Going to a quilt retreat alone

[Lois B.]

Now all this conversation about retreats has peaked my interest in them to a greater extent. Nonnie, listed a bunch that happen in Michagan. I am always hearing about fantastic ones in California. I'd be interested in finding more back east. Maybe there are more near me and I just haven't heard about them. I live in Central PA. Where do you folks who live near here go.

[Nancy R.]

Back to the show and tell. They had one of those at the end of a retreat I went to last spring where people showed what they had been working on. It was completely voluntary and I didn't go up and that wasn't a problem. I would guess that it would be the same at your retreat. Retreats are generally focused on fun and sewing and it isn't fun to make someone uncomfortable or unhappy.

Nancy

[Robin G.]

Connie, I definitely think you should try it. The first time I went to Empty Spools at Asilomar (2009), I went by myself and asked for a roommate. I didn't have a lot of quilty friends (er, any) then. One of my goals was to find someone who would be willing to go with me to Houston the next year. My roommate was great—we had a wonderful time together, though we're only in contact rarely now. My roommate was not in my class, but Lorna, one of my classmates, became a very dear friend. She, her sister, and I did go to Houston together in 2010 and had a marvelous time. This year, Lorna and I went back to Empty Spools as roommates, but not classmates. In my class (Jenny Bowker's), I met two sisters I really enjoyed spending time with, and who I hope to see at Houston this year (Kathy and Elizabeth, I'll be in touch soon!). The only time I have managed to make it to a taping of The Quilt Show, I had exchanged a few emails with Sharon (sewengel) before going, and we arranged to meet for breakfast before the taping. Hit it off instantly and had a great time over that day and the next! Last year, Sharon was my roommate at Houston. So, my view is don't be afraid to go by yourself. Worst case, you get a lot of dedicated sewing time, and that's really not so bad, either. Best case, a whole new world opens for you as it did for me. Let us know how it goes!

[Robin G.]

You see, DisneyGranny...you came on here and asked one simple question and now we have three pages of chatter. I think it will be like that at the retreat. Ask one simple question like ' where's the bathroom?' and the ball will begin rolling.

Let us know how it goes.

[Rita C.]

[Diane F.]

Speaking of retreats (or events), Nancy are you going to Quilt Colorado next year? It will be in Longmont. I keep getting teasers on Facebook and I want to take classes! Of course, I have a hand applique thing so I probably am out of sync with most people there.

Diane Frank

[Nancy R.]

Hi Diane -

I haven't thought that far ahead yet, but I'm sure I'll go if something doesn't get in the way or if I don't forget about it. This one is hard for me to remember since it's every other year and I've only gone once. I'm not a member of CQC so I don't get announcements. I haven't joined them since I wouldn't be able to make it to the meetings. So, long story short, I would say "yes".

Nancy

[Hannelore N.]

Connie, you could - if all else fails - hop on a plane and come to the UK next June when the Traditional Group of the British Quilters Guild runs a weekend retreat. The majority of quilters who have booked are going by themselves. These events are always great for making new friends and doing something you enjoy, and somebody else does all the cooking.

[Anne B.]

I don't have too many quilting friends...I always try to teach my friends how to sew/quilt...some like it, most just tolerate it & enjoy the wine we drink while sewing...pretty much all the classes, shows & what not associated with quilting, I go by myself...my husband has come with me on a few, but to be honest, I almost prefer going by myself, I can come & go as I please, I always meet someone who is just as obsessed & crazed as me, & I truly love quilting so thats enough for me!! To miss out on a cool class/show or retreat because you would go by yourself is not good! I always manage to meet someone & have never had a bad experience with something quilting/sewing whether I am with someone or by myself, because I get to see/do something that I love!