Whether you’re “retreating” to your quilting space for an afternoon or meeting up with friends for a long weekend of sewing, quilt retreats are all the rage. And why not? Just like a massage or a mani-pedi, a retreat plucks you from your day-to-day life and places you in an environment where you can lavish time and attention on—who else?—yourself!
Quilt-retreat organizer Krista Hennebury knows all about the two stages of these fun events: getting there and being there. In her new book Make It, Take It, she and her retreat friends offer organizational projects that, when sewn, let you travel to a retreat in style. Then, choose beautiful quilts and more from the book to make during the retreat itself!
We’re happy to have Krista as a guest blogger today—and if you’re organizationally challenged, take note. You are going to love the inventive projects in Make It, Take It for organizing your sewing stuff. Welcome, Krista!
I’m so excited to share the inspiration for my book Make It, Take It with you today. Readers of my blog Poppyprint will know that I’ve been quilting for 15 years, teaching for 12 years, and running a successful retreat business for over 10 years. In that time, I’ve seen just about every possible type of equipment storage and organization, and more than a few chipped acrylic rulers and extension tables. I’ve also gained a lot of insight into realistic sew-day or weekend sewing goals!
Make It, Take It is a collection of unique, functional projects for sewists who love to take their “sew on the road” and create with friends. In the book, I bring together some of my favorite quilt-blogging friends for a virtual retreat, where we share our innovative designs and fun retreat stories to inspire you.
The “Take it” section of the book is all about moving and storing your supplies and equipment. Aside from my own projects in the book, the first thing I made was Berene Campbell’s “Ultimate Equipment Tote.”
It’s an incredibly clever construction; the tote securely holds my entire acrylic ruler collection, 18″ x 24″ cutting mat, rotating cutting mat, portable ironing surface, rotary cutter, marking tools, folded fabric, and a copy of my book. The tote is a must for anyone who sews away from home!
Clockwise from top left: along with Leanne Chahley’s zippered sewing-needle case and Ayumi Takahashi’s roomy totes, you’ll also find Amy Friend’s sweet scissor caddy (I’ve made eight for gifts already!), Kristie Maslow’s stylish knitting clutch, and Cindy Wiens’s colorful machine mat with see-through storage pockets.
You’ll also get a pattern that I had so many requests for on my blog, I decided to design my own version and include it in Make It, Take It: my non-skid pincushion/thread catcher. And Krista Fleckenstein’s crafter’s apron will keep your tools, glasses, and treats handy as you move around your home or retreat hall.
Once you’ve got your supplies happily tucked into their traveling cases, look to the “Make It” section for sewing and quilting inspiration at home or on retreat.
Lynne Goldsworthy’s “Lone Star Circle Quilt” and Christina Lane’s “Macaron Delight Quilt” are both beautiful quilts to easily complete during a weekend retreat. Or, decorate your home or sew up a hostess gift with Felicity Ronaghan’s woven placemats for a round table, Amy Friend’s foundation-pieced pillow, or the “Stepping Stones Table Runner” (follow Krista Withers’s expert advice for creative quilting in negative space with a walking foot).
My "Orange Grove Quilt" is a modern take on a classic block.
Do you have a group of friends that would like to try quilting, or a stitch group looking for a fun charity project? “Rainbow ’Round the Cabin Quilt” is an afternoon project for six friends. Everyone contributes fabric in a chosen rainbow color and leaves with a completed lap-quilt top!
It was my desire to create a book that was approachable, friendly, and useful for quilters and sewists on the go. I’m excited to see what you create and hear how the projects in Make It, Take It enhance your own retreat experiences! Please share your projects on Instagram using #makeittakeit.
Thanks for introducing your talented group of retreat friends, Krista!
COMING IN APRIL: Twelve Martingale staffers are planning an afternoon retreat to make “Rainbow ’Round the Cabin” quilts as part of Krista’s blog hop for Make It, Take It, which starts on April 6. Everyone goes home with a completed lap-sized quilt top. Stay tuned for the results!
Quilt retreats: home alone or away with friends? Tell us what you prefer in the comments and you could win a copy of the Make It, Take It eBook! We’ll choose a random winner one week from today and let you know by email if you win.
Comments are closed for this post.
Thanks to all who entered the drawing! The winner is Judy, who says:
“I’m going on a quilting retreat next month with my quilt guild. This is my first time. It may become my favorite quilting time.”
Judy, we’ll email you about your prize. Congratulations!
Home alone. Most of my friends don’t sew 🙁
—Gina S. on February 24, 2015I like a retreat that is laid back and everyone does their own thing but still interacts with the other retreat attendees and of course lots of good food and fellowship.
—Bev on February 24, 2015Show and tell is a must as is respect for others.
My family and I have a wonderful quilt retreat. Once a year, on Veteran’s Day weekend, to honor my departed father, we all get together and have our annual family quilt retreat. We plan all year for a project to complete making sure it’s appropriate for all levels. At the first retreat, my daughter in law was a convert to quilting and at the second one, my sister in law and neice were taken with the hobby! This year’s retreat was at my oldest sister’s house and we cut Christmas fabrics for a project to be completed during this year year for a big reveal of our projects at this year’s retreat at my house! It’s a wonderful tradition and something the entire family anticipates and enjoys. It honors my father and also honors the long-standing quilting traditions in my family.
—Celene Thelen on February 24, 2015I like retreats, but large groups can be overwhelming and distracting. I think a smaller group is more conducive to getting things done. I have done the large crowded groups and now I am much more comfortable with a small group of dedicated friends. I am able to complete more projects in a quieter group.
—Patricia D. Roberts on February 24, 2015I would love to quilt with friends…if I had other friends who knew how to quilt!! Most of my friends don’t even know how to sew….
—Christinabean on February 24, 2015I’ve only been to 2 overnight retreats and both were fun. No distractions so you can sew and sew!
—Carol Vickers on February 24, 2015I prefer to go to a retreat at a hotel, with friends and good food. That way we have more time to sew, and can share ideas and help each other.
—Tia M.M. Hegstad on February 24, 2015Away with friends wins hands down! Unless I’m alone, there are just too many distractions at home.
—Diane on February 24, 2015I enjoy the company of others most of the time but occasionally when the world feels like too much, I retreat to a quiet few hours in my work room. So for me it isn’t either or but both in the right time and place.
—Anita on February 24, 2015What fun projects. These projects look like wonderful stash busters. Thanks for the opportunity to be more prepared for my retreat in September.
—Sharon S on February 24, 2015I think the book looks very exciting. Great idea! And since I work full time, a retreat home alone is all that is possible, but a local one with friends sounds like fun!
—Cindy S. on February 24, 2015I have never been on a quilt retreat. I am a beginner level quilter, so I don’t know if I would fit in. I like classes with a live instructor, as I need someone to see what I am doing wrong, and help me figure out what I need to do to fix it.
—Susan on February 24, 2015I have plenty of time to sew alone at home so my preferred retreats involve friends, lots of them. I am anxiously awaiting another two weeks until we will meet for two solid days of quilting and a potluck supper. There will be between 25 and 30 of us. The food brought for the potluck supper will last for all the second day’s meals. Sewing from early morning until late into the night among the hum of machines and the laughter of friends is awesome.
—Audrey on February 24, 2015Absolutely away with friends. Love several of theses project especially the machine mat and orange grove quilt. Awesome!
—Erin on February 24, 2015I love retreats with other people. I learn from others and see how others do things. When I get stuck or hit a wall, I can look around and consider other possibilities. This book sounds like a grand idea.
—Linda Swanekamp on February 24, 2015What a great book for Quilt Guilds to have a make and take day. Always looking for idea’s for meetings!
—Valley on February 24, 2015I "retreat" to my sewing room as often as possible where I can sew, quilt, or plan my next project. It’s quiet and comfortable and I get lots of things done although I’d much rather be "retreating" with my sewing buddies. Unfortunately, the majority of them have left the area for warmer winter climates, so our group sewing/quilting sessions are on hold until they return, which can’t come soon enough!
—Debbie on February 24, 2015AWAY! I have tried repeatedly to retreat to my craft room, but there are too many distractions. For the past 10 years my mom & I & sometimes a friend or two have gone to the Smoky Mountains for a week during Mountain Quiltfest for a retreat. All of us have completed all the projects we wanted to finish. For meals there are a ton of restaurants so we eat one meal out a day then snack or make sandwiches for the others. There are about 3 quilt stores in the area and 30 vendors at the Quiltfest to shop from. I admit we do take at least two days to shop the vendors and the quilt shops. I’m ready to go, any one want to go with me? I can be packed in 30 minutes!
—Lorie Newcomb on February 24, 2015Would love to see purse and accessories. Learn more about structure, patterns and stabilizers. Love your projects in the book. Congrats!
—Margaret on February 24, 2015Would love this book and get the instructions for some of the projects that would be great for taking projects to sewing gatherings. Just found this blog and think I am going to really enjoy all your tips.
—Judy Stafford on February 24, 2015I love getting away with girlfriends where we can forget all about the things that need doing at home and just get silly together and also get so much sewing done at the same time. It is great having a group of advisers to tell me if this color or this fabric goes with that one, Whats not to love about a girlfriend retreat?
—Bridget on February 24, 2015I love quilt retreats. Time spent with people who love, love, love fabric and sewing until you DROP is the best! It is fun to have projects you can get done in a long weekend and the retreat just re-energizes my love for quilting!
—Patty on February 24, 2015Love the "Rainbow ‘Round the Cabin" lap quilt … I wonder if that size would be acceptable for a children’s charity?
—Suzanne on February 24, 2015This book looks awesome and I will buy it if I don’t win. I love all the projects but really want to make myself the machine mat. Very nice!
—Elizabeth Kuntz on February 24, 2015I have been on both retreats! My wonderful husband did all the cooking and cleaning for a month while I created a wonderful quilt for my sisters 65th birthday. I was able to relax and enjoy some relaxing time with him and my dogs in the evenings. Wonderful!
—Jean Donker on February 24, 2015However, I have been on numberous camp retreats with my quilting/sewing friends. The locations have been away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday hectic life, no phones, no television, no worries! It is wonderful to be able to create projects uninterrupted with everyday home life. We are free to share ideas and sometimes even secrets with our new and old friends.
While I love my home retreats, I think I prefer my ‘away’ retreats!
