DIY Quilt Retreat

Posted on by quiltedl

Summer sewing/quilting retreats cancelled due to the pandemic or other reasons?img_20191127_222233_611

No worries – create your own quilt-retreat-at-home!  Here are some ideas:

Retreat Environment

  • Tidy up your sewing room.
  • Light a favorite candle.
  • Add a vase of fresh flowers (cut from your garden or a $4 bunch from grocery store).
  • Stock up on your preferred beverage and retreat snacks. 🙂
  • Cue up your favorite music.

Project Ideas

  • Have a project or technique you’ve been dying to try?  Now’s the time!
  • Join one of the many Quilt A Longs either online or through your LQS.
  • Set a timer for 30 minutes and peruse Pinterest.
  • Challenge yourself to make a quilt or other small project using only what you have on hand. These are often referred to as stash quilts, stash buster projects, and scrappy quilts. Just Wanna Quilt calls these challenges Inventory Quilts.

Field Trips

  • Many quilt shops are starting to reopen, but with limited hours. Check with the shop before you leave. Also recropped-dsc00331.jpgmember to bring a mask and hand sanitizer.
  • Learn about any Quilt Block/Barn Block Trails in your area. This provides an opportunity to learn more about your local town/state, plus get outside while maintaining the recommended social distancing. FYI: The latest edition of Quilt Folk Magazine features an article about the quilt block trails in South Carolina.
  • Sew outside! Take a hand sewing project, cold beverage and go visit your favorite park. E1398515127904ven 30 minutes spent stitching will do wonders for your mood.  If you can stay longer, take a favorite magazine and pack a lunch.  Try to meet up with a friend.
  • If your budget allows, take your DIY retreat to a hotel for 1-2 nights. If you precut your projects, you’ll be amazed at how much sewing actually gets done.

 

 

Keeping It Social

  • Meet up with your quilty peeps in person whenever you can. Be sure to keep in touch with them via phone, text or email. Personal connections are so import right now!
  • Follow your favorite quilt shops, shows and designers on Instagram & Facebook.  If you participate in a QAL, be sure to post pictures of your project and use the designated hashtags.
  • Listen to sewing/quilting related podcasts using your favorite podcast app.

My retreat?
QAL in real time: Bee Patriotic Sew Along with Lori Holt – posting weekly on Instagram (this is also my sew from the stash challenge project)
Ongoing: Granny’s Flower Garden Quilt (previous applique QAL w/ Lori Holt)
Social: Catch up with FB Live videos from The Featherweight Shop, JK Quilts & Missouri Star.
Field Trip: Visit 1-2 local shops per week to check-in and support local businesses. Explore Powder Springs Quilt Block Trail.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to get-in a couple of overnight getaways before summer ends.