How many times have you arrived at a quilt retreat and realized you forgot something. Use this list when you’re packing to help you remember everything you might need. You probably won’t need every item on the list but we tried to include all the possibilities!
For your sewing machine –
- Sewing machine, clean and oil before the retreat if needed. Don’t forget the manual.
- Foot pedal and power cord to your machine.
- Extension cord and power strip.
- Extra needles for your machine.
- Bobbins
- Lint brush
- Sewing machine oil
- Little screwdriver
- Extension or tilt table for your machine. You can use rubber door stops to tilt your machine.
- Any of the feet you might need for your machine. Walking foot, 1/4″ foot, zipper foot, etc.
- Pad or cushion for your chair
For your projects –
- Thread for each project
- Button, zippers, batting, interfacing, etc. you might need
- Scissors for cutting fabric, a pair for paper and a pair for cutting threads at the machine or when hand sewing
- Cutting mat, small or medium
- Rotary cutter and extra blades
- Rulers
- Seam ripper
- Thread catcher
- Pincushion and pins
- Hand sewing needles and thimble
- Marking pens and pencils
- Measuring tape
- Masking tape and/or scotch tape
- Basting glue or glue stick
- Basting spray, batting, safety pins and backing if you’re layering a quilt
- Zip lock bags in a variety of sizes
- Travel iron and small board or mat if doing paper piecing, etc.
- Spray starch, sizing or Best Press
- Ott light and magnifier if needed
- Fabric for your projects. You can pre-cut things at home to save time. Don’t forget some scraps to test out your machine
- Handstitching project in case you get tired of sitting at the machine or just want to sit and relax.
- Pattern, book or instructions for your projects
Misc. Things –
- Paper, a notebook, graph paper, pens, pencils, felt tip marker, Post-it-notes
- Your glasses! Sunglasses too
- Prescriptions
- Water bottle you can refill
- Band-aids
- Tylenol, Ibuprofen or other painkillers
- Kleenex
- Nail file – you might need it to smooth out templates too
- Hand lotion
- Lip balm
- Camera and battery
- Charging cables for camera, phone, laptop, tablet, etc.
- Stain remover pen
- Clothing you can layer depending on the weather
- Comfortable shoes and slippers
- Snacks to share
- Chocolate!
- Maps or an app on your phone so you won’t get lost