Quilt Retreat

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  I’m so excited, I’m going on quilt retreat in a couple of days. I need to do some serious packing tomorrow so that I’m ready to leave bright and early on Thursday. Yesterday I was in my sewing room trying to decide what to bring and I totally got lost in straightening and organizing my stuff. The pretty fabric sucked me in and claimed me as one of their own… and I still don’t know what projects to pack! I really need to have a plan, or I will be overpacking and stuffing my truck with fabric and projects that I won't even touch. My mom is a master retreat packer! She packs the least amount than all of us and accomplishes so much more than the rest of us. There is definitely something to learn here! She precuts everything, knows what she's doing and how long it will take her and plans bringing a book to read and ideas if we run to the quilt shop for fabric. I'm always amazed at how compactly she packs. I arrive with bins, bags, suitcases full of stuff, not to mention snacks enough for a couple weeks! I don't know if subconsciously think we will get stranded... or maybe it's a hope... who knows. We certainly won't starve!

So, here's a list to get you started packing for your next retreat!

• Sewing machine (don’t forget the power cord and pedal) I once drove home because I forgot my power cord, luckily, I wasn't that far away!
• Accessory Box for Machine (extra feet, walking foot, FMQ foot)
• Extension cord and, power strip (some retreat centers will provide these)
• Sewing lamp, I love my OTT light
• Wool Pressing Mat (some retreat centers have ironing stations, but you will need to share)
• Travel Iron (I love my pink Oliso Mini Iron with matching Sole Plate)
• Fabric, Fabric & more Fabric!
  • I have retreated at several locations that have a shop on site. This is very convenient and dangerous! 
• Scissors (thread snippers, shears and a pair for paper)
• A roll of batting. Spray baste, remember with spray basting you want an area outside to layer your quilt, so you don't leave any sticky residue at the retreat center.
• Rotary Cutter and new blades
• Rotary cutting mat, many retreat centers have cutting stations. If you are super organized, precut your projects for retreat.
• Rulers (one large, one medium and any specialty rulers for the patterns you will be working on)
• Patterns and UFO’s.
  • I always bring a variety of UFO’s. I have a stack of bins containing my UFO's and want to quilt projects ready to go at any time. I usually grab one or two of these bins for retreat.
  • iPad, I have tutorials and patterns on my Pinterest board for reference.
• Sewing Notions
  • This includes everything that makes sewing easier. I include sewing needles, thread, bobbins, seam rippers, sewing pins, wonder clips, thread cutter, scissors etc. when I pack bobbins I prewind several with white and cream thread. I don’t want to spend my retreat time winding bobbins. I also remember to pack thread in a variety of colors to match my projects I have in mind. If you are working on paper piecing, extra paper and scotch tape are handy. I once forgot my sewing notions and had to meet my hubby halfway to pick up my notion basket.
• Personal items
• Phone and phone charger
• earbuds (I like to listen to audio books, especially if I’m doing late night sewing when everyone has gone to bed)
• Favorite drink, coffee creamer, I bring a 12 pack of Diet Coke
• Snack to share or snacks to share, lol. 
• reading glasses
• Pillow, I also bring a favorite quilt. I’m like a kid, I need my blanket.
• Earplugs 

I also pack a pair of my good walking shoes, it's good to get up and move around. One of the retreat centers I stay at is located near main street so it's always a treat to walk to the coffee shop for breakfast. Retreats in the country, I've taken advantage of walking and enjoying the countryside. Although Children of the Corn by Stephen King has ruined me and I hate walking along corn fields, crazy right!

Another thing we've started the last couple of years, my sisters and I decided at our retreat time, we're eating out each night since the retreat we stay at is within walking distance to many great restaurants. It's a great break to go walk to dinner and we return refreshed and ready to sew the night away. We're on our own for breakfast and lunch, and between our snack table and the coffee shops we are covered until dinner!

I've stayed at retreats that included meals, and at retreats where we were on our own and shared the cooking responsibilities. Whatever your group decides, make sure that you talk about it before you book a place and go so everyone is on the same page.

Most important, have fun and enjoy your time away from home and your uninterrupted time to create! 

Happy Stitching!

Cindy, Josephine and Bonaparte