Quilters Retreat Guide

Supply List for a Quilt Retreat

As you pack your bags for an upcoming quilt retreat, you want to make sure you don't forget any of the essential quilting supplies so you can make the most of your sewing time.

Listed below are my "must have" quilt supplies, with links to great prices for each item on Amazon. Not sure which project you want to do on retreat? Check out these fun quilt ideas that can be completed in a weekend.

1. Portable Sewing Machine and Sewing Machine Trolley

You may want to buy a portable sewing machine specifically for use in classes and retreats. Find advice and links in this article on good buys for quilting machines or click on the Amazon box below for current deals.

I always keep a complete set of quilt retreat supplies ready to go in my rolling sewing machine case (click the link to see the full choice of case types).

 

2. Rotary Cutting Mat and Ironing Pad

Although many retreats have shared ironing boards and tables for large cutting mats, I always like to have a small rotary mat and ironing surface next my sewing machine. The ideal solution is this folding, travel-size combination cutting mat & ironing pad.    

Also good for working in a small space is this spinning rotary mat, which is especially helpful when you are trimming or squaring up blocks.

Another option to consider is this portable ironing board with sewing grid. I like the different size ironing surfaces as well as the lines to help prevent  fabric from stretching out of shape when pressing.

 

3. Rotary Cutter, Blades and Quilt Rulers

Rotary cutters in my favorite size, plus extra rotary cutter blades and a set of basic quilt rulers.

 

4. Bobbins, Threads and Sewing Machine Needles

To save precious retreat time, place several pre-wound bobbins for your projects in a bobbin box. A time-saving tool for this boring task is a portable bobbin winder, something you can do while watching TV.

Amazon is also a great place for quilting deals on sewing machine needles, thread, and other basic quilt supplies.

An easy, grab-and-go sewing basket is actually a fishing tackle box. Lots of compartments and drawers that can often be reconfigured to fit your supplies. Best of all, this can also keep supplies organized in your home sewing room.

5. Other Useful Items for a Quilting Retreat

If the workroom has space, it's helpful to bring your own extra small sewing table to keep your tools and supplies on the side.

And when you're ready to take a break from the sewing machine, curl up with a good quilting novel, whether a paperback or an e-book for your Kindle reader.

 

 

Sewing Machines for a Retreat

Some quilters are reluctant to take their expensive, high-end sewing machines to a retreat. For example, the machine may be too heavy or bulky to move it out of a cabinet and pack it into a case for transport to class. Or, do you really want to trust how well your machine will be handled as checked baggage on an airline flight?

Another reason to consider a separate sewing machine for retreats: The quilt projects you plan to work on during retreat can be accomplished with a more basic machine.   

The solution?  Purchase an economical sewing machine that provides just the essential features and portability for use in classes, guild programs, and retreats.

Although your local sewing machine dealers may carry a few of these models, you can get broad choices and prices by searching online.

Amazon.com lists affordable sewing machines with a range of prices, manufacturers, and models. The site also offers categories for bargain embroidery machines and quilting machines deals, as well as parts and accessories.

Particularly valuable are the user ratings and reviews for sewing machines. The selection changes daily; this link will lead you to the quiting/sewing machines that received positive feedback by other sewers:  Top-Rated Sewing Machines

 

Online Fabric Stores for Quilting Fabric and Quilt Supplies

A fun retreat idea is to visit nearby stores. And if you are in a new area, that quilt fabric shopping can be fun indeed!

But sometimes you need to buy fabric or supplies for a quilt project before the retreat. Yet you may not be able to find everything you need in your local quilt store.

That's when it is handy to know about the deals on fabric and quilting supplies offered by online stores, which also offer sewing machines, sewing attachments, quilting notions, and quilting accessories. These sites also regularly promote special sales and shipping deals that are available only online.

Amazon.com: You probably think of Amazon as a great source for quilting book bargains, both the latest releases and those older or out-of-print treasures that can be hard to find elsewhere.  But who would have guessed that Amazon is also a great source for quality quilting fabrics?

Independent sellers (many of them quilt shops) offer a wide range of fabric by the yard, jelly rolls, charm squares and other fabric packets. If you are looking for a particular designer or fabric line, enter the name in Amazon's search box. Otherwise, the selection changes daily, so you can have the fun of discovering a treasure in the fabrics currently available.

And Amazon is also a great place for quilting deals on sewing machine needles, thread, and other quilt supplies.

Gifts for Quilters

You have the best intentions ... to finish that quilted wall hanging, table runner, or tote bag for a special quilting friend or the members of your quilt guild.

But time is running short ... now what do you do?

Check out the Quilters Wit & Wisdom shop, full of fun quilt-theme designs for T-shirts, hats, bags, and sewing room decor ... coffee mugs and journals, even an adorable teddy bear!

Designs shown here: Quilter at Play! and Love Me, Love My Fabric Stash

Better yet, these gifts are ready to go ... you can also ship them directly to your friends!

PS:  Look at the unique "Real Men Quilt" designs for the male members of your group and the "Quilt Widower" choices for those patient husbands!