Everyone always brings too much snacks. That's for sure. I notice one gal brings quite a few quilts that are almost done. I think that is smart. She just has a little work to do and they are finished. I brought a kit and had to cut it out and sew it and had most of it done by the end of the three day weekend, but I didn't get to enjoy visiting as much as I would have liked to, because I wanted to finish the dang thing. So, for now on, I'm bringing works in progress. I think that is the smart thing to do. I notice a few gal do that. Get their UFOs done. Maybe take one quilt in case you want to work on a whole quilt, but you always find yourself gabbing and admiring what everyone else has brought and drinking wine and eating and time just flies by. It seems more about the comrarderie than the actual quilting. We always run to town to a quilt store or two also. So, bring extra cash.

I am going on a five day retreat next week. I am taking a Debbie Maddy project that is precut for a two day workshop.
I hope to finish that top. I am also taking my Star Struck quilt blocks to sew in rows and add the borders. I will also take my My Blue Heaven blocks to sew in case I finish the other two projects. I love coming home with tops finished except for the long arming.

and of course wine!

retreats have power cuts too--take some hand work embroidery hexagons etc-+-camera got some great pics from my last trip

I have my 1st Crafting retreat coming up on November 2nd-4th, 2012!!!

I'm SUPER excited!!

I'm taking any sewing/quilting tools I think I might need (including 2 sewing machines, just in case), and all the projects I need to get done for Christmas.
Which include:

1 full-size 9-patch quilt
4-6 doll/action figure quilts
as well as several other multiple sized quilts...

I know what I won't take next time--a large cutting mat, an iron, and so many rulers. My guild provided all of those items and more. I learned that less is more. I will also bring my coupons and samples of fabrics I am trying to match because we went to a huge quilt store daily.

I agree with the simple, easy projects that are already cut out. Chocolate, check! No wine, though - we usually end up at church retreat facilities and they don't allow alcohol, which is a bummer.

One year I brought an applique project that I had cut out. I sat with my paintbrush and my starch and got all the edges of every single shape prepared and ready for sewing. It worked out great! It's such a tedious job, but since I was doing it while chatting it went quickly. Another year I brought a simple flannel 9-patch, precut, and had a finished top by the end of the retreat.

I don't think I know anyone going to my retreat...and I'll be going in an empty car...so I better fill it up!!
lol

I usually take my UFO's. It is a great way to get them finished. Last retreat I went to in May, I finished 3. It felt sooo good.