What should I take on a two and 1/2 day retreat?

[Anne B.]

I am signing up for a retreat with my guild. I have never been on a quilting retreat in my life. ops: It will start on Friday morning and end Sunday at 5.
I don't want to pack too much :lol: , but there will not be any vendors present so I must remember everything I will need and replacements if I break something. ops:
I will be sharing a room with a total stranger. What is the ettiquette? :?
There will be no classes, just members of the guild working on their own projects and probably asking and giving advice.
Any suggestions will be gratefully accepted.
Karen Wright in S.W. Ohio

[Lilo B.]

Karen,

I say go with an open mind and relax. Use it as a time to get away from the kids, phone, family, etc. Pack 1 or 2 projects (and all the stuff you need for each) that you would like to work on. I would definitely bring extra supplies like thread, needles, etc. that you can't do without. Oh, and did I forget to mention chocolate? That's a given.

As far as rooming goes, you might want to ask your room-mate what her habits are. Does she like to work into the wee hours and sleep late? Does she want to chatter away all night while you want to get up early to work? Communication is definitely a must. If you ask nicely all should work out well.

Have a great weekend 8)

[Lilo B.]

Ear Plugs in case your room mate snores
And an extra set for her in case you do

[Lilo B.]

Maureen, LOL

Is this the voice of experience speaking? :shock:

[Lilo B.]

Ladies,

What great advice:

ops: I like the advice for ear plugs...I do snore according to my husband. Of course he says that I wake him up all night long snoring. I don't see how that is possible, because I never get to sleep because of his snoring. There has to be a lesson there...somewhere.

I never thought about my roommate's habits and likes/dislikes. :roll: That is really good advice. Thank you!

Only 2 projects? I had already put 9 in my list. :lol: I figured I would leave several in the car so that if I actually finished one I could switch out.

CHOCOLATE...Is that the only thing quilter's think about other than fabric, thread, patterns, templates, needles, sewing machines, batting (wadding) and the right light?

Thank you again, Karen Wright in S.W. Ohio

[Lilo B.]

Ladies,

What great advice:

ops: I like the advice for ear plugs...I do snore according to my husband. Of course he says that I wake him up all night long snoring. I don't see how that is possible, because I never get to sleep because of his snoring. There has to be a lesson there...somewhere.

I never thought about my roommate's habits and likes/dislikes. :roll: That is really good advice. Thank you!

Only 2 projects? I had already put 9 in my list. :lol: I figured I would leave several in the car so that if I actually finished one I could switch out.

CHOCOLATE...Is that the only thing quilter's think about other than fabric, thread, patterns, templates, needles, sewing machines, batting (wadding) and the right light?

Thank you again, Karen Wright in S.W. Ohio

YES!!!!! :lol: ritzy

[Bev M.]

There's something else? :lol:

[Bev M.]

Coffee and cola to stay awake all weekend long?

[Bev M.]

Bring what you need to finish those projects. But I have found if you forget something, someone else remembered it and will be willing to share. Just remember that it is a two way street. Someone may need something you brought. If you use other folks equiptment be sure to return it soon. They should not need to come looking for it.
As for the room mate, I have had good and bad experiences in this area. You really don't have to spend that much time together if you choose not to. Make sure that your table mate for the work time is not the same person that you are rooming with. You need to have the chance to get to know as many other folks as you can. Mostly Have fun, relax and quilt. Betty Ann in Florida.

[Bev M.]

After my suggestion re the ear plugs now for some more!

I have organised 3 retreats for our group and been on many more so here's my suggestions (as well as the earplugs)

Always take more than one project - if you get blocked with one move to the other
As a hand sewer I always take some hand quilting hand pieceing and maybe hand applique
If you are taking a sewing machine - double check that you have the lead and the right feet etc and its a good idea to take an extension cord

Take a couple of quilting books or magazines (with your name inside) to put on the table for everyone to look at. Thats a good conversation opener as well

Label all of your equipment with your name - have you noticed how all rotary cutters look the same? No one means to take your equipment but it happens.

