quilter53

I am going to a quilters retreat next week. I can't decide what to do. Isn't that silly. :roll: I have several things to finish but also would like to start something new. I have so many blocks cut out I need to do something with. They are different sizes from 2" to 7" I think. I have thought about doing the easy pinwheel and a plain block with emb. on the plain, maybe a nine patch or a 4 patch. Help! You can see the dilemna! :lol: What would you do. Guilt says finish what you've started.

raptureready

The operative word is QUILT, not Guilt. Take several of the "need to finish", a couple "ought to finish" and several "want to start" things. You'll have far more than you can possibly get done but you won't get bored or burnt out because you can always switch off. Take at least 2 times more projects that you could get done if you sewed for 24 hours a day. That way you'll have plenty to choose from. Also take a few extra large scrap fabrics so that if someone is using some technique you want to learn you can stop your project and make a block of what they're doing for future reference.

At least that's what I do when I go to a retreat and I've never been the least bit disappointed.

quilter53

Taking extra to try someone elses ideas, good idea! Thank you for experienced advice.

raptureready

LOL I've only been to two! But after the first one I learned quickly. I was far better prepared the second time and will be even better prepared for the one I'm going to in about two weeks. The last one I went to I was able to stay over for about three or four days. I learned so much and even taught a few things to some of the other ladies. One of the ladies was making a QAYG similar to Ditter's string quilt only it was made up with a large triangle and strips of fabric on each side. She taught us how to make that and I taught several of the ladies how to make coasters that look like the hour glass block. One of the ladies there taught me how to make that tube pillow case thing with French seams. I was glad I had extra fabric so that I could make the things that they were showing me. That way I know I can remember how to do them---I've got the sample that I can pull out and look at.

quilter53

It sounds like fun. This is my first one to go to. I am going with 2 other ladies that have been before. I'm sure I will learn a lot.

gollytwo

My one piece of advise is to cut at home, bring pieces ready to sew.
I would not worry about finishing stuff already in the works unless you feel like working on them.
It's your retreat and you're meant to enjoy it.

Gramakitten

I have found that if I take to much that I FEEL guilty that I didn't finish enough. Take what you think that you can acomplish in one weekend and a couple of extra fabrics to try new stuff. HAVE FUN.

littlehud

I've never been to one. They sound like so much fun.

raptureready

I agree whole heartedly. I cut at home and sew while there.

laureneberhard

I've been to many, many retreats. I find, like the others to cut at home. You'll be able to concentrate on the cutting and it will be more accurate. (Learned this the hard way). Also have learned to take only what you can get done, and then ONE more thing, either to start, continue or finish. Too many projects is just like being at home with all the UFO, WIP and PIGS. Most of all, enjoy and don't worry if you didn't get something done ---- there's always the next retreat. HAVE FUN