Need suggestions for getting organized for a Quilt Retreat
 

I will be going to my first ever quilt retreat in March, it is within a 30 minute drive, but it is for 4 days/3 nights. I would love to hear your suggestions on keeping yourself organized during a retreat. For starters I am thinking that it would be a good idea to make myself a châtelaine for my scissors that I can wear around my neck. Or maybe an apron? What have you all found useful to keep things at your fingertips so they don’t get misplaced. Any photos and pattern names much appreciated.

I think something to hold your scissors is an excellent idea. When I go to classes, I often pack all my supplies in a plastic shoebox. It can sit by the sewing machine and hold all those tools and supplies that otherwise get distributed all over the place, and it's easy to pack up when I go home.

I put a red ribbon on my scissors. Name labels are on all my tools, feet, rulers, etc. For class, I use a double layer fishing tackle box. Easy to keep packed and also use by machine at home too.

This is the one I have. Even the large ruffler foot fits in the bottom layer.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/plano-3950-satchel-box

This one looks nice too.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/plan...ided-organizer

You may want an apron to wear for the small tools. Good luck packing.

Label EVERYTHING!!! I you loose it or it doesn't make it home with you the retreat organizers will be able to get it back to you. I have a small folding TV tray that I take, it sits on my right side with a small metal cookie sheet with sides on it. I have several small round magnets on it that keep snips, and small metal things from sliding around and is organized just like my sewing area at home all pencils, markers, rippers, rotary cutters. and the like fit in a large Hunts tomato can it has magnets hot glued to bottom. When you decide what projects your taking do as much precutting as you can before hand. Take your fabric leftovers with you, I Leave mine in the car unless I need them. place project thread, bobbin, pattern, and anything else special you may need for that 1 project in a 1 or 2 gallon zip bag. I do this for every project i take. I also take had project, just incase i want a change of pace or get frustrated with what i'm doing.

Some great tips here, thank you. I shall be following with interest.

My bionic gear bag holds everything

Label everything, snacks, chocolate is a must, water, extra needles, slippers, filled bobbins, hooded sweat shirt, neck gets cold in drafts, extra lighting. Cup holder that clips on table. Hand warmers, for stiffness, food .

Same here...I have yet to experience a quilting retreat but I can’t wait someday. It seems the dates just never work with my schedule.

some people bring their own chairs and/or seat cushions

This may or may not be what you are considering, but for me it works. After organizing as suggested above, labeling, shoe box/tackle box, I put all my quilting work in one roller bag. My personal stuff all goes in another bag. I also plan what I want to accomplish and make "Kits" with pattern, fabric, thread in a clear single bag. I have a local shop that used clear plastic bags. Perfect for holding my retreat kits. This also lets me know what templates I will need. Don't forget spray starch or what ever you use. I do take a small table and a mini iron. Ask about the chairs that will be available. Some folks take their favorite chair or back support device. Then in the end if you forget something.....stand up and ask. This is a wonderful way to meet and greet the rest of the folks at the retreat! Have a marvelous time.

When packing up your sewing machine don’t forget your electric cords and foot pedal if you use that. I have seen too many times where someone has forgot theirs. I also take my own iron and iron pad, seems like there is never enough irons. Have fun.

Please check with Retreat sponsor before taking tables. Some retreats do not have the extra space for even small tables. Know what you can handle in a busy talkative sewing space. I need to work on simple projects that do not require lots of attention. I am easily distracted by what is going on around me. LOL Totally agree with pre-package quilt kits and labeling everything. Have fun!

I also kit up and cut all my projects. I'm too distracted to cut at camp. Each quilt kit goes in a 1 gallon zipper bag, with its pattern. I keep all my kits, and sewing supplies in a 3 drawer rolling Iris cart, which fits neatly under the table. I use a luggage strap to bind the drawers closed while in transit, and just hold the top of the strap to help roll it along from the car to my space at retreat. I can completely move into my sewing space in one trip... Rolling tutto in one hand, rolling iris cart in the other. I also find the chairs too low for the set up, so I bring a flotation device seat cushion to sit on. It's firmer and higher than other seat cushions and helps bring me up to a better height. Many ladies bring their own chairs, but my home sewing chair is a behemoth, and there is no way I'm dragging that across the country side.

I also kit up my outfit selections for each day. As I'm packing I select the top, pants, socks and undies for each day; fold them together and slide each day's outfit into a satin drawstring bag. That way, I'm not digging through my suitcase and can just grab a drawstring bag and head to the shower without disturbing my roommates early in the morning.