I have been an "alone" quilter since I began quilting in 2006. I got my daughter hooked on quilting in 2008 and she is an Avid quilt retreat quilter. She finally convinced me to attend my first retreat in January and now I’ll be doing another in April. I LOVE the sharing of ideas and laughs with new and old friends.
—Kay Newton on February 24, 2015a bag for snacks or one for notions
—Annette on February 24, 2015when it comes to sewing, it’s much easier to be home alone although I’ve taken some great sewing retreats that’s worth lugging everything around. 🙂
—lk on February 24, 2015this could be a GREAT one day workshop to Make It Take IT quilt top, and here’s even more fun–bring in strips to share with others and go home with a surprise! This could also work in your home if you have room to have your own little retreat, or in your development’s community center! Great one for charity too!
—Adeline on February 24, 2015I guess I am a home alone kind of gal – President’s day was a perfect example. I quilted almost all day and got most of a queen size quilt quilted. Another one is ready for another free day! Need more time in solid blocks to finish a few more projects from my UFO pile!! thanks for the tips.
—Cindy Wienstroer on February 24, 2015at home with friend
—Annette on February 24, 2015I have never been on a quilt retreat but my friend and I get together for "sewing days" which I really enjoy
—Dottie on February 24, 2015I quilt at home alone or as alone as you can be with 2 dogs. 2 of my friends are turning 60 this year so I decided that I would make them each a quilt. One quilts (but of course, she has never kept anything for herself) and the other has just started after several years of telling me "she was not going to ever quilt and I wouldn’t be able to talk her into it…it was her mom’s thing". I was sending a picture of the finished top for Friend #1 to Friend #2 at the same time Friend #2 was sending me a picture of her first finished project. So I had to call Friend #1 to tell her Friend #2 was now a quilter too and to make a long story short; I ended up being the one to plan and host a quilt retreat this summer for the 3 of us. My friends have not seen each other since we graduated from college 37 years ago. The rainbow quilt sounds like a perfect fit for us.
—DebMac on February 24, 2015The best retreats are with friends… old friends and new friends…
—Vicky on February 24, 2015Make It, Take It is now on my "gotta have" list. What great projects to make to help take necessary items to workshops, weekly stitch-ins, & overnight quilt-a-thons with friends. Any chance to quilt with others is a true blessing!
—Amy Cofer on February 24, 2015I prefer home alone. Thanks!
—Delaine on February 24, 2015I love both, but I get more accomplished at home!
—DJ on February 24, 2015FOR ME IT DEPENDS ON THE PROJECT AND HOW DETAILED. i LOVE GOING TO RETREATS BUT I USUALLY AT NIGHT GO BACK TO THE ROOM AND WORK UNLESS THERE IS A FUNCTION. i HAVE A CLOSE FRIEND THAT IS THE SAME WAY SO WE CAN DO OUR PROJECTS TOGETHER BUT AS IF WE WERE ALONE I ALSO CAN NOT LEAVE MY HOUSE FOR DAYS WHEN WORKING IN MY SEWING ROOM WITH OUT IT INTERFEREING WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD IT IS PEACEFUL AND SERENE THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN
—debra on February 24, 2015I do prefer to work alone but the occasional quilt along with friends is a great change of pace. Any long spurts of time to sew is a retreat for me!
—Patti Levine on February 24, 2015Away with my quilting friends for sure! I love my quilt retreats!! Looks like a great book to own.
—Linn Jencopale on February 24, 2015I am more of a quilt by myself. I can concentrate on putting my ideas together and relaxing.
—Stacey C. on February 24, 2015I look forward to my twice a year 4.5 day retreats – it is the one time I can sew without interruption. We normally have around 40 attendees and travel to a state park/lodge where we have 3 buffet meals a day and a HUGE sewing room with lots of bright light. Yes, it can be a pain to pack the car up, but once there I easily forget how much work it was. We also have period 1-day mini retreats locally with a guild member instructor. Lots of fun!
—Shelly S. on February 24, 2015I like my alone time sewing – but a couple of retreats each year is energizing and refreshing! Love these ideas!!! Adding this book to my wish list!
—Regina on February 24, 2015Away with friends – a quilting slumber party – how perfect!
—Kathy Luehrs on February 24, 2015I enjoy both for different reasons. Home alone, I get to spend time in my sewing room not having to think about the outside world. Working full time, these days don’t come too often. But I also enjoy getting away with friends and sewing the day away and visiting. I try to do both during the course of a year.
—Leslie Benoy on February 24, 2015I am currently looking to attend a relatively local retreat with an out of state long time friend.. I’ve been in contact with the organizer and I am looking forward to it with much anticipation!
—Debbie D. on February 24, 2015A retreat away with friends sounds awesome, except I don’t have any who sew/quilt.
—Vanessa on February 24, 2015Quilt retreat – definitely away with friends! No interruptions, no dishes, great meals & best of all great friends!
—Carol G on February 24, 2015About once a month I get together with a group of my friends for potluck and a day of quilting!!! We start early in the morning and quilt till late at night! We have the best time! Love quilting with friends!
—Sandra Pickard on February 24, 2015While I love to retreat for the weekend with friends, it always seems like such an undertaking to get ready. What do I take to work on? What extra thing/s do I take to work n if I get bored or frustrated with the main project? Did I remember to pack all the rulers/thread/fabric/patterns/special items that I am going to need? Going to my sewing room is much more "do-able" since usually everything that I need is there but getting a couple of hours of uninterrupted time is difficult too.
So I guess the answer is that I have longer time to work on big projects when I’m gone and MORE time to work at slow and steady progress when I’m home so I enjoy both!
—Marsha T on February 24, 2015I have never been on a quilting retreat but it sounds wonderful and hope I get to one soon. A quilting retreat will be placed on my bucket list. However packing my sewing room sounds like a daunting task. I am sure Make-it and Take-it would be a wonderful addition to my growing library of quilting books and give me projects to help make my packing easier!!
—Patsy W on February 24, 2015Going with friends is the best..you get caught up with what’s going on in their lives and learn new techniques.
—patti on February 24, 2015This is very good ideas for traveling with tools of the trade.
—Janis Lindsey on February 24, 2015Love to quilt/sew away with friends.
—Charlotte on February 24, 2015It has always been hard for me to get away. But there have been times when friends have come to my house for our own quilting retreat. The book looks very inspiring! Thank!
—Jocelyn on February 24, 2015I Prefer my quilting retreat home alone. just me and my music
—Shawna on February 24, 2015I would love to be able to go away for an extended quilt retreat but with two kids in school, it’s not possible at the moment. So a close friend and I have a sewing mini-retreat every couple of months at one of our homes when our husbands and kids are out on an all-day activity. We set up our machines and stitch away, taking a break to go out to lunch or bring something in. It’s very fun!
—Lori on February 24, 2015Three friends and I will be going on a retreat 200 miles from our houses on Thursday until Sunday. It will be a chance to sew, laugh, and eat. I will be pampered as I will not have to cook or clean up. My sewing studio is wonderful and I have lots of projects to do but I just want to get away. It looks as though we will even have a snow storm to drive home in! But it will be worth it!
—Candy Schroeder on February 24, 2015home alone
—Fulvia on February 24, 2015I really enjoy sewing with others…at my home, our local quilt guild or for Saturday Sews. I always learn when I sew with others as well as share my own ideas…great for new and creative ideas.
—Ann KUhn on February 24, 2015The “Stepping Stones Table Runner” really appeals to me as I like the clever idea of the movement with different shapes and fabrics from the same line. VBG
—Dottie Kirkwood on February 24, 2015For me, home alone vs. away with friends becomes realize vs. socialize. I get more done on my own, but relaxing with friends is a great refresher too.
—Tesuque on February 24, 2015Either but I do love going to my guild meetings
—Inez Glover on February 24, 2015I prefer home alone. Ok get lost in what I’m doing and forget to talk to people.
—Michelle McKean on February 24, 2015I absolutely love quilting retreats!! Not only do I attempt to finish projects and UFOs but it’s great time to meet new friends and visit with old friends and learn lots of new ideas and tricks along the way. My girlfriends and I try to do at least one retreat a year and if we can’t find one, we make our own. I love the rainbow quilt and look forward to Krista’s suggestions for "toting" all our stuff to retreats!!
—Kathy W. on February 24, 2015Since I mostly live alone, I love going on retreat with friends. In fact, I go to at least four retreats every year!
—Aunt Marti on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a retreat so I guess I’m home alone 🙁 I do think a retreat would be great fun though! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
—Debby E on February 24, 2015Alone time is good but I really like sewing with friends. You can learn so much from each other.
—Teresa on February 24, 2015The major downfall of quilt retreats for me is the packing, unpacking, re-packing and unpacking in addition to lugging around all the stuff I feel I need. Also, because I have an all-consuming and high stress job, when I quilt, I want to fully commit to working on my project. I don’t want to sound anti-social but I don’t want to be distracted by playing games or by other quilters walking around,asking what I’m doing, etc.
So, I guess this makes me a home alone quilter, happy in my own sewing room.
—Jean Tribull Harris on February 24, 2015It looks like there are lots of fun projects to be made! As much as I love my "alone" time in my sewing room, retreats are too much fun to pass up. For several years, I have been attending three retreats and this year I am adding a fourth retreat. I always try to do any tricky cutting, etc. at home so what I work on at retreat is pretty mindless–there are so many fun distractions and I don’t want to mess up my projects. Retreats are great for learning and inspiration!
—Karen in Breezy Point on February 24, 2015I enjoy all of it. For the past several years, I’ve attended a retreat with quilting friends and it’s a great time to catch up, sew your heart away and pick up some tips and tricks. Great company and great food. I’ve also attended out of state retreats with 3 days of hands on sewing on different machines each day — also great fun. I’ve met some really great people. I have space in my studio for one friend to come and sew with me, which is enjoyable when we can work it into our schedules. I spend as much of my free time as possible in my studio — alone or with the dog — just enjoying the creativity and fun of quilting. I’m a happy quilter, what can I say? I love it all!!
—kraftykc on February 24, 2015Both are good but nothing beats a retreat with my quilting friends. Besides, I actually get lots done!
