Quilting retreats are becoming a popular destination for quilters who want to relax, be inspired, take classes, or study quilts. Whatever your goal, there is a retreat somewhere for you.

Many quilting retreats are hosted in wonderful get-away locations. Often you have a chance to do some sight-seeing if you need a break from quilting activities, and, of course, many times the nearby sights include quilt shops or quilt museums. Some retreats sponsor famous quilting teachers who give formal classes. Some retreats are more informal, and quilt guild members or quilting groups attend just to have a chance to sew and create with friends for as many hours a day as possible. Some quilting groups sponsor UFO retreats, which give members a chance to take their UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) along and have enough undivided time to actually finish them!

Quilting retreats differ in the way they are organized. Some are at a lodge where all meals are included in the fee, and you can spend all of your time sewing and quilting. Some retreats have organized time slots for different activities related to quilting, including time to share ideas and inspirations, and times for showing and discussing everyone’s work from that day. Some quilting retreats are held in a bed and breakfast type setting, and quilt groups can often plan their own meals and do their own cooking.

You may like the idea of spending the weekend with a quilt designer and book author. Many authors are also teachers, and they organize retreats. Quilting retreats with them are a wonderful way to ensure small classes with one-on-one time and lots of fun conversation and inspiration.