Sewing Retreat 2020

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that every January my ASDP chapter rents out a cabin and has a sewing retreat. And this year was no exception! We each bring a machine, and a few (or a bunch) of our sewing projects to work on, and we all share some of the bigger sewing tools, like irons and cutting mats. Then, we each take a the responsibility for one of the meals for the weekend, so that you only have to stop to make food once the entire time. The only "rule" is that you can't sew for any clients! (since most of us are professional sewists)
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I simply cannot say enough good things about this retreat. I love that it is an automatic on our chapter calendar every year, going to the same cabin, the same weekend, and even some of the same projects year after year (*cough*weddingquilt*cough*). There isn't a lot of though involved in planning it, and it is a great thing to look forward to in the middle of a cold winter! I am all about having an online sewing community, but there is something so magical about being able to sew with people in real life. People who completely understand your sewing passions and your sewing problems. And who are there the help you through any tough sewing spots!
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Each year we have some of the same friends attend, and some new ones too. And there's nothing like sewing in a cabin for 3 straight days to help create friendships. If you don't have anyone you can sew with in real life, I highly recommend that you reach out to sewing chapters, or even people on Instagram, to get some real life sewing interaction. And then, once you have your group, set up a fun getaway weekend like this. It will be amazing. Even if your back hurts afterwards. But that's what the cabin hot tub is for.
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Be on the lookout for more posts, about all the projects I finished and started on this weekend. I just need to find a good opportunity to do a photo shoot first...
Here's a rundown of what I accomplished:
- Finished my Kelly Anorak wearable muslin
- Added 3 rows to my wedding quilt
- Made a completely reversible dress (with pockets!)
- Refashioned 2 skirts, and started another
- Made a T-shirt from one of the skirt leftovers
- Made a cropped sweater
- Finished a cropped tank top
- Cut out a shirt
- Cut out a sweatshirt
- Brought home even more fabric and patterns than I came with, because people were clearing their stashes