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A lot of good novels have been published that have quilting themes and quilters as heroines. From heartwarming family tales to mysteries to historical quilt stories, you'll find a quilters fiction book to enjoy.
On your next retreat, take along a book of quilting fiction for pleasure reading when you're done with sewing for the day. Many of these titles are even available as e-books for a Kindle or as audio books for listening while you quilt.
Another idea is to hold a quilters book club discussion as part of the retreat, choosing a quilters novel for everyone to read in advance. This can be a fun activity during a meal -- and be sure to ask everyone to recommend another great quilting book!
To help you find these books, here is a list of authors and search terms for Amazon.com:
Perhaps the most prolific quilt fiction author is Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the very popular Elm Creek Quilts novels. She has even created a series of Elm Creek Quilt Patterns based on the characters and quilts in the novels.
Amish quilters are the subjects for novelist Adina Senft and Cindy Woodsmall in their Amish quilt novel series.
Do you enjoy a good mystery novel? Now you can combine it with your love of quilting in these enthralling quilt mysteries.
If a romance book is more your style, you'll find love stories and wedding quilts in these quilters romance novels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Many quilters use quilting retreats to work on UFOs (unfinished objects) or charity quilts. All good -- but how about treating yourself to a fun, new project, especially one that you can finish easily in a day or two?
These books contain many patterns and ideas that would make great retreat projects:
Hoping to use that retreat to take care of all your gifting needs this year? Look at the great ideas in Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts, organized by the amount of time involved.
See how many fun projects you could complete in a weekend with the book One-Yard Wonders. Includes ideas for apparel, home decor, and gifts for everyone...all with a contemporary flair.
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.
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!
sewing machine needles
