Nothing is on the design wall today because it's time for my annual winter quilt retreat! Once I get there, it's fantastic. However, preparing to get there is very stressful for me. I get myself in quite a state because ALL my projects want to come with me. But of course that is not possible. I know some quilters who are really chill, and only bring one or two projects to work on for 5 days. 5 whole days! |
| New olympic event - packing for quilt retreat |
a couple of creative projects in the planning stages so you can consult with your friends, extra fabric that may be needed for projects that may be accidentally started while at retreat (usually need neutral yardage), projects to piece, one paper piecing challenge, at least one project that is pin basted and ready for machine quilting, some hand stitching activities including at least one embroidery and one hand quilting project, and there absolutely must be a quilt with a binding ready to hand stitch late in the evenings.
With my list in hand, I have been rummaging around in the UFO closets and sorting which projects qualify for retreat and which will stay home. And then I must ensure that I have all the tools, fabrics, patterns, threads, and any other supplies needed for each of the projects.
It's exhausting.
Kevin reminded me in his latest blog post of this truth.
So true Kevin!
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| Retreat projects waiting to be loaded into the car |
Once the torture of attending to all the details, making all the decisions, and organizing all the stuff is finally complete, then comes the hauling of said stuff into the car. Sure wish I knew a sherpa I could call! Here is the end result of all that effort. How many projects do you think I have there? Enough for 5 days?
And then the realization hits.... I should probably pack some clothes too!
You have fun at your retreat! Packing the car is a challenge. Don't forget to take hand work along for a break from the sewing machine. I look forward to seeing your accomplishments. Don't forget the chocolate!
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad that you remembered clothes. It is a little cold out for a naked quilt retreat at this time of year! Have a wonderful time and I hope you get lots done!
ReplyDeleteI've never gone on a retreat - I wouldn't know what to bring as what I might feel like working on one day I probably wouldn't the next - good idea to bring so many I guess - if I ever went on one I guess i would need a lot of variety too
ReplyDeleteSounds like heading out on vacation - what projects to bring... oh yea and pack clothes! Too funny. You will have a wonderful time... maybe pack a little more fabric for those 'accident start projects'!
ReplyDeleteAlways so much fun! I'm always so afraid I haven't packed enough projects and it usually turns out I've packed two too many. Will be looking forward to your future post on how Retreat was!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time and enjoy the time with other Quilters. Yes, clothes and a coat and umbrella might be needed! Cannot wait to see your Posts about your fun 5 days!
ReplyDeleteLOL, clothes would be helpful. Looks like you are going to have a blast.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd want more than one machine, since one quilt is pieced on one machine, while another one is pieced on another machine, etc... I seriously miss my huge full size SUV. I could load that thing up to the ceiling, and still figure out how to add another machine(s) in. Don't forget snacks with those clothes. Mistakes happen when you are hungry.
ReplyDeleteYour retreat fabric pile looks lovely...very inviting! Have a wonderful time creating for the 5 days!
ReplyDeleteI think there might be a market for nudist quilt retreats, so we don't have to take up any time or space with clothes. On the other hand, if the lint and threads can't stick to your clothing, where would they end up? The mind boggles.
ReplyDeleteMy first retreat last November was many states away so I didn’t bring that much. One large main project, a leader-ender, and some handwork for the plane. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago I made myself a retreat checklist just to ensure I didn't forget anything. It includes, sewing tools, projects, clothing, snacks, kettle, humidifier etc. It has taken a lot of stress out of packing for retreat. I like to take projects that are in various stage of completion and handwork. Enjoy your time away.
ReplyDeleteNo Container Store Bungee chair? They fit nicely upside down in the passenger or second seat. And if you sew in your pajamas you do not need to pack clothes. The teenagers go to school that way so why can’t you do it at Retreat?
ReplyDeleteClothes ...yes that would be good!! WINE you forgot the WINE!!! I love when retreat time rolls around.My annual one is in October and I am already planning!!
ReplyDeleteDon’t forget your PJs!!
ReplyDeleteI think projects, then chocolate, then extra clothes, in that order :) Have fun at retreat!
ReplyDeleteLol. Have fun and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the retreat. Wishing you lots of success with whatever projects you ended up dragging into the car.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad pile of stuff to take to retreat. I find that I start mentally planning for my winter retreat a few months in advance and start a wish list of projects to work on. And sometimes I start acquiring fabrics for a new project. This year, I gathered all kinds of fabrics for a fabulous very large quilt. In 5 days, I never managed to work on it! =O On Ringo Lake monopolized my time! HAVE FUN!!!!!
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