Headed out for my...

[Sandy F.]

yearly retreat with my applique group.

It will be three days of sewing, watching chick flicks, and giggles.
No cooking...and just some good fun.

I always pack WAY too much stuff...and generally say after the car is pack...next year I will rent a U-Haul!!

I always look forward to going and highly recommend a quilting retreat with friends. Our retreat is held at a camp (with cabins)...and is only 45 minutes way from my house....far enough away to feel like I have traveled hours.

This year...we are not doing classes simply because everyone just wants to work on and finish their own stuff. I love it because I can stay focused on a project and not have walk the dog, figure out dinner, do laundry, and clean. All I have to do...is quilt.

FW

[Carla G.]

It sounds like a fabulous time and we all need time for ourselves to be creative

Carla

[Sherry B.]

Have a great time! I love retreats!

[Sherry B.]

I've been going to 2 retreats each year now for about 3 years and I'm thinking about adding a third. Usually, Spring and Fall, but I'm thinking it might feel really good to get away during January. It's just so nice to spend a weekend with other women who love quilting and not to worry about fixing meals, laundry, walking the dog, etc. So relaxing! Nancy in NY

[Judith T.]

I spent the day at Project Linus in AZ. By the end of the day there had been 483 quilts, blankets, knitted and crocheted turned in for the chairlady to take to the hospitals. It really is a good cause. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

Hey FW...
Do you have pictures you can post from your recent retreat?

Our Orange Blossom Quilters fall retreat was the first of October and already I can't wait for our spring retreat in April. Here are pictures from our fall retreat.
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...67822251yhKmOM

[Judith T.]

Hey FW...
Do you have pictures you can post from your recent retreat?

Our Orange Blossom Quilters fall retreat was the first of October and already I can't wait for our spring retreat in April. Here are pictures from our fall retreat.
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...67822251yhKmOM

[Judith T.]

I didn't take many photos...what I do have...I should really ask permission from those in the photos to post them in my webshots album.

Let me just say...while I had a ton of fun there were some issues:
next year: no wine will be available. Sleep deprivation and drinking...not a good combination...period. We had a 'melt-down' and some hung over quilters. This really affected the group...so no more wine. For those who went to bed and did sleep...we had to be quite during the morning and day because of those who chose to stay up all night and drink.
Frankly, I was really surprised. Don't get me wrong...I enjoy a glass of wine in the evenings...but I can stop at a glass.

While I did get done some work...I will be more selective of the projects I take. I never once got out my machine. I think next year...I am will just concentrate on hand work.

FW

[Judith T.]

Sleep deprivation and drinking...not a good combination...

OOPS... sorry that happened at your retreat. That's one issue we won't be having either as we meet at a church camp.

I totally agree, there's a LOT of sleep deprivation at our retreats too.... accompanied with lots of giggles. It took my roomie and I a half hour to stop giggling UNCONTROLABLY on night...(2:30am)!!! You wouldn't believe what started it if I told you...!!! It wasn't even quilting or gossip related.

I'm one of the hosts, so no matter how hard I try I always end up taking a CAR-LOAD of stuff. I'm working on that though.... LOL This last time I realistically limited the number of projects I took. And it worked out great. I actually finished two projects, and got the 3rd very close to ready for borders.

[Beth A.]

Hey - don't feel bad! Talk about packing too much: I take my 4' x 8' styrofoam design wall to my retreats!

(And I am NEVER sorry I did!)

BethMI

[Mary K.]

I over packed my car for the retreat that I attended in July! I will know better next time.... although next time I decided that I am going to treat myself and will bring my sewing chair with me!!!... not sure what I will leave behind this year, but will deal with that problem the day before I pack for the next retreat! :wink:

[Terry K.]

I've been packing my chair for the last couple of years. . .what a difference it makes! I also pack a portable sewing table and a four foot folding table. . .then, I pack my projects--bedding and towels and finally a few clothes. . .it always looks like I'm going to be gone for a couple months!! LOL Terry

[Terry K.]

BethMI

I take my 4' x 8' styrofoam design wall to my retreats!

I'm trying to figure out a way for our ladies to have more design wall space. Our room is big, and has windows on both long walls. the two short walls don't lend themselves to design walls very well either.

I've been looking at Cheryl Ann's design walls... the flannel ones that go together with graphite type tent poles. Just can't bring myself to spring for one YET...!!! :~)[/quote]

[Terry K.]

... although next time I decided that I am going to treat myself and will bring my sewing chair with me!!!

I've been bringing my nice sewing chair the last couple of years too. The first time, the gals gave me a hard time ... accused me of having my own KINGDOM...!!! It wasn't a small chair...!!! LOLOL :~)

[Wanda M.]

Speaking of chairs...what is a good chair for sewing??? I'd be grateful for any suggestions!