We recently hosted a sewing retreat at Dinkydoo and it was SEW much fun! We had a lot of questions leading up to it though so I thought I’d do a series all about retreats!

It’s pretty basic quilters math:

Sewing + Vacation = Retreat!!

Let's Sew!

Doesn’t that sound amazing? Anywhere from a weekend to a week, to sew with friends, uninterrupted!

There are a whole lot of ways these can come together, so let’s dive in!They’re most often organized by guilds, shops, and groups of friends. However, can you get in on a retreat- seize the opportunity! We know quilty friends are the best people to spend time with and what do we want to do? SEW!!

What are your supplies?

Sometimes there’s a class. Retreats can be organized around bringing in a teacher, making it a great opportunity to have a real connection with a super quilter or a new technique. Make sure you have everything on the supply list!

Dinkydoo Retreat Packing List!

The Machine Stuff:

• Sewing machine
• Sewing machine case
• Power cord 
• Foot Pedal
• Machine feet including 1/4” and any specialty ones you might need
• Extension Cord
• Power Bar
• Extra needles 
• Bobbins
• Extension table

The Fabric Stuff:

• Projects organized in separate bags
  
• Project bits like zippers, magnets
• Interfacings 
• Thread to match fabrics
• Basic black, white, neutral threads
• Printed out patterns/instructions 

The Notion Stuff:

• Cutting mat
  
• Felted wool pressing mat
• Rotary cutter and extra blades
• Scissors large and small
• Seam ripper
• Rulers 
• Mini iron and ironing pad for your station if you have them
• Thread Catcher
• Pins and Cushion
• Binding clips

The Extra Stuff:

• Phone 
• Charger
• Glasses
• Snacks to share
• Special drinks
• Sketchbook
• Pen/pencil

The Self-care Stuff:

• Prescriptions
  
• Pain killers
• Bandaids
• Hand cream
• Nail file
• Kleenex
• Slippers
• Cosy Sweater
• Chair or cushion
• Quilt to snuggle under
• Lip Balm
• Water bottle
• Earphones and music if you like to zone out while you sew

The Just-In-Case Stuff:

• Backup sewing machine 
  
• Hand sewing 
• Deck of cards

What can you eat?

Generally, food is taken care of when you’re at a retreat center, so all you have to do is sew. Make sure to tell the organizer about any dietary requirements you have, with plenty of time to accommodate them. Some retreats may not include food though, and retreat attendees share the duties of cooking and cleaning up after. Everyone takes a turn! If you’re not confident in the kitchen, you could partner up with someone who is, and offer double dish duty instead ;)

Are you an Early Bird or Night Owl?

Early birds, night owls. Usually, you’re one or the other! Most retreat sewing rooms are open for whatever hours you want to use them, first person turns on the lights and irons, last person makes sure everything is turned off. If you’re at a day retreat over several days at a shop, hours will be set in advance so everyone knows what to expect. If most people end up being late risers, the hours could be adjusted the night before so everyone can sleep in a little later. 

What clothing should you wear?

Pyjama chic. Wear your comfiest clothes, it’s all good! Some retreats even have a prize for never getting out of your jammies for the whole weekend. Now that’s a competition I can handle!

Connect with your machine and friends

However you become a retreater, taking time away to connect with your machine and skills is a really cool opportunity! I hope you get to go on a retreat soon. 

Take a picture!

(Make sure to take a picture with everyone at the end!) 

Next week we will talk about retreat sewing project strategies!

Until next week, stay crafty! ~Michelle @ Team Dinkydoo

Tutto bags

Tutto bags are the #1 investment you can make if you plan on going on sewing retreats (or doing any travelling with your machine at all!)

They fit virtually every sewing machine model, are highly durable, and provide the protection you need. As a BIG bonus, there are so many options to store your notions it's mind-boggling!

Check out all the Tutto bag colours and size options here!