Paper and digital home sewing patterns for mature figures.

Retreat Treat!


Have you ever been to a sewing retreat? I am headed off this week to the pretty town of Deep River, Connecticut with my buddies from the American Sewing Guild.

The hardest part of going to a retreat is packing, am I right? Here's a handy list of things you will need - or maybe you will be sorry if you left them behind! Please comment with any additional "must have" items from your retreat experiences!

Sewing machines and accessories:

  • Sewing machine
  • Serger
  • Needles for both machines
  • Power cords and foot pedals for both machines
  • Bobbins
  • Presser feet for both machines
  • Screwdriver, oil and lint brush

Cutting needs:

  • Scissors - shears and embroidery scissors or snips
  • Rotary cutter and spare blades
  • Cutting mat
  • Cutting rulers - straight, mini and hip curve
  • Pattern weights

Pressing needs:

  • Heatproof pressing pad
  • Iron
  • Press cloth
  • Tailor's ham or seam roll
  • Tailor's clapper
  • Metal seam gauge

Sewing tools:

  • Pins and pincushion
  • Seam ripper 
  • Hand needles
  • Point turner
  • Loop turner
  • Tailor's chalk or other marking tools
  • Needle threader
  • Thimble
  • Measuring tape

Project materials:

  • Fabric and lining
  • Interfacing or batting
  • Thread
  • Patterns and instructions
  • Fusible web or stabilizer
  • Buttons, zippers, elastic and other notions

Work space needs:

  • Extension cords
  • Light
  • Non-slip mats for presser foot and machines
  • Caddy for tools 
  • Notebook, pencil and highlighter
  • Adhesive tape

Things for comfort and fun:

  • Water bottle
  • Coffee/tea mug with lid
  • Chair cushion
  • Slippers
  • Shower shoes if you're sharing the bathroom
  • Cellphone charging cord and tripod
  • Board games and playing cards
  • Snacks and drinks to share

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