Do your quilty friends like to play quilt-themed games?
While the jury may still be out on whether or not to play games at your retreat, personally I love them. It’s a good reason to get up out of my chair, give my eyes and focus a break and have a little fun!
Here’s our roundup of game ideas for quilters:
#1 Left-Right-Center
Grab a set of dice or make your own using blank dice from amazon. For our quilt Christmas party, we even used red/white and green dice! Have everyone who wants to participate bring 3 fat quarters (themed or random) or 3 jelly roll strips. Follow the instructions, and the winner of the game takes all the fabric!
(playing left right center at a retreat at Camellia Palms Retreat Center)
#2 Don’t-say-the-word Game
The object of the game is to be better than the other guests at watching your words.
In order to prepare for this game, the host will need to get enough clothespins or safety pins for each guest to have at least one. If you are feeling festive, it's fun to bedazzle, glitter or paint the clothespins for a special hint of party decor before the event begins. Here's what's next:
When guests arrive, hand a pin to each guest and have them attach it to a noticeable place on their clothing.
Tell them your pre-selected "forbidden" word. If another guest catches them using the forbidden word, they will have to turn over their pin to that guest.
The person who has the most pins when the game ends will win a prize.
It's simple, straightforward, and direct. This is a game that everyone can play and no guests will feel left out.
We use quilt-themed words for this game like "iron" or "corner" - a word that could easily slip out while quilting!
#3 Printables
Word searches, unscrambled words, Never-have-I-ever and more are low key games that you can hand out to your friends at the retreat.
(here's an example of playing a quilting printable game!)
Here are some easy & fun quilting printables!
#4 WHAT’S IN YOUR SEWING KIT?
To play, simply create a list of a handful of common, and not so common, quilting notions that might be in a quilter’s sewing kit. When all the players are gathered together with their sewing kits, begin by calling out one item at a time. The quilter who has the most number of items in their sewing kit wins!
(we've also played a quilters version called "what's in your purse?")
#5 The ugly fabric challenge
Have everyone bring an ugly fabric and vote for the ugliest. The winner gets a small door prize, or even challenge them to make something with all of the ugly fabrics compbined!
#6 Scavenger Hunts
Going to a quilt shop while on retreat? Maybe have a scavenger hunt! Can you find a fabric with a frog on it, or a truck? Give everyone a predetermined list, set a time limit and GO!
In conclusion, playing games at a quilting retreat can be a fun way to take a break from sewing and socialize with fellow quilters!
Whether it's a game of Left-Right-Center, a word game, printables, a scavenger hunt, or an ugly fabric challenge, there are many options to choose from. These games can help quilters relax, take a break from their work, and even win some prizes. Ultimately, the decision to play games at a quilting retreat is a personal preference, but for those who enjoy it, it can be a great way to add some fun to the experience.
Ready to shake things up with your quilty friends this year and plan a retreat with a theme? Get 7 Themed quilt retreat ideas here!