Going to a quilt retreat alone

[Deborah W.]

I would love to meet a good quilting friend of two. I have been looking at the retreats in Michigan, they look wonderful (some expensive), I am noticing that there is a show and tell theme going on at the retreats. I think I would be way too shy to get up and show anything. Do you have to do that? Would I be the only one that would not do it?

[Deborah W.]

I don't know about that but if it were me--I would take something that has a story. Wait to see what others have brought and then if you feel comfortable--tell them about yours. I think you will find that they will listen to the story and find it to be more than acceptable. I looked at your profile and you say you are new to quilting. All the more reason to take something and show it. Quilters love to encourage newbies; and nothing feels better than to have someone tell you what they like about your quilt. Just my opinion.

[Lois B.]

Connie, I just read your profile. I would love to see some of the quilts you've made for your wonderful family. However, I am quite willing to wait until you are ready to share them here. I know how to wait patiently. It was very touching to read that your granddaughter with autisum has made you a better family. We have a mother of a son with autisum in our Sunday School class and I must say her presence has made us a better SS class in the truest sense of the word. I hope you decide to go to the retreat. It took me the longest time to find a friend who is as crazy about quilting as I am, but I did not give up and I eventually found her. I did go to some events, even a Ricky Tims Super Seminar, all by myself before I found my quilting friend. Now that I've found her I go to even more events and when we have time we schedule sewing days together. I'd suggest that you go to the retreat. Take one or two of your quilts just in case the friendliness of the group makes you feel as if you want to share them. You don't have to show quilts at a show and tell. I haven't been anywhere that it's been mandatory. I just returned from a visit to Hyde Park, NY and learned a lot about a very accomplished First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. She was really a very shy person and look what all she accomplished. Her advise was to do something a little bit scary everyday. That bit of advise helped her become at home in a very big world during very difficult times. I wish you the best and I hope you keep us posted.

[Lois B.]

I would like to go to a quilt retreat but I don't have friends who are interested. I would like your opinion on someone going and not knowing anyone. I have a fear that the ladies who attend all have good friends there and I will feel uncomfortable. Could you give me your opinions if you have gone by yourself or how you feel when you see someone at a retreat that appears alone. Thanks so much.

IF I waited for someone to go with me to quilt events I would go NO WHERE.... of my friends I am the only quilter.... My work schedule conflicts with guild sisters ... they are mainly stay at home / retired / or do not work my schedule....

As for being at a retreat... I tend to focus on what I am there to do / learn and not worry about socializing. I am friendly but that is NOT my main focus... that said I have made friends who I keep in touch with....

As for being alone a lot of ladies go to retreats to learn but also meet people... many ladies just open up and include you so go and enjoy ... I think you will be fine.

Nonnie
aka LADY RAGS
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[Lois B.]

I would love to meet a good quilting friend of two. I have been looking at the retreats in Michigan, they look wonderful (some expensive), I am noticing that there is a show and tell theme going on at the retreats. I think I would be way too shy to get up and show anything. Do you have to do that? Would I be the only one that would not do it?

WHERE IN MICHIGAN? I live between Flint and Port Huron and belong to EVENING STAR QUILT GUILD... We have sewing days that is open to anyone... not a retreat but fun ...


If you are not near by .... try MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY for quilt events and guild links .... Most guilds open their workshops to non members after the members have an opportunity to

http://museum.msu.edu/glqc/onlinenewsletter.html

http://www.quiltguilds.com/michigan.htm

http://eveningstarquilters.blogspot.com/



As for SHOW & Tell I never bring any thing to show... I do that at my guild and it is optional ... I only pack what I need especially if I am flying.

Also get a hold of COUNTRY REGISTER ... they list lots of fun retreats and quilting events ... some of them reasonable ...

Hope this helps .....


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[Lois B.]

DID you go to the GRAND RAPIDS AQS quilt show ... they have lots of classes and work shops... I go every year and AQS has extended for another three years til 2017 ... we have a meet up with TWILTERS from TWITTER... open to anyone who wants to meet up.

Nonnie
aka
LADY RAGS

[Constance G.]

Please do go! The love of quilting is such a strong "glue" that it enables people to form friendships quickly. Someone, or perhaps several someones, will take you under their wing. This past April I went to the AQS show in Paducah by myself, after my traveling companion found out the night before we were to leave that she couldn't go (serious family illness). Despite missing my friend, I had a truly magical week at the show, and made some wonderful new friends. I also shared my week with the folks here on the Forum, thru postings and pictures. We'd love to hear about your adventures too!

[Constance G.]

Nonnie, yes I did go to the Grand Rapids quilt show all by myself!!!!My kids were very proud of me. It was awesome. have no idea what Twilters on Twitter is.

Connie, good to hear from someone who went by themselves and enjoyed it.

Very strange, my name is Connie and my granddaughter who is autistic calls me Connie Nonnie, two ladies I addressed. Must mean something, lol.

[Constance G.]

It's a sign that you should go the retreat!

[Constance G.]

Well, when I get to a retreat I hope I meet quilters as nice as all of you!!!!!

[Constance G.]

Nonnie, yes I did go to the Grand Rapids quilt show all by myself!!!!My kids were very proud of me. It was awesome. have no idea what Twilters on Twitter is.

Connie, good to hear from someone who went by themselves and enjoyed it.

Very strange, my name is Connie and my granddaughter who is autistic calls me Connie Nonnie, two ladies I addressed. Must mean something, lol.

TWITERS are a name we gave our selves // Quilters who communicate on twitter = TWILTERS The group started with a group of us who podcast about quilting and met up on Twitter... it expanded as other quilters found us and we now communicate with bunches of people on a nightly / frequent interval... Watch out Twitter is addictive and can eat up your quilting time.


https://twitter.com/NONNIE_P


Connect with us on twitter by following me and then following quilters who talk about quilting on line on TWITTER... DOES THAT MAKE SENSE???



NONNIE // NONNA means GRANDMA IN ITALIAN

PS .... WHAT part of the state are you in?

[Constance G.]

btw.... we often have LABOR DAY SEW-INs ON LINE... just while away the day quilting...communicating on line all are welcome

Only thing you have to know is ... how to do a hang tag... put symbol # before the sew in initials.... ie #LDSI
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hope to see you and anyone else who wants to connect there.....

Nonnie
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[Constance G.]

Well Nonnie, I am not on Twitter or know anything about it. May have to ask my kids to help. I have a tracfone so don't know how that would work. Thanks

[Constance G.]

I JUST use my computer ... do not use my phone.... not allowed where I work and beside I limit time on line to half hour in the morning and only occasionally in the evening when I am super tired. ... otherwise I spend time on various projects.

You would have to register but then just search for quilters or follow those people who's conversation you enjoy... the more people you follow the more fun you can have.

Hope to see you there...

Nonnie
aka
Lady Rags

[Diane F.]

Go to the retreat alone. I do it all the time! I used to travel with a quilting friend, but she kept cancelling on me. Finally I decided that I was more interested in attending than I was uncomfortable being "alone." You will meet new people and you may even be surprised to see someone that you know at the retreat!

Regards,

Diane Frank