I typically throw my clothes into a suitcase like the one above....and then pack every last thing I think I might need and typically several things I think others just might need too. Yes...I'm nuts...but we already knew that!
How do you pack? Are you a planner and think packing in advance is part of the fun of going to retreat or do you hate packing like I do?
The main project I want to work on is my Hugs and Kisses Quilt that I started last year. It is a quilt I am making for myself (can you believe I'm actually making something for myself? That's only happened one other time...yikes!) I love Julie Herman's pattern, Hugs and Kisses and I'm looking forward to getting back to that project. You can see I have lots of squares finished but I need to finish them and then decide on how to put them together.
I'm wondering what everyone else packs when going to a 3 day retreat. Of course I'll take my sewing machine in my Tutto Large Machine On Wheels bag...I love that bag for travel....but I also have the Omni Glide in Red and what I love about that case is it rolls either sideways or forward and it can go in a circle....that bag really rocks too. I am very blessed to have two bags...I use one for my machine and the other for all my supplies and notions.
I'll need a design wall of some sort....do you pack a portable design wall when you go to retreat with a large project like this? Any tips or ideas on how to minimize what I'm taking even though I still need to visually lay out every one of my blocks?
I'll take my Scrap-Ma-Bob so I don't run the risk of spilling my water or drink on or near my work or anyone else's for that matter. Under my pattern you can see I have my Omni Grid Cutting Mat and Ironing area....I love this for retreats....does anyone else have one and use it? It keeps me from hopping up and down or moving between the cutting area and the pressing area. When I get to retreat I just want to make progress on my project and not spend all my time waiting for an iron etc.
Of course my Beam N Read will go with me....that's a given. I think I'm beginning to see why I hate packing.....I'm afraid I'll forget things. This time I think I might get compulsive and make a retreat packing list. Have you ever done that...or am I nuts for even thinking about making one. There is a tab on the IHAN website that says Retreat Necessities.....but it doesn't have a quick tips list for packing. I need one of those things! If you have made one, would you be willing to share it with me? I'm curious how other Quilters and Stitchers move about with their supplies and projects.
Smiles,
Kelly
Oh have a BLAST!! Our Stitcher's Retreat is towards the end of February ... and I actually started thinking about packing for it yesterday. Because I'm so anxious for it to get here!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love my scrap-ma-bob! I once spilled a can of diet coke all over my sewing machine. Never again!
ReplyDeleteNo matter what you take (everything or nothing) I know you will have a good time! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHave tons of fun and enjoy a well-deserved respite.
ReplyDeleteI'm crazy when I pack for a big trip. That is, if I have time to think about it. I used to build a spreadsheet on what I'd need/wear on a certain day. However, these last few years I've just been known to throw a bunch of stuff into the suitcase without looking and go... Whee!
Enjoy the peace, wisdom, and girl-talk. Tell them all I say hello!
Oh Kelly have a wonderful time!!!! I've never gone on a retreat, but I do make a list when I pack...I'm terrified I'll forget something too. Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time Kelly. Retreats are he best! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the Lakehouse retreat. I remember when you went last year and it seemed like great fun. I always bring my main project, plus a backup project. Sometimes even something I can do by hand, in the evenings, should I no longer want to sit at the machine.
ReplyDeleteIf lighting isn't great you may want to bring your new super cool task light.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Have a great time! Packing isn't my favorite part of going on a trip, but it pays to be prepared!
ReplyDeleteHave a blast. I don't love packing, but I do it early so i can re-pack two or three times when I realize what I left out. I am also big on having a packing list. I just make a new one for each trip....you would think I would keep a basic list to build on wouldn't you!
ReplyDeleteI just love retreats! I know you'll have fun and if you have forgotten something I'm sure other attendees will be able to help you out. As for packing, we all have our usual items that we take, so I put together a "kit" that is a duplicate of all of my notions, i.e. needles, markers, scissors, rotary cutter, rulers, etc. When it comes time to pack I grab the kit, throw it in the trunk, add my machine and major project and take off. As I back out the garage, I turn around and go back and get my clothes!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI put everything I think I need in a suitcase and then take half of it out. This method works well for me (and I have room in my bag to collect more stuff to take home with me!).
ReplyDeleteI am a list maker!! We have a camper and in the summer we are often gone on three day weekends. I pack for all five of us and I have to make a list for everything! Clothes, food, toiletries... And I feel a little more acomplished as I check them off!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time...we are going on the 23rd for 5 days and combining it with Mid-atlantic quilt festival in Hampton, VA. I have already started packing. I just ordered the scrap-ma-bob as my new gadget to take along.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, Kelly! Oh, and my package arrived safely - thanks so much for the sumptuous panel! You are a gem!
ReplyDeleteI don't really like to pack. But, I start a list (if I know far enough in advance) several weeks ahead - on my phone there's a place to do this. I just keep adding to the list as I think of things. About 3 days before, I print the list out and start putting the things "willy-nilly" in the suitcase. The day or night before, I pack using the printed list...checking off as it goes in the suitcase.
ReplyDeleteAs Renate wrote above, I have a sewing kit which is a duplicate of all the notions I would use during a class. This "kit" stays in the Tutto all the time, even when the Machine isn't in there. Then, I add things that I might need that would be unique to just the current class.
I do the same for things that I take to go on a trip. I have a cosmetic pouch that is packed all the time and can just go in the suitcase as is. I also, have a couple of other things that I keep just for travel and can throw in. Having little items that you would regularly take...already packed...makes packing much less a burden.
Ok...I'm interested in some buying some of your "retreat" items...Kelly, your posts always get me into trouble =P
hugZ,
annie
anniesrubyslipperz.com
I swear by my "Things to take to retreat" list, and keep it handy while I pack. Otherwise, I'd forget stuff, like pillow to sit on, tissues, add-a-quarter ruler for paper piecing, camera, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt sure sounds like you will have enough to work on during your retreat Kelly! I hope you have a blast. I know you commented on my geraniums but was unable to respond due to disappearing emails during our travels. Anyway....thank you for the comment and we will be at the rest stop just south of Tallahassee on Hwy. 10 about 10 a.m. tomorrow and the candle mat will be in the brown bag with blue polka dots.
ReplyDeleteHave fun, Kelly & catch lots of "fish!" What to take on retreat? Dunno, never been! But, one thing's for sure - if I was going somewhere to meet up with you, I'd sure pack up some homemade fudge! Maybe a couple pairs of scissors and a ruler or 2. And a change of undies. Yes, definitely a change of undies!
ReplyDeleteWe have sew-ins every Thursday, and I'm usually trying to figure out what to take as I'm loading the car. Have fun!
ReplyDelete