Currently Stitching: November Quilt Retreat
It may seem a bit excessive to prepare for a quilt retreat in November when it's only just October, but we're already over halfway through the month! Can you believe how this year has flown by? I can't! And there is so much on the schedule between now and then that I'd like to get things packed and ready ahead of time. I will enjoy the time much more if I'm not scrambling at the last minute!
In the last few episodes you've probably noticed that I've been working on kits! I prefer to pre-cut the kits so I can just set up and sew! I also like to read through the instructions a few times in preparation so I have a better idea of what I'm working on. This time around I'm taking a nice, seasonal variety with me.
First off, I'm taking this Fall wall hanging. I actually purchased it at last retreat! I would love to get it put together before we get too close to Thanksgiving. Even if doesn't make it to the long arm, I would love to be able to put it out to enjoy until the (not yet ready to mention) famous December holiday season.
You'll notice that yet again, I am working with a half square triangle heavy project. So of course I'll be bringing my Bloc-Loc half square triangle rulers with me! These rulers are a little pricey but have been 110% worth the investment. I use them in majority of my projects!
Next up, you may recognize the patriotic quilt I started at last retreat! This was a kit that I picked up at a shop that used a totally different design! It took strips of varying lengths to create the stripe-y quilt top. While it was beautiful, I decided instead of using the pattern that came with it, to work with the Starburst pattern from "Fat Quarter Workshop," by Stephanie Soebbing.
I wanted the fabrics to feel like they were exploding and bright! Much like the firework designs shown off in the variety of batiks. I think once it's all laid out, it'll really shine! Personally, I never get tired of red, white and blue quilts.
Also on the list for the weekend (a list that is probably too long for this three day trip) is this Autumn/ Halloween quilt. I mentioned doing the precutting for this kit last week. I put it aside to work on later because I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I mis-cut some of the fabrics and had to piece them back together, which totally bummed me out. I haven't looked yet to see if I can find more of the fabric to replace what I mis-cut.
I also really wanted to work with my Halloween scraps from the broken dishes on point episode instead of putting another quilt top together. But now I'm ready to start! It's going to be so wonderfully festive as we move towards turkey day.
I think I'm also going to put together some more of these bags to make while at the retreat. The shop that hosts us has an amazing array of zippers! She sells quite a few bag accoutrements and it always leaves me feeling inspired. Last time around I got three done! I'm bringing these pre-cut mini charm packs with me and some scrap batting.
Because of this, I'll bring some coordinating thread so I can get them quilted while I'm there. I just got these new themed Aurifil thread packs and I've been going out of my way to find opportunities to use them. On the left is "English Garden" by Edyta Sitar, and on the right is "Untamed" by Tula Pink. They're just too much fun to leave at home!
It's always nice to bring a small project like this when I need a break from the big projects. I really like to get a lot done when I'm off at retreat. Some other prep that helps me accomplish this is pre-winding bobbins. I'll still bring extra bobbins in case I go through all of these, but it's nice to have so many prepped ahead.
I generally use the 2730 Aurifil 50 wt thread. I find it blends in well with most of my projects. Some folks prefer to purchase pre-wound bobbins, which if you can find them in the color you want, DO IT. It is such a luxury to just set up and get sewing. Never having to stop and wind keeps me from feeling interrupted while I work. I get so much more done! I cannot recommend it enough!
Of course, it wouldn't be retreat prep if I didn't share the ridiculous list of rulers and other tools I'm bringing. I like to pack an assortment of marking tools. A Clover chalk liner, a Frixion heat erase pen, a Missouri Star seam marker, and the Clover point 2 turning and marking tool. There is almost never a time when I don't need one or all of these.
I mentioned the bloc-locs earlier, but some other staples for my tool kit are the 2.5 x 8, the 5 x 5, the 10 x 10, the 5 x 15, and the 3 x 18 rulers. It probably seems silly to bring this many but I use them a ton when trimming and creating blocks.
I think I've talked about "creating a nest" when I'm at retreat. I set up my folding table, mini ironing board, wool mat, clapper, roller, and mini iron. I also prefer to bring my own mix of water and spray starch. The irons/ boards are busy the whole time and I like to get in a rhythm and keep working. The "nest" helps with that.
I bring my own rotary cutter and mat too because the cutting stations are always clogged. I also bring additional blades just in case. Plus some fabric scissors, trimming scissors and a clipper to keep under my sewing machine for trimming threads.
I also bring some safety equipment with me. The Klutz cutting glove, labelled containers for used needles and blades, a magnetic pin cushion, a regular pin cushion (both of which wrap around my wrist), and the Machingers which help with guiding fabric safely.
A few other must haves include clips, pins, pen and pencil, fabric glue, a point turner, seam rippers (ugh!), a nail file, tweezers, a threader and then a pointed tool to help lead finer fabrics and tough seams through the machine.
Some other odds and ends that end up on my list are comfort items. I always bring my own water bottle and drinking mugs/ cups. I drink copious amounts of coffee and I like it to stay hot while I'm sewing. I often like to have an alcoholic beverage or two towards the end of the day, and it's polite to be discrete. You'll also notice all of these cups have LIDS. Avoiding a spill is crucial at an event like this!
I do my best to remember a phone charger and earphones. There are some times where I just need to listen to my audio book and zoom along!
I usually bring layers with me. The temperature tends to fluctuate at these things. Everyone has a different preference - I prefer colder to warmer. Plus there's a lot of windows so it will get hot and then all of a sudden cool off as the day progresses. So I usually wear a t-shirt and comfy pants, have a sweater, bring socks, slippers, sandals, and a change of shorts in case it just gets too warm! I always recommend some sort of footwear, even if you prefer to sew barefoot. There's always needles and pins floating around, and getting one in the foot would be just awful!
I don't usually bring my own chair or cushion. Many of the ladies do. Totally up to your comfort!
In addition to a sewing machine (duh), don't forget the power cord and foot pedal. I also like to bring this little not slip mat to keep my pedal from moving as I sew. I bring my table extender, an extension cord, a table fan, and a table lamp.
I made these handy zipper bags over time and they all serve a purpose. The pink one holds my sewing machine attachments, tools and needles. The blue one holds everything I need for hand sewing and pinning. And the wrapped multicolor bag holds all my sewing tools, pens, and some other sewing goodies!
I bring two large bags, one over the shoulder and one roller. If you've been putting off purchasing a high quality sewing machine bag, just do it. It makes loading and unloading so much easier it's insane. You deserve to have peace while on your retreat!
Plus it comes with a ton of pockets and all these zipper access areas if you don't want to open the whole thing up.
Sometimes I'll have two over the should bags, this big bag for packing non-sewing stuff (like mugs and clothes). And then I like to bring a bag that I've made! It's nice for doing a little in store shopping or taking your purse to dinner. Plus it's so nice to bring a handmade project to use! There also happens to be a wine store just down the street and I'll take this bag with me when I shop.
When it comes to putting these bags together I try to keep it accessible so I don't have to pull everything out and close up my space. I always put my sewing machine at the bottom, where it's safest. Remember to travel with your needle down! But once I get it out and on the table, I put back the kits and any large tools I don't use all day long.
It probably seems like an insane amount of stuff for three days, and it sort of is... but being trapped without the things you need to get projects done is THE WORST. Or if I ran out of things to work I would be incredibly disappointed! Then I would spend even more money on projects, when I really do already have plenty. And while I may pack more than I need, somehow I still always forget something.
Hopefully this packing walkthrough helps you get more prepared for your next crafting retreat! I hope you have one right around the corner! Good luck! 