—Kathy G on February 24, 2015Alas, I’ve not had the opportunity to attend a retreat with friends…
—Jetta on February 24, 2015but I do have the pleasure of hosting high school friends and family just about every year during Quilt Festival in Houston. I definitely agree with "The More the Merrier" philosophy! And I’ve always enjoyed a class more if two of us take one together.
I love to sew with friends. Bouncing ideas off each other makes projects more interesting because of the memories they hold.
—Laura on February 24, 2015Retreating at home has its advantages (every surface is yours, no interruptions, all your supplies at hand) but there is nothing like getting together with kindred spirits! A group of friends get together once each winter in a rather rustic place. We have to supply our own food and sleep on air mattresses but the company is fantastic.
—Marie on February 24, 2015Last fall, as a birthday gift, my sister treated me to a retreat sponsored by a LQS. I only knew 2 people there but there were beds and they served you food! Breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner with snacks out in between! You would be sewing away and they would say "(insert meal name here) is ready!" Heaven on earth! LOL
I like sewing at home the best so that I don’t have to pack up everything and take it with me. But I do like the quilt retreat our guild has every year. Also enjoy our community service day and special projects day.
—Sylvia Lutz on February 24, 2015Definitely, away with friends is the perfect quilt retreat. I’ve been going with the same group of friends for the last six years or so. We recently added a second weekend retreat. No distractions when you are away, like phones ringing, laundry screaming or dust bunnies calling. Just lots of sewing, talking, laughing, eating and sharing.
—Betsy Penzone on February 24, 2015Pleae, take me away! After this winter, I NEED to get away from my wonderful, but demanding family. No phones, no doggies to feed, no cooking or cleaning! And better still if there is maid service-no beds or towels to wash! Best of all no wet snow shoes to mop up after. Just sewing with like minded quitters who just want to sew!
—Judi on February 24, 2015Oh, away with friends. My good friend holds a quilting retreat in her home every July, during the Sister’s Outdoor Quilt Show, and it’s just the best time ever to reconnect, re-energize, and relax!
—Barb Skinner on February 24, 2015I like quilt retreats away from home with friends because I get more done and I get lots of feedback while I’m doing the project.
—Carol on February 24, 2015I’m going on a quilting retreat next month with my quilt guild. This is my first time. It may become my favorite quilting time.
—Judy Allen on February 24, 2015I prefer retreating away from home where you have your food made for you and all you do is SEW!!
—Claire on February 24, 2015Retreats with friends are always more fun than stitching at home alone. Seeing everyone’s fabrics, sharing fellowship and learning new techniques = a sure way to recharge your creative batteries!
—Garnet Underwood on February 24, 2015I have never been to a retreat, I think they sound like a lot of fun!
—Sunnie on February 24, 2015I think my favorite retreat would be away from home, but since I can’t afford that, I don’t mind hibernating close to the woodstove and sewing to my heart’s content! Any sewing time is retreat time from all the other things going on in my life, and sewing helps me forget it all. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win!
—Vivian Oaks on February 24, 2015Can we buy the book. Looks great
Hi Donna,
Of course you can! There are several links to the book in our blog post or you can click this one:
Make It, Take It
Even better yet, ask for it at your local quilt shop! Cheers,
Cornelia/Customer Service
—Donna DiGregorio on February 24, 2015I love getting together with friends at retreats or classes. The laughter and fun makes it worthwhile, even if we don’t actually get much sewing done. I belong to a charity quilt group, 2 civil war quilting groups, a crazy quilt group, a scrap club, a quilting group, am on the retreat committee (was chair of this for the last 2 years), in charge of the kennel quilts for my guild and am president of the guild. In between all this, I still love to take every class I can and get together with friends for a sewing day. This book would be wonderful to use as a guide for future retreat projects and it seems to be full of ideas for gifts that can be made and given out at future retreats.
—connie b on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a retreat but have taken a class that was once a week for 6 weeks and really looked forward to that time which was set aside just for sewing and learning. I also like my solo time – I turn up the music and get into my project and the time just flies!
—Tanya on February 24, 2015I usually sew alone. The quilt group that I was with for years disbanded a few years ago and I haven’t joined another.
—Bonnie L. Browne on February 24, 2015While I would love to go to a retreat, while my kids are all here at home, I want to be here with them. We enjoy each others’ company so much. I guess I would have to say at home.
—Ruth on February 24, 2015I’m not picky. I love sewing by myself, and I love getting together with friends. Maybe if I had some of the organizational projects in the book, I would get more done when I leave home to sew.
—Kathy on February 24, 2015Definitely prefer "away" retreats – no home distractions! Particularly like unstructured retreats where I can work on what appeals to me rather than someone else’s ideas. This looks like a great book – love the projects that are included!
—Gee Hubbard on February 24, 2015I enjoy sewing with friends. They keep me focused so I can finish projects 🙂
—Dawn Hollingsworth on February 24, 2015Thanks for a chance to win this great book!! 🙂
I’ve been attending our guild’s annual 3-day retreats for 10 years. We have so much fun and we have a different theme each year so it never gets boring or stale. In addition, 3 friends & I try to have a mini retreat each year. I love retreats!!!
—Frances Allen on February 24, 2015I feel like I never have time to sew at home. Always find something else that needs to be done. When I go on retreat, I know I will get to sew and be with friends.
—Katharine on February 24, 2015I love to sew at home alone. It’s ME time. But I love to get together with my sister at her cabin and spend time together and maybe stitch a little too.
—Krissie on February 24, 2015I think away with a few friends sounds great – no distractions and a committed time to get things done.
—Bea K on February 24, 2015I don’t have any friends that sew. I would love to go on an away retreat.
—Sandy K on February 24, 2015Several years ago, I got together with four co-workers to make a quilt for a raffle to help our local Food Drive. It was great fun even tho I was the only quilter in the group.
—Vicki H on February 24, 2015Well I don’t really know as I haven’t had the pleasure of attending a in-person quilter’s retreat. I have been part of a couple Sew-along days/weekends over the computer recently. But hope one day to attend a live retreat.
Thank You for the chance to win "Make it,Take it." It would be a nice one to add to my collection.
In Kind Regards,
—Tricia Morrison-Stork on February 24, 2015Tricia
Hmmm, When I am with my friends, I LOVE it…for one thing, they are so much more inventive than I, so I get to see all sorts of clever and creative methods and designs. When I am alone in my workshop, I love it, too. I listen to opera on PBS or CBC and accomplish lots and lots. It’s all good.
—Gail G on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a retreat but have taken classes locally and appreciated them I also like my solo time – I can stop any time and continue later….thank you…marta
—marta on February 24, 2015Went on my first retreat last year. It was great to have fewer distractions and fun to be with a knowledgeable group with the same interest and a lot of experience.
—Karen on February 24, 2015I love my biannual quilt retreats with my guild. It’s a guilt free mini vacation from my busy family and I manage to get so much quilt work done. Our guild has recently increased to duration of our retreat so you can go for four days or a full week!
—Rochelle kavanagh on February 24, 2015I love sewing at home. I love the woven placemats in this book.
—pauline on February 24, 2015Our daughter has a round table they would be perfect on.
I just love to sew – anywhere, any time, with anyone. I love stopping at quilt shops along the way when we travel and getting new ideas and points of view. The couple of retreats I’ve been to have been lots of fun and very inspirational. So many ideas and so little time! So just sign me up for whatever!
—Marilyn Goehl on February 24, 2015I like to be home alone because I’m such an introvert and I can focus better on my task. However, even introverts like an occasional small group to quilt with! It gets new ideas planted in the brain, and it’s fun to see what others are working on.
—Lisa on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a retreat. But have done several charity sewing days. Now am trying to put together a group to meet regularly to sew on both charity projects and our own in a social atmosphere. These projects look like amazing options for my dream group!
—Mary on February 24, 2015Three times per year I participate in a one day retreat with 60 or so other quilters. I always get so much done and enjoy meeting new quilters and getting together with friends too.
—Karen A on February 24, 2015Usually our quilt guild has a spring and fall day retreat for 3 days. I love it as I get to be with my quilting friends for several days. Each whole day is dedicated to sewing all day (and evening!)and I can usually get a bed sized quilt almost completed. We still manage to laugh, eat, share, critique, and see other’s new ideas ~ so much fun!
—Marie Chat on February 24, 2015This upcoming May I’ll be attending my first retreat along with my Sister rooming with me. It’s a gardening theme, and I’m still trying to decide what project to begin or finish while attending.
—kbo on February 24, 2015I have been to a few retreats and I love seeing what others are working on. It is really fun to spend time with like minded people.
—Marilyn S on February 24, 2015I would love to get away on a retreat and meet new Quilters. I enjoy looking at the patterns that the Book has in them, Looking forward to a challenge from this book. Thank you for the opportunity to try and win!
—Dawn Rasmussen on February 24, 2015I would love to attend retreats but they all seem so far away or too expensive. I do sometimes attend a mini workshop so would love to make some of the fun things in your book, Make it, Take It. Especially the large tote for carrying rulers and mats. thanks for offering the giveaway. Hope I win 😀
—Connie Wood on February 24, 2015This was the first year I attended a quilt retreat. It was a great opportunity to spend time with some friends from my guild and get to know them better. I had "sew" much fun I’ve already signed up for next year!
—Terri E on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a true quilt retreat away with friends, as I don’t have any friends who quilt. I have, however, taken an entire weekend in my craft room and sewn my little heart out. So…I’m going to say home alone with my music and my stash.
—Susan Burney on February 24, 2015I have the good fortune of going on two retreats each year with friends. I eagerly anticipate our trips and always return home inspired (and exhausted!).
—Gina S. on February 24, 2015I like small group settings, even at home with our machines set up and snacks, time to work and visit and finish projects! Thanks for the chance to win!
—Rosalee on February 24, 2015I do both, but I get more accomplished when I sew by myself. No interruptions and I can stay on task, but sewing/quilting with friends is so much fun! I like the projects in your book.
—Deborah Fowler on February 24, 2015Enjoy sewing alone while listening to a good audio book, but it’s lovely to get away and quilt with a few close friends. We may not get much done sometimes, but the camaraderie is so uplifting and joyous, it just doesn’t matter. Wonderful ideas in your Make It, Take It.
—Sandy W. on February 24, 2015I am a at home quilter. I have a disability so I am confined to my wheelchair. I have an old Singer model#10 that has a knee control on it and just perfect to role my wheelchair up and scoot my legs under so that I can operate my machine. I love to quilt as it is both a means to keep myself busy and I can contribute my finished lap size quilts to my church where the Sister of our Parish finds places that can use them.