I always take a portable Ott light as unless you have done a site visit you have no idea what the light is like
A spare pair of glasses if you wear them in case you loose or break your usual pair
Comfortable layered clothes. The heat/coolness of the room will never suit everyone

Be prepared to wander around and look at what other people are doing - good conversation starters are What is that range of fabric, thats interesting how did you get the idea for that etc etc

Always take your sense of humour
Always leave at home your family problems
Threaten your family with bad things if they call you for anything less than a catastrophe - and a catastrophe is not that the cat has been sick on a bed!

And on a very very serious note write your contact details and emergency numbers on two pieces of card. Put one by the side of your bed and one in your sewing kit. At our last retreat we had one lady taken very seriously ill and had to have her rushed to hospital. Fortunately her sister was on the retreat and knew the numbers otherwise.................


And make sure your family know that on the evening you return home from the retreat you will NOT be cooking dinner. They have to do it one more time because if your retreat is as good as any I have been on you will have over eaten and the last thing you will want is dinner!

I can't wait for November when 6 of us are off on our next retreat.

Maureen

[Bev M.]

I have gone to retreat with about 70 people from our guild for the past ten years...it is 2 1/2 days also. Make sure you take your favorite quilt and pillow. I always take my little coffee pot and my special coffee....that makes for a nice morning. In the first few years I went, I never took enough to work on.....now I take too much. I leave some of the projects in the car and change them out if I want to.'

I don't know what your setting will be like, but for our retreat, it is about two miles off the road and you feel like you're so far away from the city. The lodges are very tall with lots of screened porches with huge open stone fireplaces and rocking chairs. The retreat is in November, so the weather is just crisp and cold. The leaves have mostly fallen by then, but it is soooo beautiful. Sorry to get off on that, but it just reminded me that it's almost time for it again. I can't wait!

Your will have a great time...just dress very comfortable and remember all your little special things that make you feel at home.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS where the electricity just came back on after being out for three hours..............it is 84 degrees in the house. ops: that picture is my flushed face from being hot, but it will be cool soon.

[Annette R.]

I am short and don't like to sit with my chin on the table so I always take one or two cushions of varied heights so I can boost myself up if necessary Sorry restaurant booster chairs just don't fit me. I would take my chocolate, some of my absolute favorite chips and a couple of bottles of wine. With that I can survive almost anything.

but most of all I would remember that what ever happened "THIS TOO WILL PASS AND IN ONLY TWO AND A HALF DAYS" so no matter how hot or cold the retreat room or how bad the food or how awful the roommate two and a half days is a drop in the bucket of life so put on your smile and best attitude and enjoy. There is always a silver lining and you only need to have an open mind to find it.

And Dana sorry about the heat and no electricity I will send you some of our cool air it will be flannel shirts and sweat pants tomorrow morning

Ann in COOL MINNESOTA

[Annette R.]

Ann-Those of us in hot hot hot Mississippi are very jealous of your cool weather!
Sherry in S. MS, enjoying our new AC! Life is good!

[Annette R.]

Take a lawn chair...yep...a lawn chair that is comfortable. One that can been folded in the carry bag. I found this invaluable. I can move it and sit where I want. And the cup holder, can be used to keep your scissors and thread handy.

I also take a good book...because I find I need a break sometimes.

Speaking of cell phones, I know we are moms and wives along with other responsibilities in our busy lives. But one retreat I attended, one gal's cell phone never stopped ringing. So as a kindness to others, please silence your ringer or put it on vibrate.

Have fun and enjoy being around other quilters.

FW

[Annette R.]

Wow.. You are giving me so many tips and suggestions. I cannot thank you enough. I will incorporate all of them in one of my endless lists with a check off square for each and every one. ops:
Between all of you I am sure to have a wonderful retreat!
Karen Wright in S.W. Ohio