romanojg

This is what I'm afraid of this weekend. Fri and Sat I'm taking a 2 day John Deer class; it's all inclusive which is great on one hand but on the other hand they are using thier machines. I've never used a brother before but most machines are pretty easy to thread and are basic. There are alot of people who don't realize this though. I'm looking forward to using a different machine mainly because alot of these 2 day classes use brother machines and I'd like to learn. We have asigned sitting so there is no getting up and moving. I seem to always get stuck in between 2 people who dont really ask for your help but mumble because they can't figure it out. So of course I'll help if I know how. I'm there to learn why I have experts there to teach so I'm really excited about that part of it. I take an embroidery class each month and look forward to it. Hopefully this weekend I'll get lucky and it'll be all that I signed up for. The main thing I hate is when you are trying to hear the instructor and you have people either talking on their cell phones or to each other.

Tartan

Glad you found a corner to work in. At least you didn't get the person that didn't bring their supplies because they thought they could just "share". Why would anyone bring a brand new machine to a workshop?

quiltsRfun

Thanks for giving us the benefit of your experience. I'll keep these tips in mind.

AliKat

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

virtualbernie

Smart girl! I loved your story.

nycquilter

gee, I must be the odd-girl-out again! I go to two retreats every year (and have since 98 or so) and rarely encounter any of those problems! I love all the women who attend, I always bring a sweater 'cuz I know I am usually cold. However, one year was very hot, someone said "take off your shirt" and I did==sewed in my sports bra! 8^)

At one retreat, rules are set for certain behaviors (such as no eating in sewing room) and are respected by us participants.

Laurie

Jan in VA

BellaBoo,
Can I meet you at the next retreat and be your tablemate?! We'd hit it off great! (Well as long as you bring chocolate and I bring Coke.)

Jan in VA

MaryLane

I have only been to one retreat. While there I worked on two different machines and helped a woman who had just bought hers (she didn't know that the bobbin was directional!). I like doing that sort of thing and was happy to help when they asked. I am always cold and I love to talk while I sew. If I am not talking to someone I am on the phone or singing when at home. You have convinced me I probably shouldn't go to any more retreats because I am an annoyance.

Lori S

I think this is why I do not do retreats. The issues you describe would be a complete turn -off. It's a mystery to me , the appeal of these retreats.

NanaCsews2

Are you my clone???