sewmary

I sure would like to attend a retreat with some of you! You all sound like such fun.

PS Tothill: I too have to sleep alone. I sleep badly and snore badly!

Bluelady

I just don't go to them, for various reasons. And you just gave me a few more! Sounds like you handled it well though.

RipStitcher

OMG... a singer... really?!?!?

I wouldn't have anticipated that one!

I'm headed to my first retreat this weekend - no classes - just work on whatever you want. I rarely drink - but enjoyed finding out that this group does smuggle wine into the weekend. lol

So, I've been building my list of things to bring.

I was already going to bring my nice pair of earbuds to listen to music or quietly watch a movie on my computer while sewing... but now, after reading your post, I'm going to bring my over-the-ear Klipsch headphones in case there is a warbler in the room.

Listening to someone else sing would be hell in my book.

Just Me...

Cell phones should be banned from retreats. Afterall, it is 'supposed' to be time to retreat away from everything. What I have learned from retreats is that I always take more to do than I could possibly finish! ROFL

Pam B

I have never been to a retreat but I have taken several day-long classes. Sometimes the things the original poster mentioned are frustrations but, I always enjoy the day and I have met some wonderful ladies! And, yes...I have had to (occasionally) change seats for some reason.

nstitches4u

Thanks for the laugh. We have all been there!

nstitches4u

Sometimes people need to be reached in case of emergency, so I don't think banning cell phones is an option. However, I do appreciate people who take their calls out of the room so we aren't all party to their conversations.

batikmystique

I enjoyed your story! I have never been to a retreat, but if and when I do, its off to the corner for me!!! Even if I have to get there extra early to call my spot, seems like it would be worth it. Thanks for sharing!

peaceandjoy

A friend and I have gone to a local (within an hour's drive) retreat annually for years. It's a large group - at least 55 people, sometimes up to 70. With that many people, you get a little of everything! Certainly there are things that annoy me, but for the most part I tune that out and focus on what I am doing and enjoy myself. Evenings can get a little raucous, but that's okay, too. If it gets to the point where I can't focus, I either join them with a glass of wine or other fun drink, or head up to my room. I'm neither a good sleeper nor one to sleep in, so am most always one of the first ones back in working in the AM. It's generally pretty quiet then.

This past weekend, we travelled 4 hours to go to a retreat in Lake George. Fabulous, and I wish it was closer! There are several per year there, all between October and April. Our group had 15-ish in it, so it was much smaller than what I'd previously experienced, and was therefore much quieter and less intense. The coordinator owns a local quilting shop and did a fantastic job organizing everything. I came home exhausted and happy. We've already signed up for next year.

I try not to judge too harshly, but am not always successful. When I learned "the backstory" of somebody who'd been under my skin a bit, I looked at them differently. It helped remind me that I'm not always so perfect either, lol.

For those who are easily distracted or annoyed, maybe a retreat isn't a great idea. But if you want long stretches of sewing, without feeling that you should be preparing a meal, doing laundry, or any of the other myriad of duties that await you at home, it can be a wonderful experience. Making new friends, seeing inspiring work, getting tips from others - I don't know what I could enjoy more.

Silver Needle

Maybe I'll have to try a retreat next year.