I help run a sewing retreat (I live in New Hampshire) and one of my jobs is to bring along some music and get the ladies up out of their chairs a few times a day so they can stretch a bit. After leading the exercises, I put on a peppy song and we dance (or at least shake it up a bit) for a minute or two. There is a lot of smiling and laughing during our dance breaks! So my advice is don't forget to get up and move around every so often. Sounds like you will have fun....can't wait to hear all about it on a future video!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

excellent idea!!

Power strips and portable task lighting are a must.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Excellent point!

@79bjhart

3 ай бұрын

At this retreat, the lighting is fantastic and power strips are included!

Well the first thing, you may not need to take your sewing machine. You can take the triumph, quilt and sew with it. The quilting aspect is using the chain stitch to piece your quilt together. You can adjust the setting on the machine to get a perfect 1/4” seam. You will have an advantage using the serger instead of the sewing machine. You don’t have to fill bobbins. The cones will give you nearly endless supply of thread. I am more of a garment sewer than a quilter. I have been to sewing retreats but not quilting(taken a few classes). I bet you will have a blast while you are there. I visited Hamilton three years ago and was amazed at the town. Jenny and her family have revived that sleepy town into a place many want to visit. Enjoy your time, you will meet wonderful people. Happy sewing and quilting.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Ok, that is blowing my mind. Must research this more.... thank you!

Caprice 👌.. perfect for this summer😊 have fun!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

It really is! :)

I'm a quilter coming back to apparel sewing. Never been on a quilting retreat but it sounds like a blast! How about bringing a couple of squares of rubber drawer liner for your foot petals. Have a blast!!!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Ok, that is GENIUS. Thank you!

Oooh it's so exciting to pack for a retreat. To be going to spend all that time with other sewists is soooo exciting. The only other thing I thought of is a tiny little bin or threat collector. Some ppl bring a little fabric made bin that they made out of scraps, others just use a container from their kitchen. It's better to have something at least, I find. Have a wonderful time. ❤❤😂

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

oo my mom made one of those for me - into the packing list it goes!

I used to be an over packer. My mother could pack for two weeks in a Barbie case! I have never been to a retreat. I follow several people in the U K who attend retreats. Your ideas seem awesome. Have a great time.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

haha, barbie case! LOL

It's going to be so much fun, Tessa! Ooooo. I need to make a few tops and wait until we get to the retreat to hem them with your coverstitch! Aunt Becky😊

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

OO good idea! Lemme know what color threads you need!

I just came from our first retreat of the year. If you get warm, bring a fan, or if you get a cold, a sweater and an extra blanket. Favorite snacks and beverage. Sewing/serger thread in colors for your fabric, rulers, stiletto, marking tools, pins, scissors, safety pins, and accessory feet for your machines. I'm sure that you will need to bring so much more. I'm like you that I bring more than I'll probably get done, but I have lots of options to choose from. Have fun and enjoy!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

I was thinking about cozy stuff too :) thanks!

So many good tips here! I just did a virtual intense 3 day quilting retreat & was so grateful they did chair yoga around 4 pm every day, it really helped my neck, back & shoulder from being tight & sore. I've been fortunate to go to many retreats for bag making, quilting, serging & garment making (including LN in 2019 : ). One time I forgot the 'table cover piece' to switch my Evolution to coverstitch & had to use someone else's machine. My machine manuals are always in my trolley bags along with the feet I may need & some shelf liner to put under my foot pedal to keep it from sliding all over. I used to overpack too, but I've learned to create project bags with everything needed (pattern, thread, bobbins, clips, etc.) in each labeled big zip lock bag. I like cutting & labeling all the pattern pieces in advance to get right to sewing. Label All of your tools/supplies & don't bring your most expensive scissors or tools that sometimes sadly disappear. Lighting is almost always needed at your machine, so an Ott or similar light is good (I have one with a USB to keep my cell charged, most retreats don't have the best wifi & cell batteries drain quickly). I love having a small power outlet tower for the group table to plug in everything. I use a big coffee mug to put all my most used tools in. I always bring a mug rug & pad to go under my machine & a small collapsible trash container. If there is room, I sometimes bring a foldable TV tray to use for ironing. A favorite item I love to have is the blue LN plastic cup with top & straw (you gave us at the retreat) for water or drinks, so it doesn't spill if knocked over. I bring fun & healthy snacks & drinks to share with my group. Stay hydrated, it's easy to keep sewing & forget. I wear comfy clothes (layers if I get cold or warm) & sew without shoes, so my hard sole Ugg slippers are a must to avoid stepping on pins on the floor. It's ok to take a machine break & do a little hand sewing project. I'm a light sleeper, so I have ear plugs packed if needed. For shopping, I pack a tote bag, comfy shoes & use a belt bag for hands free shopping. Don't forget to take pictures & have fun making memories with your sister, Mom & Aunt! You will probably be on adrenalin the whole time & feel exhausted but happy after you get home.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Ok, I need to do some chair yoga! FUN!! And manuals are a great idea too! I just added like 7 items to my packing list :)

@tamarakarlin2758

3 ай бұрын

@@LoveNotions, it was SO good! I’m looking for channels to do it more. Hope you all have a blast & safe travels!

