own projects" retreat? For a class, cut all your fabrics ahead of time if instructed and be sure to bring your extra fabric. If it is a bring-your-own, decide if you will start a new project or make it a UFO retreat. I finished 4 tops at one three-day retreat and worked on 3 others until I had to stop because I didn't have enough fabric or was missing blocks. I usually do a combination of both UFOs and a new project. I had one quilt that I considered my retreat UFO -- it went to 3 or 4 retreats before I finally finished it.

Don't worry about forgetting something. Chances are that someone has brought extra.

Be sure to take your phone charger and cords. I always take my iPad and headset. If there is WIFI service, I may find a show on Netflix or HULU. It just depends on how sociable I'm feeling or if I'm sewing late at night or early in the morning.

Most of all, have fun!

thimblebug6000

typing in retreat lists on this site gives a few hits where we've discussed this before too. http://www.quiltingboard.com/blogs/g...st-b11686.html

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t159443.html

ManiacQuilter2

I AGREE! Make sure your name is on all your rulers and rotary cutter. Have FUN.

soccertxi

I like a small table or clip on light. You never know if the lighting will be good or bad.

jolo

all the above and also take along a good book to read in your room at night to get away from it all.!!!!lol

Sallyjane

As someone else already said, bring a cushion to sit on (or your own chair The retreat I go to provides chairs, but they sit too low.