Sue, it is about a half-hour taxi ride from the airport. I think we paid about $35 last year, but I was lucky enough to run into two other quilters (both TQS members, as it turns out), so we shared the ride both directions. I've only taken classes where I didn't need a sewing machine, but they rent machines so you don't have to take yours with you. My roommate the first year was in a class for which she rented a machine, then was able to buy it at a huge discount at the end of the session.

I've been eye-balling this venue for a few years, but flying to California from East Coast is soooooo expensive. I'm curious to know how you get to Asilomar from the airport. I'm also curious to know if one has to bring one's own machine. Shipping is so expensive, and the thought of my machine on an airplane gives me the willies.

Oh it does sound line Heaven on Earth! Connie, if you do decide to go will you pop me into your suitcase please?

Connie, I haven't taken any classes from Pearl, so I can't help you there, but Empty Spools at Asilomar is as close to heaven on earth as I can imagine! Gorgeous scenery, good food and accommodations, and quilting all day long !! Plus, you get exposed to all the other teachers who are there because each evening, two to three of the teachers give presentations of their work. And there is a quilt store on premises during the week and shuttles to the local quilt store in the afternoons—both have a phenomenal selection. I've been twice and made good friends both times, which is a nice bonus.

I am pondering taking Pearl Pereira's appliqué class at Asilomar next February, as I would love to gain a degree of mastery of her turned-edge appliqué technique (Needle-turn gives me tooth-gritting headaches!). It's a big decision, since I'll have to travel from North Carolina. Can anyone give me some feedback on Asilomar in general, or Pearl's appliqué class specifically? Thanks for your input!