Hints when packing for a quilt retreat
Rule #1: Less is more.
Rule #2: Carefully review the organizer’s suggested packing list.
Rule #3: See Rule #1.
Three items were specifically mentioned on the organizers packing list: Oliso 3 mini iron, 5″ x 15″ acrylic ruler and a battery operated light – if you use an extra sewing lamp. Why? The hotel would only allow irons with auto shut off – which this model has – and the policy was strictly enforced. The 5″x15″ clear ruler from Quilter’s Select was FABULOUS and came in so handy. I took my Daylight Foldigo and a portable power bank. Why? Each quilter was allotted 2 plug-ins per power strip (1 for sewing machine and 1 for iron).
I did most of my “souvenir shopping” before I ever left Atlanta – new Oliso 3 mini iron, QS 5×15 ruler and a lower wattage power bank that I could take on the plane. I spent a grand total of $20 at the retreat for 3 patterns from A Quilting Life.
Since I traveled by plane, I only had so much space in my suitcase to devote to sewing supplies. Machines were provided and kits would be distributed at the event. What did I take?
1 pr small scissors, seam ripper, pins & pincushion, mechanical pencil, lt gray thread, rotary cutter with a fresh blade, folding cutting mat, iron and small pressing mat, and a small assortment of rulers. I added a glue stick and a rotating cutting mat for the FPP blocks.
What did I miss most? My 12 x 18 wool pressing mat, small bottle of Best Press and my memory foam seat cushion. I made do with my 12×12 press mat or used the community pressing tables; borrowed ironing spray to spritz yardage before ironing back in my hotel room; and I walked to Target to buy a 3″ chair cushion. The hotel chairs were comfortable, but did not sit high enough to accommodate sitting at the sewing machine for extended periods of time. That 3″ made a huge difference in my comfort for the rest of the retreat. And yes, the beige linen chair cushion came home with me on the plane.
Most helpful thing I did before the retreat: Review a copy of the Kinley quilt pattern from Liza Taylor to learn her method of making HRTs. I added one tiny 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ ruler to my packing list. That little ruler was shared with at least 5 other quilters to make trimming the HRTs so much easier.
Things to remember to pack for next-time. Small stack of 2″ x 2″ sticky notes, supply of ziplock bags, kitchen size trash bag (to hold dirty clothes) and a reusable shopping bag.
Of course, my packing list for an event where I travel by car is a little more robust – but everything still fits inside my rolling sewing machine case and my big LL Bean tote bag. No wagon required.
Here’s the thing: take only the essentials plus one or two extra things that you personally need to sew successfully (for me, it’s a Creative Grids 2-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ ruler). If you forget something, you can either borrow from a fellow quilter or buy a new one from the quilt shop sponsoring the event.
