Thursday, January 14, 2010

To pack or not to pack...


This weekend is my guild's annual retreat up at a state park about 45 minutes from where I live. The way I am packing my bags you would think I was going to the other end of the Earth (assuming of course I am not traveling on an airline that charges for baggage...)

This is only one of the three "mounds" I have constructed with stuff I "need" for the three nights and four days. (You would of course think that my sewing room is stripped but alas, not the case and that is the topic for a future post titled "how did I end up with so many duplicate quilting tools....")


So I have spent several days debating what projects to bring...I mean there is a lot of sewing time in four days and three nights! I am working on a witch's hat with my friend Paula and we kitted that all up back in November - bag one. Then I have by old Baltimore Album blocks with the border fabric - bag two. My sister Jane's "Elvis meets Morris" quilt - box three. Then I may just want to quilt so now - box four. And what if....so that mound has 7 bags/boxes. Check....

Then there is the general stuff - ironing board, cutting mat, electric teapot, box of threads, sewing machine, and sewing supplies with lots of different needles. Do I bring a back-up sewing machine? Maybe not this time....Check....

On to the kitchen...banana bread is in the oven. I have packed lots of coffee, tea, sugar, creamer crackers, peanut butter, three bottles of wine and two boxes of chocolate. The ingredients for the apricot biscotti are on the counter waiting for the b-bread to get out of the way. A large batch of spaghetti sauce is on the stove so DH doesn't starve while I am gone. Check....

So why do I feel like I am forgetting something? Duhhh, clothes! My car is almost filled and I don't even have one change of clothes packed!

21 comments:

Steffi´s Candy Quilts said...

Have a lot of fun during the weekend!
4 days and 3 night sewing, that sounds great. :-)
And I would love to see "Elvis meets Morris", that sounds very interesting!:-)
Steffi

DianneP said...

Quilter's heaven!! Have fun!

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Absolutely ADORE the "post card".

And I would love a quilter's retreat - I haven't been to one in years. And banana bread wouldn't be so bad either.

Lynn

dianne said...

bwah ha ha ha! no clothes!!! i guess you could just wrap yourself up in quilts or ironing board covers or something!

no retreat for me - but i may be able to pull off a loaf or two of banana bread

p.s. my word verification for this comment is "catflu" which is NOT to be confused with swine flu

CarlaHR said...

Hope you have a wonderful time at your retreat - all that sewing and food mixed with good company - what a great start to 2010!!

sewkalico said...

This would be ok as long as my DH didn't see it. Everytime we travel (with 2 kids, I might add) he shouts 'Travel light, travel light' a bit rich when everyone else needs so much stuff that I often end up with minimal clothes (yes, it can be done so take the sewing stuff instead LOL)

Melinda said...

I have a retreat coming up in a week and then another one in March. I pack like you do - lots and lots of stuff.

AnnieO said...

Well, you won't be sorry you took a variety of projects, but glad you remembered clothes. Reminder: take a toothbrush and a comb too.

quiltmom anna said...

Glad to see that you are feeling better- it made me laugh to see all the things you had packed except clothes and reading materials.
Have a great time Sio- will look forward to seeing what things you made at retreat.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Ali Honey said...

Sounds like lovely fun.

It depends how many will be there , but we find that about 2 irons and ironing boards between 20 works out well so not everyone has to take them.

Enjoy. Travel safely and take photos! Lots to show us please.

Elaine Adair said...

I try to bring a cushion. Many times setting up a machine on a table sets it higher than what I have at home (drop in the desk machine). Sometimes you can put one stackable chair onto another to help you sit higher. The best cushions (for me) are a boat cushion. Firm, and they have those straps to help hold onto, when you arms are FULL!

Wow, a nice LONG retreat - what fun. Enjoy yourself, and get some rest between giggling, laughing, sewing. 8-)))

Loris said...

Sounds absolutely awesome..wish I were going but the drive would be more like 4 days and 45 minutes :-)
I pack the same way. Have a wonderful time!

Unknown said...

Enjoy your retreat. sounds wonderful!
I love the POST CARD at the beginning... SO You!!! (that's a compliment!)

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Have a wonderful time..bet it will be wonderful!!

Purple Pam said...

I know you are having a great time at retreat. I also know you only forgot a couple of things! You will surely get lots of laughter and even some sewing done, too.

Ila K. said...

I've done that... forgetting the clothing when going on retreat, I mean.

One of the best parts about forgetting something is when you get to borrow and test out "new" gadgets.

Enjoy your vacation!

Quilts And Pieces said...

I"m trying to pack now for my retreat this week. I've got piles everywhere!!!!

Michelle said...

Whenever I visit my niece my car is packed. I mean packed to the point where there is just a "tunnel" for me to see out the back window. I never can seem to get everything in my car I need too!

Unknown said...

I love the Post card - where did you find it or how did you make it?

the writer said...

he he he he

Just like a quilter to remember projects & food, but not clothes!!

I love your picture of the wall hanging.

Have a wonderful time at the retreat.

Nines said...

Hope you had a wonderful time and that your Mom is mending well.