—MaryAnn Benz on February 24, 2015I love quilting with friends! I seem to get more done because I’m not distracted by cats or phones or what’s outside the window, and I get to catch up with my friends. I go to 3-4 retreats a year, and have a monthly sew date with 4 friends.
—Jill Ellis on February 24, 2015Would love to quilt with friends but my friends don’t sew and i live in the middle of no where. So I quilt and sew by my self with the kindle reading to me.
—Jeanne on February 24, 2015I sew want this book! As I have never been on a sewing retreat with friends I think it would be great to do that rather than sew at home
—Lawana Whaley on February 24, 2015HELLO,I like home sewing alone and with friends at times! Also like Retreats near my home,if possible; choosing relaxed settings and some teaching too! Thanks for sharing a great giveaway>book sounds so neat!
—LINDA on February 24, 2015I love the mat under the sewing machine. Gotta make that.
—Terri Forehand on February 24, 2015quilt retreat with friends in September looking forward to going this year.
—Judy urban on February 24, 2015So many things I would love to make!!
I love quilting with friends and going on retreats. While reading your article, visions of hosting a weekend friends retreat at my home. If I don’t win the book, you better believe It will soon be in my hands.
—Debbra Murphy on February 24, 2015I have several friends who get together to quilt and sew. We spend a day together and have such a good time. Usually, someone brings a new idea or pattern to make and we all do it together. It helps, because sometime the directions are hard to understand. The patterns in this book look fun to make. Would love to win it!
—Cindy Holthaus on February 24, 2015I like it both ways. At home, if I can squeeze the time, I shut my door and the world out. Getting together with friends to quilt is always so great, but hauling all the stuff and todays heavy machines make it harder to do. I may or may not get the sewing done, but the fellowship with friends is wonderful.
—Karen B on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a quilt retreat! I’d like to go to one, however. I am just a little shy about showing off my limited skills! Help!
—Roberta Kennedy on February 24, 2015I have never been on a quilt retreat. I pretty much have my own retreats where I hold up in my sewing room. I would love to sew with a group, or even a friend though. Retreats sound like such a great time.
—Susan on February 24, 2015Home alone! I don’t mind at all!
—NancyB from Many LA on February 24, 2015I’ve never been on an actual quilt retreat, but I have attended a few ‘quilting events’ sponsored by my local quilt store. In them, you bring your machine and supplies to the facility where the event is going to be held, and they supply the pattern, lunch and/or snacks. It’s fun, but I never get done as much as I think I am going to!
—Barb Johnson on February 24, 2015I love doing both! I love to make things at home for myself and also getting out with friends to sew for charity.
—Karen Watkins on February 24, 2015Away with friends is absolutely ideal. Put me back in a corner with a bin full of projects – let me work at my own pace on my own projects. I’m available to help my buddies when they need it, and I can ask for opinions when I need it! And let’s not forget the luxury of knowing that if I’ve forgotten to bring something, someone in the group probably has the item that I need to borrow right there on hand. I’ve got the space to spread out, the time to get things done, and the freedom to stop and take a break with my buddies whenever I want. I just LOVE retreats!!
—Marilyn on February 24, 2015I have always to go on a retreat, however work schedule and costs never allowed me to go and bond with others. So l had to enjoy sewing by myself and periodically attend a sewing class to meet others. Hoping one of these days, that l will be able to attend one retreat and share the friendship and knowledge of others.
—Anne on February 24, 2015I like a retreat where everyone works on their own projects at their own pace but everyone else is there for conversation, support, and laughs.
—Carol N on February 24, 2015Love getting together with friends from my quilt guild!
—Vicki Sprain on February 24, 2015Prefer to sew with friends, but often must make do with talking to myself as other people have lives of their own!
—Bev Gunn on February 24, 2015I love quilting at home, but I have to honestly say that quilting away with friends is the most awesome experience. Quilting with others is inspiring, relaxing & fun. Add a fun project or two & let the attendees choose what to work on for a weekend. What more could you ask? Plus, you can enjoy helping choose fabrics, colors and textures, while sharing the experience with friends. An all around awesome experience.
—Sandy B on February 24, 2015I love going away to retreats. Meals are cooked for me…comfortable beds and loads of women in one room that love the same thing I do. We inspire and assist each other. We also enable each other with fabric purchaces because it includes an in house quilt shop…what more could you wish for!
—Sandy S on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a retreat. Part of my hesitation in signing up for one is that I’m not sure how to organize my tools, let alone figure out which project I should concentrate on! I am intrigued with the idea of making a tote that would make it easier to pack a lot of my stuff. And I would love to make the machine mat, scissor caddy and non-skid pin-cushion/thread catcher whether or not I were going to a retreat – they would be a welcome addition to the organized chaos of my sewing room!
—Robyn on February 24, 2015Alone or with friends…quite a choice. When I sew/quilt alone, I tend to get distracted by other projects in the room and also take more "breaks" than I should. However, when I’m with a group, I tend to wander about and see what everyone else is doing and if I can gather info for a new project down the road. I do prefer to do my projects alone and share them when finished.
—debra lee on February 24, 2015I’ve only sewn at home so far but I am completely intrigued by the thought of retreat sewing with a group of like-minded souls (sewls?). This book looks like fun!
—Jane @ Handiworking on February 24, 2015I have trouble staying on task at home…too many distractions (reading these emails and commenting) so away retreats are better for finishing things. And I like all the collaboration which goes on at a retreat. Plenty of help and good criticism.
—arden on February 24, 2015Retreats are fun but I accomplish much more when I am alone in my sewing room with my favorite music keeping me company.
—Joan H. on February 24, 2015I love going on a retreat to quilt, then I know that I will not be interrupted and I get inspired by what my friends are creating. However, I am trying to get in the habit of spending some time for myself at home where all my tools and stash are. It looks like your book has many projects that would be great to make and use.
—Deborah on February 24, 2015Definitely Amy Friends scissor caddy. I could use it while I sew in my RV.
—Beth on February 24, 2015Either home alone or small groups. I love my solitude AND my friends:) I LOVE this book!
—Norah Rice on February 24, 2015As I’m unable to go to retreats due to being disabled, I enjoy sewing alone or even more when a friend or two come over for a sewing afternoon.But usually we do more talking than sewing. Would love to win this book it has lots of great projects. Thank you for the chance to win it.
—Kathy Hancock on February 24, 2015Living in a remote village in western Alaska, I have never been to a quilt retreat. We don’t even have a quilt store here!! So I sew at home. My sister and I have talked about a retreat when she retires. I think it would be a lot of fun.
—Virginia in AK on February 24, 2015Away with friends!! As much as possible. My mother, sister and daughter all quilt, and our favorite time of the year is to all get away to a retreat together. When I can’t be away, I love to have some friends in to sew. A simple lunch, some munchies and two or three good friends make sewing an absolute joy.
—Diana Steverson on February 24, 2015i prefer only a few friends.
—carolyn montgomery on February 24, 2015Have never been to a Retreat..but would looove to go with my 2 Daughters & my BFF!! We 4 would have Awesome time I knooooow! We try to get together as we can…tho seldom even 3 at same time. ALWAYS have fun! 🙂 & my Daughters always go home with "treasures" they find in my scraps, etc!! They call it "Shopping at MomMart"!!! giggle
—Lori Morton on February 24, 2015I’d like going away because I don’t have any friends that like to quilt or sew so I sew alone. It would be nice to be able to go away to a retreat and meet people who I know like to do the same for once!! I vote for AWAY!
—Annette J. on February 24, 2015Taking it all in, finding the time when at home is easily side-lined, being part of a retreat would be totally focused. Hmmm
When you’re at home ‘the stash’ is readily available, so a specific project is required for a retreat and, as others have pointed out, it is less cumbersome if the sewing machine is provided.
—DebbieLynn on February 24, 2015I really like working with friends at home.
—Debbie B on February 24, 2015I ‘retreat’ to my sewing room as often as possible. Close the door, open the curtains on the windows looking out on the back yard, turn on some music and begin to slip into my fabric world. My ‘dream’ retreat would be a cozy well lit cabin on the side of a mountain. There would be a porch with a beautiful view and I would sit in the porch swing doing handwork between naps. But for now, my sewing room is perfect because my husband built it for me.
—Justine S on February 24, 2015I like to work with others. Bees, friends. But I also like the alone time in my sewing room.
—Joan on February 24, 2015I do both but I get more done at home. packing all my gear up is time consuming- and sometimes I forget something that I need. Speaking of need -my Featherweight needs that great machine mat !! I love most of the organizer products to make in the book. So handy and helpful! Thanks for the opportunity to win !
—Nancy on February 24, 2015Home, pretty much. I have other organizations that take me away from home overnight.
—Nann on February 24, 2015I used to do quilt retreats at home(i.e.: taking a few days off work and quilting to the max!), But now that I am home full time(I have a disability) any day that I feel good is a quilt retreat day!
—Jacqueline VH on February 24, 2015I have always wanted to go away on an actual quilting retreat, but either work or finances got in the way. The closest thing to a quilting retreat that I have been to was a local 2-day charity quilt marathon where I was able to piece 4 full-sized quilts! Then I did 2 more at home, tied and bound all 6 and they were distributed to a women’s shelter for women escaping abuse and to a men’s shelter for the homeless.
While I love every opportunity I have to sew at home, I absolutely adore retreats. What could be better than than "quilt camp for adults"! I would love to win this book. It sounds like a valuable resource to widen my skill bank concerning some things I enjoy and feel good doing … sharing quilting with others by teaching quilting and craft related topics as well as doing demos and make and takes. I also would love the chance to plan quilting retreats. I’ve had the opportunity to plan workshops and retreats for youth, youth group leaders and homeschoolers, as a volunteer.
—Nora J on February 24, 2015I have never done a quilt retreat, not sure I am up to the caliper of others attending. So home it is, with local friends that quilt. They sound like a lot of fun though.
—Marilu H on February 24, 2015A great idea!! I love going on retreats and having things organized to do while there would be a bonus. Plus, the handy things made can be used on a daily basis.