I really like the Sew Stack Tool Tray (Missouri Star Quilt). In fact, sometimes I take two. I put all my small notions in it, and it doesn't take up much room next to your machine. Also, don't forget to take a chair cushion. Sitting on metal chairs for hours can wear on the ole' tush. Enjoy your retreat.
[h=1][/h]

Check before bringing your iron; some places to which I've been on retreats are afraid of allowing that much power draw, so the number of irons is restricted. The retreat sponsor should be able to inform you of some "don'ts." One item I don't have, but which I've seen others bring to retreats is a quilted item with pockets that sits beneath your machine (reducing noise); the pockets hang in front of you with small items such as seam ripper, with one that can be used for thread disposal. I'm hoping to make one some day, but probably won't get to it before the next retreat. Another item that I've seen some folks bring is a collapsing rolling wagon to transport machine and projects from the car to the retreat room in one trip.

I love this cookie sheet idea!

Be sure to take a cushion and the last time I wish I had taken my stool that I usually sit on. The chairs were just folding chairs and were way too low. I could have just whipped my stool out of my trunk and been a lot more comfortable for two days.

Watson

I usually bring a simple knitting project too to give myself a break from my sewing projects. Something I can work on but still chat. In my experience, retreats are very social times and I can't have something I'll need to concentrate to complete.
One thing I would recommend that people don't do is play music. Not everyone likes to sew with music on and in a large group, not everyone will feel comfortable being honest when asked "Do you mind?". Bring earbuds if you need music. Be a good neighbor and use the space you've been allotted. Go with an open mind and have fun!

* Pack a long extension cord, just in case
* Have some personal items with you (dental floss, nail file/clippers, chapstick, eye drops, sweater) these things won’t help you if they’re back in your hotel room.
* I prefer sewing in my stocking feet so nice to have a pair of slip on shoes (or slippers) if I walk around.
* water bottle to keep hydrated, travel coffee cup so there’s no accidental spill
* Small bills if there’s a food charge at each meal
* personal trash container
* pens & notepad
* more than 1 sewing machine needle

keep your projects easy, there is lots of talking, laughing and eating!! I use just the name part of labels that come in the mail to mark rulers,scissors, anything that can get lost with others things

Pretty much take items that you use at home. Retreat are fun to socialize so be sure to kit up your projects. This will help with "mindless sewing" so you can converse with others.

Be sure to take a serge protector and extension cord. . There are never enough plugs. Power cord and foot pedal. I also purchased a set of four wheeled casters from Harbor freight, put tennis balls in the center. Fits nicely over the chair legs. Rolling chairs are better than fighting with those folding chairs. The casters are heavy, but since you are going in your car, no problem. Chair cushion is a must.
Put your name on them. Put your name on everything! Fill lots of bobbins. Don't forget your sewing machine manual!
Start your "bug out" bag and check list now, so you won't be so frazzeled the night before your trip. Speaking of driving. Be sure your car is doing OK. Take jumper cables. Check your spare tire and tire pressure. Check oil and windsheid washer fluid etc. All the other suggestions are terrific. Your car will be full, but you will be prepared! Everyone will be amazed, especially if they have forgotten something that you can share....it is a terrible feeling to have left something important at home. Ask me how I know. I now make out a list long before I travel.

I like to take simple white plastic dishpans. I will stack 3 together. All my tools, machine, fabrics fit into my sewing machine carrier. Once I get there, I put all the tools in one, fabric in one and the other one is for the cut pieces. They can be stacked if not needed. As others, label everything, take a cushion or your sewing chair. Take a variety of projects. Cut some, sew some, hand some. At the retreats I have been to the ironing station is usually a bottleneck so I don't plan a project that requires alot of pressing. You are lucky that it is a 30 minute drive. Pack your car with extras, you won't have to take them all in, only run out to the car if you change your mind about something.

Great suggestion about the car! Last April, on my way to a friend's house to pick her up to travel to a retreat, I ran over something before leaving my neighborhood. We ended up taking her car and letting our DHs deal with the flat tire, especially after none of us nor another man who stopped to help could get the tire off to change it!

Congrats on your first retreat! I have been participating in retreats for many years and look forward to them.

I LOVE my scissor sitter for keeping a small pair of scissors with me at all times. It is held on with a really strong magnet, so I don't have to worry about losing it. http://www.puffinco.com/scissor-sitt...issor-keepers/

I also got a basket at Michael's that has handles and multiple compartments in it for all my scissors, needles, pens, etc. It makes it really easy to locate all your notion type things. I found it in the scrap booking section of the store.

