Quilting retreats are great for beginning quilters to learn the craft, or for more experienced quilters to hone their skills. These retreats are a time to renew old friendships and make new quilting friendships as well. Quilting retreats can be from 3 to 7 days in length, depending on the program's host and are held all over the United States. Most retreats include lodging, meals, various refreshments, and of course detailed instruction in quilt making.

The instructors at quilting retreats have years of quilting experience. The Santa Barbara Quilting Retreat, to be held in November of this year, will offer several quilting classes to choose from. Carol Taylor is a quilter with a vast array of experience who will be instructing a class on how to make your quilt “flow” from light to dark. Taylor will also give instruction on composition and how to balance your quilt with both color and size. There will also be a room available where quilters can set up their sewing machine and sew all night. There will be snacks available, or you can grab a bite to eat on the beach if you need a break. Visit www.santabarbaraquilting.com for more information on this quilting retreat.

Camp Cotton is another great quilting retreat which is held in Osseo, Wisconsin. They offer a variety of retreats options, from 4 to 7 days in duration, for small classes of 12 quilters. After you have completed five modules of classes, you will leave the retreat as a certified instructor of the Cotton Theory of quilting. This retreat will require the completion of several projects, including a placemat and candle mat, wall hangings, table toppers, and a tote bag using various quilting techniques.