I went to a Featherweight maintenance workshop at MSQC and had an absolute blast! They had a couple of pressing stations and cutting tables so I didn’t bring those kinds of tools, but yours may be different. Have fun!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Oh wow! Awesome to know!

@79bjhart

3 ай бұрын

Yes, multiple pressing stations and cutting areas. They also provide a small cutting mat right at your 6 ft table.

I usually overpack for retreats as well. I prefer cutting my projects out at home though; I tend to get a little distracted at retreats. lol. I hope ya’ll have a blast!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Great tip!

I’m not a quilter and haven’t been to a retreat, but would love to attend one. I watched one of MSQ’s videos about their retreats and tour of the space. You might find it helpful. The space is lovely and it looks like it would be a lot of fun. Hamilton seems like the Disney World of quilting. Have a wonderful time!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! What a great resource! When are we gonna make an apparel sewing Disney World???

@laurajones4088

3 ай бұрын

@@LoveNotions wouldn’t that be fabulous?

Say to yourself, “They have stores there.” I have to do this myself when I prepare to go on a trip.🙄 What a fun trip! Always wanted to visit MSQC since first hearing about it. Enjoy!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Ha! So true! Thanks for watching!! ~J

I've been to several quilting retreats, including one at MSQC. There are a dozen MSQC stores offering quilt fabric within a block of the retreat center but no apparel fabric stores, so take more fabric for your projects than you think you'll need. Relax and enjoy the retreat, catch up on sleep afterwards.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

I think the whole apparel side of things is an opportunity for them!

I think that might be the same retreat the ladies from Inappropriate Quilters podcast will be attending. I have never been to one of the MSQ retreats, but have been to the town. So much fun stores to shop at whether or not you are a quilter! Have fun!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

I heard they were coming! Looking forward to hearing more about them!

I think you’ll be the cool kid on the block, especially for the attendees who only quilt and have never made a garment. If it were me, I would make my fabric selections for each pattern ahead of time and not pack extra fabric. Then you can pack. Thread, interfacing, buttons and/or zippers, etc. for each garment you intend to make.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

hey, I'm cool with that!

I can only say what a fun time you’ll have! I’ve only been on one but it was a blast! On my list, 1/4” foot, blind hem foot, button hole attachment, walking foot if you think you might need it, pre-wound bobbins, hand sewing needles, extension cord or power strip, tape, extra machine needles, sewing machine manual, pattern weights, pressing cloth and a purple thing to name a few. I would be first in line if you had a sewing workshop! Live in the area😊

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

good ideas!

That would be so much fun! To socialize and meet new people who have the same likes. Would like to attend a sewing retreat.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

I'm so excited!

I am not a quilter but my mother is a big time quilter. One of the things I admire is her ability to select a harmonious set of fabrics for her projects. I wonder if that might be something you learn from this retreat and apply it to your garment projects? And then, maybe you can teach me! 😂

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

aww what a nice idea!

What about the Coda coat? You could do some awesome quilt design and combine quilting and garment sewing.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Great idea!

Wear your new jeans you embroidered! Other than that dress comfy. Try to embrace quilting for at least part of the time’! I’ve been invited to a few local quilt retreats because my quilting friends want to share their love of their craft. I made small quilt project like a wall hangman’s lap blanket and it was great fun! You may “catch” the bug!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

The jeans are 100% in my clothes packing list!

I just went to my first sewing retreat and it was so much fun! I brought my sewing machine and my Triumph. DO NOT FORGET THE COVERSTITCH FRONT COVER!!! Also bring a variety of projects with different skill levels or mental load so you can switch out if you need to. I brought a more complex project and some easier ones. When I felt frustrated or hit a wall with the complex project, I switched to an easier project so I could get a small victory. I hope you have fun and make lots of progress on your projects!

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

great advice!

Label everything

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

smart! I think I'll bring some masking tape & sharpie

You might become a quilting convert❤

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

I am keeping all options open!

Would this be a good time to BEG for a Love Notions retreat or two??? I would so love to go.

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

I think so too! Would love to see everyone in person again

Write "machine power cord" at the top of your packing list. Don't ask me how I know. 🤦‍♀🤦‍♀

@LoveNotions

3 ай бұрын

Haha! Good point!