Ten Quilt Retreat Tips!

I am getting ready to go to a quilt retreat soon and I am so excited! I thought I would share some tips with you to help ensure your next quilt trip is awesome! I hope you enjoy this video!

[@Roxanne-xx9nv]

I’m looking forward to my annual retreat at Missouri Star next week. A group of us have been coming to the same retreat for the last 6 years.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Oh my!!! I have wanted to go there for a retreat!!! I have been there but not for a retreat! You will have sooo much fun!!!!

[@debbiebraatz1919]

Sewing machine manual, snacks, pins, seam ripper, snacks, EASY projects cause it’s hard to concentrate on something complicated with all the FUN going on around you and don’t forget the snacks😂

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes, I agree! This is not the time for complicated sewing!!!

[@janicescott6127]

I like to take powerstrip and cord. If i go far and have room i have left an extra sewing machine in my car. It saved the day for a friend once. You covered about everything else. I too like to precut fabrics as much as i can, less mistakes cutting.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing! I also pack a power cord and extension cord. I created my own packing list for when I go to them out of town. This one is local so I just have to pack my sewing stuff.

[@joanneperry8021]

After attending my first quilt retreat I went to Lowes and bought a Bayco SL-755 (25' cord reel with 4 outlets), just like one of the other attendees had brought to camp. Between the sewing machines, table or floor lamps, and the extra irons, access to power outlets were at a premium. Dewenwils and Stanley have similar looking cord reels (extension cord system). If you ask someone with a workshop or who needs electricity outside, they might have one you can borrow for a few days, just to see if buying one would be useful. At the retreats I attended, there was a designated area where fabric, and quilting books/magazines were put out for anyone to take home. I'm sure happy that quilt shows and quilt retreats/camps are being scheduled again. Online tutorials are really useful but there's nothing like a few days with a group of quilters sharing their knowledge.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I fully agree on getting to go to quilt retreats again! I hope to go to at least two this year!!!! That is a heavy duty cord!!! I'm so glad it worked for you! We have big ones we use for the guild's retreat! It takes a lot of plugins at a quilt retreat!!!!

[@dianethequilter]

Absolutely love your videos. A couple things I was suggest: number one although you bring a project to work on and pre-cut your fabric, please remember to bring extra fabric for that project just in case you cut some thing wrong. Number two bring some type of small thread catcher to put next to your sewing machine. I find there aren’t always enough little trash barrels to go around. Thirdly, check to see if there is a local quilt shop nearby in case you forgot to bring some thing. Fourth, if you can find an old typewriter pad purchase it because they are not only noise canceling, but nonslip also. Or add a nonslip shelf liner to the back of the pad that you made. And lastly, if you have any food, allergies, or are diabetic, bring your own snacks as sometimes snacks can’t accommodate your dietary needs. Hope this helps you and others on your KZbin channel.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Diane, we give a small paper lunch sack to each quilter and pass around blue painters tape for small trash bins. Some of us roll the edges down and tape them to the edge of the table for our trash bins. No everyone does but they work great!!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great post!!! Thanks for taking the time to share!!!

[@doreensherk287]

Good tips and reminders 😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

WoW have fun at the retreat.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you!!! I hope to!!!!

[@dianehuntley2493]

I have never been to a retreat. You have great tips for anyone that can attend😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Diane, I hope you will have a chance to go someday!!!

[@wilycat5290]

I haven't been to a quilting retreat. Your tips seem on target and will be helpful if I ever go to one. Thank you! 😊👍💕

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@kathleen.rogers1442]

I would love to see your quilt behind you please😊 I love patriotic quilts😊 so glad your channel is growing too! Congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Here is the video that shows that quilt better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/govYhYOPo9h7mK8 Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@kathleen.rogers1442]

@@thesimplequilter7499 thank you Michelle, I think I have that box too, I love it, you did an excellent job😊 I can’t believe I missed that video 🙄🙄🙄, I get a notification too!!!

[@jtumbleweed64]

My favorite retreat was when Sister’s in Amarillo had theirs. Love everyone that goes. Saturday at noon everyone of us go to one place to eat. We laugh so much. Have met so many wonderful quilters at them. Several times we have had a last minute class. Made a bag one year with placemats.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Jill, That sounds like a wonderful retreat!!!

[@barbarachase7725]

I love going to the a retreat to see what everyone is sewing on and how they set up their sewing spot. Uninterrupted time is great too. Great ideas for retreat prepping. I also like to take a pen and paper because there are so many good ideas to take back home. Have fun on your retreat🎉

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Lol! I pack that also!!!

[@wesfox4455]

Good job!! I hope you have fun this weekend. I love you!!!💕❤️

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@orrynail8681]

Great ideas. I had been trying to get into a retreat for quite a while. My hubs suggested i host my own. So I did! It is so much fun. We just had our 5th annual back in March. Some wanted to have it twice a year. It is not all anout the sewing, but time spent with friends. Have a wonderful time. Show us your rag quilt too. I have made several. BTW I am new to watching you. 😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Welcome to my channel!!! Quilt retreats are simply wonderful!!!