—Leslie Taylor on February 24, 2015I think both are great. Alone is best if I’m trying to make a lot of decisions or do something complicated, but with friends is such a fun way to sew. You get so many great ideas and inspiration from sewing with other people as well as the good times and good food.
—Mary on February 24, 2015I love the rainbow project. That would be so fun to do. I’m already making a list of the gals that I could have come over to make it!
A friend of mine started a Round Robin from friends and asked me to be part of it. I have never done a Round Robin and this is fun, as some of these ladies I have never met and are from out of State. Is neat to see their fabrics they send and I make something out of it. It’s a challenge, but know it will be fun, so I am starting it.
The book "Make It, Take it", looks fabulous and though I have never won one of your contests, I would dearly love this one for sure to share with my new Round Robin friends and see what everyone comes up with.
—Jeanette on February 24, 2015I’ve never done an away retreat. I do lots of local sew-ins, and I love them. Fun time stitching with friends, but, my own bed at the end of the day (and also free). I’ve also had friends over to sew for the day.
—Cheryl on February 24, 2015I’ve never been to a retreat so I have no idea what the experience is like. I tend to be a loner though so I don’t know if it would be for me. I love to stitch at home with my cats cuddling near me and good audio book or music playing to listen to while I work.
—Cheryl Rich on February 24, 2015I like getting away with friends, but in a place where I can fall back and rest when I need to because of health issues. Low intensity, everyone just cookin’ along as they choose.
—Brenda on February 24, 2015Love to sew with friends, both at home and away. I have friends come over for the day and we sew and we chat and we eat and we have coffee – always a great day. A couple of times a year, I am fortunate to be invited to a retreat for from 3 days to a week. I so look forward to these holidays, making lists way in advance of what I will take to work on, editing these lists until the final pack. I always take more than I will finish but these gives me choices while I am away.
—Kerry Grose on February 24, 2015I love a retreat that is casual and no set projects. Just sit and stitch and then stop and eat together.
—CJ Reed on February 24, 2015I love the opportunity for an away retreat if I can manage it but an at home retreat is better than none at all!Even if it is only for a couple of hours, getting lost im fabric and thread can renew my soul like nothing else.
—Ellie on February 24, 2015Mostly I retreat into my studio, but I also love getting together with other quilters a few times a year.
—Sophie on February 24, 2015I am Retreat Chairman of our applique guild. Of course, I prefer to get away! Stitch, stitch, stitch…while someone else cooks and cleans!
—Diane K on February 24, 2015I really enjoy sewing at home, but I LOVE sewing at a retreat! 3 whole days of unadulterated sewing (no laundry! no dishes! no cooking for the hubs!). We stay up late (into the WEE HOURS) and laugh until our sides hurt. I love a good retreat!
—Lauren aka Giddy99 on February 24, 2015I stay at home to do my best quilting as I have no friends that are interested in learning. I do take a class every year at my local quilt shop to advance my techniques. I enjoy quilting so much that I don’t mind doing it alone. Maybe one day I can make a retreat.
—Alesha K on February 24, 2015I have never had the pleasure of a quilt retreat but I enjoy my weekly quilting night with my "Gather and Sew" friends and am sure a quilt treat would be a fantastic time for me and a break from being full time carer for my husband who has health issues. I do most of my work when I am with my group, not much time at home.
—Wendy Robinson on February 24, 2015I have never been to a quilt retreat.
—Valerie Clark on February 24, 2015I have gone to one quilt retreat and I loved it. Our son is a Quid and that limits the time I can spend away from home. Would love to win this book.
—Becky Whitehead on February 24, 2015If I am at home alone, I have too many distractions. But, when I invite others over, we have fun and get something done. This book has so many fun ideas I’ll have to try! My friends will want to try, too.
—Tammy on February 24, 2015Your new book Make It Take It looks wonderful. You’ve used some patterns that are very scrappy. Yes I would love to have a copy of your book. I like to attend retreats but time at home is always good. I’m a member of a guild that has occasional sewing days for service projects and that is a lot of fun too.
—Daleen Dotson on February 24, 2015I’m most productive on quilt retreats w/friends, but enjoy cutting and planning on my own at home first.
—Jen Beatty on February 24, 2015I have never been to a quilt retreat. I quilt at home alone mostly. I do enjoy quilt classes because it’s so much fun to see how everyone interprets the pattern. A retreat is definitely on my to do list.
—Diane D. on February 24, 2015I like small retreats, 6 people or less. Everyone does their own projects, sometimes we can get together on a group project….or just stay up late talking fabric and quilts!
—carole on February 24, 2015I love to sew and quilt alone – I do not seem to focus when others are around – I don’t think I can multi task anymore – However, sitting with hand embroidery or hand quilting with friends sounds quite nice
—Jane from MA on February 24, 2015A retreat sounds like fun! I’ve gone shopping with friends for fabric, but never tried a retreat! I usually sew and quilt alone, but wouldn’t mind trying a quilting retreat!
—Colleen G on February 24, 2015I enjoy sewing at home alone but also enjoy retreats. They are an excellent opportunity to meet new people and gather new ideas and tips. And it is fun to get away from the duties of home now and then too!!
—Margie Jones on February 24, 2015I never had the opportunity to attend any quilting retreats but sounds exciting. I usually follow books, tutorials, etc., and work on my own. I love this book, especially the items that are so useful for taking your work in, needles and accessories, etc. Nice job.
—Helen Bowie on February 24, 2015The best retreats are those that are away from home, with friends.
—Nancy N on February 24, 2015There are some projects that require a lot of concentration so those are best done at home–alone. But quilting with friends is loads of fun. You get a lot accomplished, can get help when needed, and still find the time to yack and eat!
—Sandy P on February 24, 2015Retreats are very much on my mind at the moment. After failing to save a retreat that had been running for 11 years 🙁 I took the few who had genuinely wanted to attend a retreat to a venue that caters for smaller groups. I now have bookings and attendees for a week-long retreat and a weekend retreat – and have a wait list!!
We’ve already got plans for two of the attendees to bring a screen-printer and a vinyl applicator to create Retreat t-shirts to commemorate the occasions 😀
One of the plans for everyone to bring a Jelly-Roll, or strips cut from their stash, and have a 1600 Jelly-Roll Race. I believe one or two of the ladies have already been practicing – competitive much?? LOL!
The other idea was for everyone to go through their sewing room and have a swap/sale table. I know I have some things I can live without, and I’m sure I’ll find one or two things to bring home to replace them.
Retreats are a fantastic way of recharging. So much inspiration can be gained just by being in a roomful of women who ‘get’ us and who are enjoying being around the creative vibe.
—Kayt Deans on February 24, 2015I usually sew/quilt alone or with one friend, but I am thinking that attending a retreat sometime would be a fun, new experience.
—Marjory W on February 24, 2015Just read Marilu’s post about not being up there with the other retreaters.
Marilu, you’d be surprised at the diversity of skills of the women attending retreats. Some are phenomenal and others are just starting out. The beautiful thing is that the women who have been quilting for so long are so generous with their time and really love to help out those who ask to be show how to do things.
I’m a hand-quilter and can often be found in a corner with a group of women standing behind me watching me quilt and listening to me rattle on about how I do it.
And in turn I’ve been taught how to improve by so many generous ladies.
Please find a retreat in your area!! You’ll love it so much and you’ll come away feeling so good.
—Kayt Deans on February 24, 2015I have never had the pleasure of either a quilt retreat or sewing with a friend, So I guess it it gonna be just me for now. Would love to make the "Orange Grove Quilt". It is sew adorable.
—Amy Caldwell on February 24, 2015Love to get away with friends to sew and have some fun. Home in the dreary winter months with a few new sewing projects is great too!
—Mary on February 24, 2015I have never been to a retreat, I am new to quilting and I don’t know anyone who quilts. I would love to quilt with a few people. I would feel overwhelmed with a big group.
—Dawn Jones on February 24, 2015I like the away with friends quilt retreats, because there is so much learning from each other, companionship, a lot of good food to snack on, just tons of fun and lots of laughs! And if we are lucky, a finished project!
—Paula on February 24, 2015I love away-from-home quilt retreats but I never seem to get anything done because I spend too much time talking to everyone and watching what they’re making. I get together once a week with two of my friends and we quilt together. That’s more successful for me.
—Linda Webster on February 24, 2015I am new to quilting. Everything I’ve done so far has been home alone but would love to meet fellow quilters at a retreat someday. I’m also a "snow bird" and the items in this book would be great to transport my quilting and sewing tools between Up North and sunny Florida.
—Ann Christman on February 24, 2015I like both. My solo home retreats are my time alone for a few hours, when I can work on projects requiring concentration, with all my stuff close by, alternatives so I can change projects if the first one isn’t flowing well, and meals when I want them. The away retreats are great catch-up times with friends, most attendees are generous with knowledge, someone else cooks and cleans up, I come away with a few new friends, and there is no early wake-up call to let the dog out. My quilt-y friends and I are trying to mesh our schedules to do our own small group "just us" retreat so we have the plus of the getaway without the large group commotion and interruptions. Some day …
—Jane on February 24, 2015never been , live in the ‘ woods’
—barbara woods on February 24, 2015I enjoy retreat times with other creative quilters (especially ‘show & tell’ time), but, truthfully, I get much more sewing done alone at home because chatter, shopping and group meals distract me at retreats.
—Marty on February 24, 2015I have never never been there! I tend to like to fit my time when I can, but perhaps someday I will go to one! You have to try something before you can really have a fair opinion one way or another LOL Would love to win this but am thinking if not perhaps I’ll just get it anyway as I’m interested in that bag and the Lone Star
—Toni Chapman on February 24, 2015I love sewing alone at home best. But that isn’t to say I don’t have fun sharing projects with friends and fellow quilters! And, I just attended my first ever UFO finishing night at a LQS and I LOVED it!
—Linda Pawlak on February 24, 2015A retreat :Away with friends, I just love show and share, to see ideas others have and I know this book would be so much fun! Thanks for\ the chance to win!
—carol d on February 24, 2015I am going to my very 1st retreat in April so I need this book! So fun!!!
—Stephanie on February 24, 2015I love to quilt at home with a friend 🙂
—Terry on February 24, 2015I enjoy quilting at home but not necessarily alone. I prefer being at home because everything I need is there including my longarm. I love my longarm!
