Quilts are exquisite works of art and require hours of close, tedious work for those who are patient enough to take up the craft.

In Grandma’s day, pieces of material would be sewn together into patterns with down placed between. Sometimes they were given as gifts or used to grace a family member’s bed. But today quilting is sophisticated with a variety of patterns and quilting techniques -- an expression of one’s personality and style.

Part of this new sophistication is the “quilting retreat” that brings quilters and quilting experts together for workshops, classes and demonstrations. The retreats develop quilter’s abilities, talents, style, skills and potential while offering a place to get away and have fun while polishing their crafts. It’s a chance for “stitchers” to take a holiday with those with a common interest while learning, making friends and playing show and tell.

Many retreats feature authors of quilting books as well as television personalities such as Alex Anderson, host of HGTV's “Simply Quilts.” Retreats can take place in a variety of locations including exotic locations such and Fiji.

Costs for the retreats vary. Some are package deals where the registration fee, cost of the workshops and classes and hotel accommodations are included in one price, while others take an a la carte approach for the registration fee and individual workshops and classes.

It’s a learning experience and a great time for those who share a common interest in the classic art of quilting.