I love all these suggestions. I am hopefully going on my first retreat after Thanksgiving and am already thinking about what to bring. These have been really helpful.

dharen, great timing asking this because I am leaving for one tomorrow, that is, if the weather cooperates. One thing I am going to do tonight is prepare my sewing machine - clean out the bobbin area and put in a new needle.

In addition to projects, I am going to bring a container of my scraps that I need to cut into squares, etc. I figure that is some mindless work I could do and it will more enjoyable while visiting with others.

I have to laugh at myself. I have been so focused in preparing projects and not forgetting anything pertaining to sewing that until your comment, Dogwood, about forgetting your pjs did I realize that I hadn't even thought about packing a suitcase. Oh well, who has to change clothes anyway. :)

When I go on retreat, I try to bring my fabrics already 'kitted' and ready to sew. Because I am easily distracted, I do all the cutting at home. One year, I completed 4 quilt tops in 4 days. Another time, I was doing curved piecing... the was new to me, and I finished that one, and started a 2nd rather involved pattern. It all depends on the difficulty of the patterns.
Because space is often limited, I like to pack all my sewing gear in a 2 drawer rolling cart. For transport, I use a luggage strap or ratcheting tie down around the entire cart. The strap keeps the drawers from sliding open in the car, and gives me a handle for either carrying or rolling. Once at my station, I have all my kits and sewing gear at my side, and I'm not digging through bins and bags to find what I want... It's all in a drawer.
Enjoy your first retreat.

Have fun. I usually try to make up quilt kits for myself. I take projects that are pretty easy to work on as I know I will be talking while sewing and fooling around. I don't want a project that takes too much thought. I find I don't want to be cutting a lot. Try to bring the supplies to go with your project. Usually things you forget someone else will have for you to borrow. There are also several nice LQS nearby so bring your wallet.

We do a 3 night 4 day retreat. The hotel we use lets us bring food, they do have breakfast but no restaurant other then that so they don't have any objections ,each girl brings something. We have 2 crock pots of soup, makings for sandwiches, and desserts. Everyone is given a choice of what to bring meat, bread, lettuce, tomatoes etc. This way we have lunch everyday, breakfast on the hotel and we go out for dinner in the evening. Some decide to stay in some nights but most opt to go out for the evening. this is really nice because you really get to know each other over and above the meeting once a month. You need one lady willing to plan the lunch and one to pick the restaurants. What a great bunch of ladies we have.

Just saw some of the other replies and thought you should know what the hotel supplies. The Bayside supplies the conference room with tables set up the cords ready to go for each machine and great chairs, all we have to do is plug in our machines, from there you need to bring everything you need to do the job you decide to bring.

I go on getaways 4 times a year. If you don't want to eat sweets and junk, bring something healthy because almost every person there brings something. I always make a list (and save it) because I fear that I will forget something. Here is the list that I have to refer to.
Sewing Machine/Cord
Extension Table
Extension Cord
3rd Arm, Extra Needles
Cutting Board/Olfa, Thread Catcher
Rulers/Threads/Pins/Thimble/Seam Ripper/Bobbins
Ott Light
Projects/Fabric
Handwork/Needle Threader
Book to Read, Fabric/Black Fabric
Mug/Tea Bags/Equal
Cosmetic Travel Bag
Medication/AllergyPills/Motrin/Tums
Hair Dryer/Brush/Hair Stuff (shampoo, conditioner and gel)
Makeup/Blush/Twizzers
Tooth Brush/Toothpaste
Contact Stuff
Extra Contact
Glasses and Reading Glasses
Sunglasses
Water Bottles
Bras/Underware/Socks
Sneakers/Walking Jacket
Ear Muffs/Gloves, Sweatpants
Crocks/Sneakers, Flashlight
iPad/Charger
iPhone/Charger/Speaker,
and I even take a small quilt for my bed (it makes me feel more comfortable to have my own quilt on top of the bed). I go walking everyday so I also take extra stuff to walk (ear muffs/gloves in case its cold, etc.). Take many projects because you never know what you feel like working on. If there is a pool/Jacuzzi available, bring your swimsuit, it's really nice to soak in a Jacuzzi after sewing all day and being stiff. I always have a salad for lunch so I will make a few and take them with me. It stinks to have to stop sewing and go out to lunch or dinner all the time, it just takes too long, I want to spend that time sewing. Oh, don't forget to put your name on your rulers because everyone seems to have the same rulers. I know that I took someone else's home once. Good luck and have a great time, and make your own list!

I also like to bring some extra fabric, just in case I see a project someone else is working on, and I want to try it too :D

Most importantly, get up and stretch often so your body and mind can keep enjoying the hours you have set aside for your retreat. Enjoy!

You're quite welcome! :thumbup:

The extra fabric is a great idea.