—Lana Frazier on February 24, 2015I love going away to retreats. I’m going to 2 this year. Both are in houses that are set up just for retreats. I’ll be with 5 friends. I have also been to several retreats organized by a local quilt shop. At those larger retreats there were quilters of every level from beginner to expert It’s great for beginners, as I was the first time, because everyone is so helpful. Whichever type I go to, I always find so much inspiration. Even with our little group of 6, I never come home without having learned something new. As for cost, renting the houses costs us less per person than a larger retreat.
—Theresa on February 24, 2015I love to quilt with friends. When I quilt alone at home there are too many distractions.
—Cyndy Knapp on February 24, 2015Looks like a lot of good projects in this book, so I’d love to win it.
—Suzanprincess on February 24, 2015I love both – I do my best work home alone, but my weekends away with friends are some of my happiest quilting memories. I have a group I’ve been quilting with three times a year for ten years or so. It would be great to share the book with them!
—Cindy Alley on February 24, 2015I would love a quilt retreat to get out and meet other people whom love quilting! I am disabled and am in pain 24/7 so I don’t get out of my apt. much. I just turned 54 so I am not elderly. I have suffered for over 36 yrs. so my social life is lacking to say the least, lol. I don’t know anyone whom quilts and I know they are out there ………somewhere over the rainbow…., lol. I would settle to win a copy of your book. I started quilting at age 11 but OMG I sure didn’t know what I was doing. I had no book, pattern, or person to teach me. I couldn’t line up a square in a row let alone cut out one straight, lol. Quilting has sure come a long ways since then Thank God. Both my grandmothers quilted but they both lived far away in different states. I just loved the beautiful quilts so I am self taught. I still learn new things. I am like a sponge I soak it all up.
—Cheryl Taylor on February 24, 2015I need great projects like these to organize my life.
—DebV on February 24, 2015I leave in the middle of no where! So unless my friends and I are doing a project for a charity, it’s me and my machine.
—elr on February 24, 2015Both. In poopy weather, like most of the country is experiencing at this time, hanging here at home seems like the wise thing to do. However, once the birds come back, the snow goes away, and the world starts to wake up from winters slumber, what a better way then to celebrate with other quilting friends? Or, better yet, attend a different retreat where a whole new slew of friends are made before you leave.
—Colette DeGroot on February 24, 2015I love retreats. I attend 4 retreats every year (2 of them are organized by our State Quilter’s Guild Organization). I love the fellowship with the other quilters. I usually work on my own stuff and don’t take classes unless it’s something I’m really interested in.
—Frieda Grischkowsky on February 24, 2015Home Alone. I don’t really get much done on retreats even though I love hanging out.
—Carrie P. on February 24, 2015I’ve never been on a quilting retreat but it sounds like fun! As long as there would be good friends, food and quilting, it would be a blast.
—Jean Blythe on February 24, 2015I mostly like to sew alone at home. However, sewing with friends is a great treat from time to time.
—Carol W on February 24, 2015I’ve never done a retreat either but would love to try one.
—Beth Yelton on February 24, 2015I have never quilted with other people – I only started in the last couple of years, so at this point, I would rather quilt alone.
—Karen Cohn on February 24, 2015What a dreamy idea to sew and quilt with friends! NONE of my friends sew or are remotely interested in the hobby, so making some new friends with the same interests would be great fun! I’d love to leave my lonely sewing room to and meet up with friends who sew!
—Kathy E. on February 24, 2015I’m a beginner and only sewing for just about a year so I haven’t been to any quilt retreats-just classes and events at my local quilt shop.
—amy on February 24, 2015I love that quilt you are making-that looks like a very fun project!
I don’t usually get a chance to go away for a retreat, so home is where I retreat to.
—Kathy on February 24, 2015Retreats can be fun. There’s a lot packing to do, but once you get there it’s like you could be a million miles away. The freedom to sew without interruptions is a wonderful bonus.
—Ellee on February 24, 2015i love retreats with all the sharing and caring going on. I no longer can attend them because of health problems. I quilt alone mostly but meet with friends six times a month. We have just as much fun as at a retreat. I would like to make the machine pad. It would be very helpful.
—Mary Anne Bobotas on February 24, 2015I do one quilt retreat a year with a small group of friends. We all work on our own projects. Twice a year I attend a retreat of 40 women. It is at a Christian camp so all meals are provided. Again we all work on our own projects and have lots of "show n tell"‘
—Pat D on February 24, 2015I have never done a retreat, I do however attend a local quilt group, where we meet once a week to quilt, learn from each other, and some teach a class. Onnce every 3 months we have a chairity day where we put together many quilts for Veterans and Hospice.
—Linda King on February 24, 2015i enjoy quilting alone- although my cat and dog have different ideas- take me for a walk/ play-redesign the quilt pieces that are laid out. would like to go to a retreat some day- but would like to make some of the projects in this book to be efficient and happy quilter.
—carol on February 24, 2015away with friends – and a large bag of chocolates to share!
—Sallie on February 24, 2015A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment.
—domain on February 24, 2015I do believe that you ought to write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally folks don’t discuss such
subjects. To the next! Cheers!!
Love going away on retreat…primarily because food is taken care of by someone else and there are no ‘chores’ to be getting done–Just sewing!!
—Marlene @ KISSed Quilts on February 24, 2015I have never been on a quilt retreat! I think it would be awesome to sit together with friends and sew. So I’m a homebody I guess 😀
—Melissa Meinhard on February 24, 2015while I love getting together with my quilting friends, my idea of a retreat is going upstairs to my sewing room without interruptions!
—Pam Reim on February 24, 2015LOVE,LOVE, LOVE retreats!!!! So much fun and inspirational to sew with other quilters and not worry about any distractions or house keeping chores!!! The book would be perfect for adding a project or two to compliment the time with friends, all sewing the same project! What fun!!!!
—Sherry on February 24, 2015Now a days I would rather be home alone. I love my friends but I’m at an age where I like my bed, my own sleeping hours etc. I guess I’m just a little old.
—Chris on February 24, 2015I usually sew alone but my first retreat is coming up in June with 8 women that I have made close friendships with on line….can not wait.
—Cathie. on February 24, 2015I’m pretty new so I would go with friends or alone on a retreat, it would be great! Thanks so much!
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com
—Tabitha Keener on February 24, 2015My friends and I go on 4 retreats a year and have the best time sewing, eating and maybe having a few glasses of wine. We do the first week in January at a condo in Long Beach, Washington. The first week in March we go to Wildcat Lake near Silverdale. The first week in May we go to Eagle Creek Guest House on the Hood Canal and in September we go to St Andrews House in Union. We are all retired and we make quilts year around. I get so much more done on retreat as I can never get a full day of sewing at home. My friends are so talented and we inspire each other. It is my idea of the perfect vacation and I will do it for the rest of my life!
—Jant Hilderman on February 24, 2015I have never been on a retreat but sew at home with my mum and her friend every Monday afternoon at our ‘craft club’. I definitely like the company and fun we have. We are always on the lookout for inspiring ideas so this book would be perfect x
—Claire Ross on February 24, 2015I have never been able to go on s quilt retreat. I spend 3 days a week on dialysis and usually sleep a few hours when I get home. I am kinda new at quilting but a trying to learn. Would like to win the book.
—Nancy Lynn Hilderbrand on February 24, 2015I am home alone as most retreats are out of my area and therefore price range I am about to move closer to my Grandchildren so hope to find quilting friends closer to my new home.
—Elizajane on February 25, 2015I love going to my groups quilt retreat. Getting fed and not having to clean for a weekend with friends while sewing to my hearts content is wonderful
—Jenny A on February 25, 2015I enjoy any quilting time but I prefer a retreat with a small group of friends – new or old! I find it very relaxing and rejuvenating. The Rainbow ‘Round The Cabin quilt looks like a fun one to try.
—Jeanne on February 25, 2015Home alone. I haven’t participated in a retreat. Thanks for the giveaway. Love the totes.
—Janie on February 25, 2015I would say home alone. I love to turn on some music and dive into my projects. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
—Erin Ellis on February 25, 2015Erin
ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com
Sewing in a group is fun for me if it is a small, intimate group/setting. An overnight get away would be ideal!
—kaholly on February 25, 2015Echoing the comment above, I’ve never been to a quilt retreat and would also feel intimidated. I don’t know any one who quilts so home alone it is.
—Vin M on February 25, 2015ido both, but I think I like home alone best, less drama and drama makes me crazy.
—Jean on February 25, 2015I love a quilt retreat. I go with my friends to the ocean once a year plus I go to group retreats at a fun retreat center in Seabeck Wa
—Audrey on February 25, 2015I do both. But, I love to go on a retreat with others and make new friends!
—Donna W on February 25, 2015I am home alone for all my quilting I have never had the chance to go to a retreat. A quilting retreat always sounds like so much fun to me.
—Judy on February 25, 2015I love retreating with a group of friends. We get together at a friends house (cabin) and sew together for a week. Some come from out of state!
—Carolyn Nannery on February 25, 2015I’ve never been to a retreat, my schedule as a nurse on the PM shift gets in the way. I prefer to sew at home also, in my p.j.’s and slippers, with my hair in a ponytail, and everything at my fingertips. Thanks for the chance to win! jacklynnsteve at netzero dot com
—Jacklynn Grimm on February 25, 2015I’m new to quilting though the better I get the more I hope to get into a group and make friends. until then I’m a house alone to myself person!
—Kristine on February 25, 2015I go on an annual retreat for three days. It is nice to meet new friends and see old ones too. I get inspired by other quilters and I always go home excited to make new things.
—Cathy K. on February 25, 2015This book would be so fun. I’m trying to pass my love of anything sewing onto my grandkids (Some grandsons are liking sewing too). It would be fun to make some of the projects for them or help to make them for themselves to use when we have sewing/craft days at "Camp Grandma." The would love it!
—Sherie on February 25, 2015I’ve never been to a quilting retreat so I would have to say home alone. When I have to pack up my machine and everything, I have to lug it all downstairs and then bring it back upstairs. Staying home is a lot easier.
—JoAnne T. on February 25, 2015i love to retreat away from home….far from the call of house cleaning!!!
—Allison on February 25, 2015I love both. I attend 2 retreats a year and love the association with other quilters. I also sew at home each Thursday night with a friend. Sew much fun and such a learning experience.