Here are some helpful hints, tips for getting ready to go:
*Bring more projects than you can possible do in a couple of days. Why, because you might forget something you really need or you could get bored with what you are working on.
*Don’t wait until the night before to pack your sewing stuff—give yourself several days, that will minimize how much you forget.
*When packing your projects, lay out everything needed for that project in a pile. Review the pattern, double check to make sure you have everything you need. Do you need a special ruler? How about matching thread? Make a pile for the next project, and so on. Just before you are ready to pack them up. Check a third time to be sure you’re not missing anything.
*Pack up each project in a separate bag or tote. Sometimes we use the 2 or 2 1/2 gallon baggies, and sometimes we use the plastic totes, or a combo of both. This will help you to keep the individual projects together and you won’t be hunting for components later.
*Don’t forget to pack your clothes and toiletries!!!
*Don’t forget your medication.
*Don’t forget your cell phone and charging cord.

These are your must have’s:
*Sewing machine with foot pedal and power cord (you’d be surprised how many people forget the cords).
*Extension table for your sewing machine if you own one.
*Sewing machine feet
*Extension cord and power strip
*Rotary cutter
*Mat
*Ruler(s)
*Scissors (fabric & paper)

What are the temps like where you will be? You might need something extra to keep you warm or a fan to keep you cool.

The mattress where I go on retreat is terrible. So I got a memory foam mattress pad to take with me.

I also take my own chair with wheels.

Let's just say it's a good thing I drive a big truck and I don't have anyone with me. :P

Take notes on what other people bring that you wish you had with you - I'll help you with the next retreat!

Have a great time!

Rotary blades. I have a tool box from JoAnn's, I found it in the bead dept, I think....

I have never ever been on a quilt retreat but have traveled with sewing projects to do at my destination.

-soft eyeglass case to slip rotary cutter into
-safety glove
-quilting gloves if you will be quilting and not just piecing.
-Phone, Charger and adapter
-ear plugs (can you say noisy roommates?) —take extra for your roommates if you are a snorer
-bandaids, cough drops, prescription meds, ibuprofen
- hand sewing needles: prethreaded so I don’t waste time there
-mini flashlight
machine lint brush

i would ask if they have a heating pad for stiff neck or backache)


You are fortunate to live just 1/2 hour away. Worst case scenario, you have to drive home ifyou forget something major.

Precut your projects at home.....that way you don't waste time cutting at the retreat. You are ready to sit and sew.

A few years back I was a scrapbooker and used a soft sided tackle box for chalks, inks and embellishments. Our house was broken in to and the tackle box was taken. The one thought that made my laugh though it all, was the thought of them opening it expecting to see a collections of fishing lures. Hope they had fun with those chalks sets!!

thats funny !

I'm a very messy, spread out quilter. I went on my first quilt retreat last year and made a bunch of stuff to take. Here's the post:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictur...s-t295917.html
I will say that the straddle bag worked really well, as a matter of fact, I continued to use it when I returned. I like having the items stored in it close, but not taking up any table real estate. We were permitted to bring a table to our retreat. The maximum dimensions were provided by the organizer. Rather than bring a TV tray or other folding tray, my girlfriend and I each brought one 12 gallon tote, similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-12-...12+gallon+tote
They stacked, and together were the correct dimension for the permitted accessory table. I had my husband cut a piece of plywood for the top & put a cutting mat on that. My friend and I put it between us. I had a couple different brands of totes and some were less sturdy, so if you go this route, you need to make sure that the ones you choose will be sturdy enough to cut on. They held a ton of stuff and were very convenient, and we could slide it under the table when not in use.
Finally, i was glad I brought my acrylic extension table for my sewing machine. I could put small tools under it in an open top tray. easily visible, but yet out of the way.

Put your name on Everything, get a comfortable rolling chair w/cushion, ear plugs if you share a room/bed. Have lots of fun.

I totally agree about rolling chairs being better. I'm having trouble visualizing this.
Do you have a picture you could share, please? It sounds interesting! Thanks :)

If you loan your tools to others be sure to write their names down and the name of tool borrowed. Its very easy to forget who has your tools by the end of the Retreat.

Take an OTT light or a small light to put at your work place and a power/ extension cord so you can plug your sewing machine, light, etc into it. Be sure to label everything with your name on it including all of your cords because many of us own the same brands of items.