Cross stitch Retreats - “smalls” and floss drop swaps, what to pack, what to expect! Flosstube #7

[@stitchyfolklorist]

As a fellow introvert who has never been to a retreat but is considering one, this was a SUPER helpful video. Thanks so much!

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

I’m glad you liked it! I’m an introvert too, but there are lots of us at the retreats, and probably about 20-30% go solo!

[@mylifewithmarmalade4624]

Late to the comments, but have been contemplating a couple retreats, so thank you for this video. I have not done retreats before, but at one point I was doing a lot of conference travel and I would travel with a small rolling “underseater” spinner bag as a “personal item” that stacked on top of my regular carry on. In transit that smaller bag held all the stuff I wanted to keep an extra close eye on or would need ready access to on travel day. The brilliance was that once at the conference the underseater became a very handy all day companion to haul all the crap you end up schleping around (notes, freebies, samples, handouts, water bottles, extra clothing layers, etc). It could stroll along side me down long hotel and conference center corridors, scoot along with me through vendor floors, could slide under my chair (or the one in front of me) in presentation sessions when it needed to be out of the way, or depending on where I was sitting I could use it as a foot stool and put my feet up for a bit, or stash it next to me as a tiny side table. I also found a cup holder for luggage that fit it, which was very convenient to hold my coffee while I juggled notebooks or went digging for my sweater. I suspect that is probably what I’ll use for my stitching bag for all of those same reasons.

[@gloriastengel8687]

I know this is an older video, but I am attending my first retreat this weekend, and took notes of what I need for the next one! 😜❤️ Great info! I made project bag tags for everyone (50+) which can also be a scissor fob or have floss drops added to the ring, etc. Thanks for the great info! I am now a Follower!

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Thanks, Gloria! How was your first retreat? And which one was it? I’m always looking for different, new to me, retreats!

[@patmarchbanks8230]

I enjoyed your video,I’m going to my first retreat in April

[@sherierance4564]

This was an awesome description of a retreat! I have never been to one for various reasons but would really love to go to one that is local for the first time. Your voice and the way you described everything was so inspiring!! Thank you!

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Definitely give a retreat a try! I recommend the smaller ones, especially for a first retreat. They can be overwhelming but are so much fun!

[@cathydenison8716]

Great video summarizing retreat details (I too enjoyed our laid back table #9 at stitch north)

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

We did have a cool, laid back table! I’m counting down to next year!

[@patfriedericks5754]

Great video. So informative

[@colleenpidgeon3467]

Going to my first retreat solo. Thanks for the insight

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

You will have a fantastic time! Enjoy it!

[@historicallydressed]

This is so helpful, thank you so much! Going to my first retreat next month and this helped ease some of my anxiety about it!

[@obragg1]

Great info! Wish I had had this before my first retreat. I would add that for their first retreat, a stitcher might consider their tolerance for crowd size. I’m not a big crowd kind of gal, so smaller retreats are more comfortable for me.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Great advice! A lot of people take time outs and go back to their room or just take a walk. (I’m one of those people!)

[@carolmcqueen3497]

A fantastic video. I’m going to my first late this month at Stitch Florida. Flying alone and a little nervous. You helped me feel excited.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

You will have SO much fun! Don’t worry at all about going alone, there will be a TON of people there by themselves, and everyone is very welcoming!

[@shanebrookcottage]

Great ! Tips! I’ve never been to a cross stitch retreat- many scrapbooking-but I hope to in the future. I’m so glad I found your channel 💕🧵

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

If you’ve been to a scrapbook retreat, they are very similar! I’ve been to several of the Stamp Scrap Expo and CK retreats in my area. The only difference is round tables instead of long ones, and less space per person. Luckily, stitching takes up less room than scrapping. I hope you get time this weekend for some stitching (or some scrapping!)

[@cynthiajfuller]

Excellent video thank you very much

[@sunrise49738]

Great information and advice Kathleen. Thank you for sharing.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Thank you!

[@JanetJabber]

Great video. 🌻🌻🌻

[@dfrogers831]

What a great video! Going to my first two this summer, so very helpful information!

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Glad it was helpful!

[@solarwinds-]

Thank you for this. My first, going to one in Dallas this Autumn. I'm an introvert too but, I'm not likeable like you are. I try my best to be nice and thoughtful but people do not like me no matter how hard I try. This was so helpful to give me the confidence to go.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

I’m sure you will fit in fine and have a great time! As a friend pointed out, the majority of stitchers are introverts, so there will be lots of people there who are feeling not 100% comfortable with large, unknown crowds. There will be lots of people there on their own looking for new friends!

[@solarwinds-]

@@snickerdoodlestitch2146 That's so nice to know! Wow, that's great news.😃

[@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts]

This was very helpful! I haven't been to a retreat yet, but I'm actually hosting one in September. Thanks for sharing all of this information.

[@KathysQuiltsandStitching]

This is so helpful! I got into Stitch North 2024 and I'm so excited! And now I feel more prepared for my 1st stitching retreat...thank you! You are so brave to travel solo to retreats - thanks for the inspiration!

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

You will love Twitch North!! Which 2024 weekend are you attending?

[@joannekenyon7296]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@cherylculbertson5233]

Thank you for this wonderful information! I go to my first retreat this Fall and this video is very helpful. 😊

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

You will have an amazing time! Which retreat are you attending?

[@cherylculbertson5233]

@@snickerdoodlestitch2146 Anabella’s All Things Autumn Retreat. Stitching with the Housewives will be there!!