—Jayne J on February 25, 2015I love to create in a group environment. I don’t have any sewing friends so no opportunity to attend retreats, but I would live to.
—Cheryl Ann on February 25, 2015I haven’t been to a quilting retreat, but would love to sometime! I have taken my tools somewhere it is usually to a class at our "local" (1 hour away) quilt shop. I would certainly love some organization for my supplies for that jaunt. Happy quiting everyone!!
—Lisa K. on February 25, 2015Home alone but someday I do want to go to a retreat!!!
—Julie on February 25, 2015I have taken classes but never gone on a retreat. I do hide on my sewing room on a regular basis at home though!
—Lisa McIsaac on February 25, 2015Away with friends! So much fun to get away for a while & create with friends.
—Judy F on February 25, 2015away with friends!
—Katie on February 25, 2015I love going on quilting retreats with friends. I think that is the best way to do it. I love being with with other quilters enjoying each others creativity
—Johnnie S. on February 25, 2015Home alone 🙁 my sewing friends do not live near me 🙁 thanks!
—Lee on February 25, 2015I quilt alone at home. Love retreats, but don’t have many that work with my work schedule. I work at an elementary school and there aren’t nearly enough opportunities in the summer when school is out and I’m not working. I have enjoyed them though. I have made myself a very nice sewing room with all the things I think I need and it is so convenient. I do love to take classes though and really enjoy lectures and trunk shows.
—Julie N on February 25, 2015My husband and I both quilt, We have been away to one retreat, so far. we are getting ready to attend our second one in April. We had a great time on our last retreat, hence, why we are going back!! We love to sew at home, probably just as much as going to retreat, just for the fact it’s easier for us due to our jobs and scheduling!!! This book might be able to change my mind, by making it easier to get to get ready to go and make complete things while there!!
—Cheryl M. on February 25, 2015I love both – but I find I get much more sewing done at home alone. I spend too much time chatting and looking at what everyone else is doing on sew-together days. That said, I always come home completely inspired and with several of my problems solved thanks to input from fellow sewists.
—Kirsty@Bonjour on February 25, 2015Gorgeous book, Krista, I really love Berene’s bag and Lynn’s star. I won’t have to make a pincushion/thread catcher because mine is still going strong!
I have your book on must list !
—Katie Brown on February 25, 2015My sister ( also quilts ) and I are thinking of going to a retreat together.
Now I Think we can go well prepared.
Looking forward to fun things to make.
I love retreats – talking with friends, sharing projects and ideas – but it’s hard to sew anything difficult in a retreat because I get so distracted. I have to take simple piecing work to retreats. I’d love to make some of the projects in your book to take along to our retreat in April!
—Rita on February 25, 2015Thanks
I love a good retreat with friends!
—Tamie on February 25, 2015I must go with home alone. Sadly, none of my friends sew or quilt. 🙁
—Dawn Nelson on February 25, 2015Can’t wait to get my hands on my copy this June when Krista joins us to teach projects from her book onboard a Celebrity cruise to Alaska!… Congratulations Krista!
—Esther Dunn on February 25, 2015Quilting with friends is the bomb!
—Anne on February 26, 2015You get to enjoy great company, food and share ideas and quilting tips.
A bit of fabric purchasing does occur and a whole lot of fun and laughter – memories are made
and friendships are made stronger.
Here’s to quilting with friends.
I love to see with my quilt group as it makes me concentrate and get stuff done.
—Indianna on February 26, 2015I have never done a retreat but have already was wanted to. I love classes. Swing alone is good too,but I often doughnut finish projects. I love the lone star quilt
—Rita s on February 26, 2015What a great publication! SO many wonderful designs! I want to make them all! I enjoy quilting with friends at retreats and the guilds I belong to, but I have to admit, I am more accomplished when I stay home and sew alone..I just don’t chat as much! lol
—Jennifer SV on February 26, 2015My favorite retreat is home with some of my children and grandchildren who are learning to sew.
—Vicki Krausz on February 26, 2015If I am working on something that takes concentration, I can only work at home. Having said that, a retreat away from home with friends stimulates my creativity, and renews my soul. I go to one once a year, and begin looking forward to it as soon as I leave retreat.
—Alice R. on February 26, 2015What a beautiful book. Would love to make the items in the book to take on my retreats and workshops.
Christine
—Christine Gibbons on February 26, 2015I love sewing with friends and making new friends! This quilt sounds lovely!
—Carol Stearns on February 26, 2015I’d love to go to a retreat, but budget just doesn’t allow. I have a great group that I meet with every Tuesday and we quilt all day. It’s the next best thing, and I can do it every week!
—Joy on February 26, 2015I’ve never been on a retreat but I’m sure I’d love it, but I do like to sew on my own!
—Cathy on February 26, 2015I have never been on a retreat but, have been thinking about trying one. I think I would enjoy a small retreat and the exchange of ideas, hints, tips. I would get more sewing done than I do at home.
—Terry on February 26, 2015Luuuvvv away retreats with my friends where we can laugh and stitch til the chocolate runs out!!
—JCinTX on February 26, 2015I’ve been on lots of retreats! In fact I’m going to one this weekend and then in two weeks, another! We always have fun and get lots done. It’s really great to be working on something and someone has a suggestion to change something and it works out!
—elsa on February 26, 2015I love the round sewing kit, the machine mat and the placemats and table runner! The book looks great and I would love to win it!
—Ruth on February 26, 2015As an organizer of two retreats a year, I’m always looking for ideas for make and takes as part of our retreats is a small project for the ladies who attend. This would be such a fun book to have to get ideas from as our retreats are for four days and you should just see all that gets accomplished!
—Kiska Stevens on February 26, 2015I enjoy sewing at home alone. I tend to be a bit of a "Chatty Kathy" at retreats and don’t get much sewing done!
—Anna on February 26, 2015I certainly accomplish more if I’m home alone, but nothing beats the fun, education and sharing of ideas like my weekly Guild bee or occasional retreats with my sisters.
—Sherry on February 26, 2015i like both…sewing away from home often much less frequently, but always a joy when it does!
—jenny on February 26, 2015I’d like to make all these projects. Maybe EVEN I could be organized. They all look fun and beautiful too.
—Stephanie Woodward on February 26, 2015I love the idea of going on a retreat. None of my close friends quilt so I am a home alone sewer.
—Jo on February 26, 2015I like sewing at home since I have not yet attended a quilt retreat….I think they can be nothing buy fun!!!! Looking forward to attending one in the near future…
—Pat on February 26, 2015I definitely prefer away with friends, I have never had a less than stellar time sharing the sewing experience!
—Katy(LethargicLass) on February 26, 2015Away with friends, I’m going on my first retreat in July, can’t wait
—Jean on February 26, 2015I enjoy a weekend retreat away with friends. I can really focus on sewing and friendship without worrying about all the chores and responsibilities of home.
—Kearstie Grenier on February 26, 2015I have been wanting to go to a sewing retreat for the last year and a half!! Life keeps happening and I haven’t made it yet. I want to ‘go away’ and learn some of the wonderful techniques that this wonderful world of sewers has!
—Beverly on February 26, 2015i am mainly a "home alone" girl…..but i do enjoy having a "sewing day" with my friend Helen who started me off on my quilting journey 18 months ago.A sewing retreat sounds great…. a good excuse to get away from all the daily pressured & spend some quality time sewing & enjoying the company of other like minded people.
—Suzanne Keal on February 26, 2015The great thing about Make It, Take It is that many of the projects at Krista’s book are so versatile they could be used anywhere. At present, I am a home based quilter; sadly there aren’t any modern quilt guilds or guilds for that matter near my home!
—Cheryl Bloemberg on February 26, 2015Well, I don’t have any friends that quilt, but if I did, I think I’d like a retreat with friends!
—Sarah on February 26, 2015I would love to win this book – I love making quilts! THanks! merryorganic at gmail dot com
—Laura on February 26, 2015Probably, most retreats are at home for me. My friends who quilt are all over the place so we quilt and chat and video hook up when we can all get a few hours or a day to quilt
—ckachel on February 27, 2015I’ve just retired and have finished my second retreat for the year. Another fellow retiree and I get together once a week to sew at each others house. I have a bag packed with small projects so I ready to sew/go at a moment’s notice.
—Mary Smith on February 27, 2015I have never been on a quilt retreat. I do belong to a sewing/quilting group that meets at a local quilt store but I get more done when I sew at home.
—Mildred Plaskett on February 27, 2015I enjoy my alone time and retreats. If you have no friends who quilt, call a local quilt shop and ask about retreats and guilds. There are so many different types of retreats available today. Start with a day at a fire hall and meet new friends. Then go from there.
—sew happy on February 27, 2015It has to be a retreat with friends. If it’s too big like a seminar, it is too distracting. I like an extended weekend at a hotel with good food and good friends. Always a lot of fun and laughs. Thanks for the giveaway.
—Virginia Bronner on February 27, 2015I like a quilt retreat away with friends. It’s fun to see what they are working on, and to be away from the house with all the demands – answering the phone, cooking meals, tidying up, etc. At a retreat, all you have to do is sew and visit.
—Diane on February 27, 2015I always prefer retreats with friends… someone there to laugh with, to help when I get stuck on a quilt, and to get me out of a funk when I’ve just gotten too frustrated on a project, and to inspire me with their own project ideas! Like a teen sleepover, but we’re working on finishing projects we can take home and feel good about! How often do we get to achieve success that we can be reminded of again and again like a quilt we finished on a retreat??
—Polly on February 27, 2015I love retreats away from home, sewing sewing sewing to my hearts content , good company, good food, fresh air, beautiful views, our quilt group of ten ladies going once sometimes twice a year to an Australian country retreat. Bliss. The book is beautiful, thank you for the opportunity to win. christatheron@yahoo.com
—Christa on February 27, 2015I love both. I was a home alone quilter for years as neither of my sisters sew, but then I started working with another quilter. She introduced me to a quilting group that also do retreats which I love attending.
—Dar on February 27, 2015It’s home alone for me!
—Mary on February 27, 2015I love to retreat to my own back room to sew. I’m kind of new at quilting so I find I can concentrate better on what I’m doing when I’m by myself. Plus I enjoy getting away from the rest of the house to my own space. The projects in the book look awesome. Would love to win it!
