jcrow

I go to a quilting retreat twice a year. It use to be that we had a teacher and we would learn a new technique, so we would get a list of fabrics we needed. Then about 8 years ago, we decided to just have 4 days of doing our own thing. Everyone would bring whatever they wanted. Some would bring UFOs, others would bring fabric to start a quilt. We usually quilt until 2 am. At our retreat, they feed us breakfast, lunch and dinner plus coffee and tea anytime we want it. Everyone brings snacks. We eat way too much. We oohhh and aahhh over everyone's projects and drive to a nearby town and hit the quilt shop to pick up fabric. It's always so much fun. It seems every year it's the same bunch but usually we get a new face. We take in new people and treat them well, so don't worry about being new. You will love it. The comraderie (sp?) is great. I usually bring projects that are halfway finished...2 or 3 of them...and finish them up there. We bring our own sewing machines. We have 3 ironing boards that we purchased put away in a closet there and we designate who brings the irons. We usually have 3 cutting mats sitting on a table for everyone to use, along with a couple of rulers. A lot of us bring small cutting mats and our own rulers to put beside our station. That is the only retreat I go to, so I don't know how other places do it. Just ask. You'll love it.

gramarraine

I have been to one retreat this year and am getting ready to go to one in June. One thing that happened to me last year was that I took too many classes and have had a hard time getting things completed. The retreats I go to always have a show and tell time and have wonderful drawings. Last year I won 2 fat quarter bundles and some charm packs. This year only a layer cake pack. I say go and have fun taking classes and meeting new people.

Gramie bj

Our Guild has two retreats each year. after the last one, While packing up, the last people to leave found 6 rulers. Luckly the owner was at the next guild meeting, and we were able to return them. Make a list before you pack and double check it at home and when you pack to return home DON'T FORGET THE POWERCOURD FOR YOUR MACHINE! You will find everyone willing to loan you anything you may have forgotton but you really need your own power cord! LOL Check past topic's here there is a very complete list of what to take to most retreats. Form your tooth brush to safty pins to asprin. I think you would enjoy it.

Krisb

Haven't been to "quilt camp" (that's what it was called) for a while, but my only recommendation is to bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper. People sew at all kinds of odd times, and you might be awakened when they get up or come back. Or you might want to go join them.

YukonViv

Oh it's definitely something to be tried out!!!

I used to host cross stitch retreats...basically just a weekend of stitching and eating at the lake...very casual and low key.

As I now quilt more I've joined in our LQS retreats and loved them. They've hosted 4 days at the lake...catered food...just sewing all day for 4 days...as long as we want, the great outdoors and a hot tub available anytime. No responsibilities. Love it!

Our LQS also holds a retreat right at their shop. The next one is in June and I'll be at that one...we sew as late as we want but we do have to go home to sleep. It's called Longest Days retreat as the sun reaches a point where it is out nearly 24 hours...so we run outside at midnight and ooh and ahh that it's still sunny out and then back inside for more sewing. As it's at the shop, we are of course tempted by all the things that we just need to have to finish whatever we're working on LOL.

Oh and our shop owner keeps everything fun by having games and prizes. I can't wait!!!

mdall

I would try it. I havent gone to one yet but do have one planned for Jan. Some are just like a big quilt along and others have a specific class they give. I also like the idea of just getting away and not having to deal with all the hussle bussle of regular life. I would give it a try and even if you dont feel like sewing you could just hang out by the lake or maybe even go fishing. Either way youre still getting some peace and quiet and personal time.

Maureen

Our guild has a great retreat in October. This year its at the Hampton Inn. We bring out machines and all of our supplies fora couple different projects. We have lunch and dinners catered and everyone brings snacks to share. We quilt and talk and learn from others. We have a show and Tell at night and play a few games. Its a lot of fun and very productive. No distractions.

mpspeedy

I have gone on retreat with one of my Quilt guilds at least 5 times. I like that particular retreat because every minute is not planned out like the retreats my other guild offers. There is usually one project that you can be involved with but it is purely voluntary. As a stay at home housewife I have plenty of opportunity to sew and quilt at home. Most of the other participants are working so they spend every minute trying to get things done. Some of the women sew into the wee hours of the morning. I usually take a book and some handwork along with a machine sewing project. You will need to take your machine, all sewing supplies you will need and several projects ready to go. Our retreat starts on thursday evening and lasts through sunday afternoon. We meet at a church camp that doesn't provide meals until friday evening. Persons attending sign up to bring food for the meals on thursday night and breakfast and lunch on friday. Of course everyone brings their favorite snacks and enough to share. We have a small kitchen where we can heat up stuff and have room to keep our drinks cold and make coffee etc. We also have an ice maker. The sleeping accomadations are those meant for the kids. We have to take our own bedding and some of the girls even drag their own favorite sewing chair. Arriving and leaving remind me of moving day. A whole lot of sewing gets done and we have a show and tell at the end. The organizer has some simple group games that we play after supper in the evening. We usually have everyone bring a number of two inch strips of fabric and those are the prizes in a game of quilt bingo. Some times the winner gets a top made including them or with them by the end of the retreat. Quite often a number of the group of ladies go on a quilt shop hunt on saturday. Sometimes the weekend actually falls on an actual organized Quilt Shop Special Hunt Day. Those are fun since each shop has a little special gift or even refreshments on those occassions.
I have some health issues and the fact that I have plenty of time to sew at home will probably keep me from going to any more retreats. I would highly recommend talking to others in your guild or group that have gone in the past to get a feel for the one being offered to you. They can be a whole lot of fun.

momjoy6

My sister and I went to one in Nov last yr and got a lot of work done on our quilts and had a GREAT time. Ours was one w/o a special speaker or designer. Just at a lake retreat and we could quilt most of the day & night as long as we wanted to. Or we could go for walks, hayride, shopping, etc. if we chose.

Nanaquilts44

As you can see, quilt retreats vary a little bit but usually the idea is to get together and sew! It is so fun to see what everyone is working on. Bring earplugs (snorers), and a pillow or two to use in your chair, your favorite snack to share and whatever you need for your sewing. It is a nice time and will enjoy looking at each others projects.