How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

[Lilly]

I've been on two wonderful quilting retreats and don't have much to show for it except great friendships. I don't generally talk much but I love looking at others' projects and learning from them. The "dedicated quilting time" I promised my DH never happened on either retreat. I just can't settle down and get to work. What do you all do?

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

I did the same as you! Had a great time, forged wonderful friendships, but got very little sewing done!

[Guest]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

i've never been on one for that reason. i'm not good at working in front of/around others and since i have so many tools and fun things to play with, and a good work space/set-up, i'd rather spend the money on fabric! lol! i was the same way with scrapbooking. i guess i enjoy the solitude and getting lost in the hours at the sewing machine! that being said, it is always fun to look at what other people are working on and ideas they come up with, which i guess is why i enjoy and value this forum so much! i don't think there's anything wrong with still going on your retreat if it's something you enjoy and you can't put a price on making new friends (in person!).

[K. McEuen]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

I got some things done at the retreat, there were a couple that got a lot done. I still enjoyed my time there and plan on doing it again this year. I'm not sure to me that it is all about the sewing as much as the people.

[Sandy Navas]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

Agree, agree, agree. The support of our quilting friends quadruples once you've met face to face. I am doing the BOM on the haunted house and have managed to get my blocks done, but personally I find that being in my own space and knowing exactly where everything is makes an easier time for actually stitching. I find myself looking for where I put my scissors and why I can't find my rotary cutter if I'm away from home.

[Cathy F]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

Retreats work for me getting a lot accomplished especially the one I attend in November, I get most of my holiday gift sewing done at that one so I'm really focused on the sewing although I do my share of socializing.I go on a couple of retreats a year two organized ones at hotel and a conference center and one at a friend's lake house. We are the same group that go to these retreats and sit near each other, (the tables are side by side) so we can chat while we sew, the one held at my friend's lake house is basically the same we're all in the same room can chat and laugh but we keep to our sewing machines. We all get quite a bit accomplished. We start sewing right after breakfast, take time out for lunch together, then sew up until whenever we want to eat dinner. At my friend's house we don't do any sewing after dinner that's strictly socializing time, at the others we do sew till whenever we want after dinner, last one out shuts off the lights and makes sure the irons are unplugged and the sewing room is locked.

[easyquilts]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

My quilting club went on its first retreat in February.... We had a wonderful time, Vern though we had to leave a day early, due to an incoming winter storm...

Some if us got a lot done, and some....like mr....didn't... But, we all had a great time... Sewing, talking, eating.,, it was all goof. We are hoping to go on another retreat dome time this year....

[BobW]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

Retreats work for me getting a lot accomplished especially the one I attend in November, I get most of my holiday gift sewing done at that one so I'm really focused on the sewing although I do my share of socializing.I go on a couple of retreats a year two organized ones at hotel and a conference center and one at a friend's lake house. We are the same group that go to these retreats and sit near each other, (the tables are side by side) so we can chat while we sew, the one held at my friend's lake house is basically the same we're all in the same room can chat and laugh but we keep to our sewing machines. We all get quite a bit accomplished. We start sewing right after breakfast, take time out for lunch together, then sew up until whenever we want to eat dinner. At my friend's house we don't do any sewing after dinner that's strictly socializing time, at the others we do sew till whenever we want after dinner, last one out shuts off the lights and makes sure the irons are unplugged and the sewing room is locked.

Your lake house retreat sounds like great fun. To have a group of friends to go and share time with is such a great thing.

[AuntieVic]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

I sometimes find myself visiting a lot also. I always try to pack light, but never fails I end up taking stuff that I never even touch. At least one of the nights we are up to wee hours of the morning, ad the alarm rings early to start all over again.

I love my retreats!

[SandyWhite]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

I go to several retreats a year with friends. We do go around talking to one another a bit. Sometimes I get a lot of work done, sometimes not. My purpose of retreats is not just to do quilt work. I can do that home. I love the camaraderie of the retreat, so if I get nothing done, I don't think it would matter...but most retreats for me are a mix of fun and work.

[Kat 2]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

I really enjoy the few quilt retreats I get to attend. It is always so much fun meeting new quilters and meeting up with some quilters I have meet in the past. I enjoy the socializing and seeing the projects that other people have been working on.

Sometimes I get a lot done but I have times that I have not gotten not much done but I have always had a great time.

[auntiemern]

Re: How do you manage to get work done on Retreat?

Part of the time I could get a lot done, and other times, nothing. I agree with Karen, it is more about the people than the quilting. I am ready to go back and see the friends that were made last year.