—Carol on February 27, 2015Ive never been on a retreat, but I know I would love it. To be able to sew,sew,sew….heaven! Besides a guild meeting or QOV meeting, I’ve been a sew alone girl.
—Sue Sharp on February 27, 2015I myself have never been on a quilt retreat. I sew at my kitchen counter usually at night since I feel guilty sewing when my significant other may be outside working around the yard and I am sewing on my machine , with my house looking a mess because I have no quilt/craft working area of my own. That would be the retreat !
—Marie D on February 27, 2015There is an area over my garage which I occasionally look at from my attic area where there is an open slatted wood section. This area over the 2- car garage would be huge and such a welcome enjoying area for me to create my works of art. It all is because of me being able to finance this creation of a "Dream Sewing/Craft Room". At 68 I guess this will forever be a dream I would truly Love to have. So many wonderful items I can make to sell, give to family & friends and donate to worthy charity fund raisers in my community. Does Martingale have the finances to make my dream come to life while I am still alive to create? Help?
Enjoy sewing with a group once a month. Many times someone comes up with cute, easy projects.
—rachel on February 27, 2015I went on my first quilting retreat in November. It was a wonderful experience. We went "away" about 3 hours from home. I finished a lot of Christmas gifts, really got to know the other quilters and share life experiences.
—Nancy Johnson on February 27, 2015I definitely like to go to quilt retreats with members of my guild. The retreats are male friendly in the sense that there is actual sleeping area set aside for male members. That really makes me feel included.
I also encourage retreats that have no male sleeping quarters to contact hotels/motels near the retreat and ask them to offer a nice lodging discount for male participants.
Its time to be more inclusive!
—Crazy Cuban on February 27, 2015I love my space at home. Fireplace (or, fireplace filled with flowers in summer, Pandora on Celtic and my dogs. How could I go wrong? It seems that when my quilting friends get together, we don’t always accomplish what I think we should – although I love that time as well.
—Nancy Eriksen on February 27, 2015I have a group of friends that meet every week to do crafts. We are know as "the craft club" to our family and friends. We also go away once a year in the fall to do crafts. Our tradation it do paint a "santa" project but always have time to add a sewing, needdle work project. The original 3 members have been doing this for over 25 years. We have lots of pictures of our trips which always including shopping for more crafts. Love to find new quilt shops.
—Dawn Smolsky on February 27, 2015Up til now, I’ve only done "at home, alone" retreats. The best ones are when the family is away and I can totally focus on the project at hand. I do hope to attend a quilt guild retreat but so far have had prior engagements for each one.
—Claire on February 27, 2015I love both! Sewing with my friends is always a blast, but I don’t take projects that require a great deal of thought or attention…because I know I’ll be distracted. So, projects are cut at home and hopefully, ready to go for the retreat. My sewing room is my "retreat" from the world, and my quiet place, so I can get the "thinking required" parts of the quilt done there.
—Sammi on February 27, 2015I re-purposed my large living room into my personal sewing retreat space. The living room was rarely used for guests; now I use it every day! I ‘meet’ with several quilt groups each month for inspiration and laughter. Good goal to finish something to bring for sew-and-tell!
—Gina M on February 27, 2015I have never been on a "retreat", but one Saturday a month, I go to Sew Day at my local quilt shop and one Thursday evening a month to sew with my quilt group. Everyone works on their own thing and we exchange ideas. We will start a mystery quilt in the quilt group starting in April.
—Sandy Curtis on February 27, 2015I have never been on a quilt retreat but I do ‘retreat’ quite frequently in my own home to sew and create. My children are grown up and while I do hav other responsibilities, I enjoy more free time to devote to my interests.
—Vivian on February 27, 2015My previous guild, the Enchanted Quilters of Alamogordo, would host 2 day mini retreat on the second weekend of the month and another 2 day retreat if the month had 5 weekends. I loved those mini-retreats. I could get lots of stuff cut, prepped or sewn without interruption. The guild’s matriarchs would happily dispense advice when asked.
—Ocotilla on February 27, 2015I’ve never been on a quilt retreat, but I think it would be fun. My quilting has been done at home.
—Kathy Gant on February 27, 2015With friends!
—ej on February 27, 2015I am 82 and going to my very first next week-end. How scary is that? Mainly going to learn how to use my EQ7, but looking forward to seeing all the other things too.
—Donna on February 27, 2015I really enjoy quilt retreats. It’s nice to quilt a while, chat a while, quilt some more, and have someone else cook and clean up!
—Annie on February 27, 2015Home alone. Nothing would get done if friends were added.
—Margaret on February 27, 2015I enjoy going on a retreat because I can focus on the project without worrying about household responsibilities.
—Jamie on February 27, 2015Quilting retreats are the best for the creative ideas generated with friends! Love having time to focus just on quilting and creating with no other obligations!
—Donna Lee on February 27, 2015I love sewing with friends, but sometimes I get more Sewing accomplished when I am home alone.
—Linda Thomas on February 27, 2015Definitely home alone, or short sessions with a friend or 2. Finishing up at home again.
—barb on February 27, 2015I just joined a guild last year and went on my first retreat. What a blast! It was so much fun, and we talked and sewed and had a great time. A giant pajama party with girlfriends and sewing machines!
—Barbara K on February 27, 2015I am a beginner quilter. I have never taken my skills to a retreat, however our church is forming a sewing group for a new county maternity house for new mothers from the age of 12-21. I would think the rainbow quilt in Make it,take it would be a perfect book to win. Thanks for the chance.
—Cindy B. on February 27, 2015My friends and I would love to go on a retreat but they are so expensive in this area. Why pay $100 a night?
—Debbie Fick on February 27, 2015I usually quilt and sew by myself but it is more fun with friends so I love my bee and classes!
—Ann Pierce on February 27, 2015I get more done by myself at home, but I enjoy going to retreats to see new ideas and meet new people.
—Cindy Brooks on February 27, 2015someluckydog at gmail dot com
I love to sew on my own with my favourite music, but also love Retreats. Although sometimes very little sewing is done in between, eating, shopping, coffee, wine…….I take my sewing machine to secure a spot on the table!!!
—Ruth Mitchell on February 27, 2015None of my friends sew and can’t understand what I find engrossing about it until I give them a quilt that is! I love my dedicated space at home or perhaps I should say my sewing dedicated home as there’s not much space for anything else. Fortunately I have a very tolerant partner and he has his own interested in which to be engrossed. Therefore, we share our home but work independently on the things we enjoy. Great balance.
—Deborah on February 27, 2015I love the away retreats. If you stay home, you are focusing on what you need to get done at home and you lose a great deal of the momentum of sewing away from home. Plus it is a great time to get to know about your friends and meet new friends.
—Doris Worthen on February 28, 2015Love to quilt at home most of the time but it is like a super vacation treat to go to a quilt retreat.
—Rosalind Gutierrez on February 28, 2015I like retreats away from home with friends. We get so much more accomplished, we can share ideas, and we have SEW much fun together! Several of us have done an annual retreat for the past 4 or 5 years now.
—Carol Kussart on February 28, 2015I sew alone, but would LOVE to go to a quilt retreat!
—Melanie C on February 28, 2015I usually sew at home but sometimes I get together with a few ladies from the Grange. I would love a chance to try a sewing retreat. Ty for the great giveaway!!!
—AbbyK on February 28, 2015I don’t mind sewing alone at home, but I have had times when friends and I have sewn/quilted together and it is fun. Sharing ideas and laughing together and talking about totally unrelated ideas-home, family, spouse, etc. A great time together!
—Karen Funk on February 28, 2015I just graduated college at 42 yrs old! I would love a retreat to see and relax right now
—Misty Young on February 28, 2015Quilting at a retreat offers tips from others who are more experienced and can be very helpful when coming across some difficulties. Also, it is nice to have time away.
—Pam on February 28, 2015i have never been to a quilting retreat, but it sounds wonderful! Not to say that I don’t enjoy my time alone in my studio – it’s really my favorite place to be.
—Margaret Lawrence on March 1, 2015My quilt group meets twice monthly and is always a source of inspiration and laughter!
—Janice on March 1, 2015I love to retreat and take classes. But I’m excited about my sisters coming and retreating for 3 days this summer. I hope to get them all able to sew something, they aren’t all sewers and none quilt. It’ll be fun regardless. Thanks.
—Mom C on March 1, 2015I like to go to retreats. I seem to get more done when I do, as there are no distractions. Unless you consider stopping to see what everyone else is working on. But then I have learned a lot from others at retreat.
—Janie O on March 1, 2015Home alone unfortunately. My friends don’t sew and current obligations prevent me from traveling at this time. I would love to take classes or attend a retreat when my situation changes.
—Valerie on March 1, 2015i Love going to Quilting Retreats with my husband, we have such a great time and get away at the same time. He is my cutter and it helps the quilt go faster.
—Karen Propes on March 1, 2015ncjeepster@aol.com
Haven’t done the quilt retreat yet. It could be fun, but maybe intimidating. I do enjoy sharing my work with friends. And most of the year I get to quilt all day at home in my own space. No forgetting that special fabric or tool, but no feedback, either!
—Linda Towers on March 1, 2015I’ve never been on a retreat, but when going to day-long presentations that include hands-on projects it’s so inspiring that I can only imagine what a high it would be to go on a quilt retreat and absorb and share new ideas with like-minded sewing enthusiasts. For now, I sew alone. Current commitments keep me from going, but one of these days I am going to break free, pack up my machine, and just GO!!!
—Rose D. on March 2, 2015Maybe I’ll be lucky #365 post – I love to stitch at retreats as well as at home alone. The advantage of at home is not having to lug my supplies since I have fibromyalgia. The advantage of a retreat is the fun of being with friends as well as the inspiration of the friends. Thanks for the chance to win a digital copy of a great, great book. I hope I win so I can make some things to make going to retreats easier for me with my physical issues.
—Susan on March 2, 2015I love Make It and Take Its! Anything that can be done quickly while retreating with friends would be great!!
—Chris Ball on March 3, 2015Usually I’m a home alone type, but every now and then when I need design advice asking other people at a retreat would be a good option!
—Emily on March 3, 2015Both!! I love my weekends away with my Queen Bee group (there’s usually 8-10 of us) but also quiet sewing time alone at home–with my kitty quilt inspectors, of course!
—Shirley Wells on March 3, 2015