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Why attend a Quilting Retreat?

I went to a quilting retreat with Pat W., who graciously invited me to join her guild's retreat. I didn't know anyone but Pat, but the ladies were so nice! I took lots of projects, so I would have a choice of what to work on (I'm more "whim oriented" than "goal oriented"), and Pat and I had a great time! It was wonderful to see what others were working on

- you never know what is going to inspire you to do that next project. Sharing ideas and fabric is always fun, in my book!

We ate at assigned tables, with different groups each meal, to get to know each other. We played games, and exchanged stories, and won prizes... It was wonderful to have no responsibilities and play at sewing all day!

The only draw back was the remote location, meaning very little cell phone reception. Not that I want cells ringing all the time, but I like to check in with my kids before they go to bed when I travel.

Wendy

Debra wrote:

Reply to
frood
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Sounds like a good fit for you.

A couple things to consider though....some of the larger retreats (like Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar) have machines available to rent or reserve. So lugging your machine isn't always a requirement. Many of the retreats I have been to also have a quilt shop that sets up on site so there is shopping right there. Others have shopping adventures to local shops as part of the retreat as well.

marcella

Reply to
Marcella Peek

Reply to
Susan Laity Price

Thank you for asking this question. I have often wondered myself about these retreats and the value of them. There isn't anything like that up here where I am so if I were to attend one it would be a big undertaking for me and the cost of it wasn't justified to me for the same reasons you queried about in your original post.

Gotta love this group and the information flow that clears up those questions.

~KK in BC~

Reply to
~KK in BC~

Reply to
Sharon Gates

Today, I was at my first sit and sew since retreat. None of them have ever gone to retreat and were amazed at what I had gotten done there.

I think it is a combination of the unstructured time, ready access to advice and suggestions and the focus of having as many or as few projects as you choose to work on.

My guild also has a smaller type event which occurs about every month or so. We have the use of a large room (where we often have workshops with guild speakers) for Friday through Sunday about 8 am to 10 pm. Bring what you want to work on, come and go when you must. I haven't gotten to this yet but do have high hopes for this weekend as I have a top to piece.

Mary

Reply to
Mary in Rock Island IL

Pros:

  • You aren't tempted by things like housework, cooking, or TV, so you really can sew all day. I don't manage that at home, even when I plan it.
  • The retreat I went to also had optional classes going on all the time, included in the cost.
  • At the retreat I went to you didn't sew in a motel room, but in a big room with 40 other women. 40 other stashes to raid, 40 other pairs of eyes for advice, 40 other brains for ideas, and always sure to be at least ONE interesting person in the bunch. Some of the women there I'd be quite happy if I never, ever saw again. Some of the women there were FABULOUS, and I'm so happy I met them. And some were in between. :)

Cons:

  • I'm not energized by crowds, so a retreat sucks the energy right out of me. I need a vacation to recover from it.
  • Cost
  • I can't take my entire sewing room, including design walls, with me. (To a certain extent, this was also a pro, because it kept me focused on my projects.)

Is it worth it? That's a personal decision. I doubt I'll go back to that same retreat (I skipped this year) because of the cost and the crowds. But three of my quilting buddies and I are looking at renting a house on the coast next year for a long quilting weekend. (Of course, knowing us we might not get any sewing done. We could just talk, laugh, and eat all weekend.

*grin*)
Reply to
Kathy Applebaum

Howdy!

Hah! Housework temptation? I don't think so.

More chance to find people to click with; more chance to avoid others.

I don't take a sewing machine on retreats. Handquilting and handpiecing were invented for me.

Yeah, what she said. Some things work, some don't; but you don't know 'til you try, retreats, quilting, travel, paint... whatever. ;-D

Reply to
Sandy Ellison

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