What I learned at quilt retreat
10-11-2012, 06:11 AM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Posts: 639
Experience sure saved your retreat. There is nothing as irritating as having to spend that valuable time trying to sort out someone else's machine deficiencies. I usually say I'll try for 5 minutes and walk away after that. Probably does not make you popular but allows you to do what you came to do.
10-11-2012, 06:18 AM
#53
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: So. Calif.
Posts: 147
I haven't been to a quilting retreat yet but I've been to day long workshops. Things to remember, bring the tools you are familiar with, always bring a sweater or jacket (you don't know what the air temp will be in the room), turn off all cell phones (have lots of breaks so people can go outside the room to answer phone calls etc.) and remember to keep your sense of humor and most of all have fun! I am so glad you moved until you found a comfortable space. You were there to there to learn and have the best experience you could considering you were all strangers. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
10-11-2012, 06:18 AM
#54
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quilting, crocheting, sewing and crafting in my Sewing Room...Peaceful and wonderful !!
Posts: 5,317
So glad you made the best of it .. Others seem to forget they are not the only ones at the retreat. Sometimes its just great to have the peace and quiet to listen. Cell phones should be banned at retreats ! LOL or at least told to be put on vibrate and leave a message till the break or someone goes outside. LOL
10-11-2012, 06:22 AM
#55
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,644
Maybe this would be a good time to help whoever is in charge of the retreats make up a Rules of Retreat list.
- know YOUR machine or bring the manual
- bring all supplies but remember that space is limited so be considerate of others' spaces
- do NOT bring own sewing table so space set up is appropriate for all to use
- must use cell phone in another area other than the quilting area or bedrooms, if occupied
- be prepared for temperature differences, i.e., bring a sweater or sweatshirt
- only beverages with spill proof tops allowed in sewing area [though some groups might limit this to water only]
Hmmm. Wonder what else could be added to that list.
ali
- know YOUR machine or bring the manual
- bring all supplies but remember that space is limited so be considerate of others' spaces
- do NOT bring own sewing table so space set up is appropriate for all to use
- must use cell phone in another area other than the quilting area or bedrooms, if occupied
- be prepared for temperature differences, i.e., bring a sweater or sweatshirt
- only beverages with spill proof tops allowed in sewing area [though some groups might limit this to water only]
Hmmm. Wonder what else could be added to that list.
ali
10-11-2012, 06:54 AM
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 2,317
Never have attended a retreat, but have done sewing days and UFo nights. At first I felt bad about choosing my spot away from those with "special needs". Then I came to the conclusion that I showed up for me. Not to be a tutor, confidant or house maid. I know that that sounds harsh, but if I didn't look at these times this way, my hyper vigilance drives me crazy. I seem to clue into every possible annoyance! "I know me and my issue" so I must avoid it or I'm miserable!
Kudos for you recognizing and avoiding the pitfalls! You my dear, are my HERO
Kudos for you recognizing and avoiding the pitfalls! You my dear, are my HERO
10-11-2012, 07:03 AM
#58
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 9
I really loved hearing all the comments! I cook for Crafty Chicks Retreat (fb) out of Spokane and I hear just about all you said. Our groups are small (14) and no teachers as the retreaters do their own thing (quilt, crochet, scrapbook, sleep, read a book...) and after the shell shock wears off, everyone learns to laugh, love, help, eat, sleep, and enjoy. Only one retreat out of many did we have a group of "prickly porcupines" did the rest dislike as the 6 stayed by themselves and were critical of everyone else. They will not be invited back! It started as one retreat in the fall, 2 in the spring, and this fall we have 3 and next spring we are planning 4-all from word of mouth and a small bit of advertising. Just remember to eat, sleep, craft, repeat!
10-11-2012, 09:01 AM
#60
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 1,663
Ah, yes. When I attend classes with my sewing group (not necessarily quilting, but other types), I always have a list in my head of which members I do NOT want to sit with. I try to pre-arrange with somebody I know to do the "you save my seat, I save yours" routine so we can sit together! Some of the ladies are very nice, but they are real energy-suckers who keep distracting your attention from the class every few minutes, whether it's a machine problem or asking you to repeat what the teacher just said because they weren't listening (because they were dealing with the aforementioned machine problem...).
And just a quick note to MaryLane who said she's a talker... don't let it chase you away from retreats...there are always people around who would find you more entertaining than someone who just hunches over her machine all day. It takes all kinds, right?! When I used to attend scrapbooking retreats....hoo boy, I could tell you stories about those ladies. Suffice to say, once they smuggled in the wine, there was talking, singing, dancing, and assorted husband-yelling on cell phones going on non-stop. At least quilters don't usually smuggle in wine, because we're afraid of getting our fabrics stained LOL!
And just a quick note to MaryLane who said she's a talker... don't let it chase you away from retreats...there are always people around who would find you more entertaining than someone who just hunches over her machine all day. It takes all kinds, right?! When I used to attend scrapbooking retreats....hoo boy, I could tell you stories about those ladies. Suffice to say, once they smuggled in the wine, there was talking, singing, dancing, and assorted husband-yelling on cell phones going on non-stop. At least quilters don't usually smuggle in wine, because we're afraid of getting our fabrics stained LOL!
Last edited by DonnaC; 10-11-2012 at 09:10 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Twinmommy070502
Pictures
19
10-20-2012 05:30 PM
thrums
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
12
06-15-2011 11:15 AM