[@monicamathis79]

Thank you, very informative with lots of info for my first retreat this fall.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Glad it was helpful! You will have a blast at the retreat!

[@the.pokey.little.pineapple4546]

I wish that this was a resource for my first retreat last year. So informative and accurate. Thank you especially about the table gifts and small exchanges. I'll be going to Sept. PNWSS in OR and this a great refresher.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

I wished I had a little more info before my first retreat too. OR is on my “must see” list. I was considering vacationing there next year. Maybe I’ll see if the retreat is there again next year, and I could get some stitchy fun in too. 🙂

[@the.pokey.little.pineapple4546]

That would very nice. Acorns and Threads LNS puts out a newsletter and the sign ups for the retreat are listed on this usually the end of March.

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

They had those autograph books in the 80s too! I had a bunch!❤😂

[@noranok9442]

Thank you! This was very helpful. ❤❤❤

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MaryAnnArnold]

This was a terrific informative video, Kathleen. Thank you! You and I share LNSs, but I am in PA.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Oh, we’re practically neighbors! We’re so lucky to have multiple LNSs. have you gone to any of their single day retreats/stitch days?

[@MaryAnnArnold]

@@snickerdoodlestitch2146 I haven’t, but I will have to check them out. Do Hodge Podge, Strawberry Sampler and Stitches Unlimited all have day classes?

[@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts]

@@MaryAnnArnold I used to live a block away from Hodgepodge. I was only doing punch needle at the time, since I just started stitching around Christmas time 2022. It's probably a good thing that I wasn't stitching, and living so close to an LNS! I used to make hornbooks, and sell them in her shop.

[@MaryAnnArnold]

@@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts My LNS was just a mile away from me (good and dangerous at the same time!), but it closed two years ago. I still have not been able to get to HodgePodge. The first time I went there with my friend, there was a sign that said they would be closed for three weeks. That was at the beginning of May. I have since found them on social media, but haven't had a chance to go back yet. I will be visiting Keepsakes, Cranberry Bog Cottage and Persnickety Stitchers soon when we go on a trip.

[@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts]

@@MaryAnnArnold definitely call Hodgepodge before you go. She is the only employee, and sometimes has to take off for family reasons.

[@conniesimonich2327]

Going to my first retreat in June, and this has been so helpful! Thank you so much

[@judysenagomes1017]

Thank you! You answered so many of my questions...

[@the614stitcher]

Great video! Lots of helpful information. Can't wait until we see each other again.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

I’m looking forward to seeing you again too!

[@nprairie4]

Wonderful video I’m going to my first retreat in the fall. I will be going by myself so I’m a little nervous.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

You’ll be fine! I’d estimate about 20-30% go solo! In a way, it’s a good thing since it forces us to meet and interact with new people. Which retreat are you attending in the fall?

[@nprairie4]

@@snickerdoodlestitch2146 I’m going to stitch New England retreat in Massachusetts

[@judysenagomes1017]

Another 'first time going to a stitching retreat' person here...I have heard of the freebie table where we can leave used patterns or fabric we will not be using, but can we also leave used PDF copies of patterns which we have purchased?

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Technically, I think pdfs are single use, but I have seen them on the freebie tables! I’ve also seen patterns from kits there.

[@judysenagomes1017]

@@snickerdoodlestitch2146Thanks for your answer

[@marianneehlers3232]

Hi👋🏻 What is the name of the hand held rechargeable light, I can’t read the name when you held it up. You said that you got it on Amazon for around $20. I am enjoying your videos. I have not been able to go to a retreat yet, because of the expense,(registration, travel, lodging and all of the fun stuff I will want 😎) but I enjoy all of the advice you gave today. Maybe I’ll get to go some day 🙏🏻.

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

The handheld item was a battery pack, like this one. www.amazon.com/Charger-38800mAh-Portable-Flashlight-Electronic/dp/B0BPST8KKZ/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?crid=1VNRPCB6F7BST&keywords=Battery+pack&qid=1685851712&sprefix=battery+pack%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-12-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMDJKTk1aSUpYRE9TJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDIyNjg1TUZMOFMxNlpOQlIzJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3NTgwMjcyVkJaUkNFWUVISzZBJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Retreats can be pricey unless you have one near home. Finding people to share travel and room costs helps.

[@dazy_blu187]

Great video, I'm just wondering how the smalls exchange works? Does everyone bring something for the table and then each person chooses something for themselves to keep? Or are they somehow distributed randomly? I'm just a bit confused how it works? 😊

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Yea, that’s exactly it. Usually anyone participating gets a number and puts the small they made on the table. Then they randomly call numbers for each person to go up and pick out a gift. After everyone has gotten a small, everyone goes back to the table to find the person who made theirs and who got the one they made. Hopefully I’m making sense.

[@judysenagomes1017]

Probably a silly question here, but I've never been to a retreat before & do not live in North America...anyway, can we use a credit card to pay for purchases made at retreat vendor booths or do we need cash?

[@snickerdoodlestitch2146]

Not a silly question at all! Almost all of the vendors accept credit cards, and the few who don’t take cards will take PayPal payments, so you should be good! I wondered the same thing myself when I went to my first retreat and took too much cash which I then had to worry about and keep track of.

[@judysenagomes1017]

@@snickerdoodlestitch2146 Again...thanks for answering another question that had been bothering me.

[@theresachucle5362]

😊🧵🪡🤗🤩

[@dabblecrafter4454]

Are you going to Jacobpalooza?