Peckish

Well, usually we go to retreat centers, they are the most affordable. Sometimes the sleeping arrangements are like dorms, sometimes you get individual rooms, sometimes it's a couple (or several) bunkbeds in one large room. Meals are provided, so there is no cooking or cleaning. Bring your own snacks, set up your machine and sew all day! There is one large room where everyone sets up their machines, and we have cutting and pressing stations - we organize who's bringing the irons, boards, cutting mats, risers for the tables, etc. If we're near a LQS, sometimes we'll go on a field trip, especially if someone runs out of thread or something. You bring your machine, a project or two, and any support tools you might need. Wear your jammies all day and sew until you drop!

MaryLane

Oh dear! I can't wear pjs all day. I can't even do that when I am home alone and sick. My husband knows if I am still in my pjs at 1000 he better take me to the hospital because I am SICK!

I am going to the retreat at the Brookhaven Center with Stitchin' Heaven in March. I am very nerveous. I looked at pictures and thought, "I can't bring all of that! I am flying."

Any advise ya'al could give me would be greatly appreciated!

To the OP: I am so glad you had a good time and that you posted. Maybe I will learn something from this thread! Thank youk!

MrsM

I would call and talk to whom ever is running the retreat. She/he can go over the list of things to bring and decide what will be shared. I know at some retreats they set up ironing and cutting stations, and some will lend you a sewing machine. Also there is usually a vendor who will be selling notions and fabrics if you need or forget anything. Have fun. Remember quilters are the nicest people in the world.

michelehuston

I would love to go on one mysellf, someday!!

Peckish

Yes, I would call or check the website to see what they tell you to bring to the retreat, and what is provided for you. Did they not give a list of what's provided at the retreat when you signed up? We self-host all our retreats, but I would think since Stitchin' Heaven is hosting yours, they would provide a lot of items (such as irons and cutting boards).

AnnieH

Does anyone know if there are any good Quilt Retreats in England? They sound like great fun and I'd just love to sew and chat and sew all day with like-minded people.
Annie

BellaBoo

Our guild has two retreats a year. It is at a local camp that rents out dormitory, large community room, kitchen, walking trails to a big lake with beautiful outdoor bar b que, fire pits and tables. Most people rent it for family vacations or weekend reunions. It's free to go if you are a guild member as we have frundraisers to pay the fee for three nights four days. We prepare our meals. I love it. Also the sewingroom is separate from the sleeping quarters and open all night and there are two separate sections for the dormitories, one for early to bed and one for late nighters. We love our retreat camp! I told DH when we move, a local retreat area (I can start a guild if not one), great internet service, close medical care, and a whole/natural food store are the must haves to where we move. It may be worth just staying where we are. LOL

sweetana3

I have seen advertisements in English magazines for a variety of quilting and stitching retreats in England. I once went to one in Cornwall and it was perfect. Left husband in Basingstoke and enjoyed a week at the retreat. There were only two Americans at the BandB and it itself was outstanding. The owner could not quite understand why we enjoyed having a simple breakfast in her kitchen with all the pine and Aga rather than the dining room.

Sandra in Minnesota

I have never been to a quilt retreat, only the ones that stampinteresa has been to the Elm Creek Quilts retreats

nycquilter

I do two retreats a year. They have been annual events for more than 10 years now. I love the women like sisters. I have had to skip some years (work, ill MIL) and really miss them.