Quilting as therapy

November 13, 2026

I have a t-shirt from Angela Walters’ shop in Liberty, Missouri that reads, “Quilting is My Therapy.” It never fails to elicit a smile from folks whenever I wear it. One of my friends mentioned that quilting is a form of therapy for her. I believe it. The time she spends sewing is definitely reflected in the number of items she turns into community service at guild meetings.

Quilting helps me cope when stress levels are high. Earlier this year, I made enough potato chip blocks for two 60″x80″ tops before hubby left for his April visit at MD Anderson in Houston. Some years, the holiday season can be hard for me, as well. So far, so good, but I have two quilts from my recent retreat and charity quilt blocks for my bee group to keep me busy. I’ve also downloaded the fabric requirements for Bonnie Hunter’s upcoming winter mystery quilt that launches on Thanksgiving Day, just in case I need it.

I made my first Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt two years ago. It was a big help to me in getting through a very difficult season (my sister-in-law lost her battle with cancer shortly after Christmas that year). Not gonna lie – Bonnie uses lots of small units in her designs and it was a challenge to keep up with the weekly schedule. However, it was exactly what I needed at the time. Why does Bonnie host a winter mystery quilt each year? [In her own words] “The holidays are NOT joyful for everyone – so we do this during this time to bring a little joy into their lives. Sewing in community can heal. It’s a gift I can give.“

I appreciate that.

If a mystery quilt isn’t your jam, make a kid quilt from the wildest and brightest fabrics in your stash using your favorite pattern or a freebie from Fabric Cafe or Fat Quarter Shop. Donate it to your guild, Project Linus or Quilts for Kids. Seasonal placemats (covering the months of January – April) for Meals on Wheels is another option. Doing something for others takes your mind off of your own troubles for a while. Petting a therapy dog and getting outside also helps.

Hints when packing for a quilt retreat

November 7, 2026

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.

Photo by Matvei on Pexels.com

Quilt Retreat at the House of Mouse

November 6, 2026

On Sunday morning, I flew to Long Beach, California for an event hosted by Eternity Quilt Events. Headquartered at the Embassy Suites South in Garden Grove – two miles from Disneyland – the teaching faculty for my session were Sherri McConnell, Chelsi Stratton and Liza Taylor. There was an optional day trip to Disneyland before another retreat session began featuring a different set of instructors, Camille Roskelley among them. Over 100 participants showed up for my session – 1/3 came solo (like me) and 1/3 stayed for BOTH sessions.

I had a fabulous time. Diane Erickson certainly packs a lot of value into her retreats and a portion of her profit is returned to nearby communities to support children’s initiatives. National instructors, machine rental, kits, most meals, snacks, chocolate (of course), swag and a lot of fun activities were included in the retreat fee. Hotel and transportation were separate. No car rental was necessary this trip, which was a nice change. Ride Yellow handled my airport transfers and I was able to walk everywhere else or take the Garden Grove trolley service.

Eternity Quilt Events has two major events scheduled for 2027 – an Alaskan Cruise and a sewcation on Maui. Attendees were actually given first dibs at signing up for the Maui event. I declined because I’m not into cruises and the Hawaii trip was way out of my budget. I did mention that I’d definitely consider returning for a future event held on the mainland. Seattle, San Diego and returning to Garden Grove were mentioned as possibilities for 2028. I’ll keep an eye out.

Other west coast events recommended by several attendees: Garden of Quilts (Lehi, Utah), Shabby Fabrics retreats (Northern Idaho), Road to California, and the Sisters Quilt Show (Oregon).

What did I like best about the retreat? (1) the retro LGB airport and (2) connecting with other attendees from the southeast who were also attending the same retreat. I’ll cross paths with one of them again in January at the Myrtle Beach Quilt Party.