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Thank you for all the reminders. I've gone on a number of retreats and yes, the food is wonderful. Didn't think about a pad for under the sewing machine, but will now put it in my to-go bag.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Retreats are soooooo much fun!!!!

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

My two main retreats have been at my sister-in-law’s house three hours from where I live. Her husband is gone for about a week and I drive to IA and stay with her. Our mutual friend who lives in the same city also comes. We have easy meals and just a few snacks. We see, see, see, and eat and sleep. Then sew, sew, sew some more🤗

[@thesimplequilter7499]

What a great retreat!!!!! So much fun!!!! I love going to retreats with my quilt friends!!!

[@jeanetten6908]

I've been fortunate to attend many quilt retreats. My favorite one so far was a benefit for my Project Linus chapter. Our group finished several quilts to give to children. We enjoyed good catered meals, made new friends, and laughed and sewed alot. Thanks, Michelle! Your tips were very helpful!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@darylcatherineholt7852]

You are wonderful!! I’ve never been to a quilt retreat.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you so much! I hope you get to go someday!!!

[@cherylcurlee3279]

I'm with you about having great food! I've been twice to a retreat at the same place where the food wasn't great, sitting out the next one there, hope the food gets better! I have 4 retreats to go to between now and October, and I can't wait. I'm hoping for a spot at one over New Years, but time will tell. Great tips, I take a more challenging project and some easier ones as I never know what I will be in the mood to work on. Enjoy your retreat!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Wow! Sounds like you will be having a great time over the next few months!

[@helenmorgan4003]

I went to my first quilt retreat this year and now planning one for October so will appreciate this post for ideas. Thankyou.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I have a play list regarding retreats! You might want to check them out!

[@tinaneely1]

I just found you and started following you today. Thank you for your information.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Welcome Tina!!!

[@delwacker8187]

Always fun to watch your videos

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you sooo much! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! You comment is sooo nice!

[@loridarley9894]

Great tips! Whenever I take food that is homemade I attach the recipe in case of food allergies.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That is such a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@dbledni]

Great reminders! I've never gone on a quilt retreat, but every month I quilt at a local church to make charitable quilts for children, vets, and elder care facilities. I've had to figure out over time what i needed to be sure to bring. 😂 You've given me a couple of tips to include on my next quilt day! Insulated cup! Sewing machine mat! Thank you! 😂 Thread catcher is one to add - I was embarrassed not to have one my first day. 😂

[@thesimplequilter7499]

We used lunch bags and painter's tape for thread catchers at retreats!!! Quick and easy! They are so much fun! Just like your sew days at the church!

[@franpatzcraig6713]

Excellent hints! Thank you.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@wandawalker4191]

I'm going on my first one in October. Great advice Michelle!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Oh how fun!!!! I hope you have the best time!!! You can find check list online to help you!!!

[@mariawells8026]

Great tips thank you!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@nancytransue1409]

You are very enjoyable to watch and very informative. I’ve use some the things you’ve shown and have gotten some ideas what to get and check out.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sandyvotel3484]

🎉your ideas are always so good. Thank you! Have fun

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you! You too!

[@deborahlunsford6983]

Seems like great service. Have never been to one. Thank you .😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Deborah, I hope you get to go to one done day!!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Some day!

[@conniesoares157]

Looking forward to a retreat in October. It is up in the foothills at a camp that has all types of age groups thru out the year and the food is good and they have a quilt store come up so you can get those sewing notions and fabric you might need. A friend of mine forgot her foot pedal and now had one she used just for travel! Our camp in the fall is Fri to Mon but we only stay until Sunday because the driver has not retired yet.in the Spring it is from Wed to Sun and she takes the workdays off. Only 14 weeks until we head up there again!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That sounds like a blast!!! I hope to go this one and one in September!!! I love getting to go and sew with my quilt friends!!!! I always have a great time!!!

[@tinaneely1]

I am going to my first quote retreat at Missouri star quilt company in March this year. I’m so excited I can’t wait.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Oh my! I am so excited for you! I think you will have a fantastic time!!! What a great location for your first retreat!!!! You will also have so much fun shopping there!!!!

[@tinaneely1]

@@thesimplequilter7499 I know I can’t wait to go shopping in their shops. I just started quilting last year in February actually. So I’ve watched a lot of videos from them to learn.

[@tracynovak2726]

Thanks for this video!! I’m new to quilting and have yet to go to a retreat. I hope to go to one within the next year. This video is perfect for me.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome! I think you will have a great time when you go! Especially if you can go with a quilt friend!!!

[@jtumbleweed64]

New addition to my take to retreat list just came back from a mystery retreat. All of us spent about 5 hours cutting all the fabric. A sticky note pad to label each cut section.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I have that in my "To Go Bag"! I use a lot of sticky note pads!!!

[@raeblain3109]

Can’t wait for our retreat. So fun coming back to Liberal. Well worth the 3.5 hr trip. Thanks for all the reminders. I can promise I won’t forget my machine foot control this year.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Well if you do, you can use one of my machines! I am looking forward to seeing you!!!! Please drive careful!!!

[@jtumbleweed64]

Sorry will miss seeing you. Will be in Amarillo for the weekend

[@anilovesmeemee]

My quilt guild (200 members) hosts a 2 session retreat every year at the beginning of February, you can go to one or both. I've gone to many over the years. I always take a back support pillow that has an elastic that fits over the chair back, these can be purchased from Amazon. The back support is so nice, allows me to sit and sew longer because I don't have any back strain. Chairs at retreats are usually not that comfy I've found. Retreats are SEW FUN!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes they are loads of fun! Back pain is common with quilters at retreats! I have seen several use those supports!

[@maryequilter31]

Key for me is availability of single room option with its own bathroom. Many people either by choice or other medical reasons need privacy. I’m lucky enough that the 2-3 retreats i go to a year offer that option. But totally agree about preparation, labeling and enjoying !!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@carlindatrenholm6586]

At the retreats my guild plans we have puzzles, quilting theme of course, and the New York Times crossword puzzle in huge format. It’s a great break for the brain and eyes.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

How fun!!! Quilt retreats and being with quilt friends is a wonderful combination!!!

[@lynevans4855]

I love retreats! Have 2 scheduled for August both in town. I was looking for your "Go bag" video but couldn't find it. Could you please post a link. Thanks! Have fun on your retreat!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Here is the link: https: How to Prepare for a Quilt Retreat Part 2 //kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmO3koCqeL-BiZo You might want to watch this one also! Quilt Travel Bag DIY Must Haves kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqvNhGBvnKiUldk I had a great time! I will attend one more in September! I hope you have a great time at yours!! I feel sure you will!!! Quilt retreats are always fun!

[@lynevans4855]

@@thesimplequilter7499 thanks so much!

[@kiricalo]

GREAT TIPS

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad you think so!

[@patriciamccoppin6852]

A great video! But I want to know what snack you took to retreat?. 😂.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Good question! Okay...I love sweets and chocolate! The recipe can be found on Pinterest and it is called "Addictive Toffee Bars"! Quick and easy and people love them!!! I may have to chose something else because of the high temperatures and it may get kind of melted. They are sooooooo delicious!

[@jackielam6284]

I go to retreats for the fellowship. Quilters for are the kindest people I know.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes they are!!!

[@ginastewart70]

I bring my own chair so that I'm more comfortable for my marathon sewing sessions. I go with 2 other ladies every time and we try to sew 10‐14 hours a day! These are work sessions for us, typically finishing Christmas presents at our fall retreat. As we all retire, I can envision more chatting and less pressure to produce.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I have to take a light weight comfortable chair for sewing at retreats. Just too much sitting!!! Lol! That doesn’t keep me from going though!!!

[@madelinepinckney9212]

I went to my first quilt retreat a few weeks ago. One of the ladies forgot her fabric. Poor thing! She did stay for the day and enjoyed our company.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Oh no!!! I bet she still had a wonderful time!!!!

[@mayg.m.3767]

Enjoy your quilt retreat!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you!!!

[@debbier3060]

I can't find the information on your to go bag...

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Debbie, I describe it and show what is in it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmO3koCqeL-BiZo

[@kathygist6488]

Im curious to know where your retrear will be hrld. Can you share?

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Kathy, It will be held in our small hometown! Our quilt guild puts on one a year and my friend and I are organizing it and have for several years. Before we organized it together, I organized it by myself for several years. It's fun to plan together! We have it at a city park building. It's a small retreat with less than 45 attending. We have so much fun!!!

[@kathygist6488]

@thesimplequilter7499 it sounds like so much fun! I'm a relatively new quilter and would love to be in a place with an active group of fun women who would be willing to share their knowledge. I have one great friend who has helped me, but she and her husband are on a church mission in Australia and won't be home for another year. Sad face here!

[@sandan2358]

What’s a rag time quilt?

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I don't know how to explain it in words. I have made 3 videos regarding ragtime quilts. I have included a link to one of the videos so you can see what a rag time quilt is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnbdpHmulpx7hpI

[@sandan2358]

@@thesimplequilter7499 - ok, I’ve only heard them called rag quilts. 😃

[@pyenygren2299]

I haven't been to a quilt retreat.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I hope you will get to go to one some day!!!!

[@pyenygren2299]

@@thesimplequilter7499 Yes, me too. 🤩

[@karenraabis5296]

I have never been to a quilt retreat.

[@carlindatrenholm6586]

If you have the opportunity attend at least one to say you’ve tried it. It is a chance to see what project others are working on and get advice or help on your project. I tuck away money each paycheque so I can attend. Happy stitching!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

It is a great experience! I do have to say, I have had the most fun when I went with my quilt friends!!!

[@karenraabis5296]

Thanks, I moved to Florida and just don’t have many quilts friends but I should make more effort because we do have a guild and I have been to a few meetings.