I've just hosted a quilt retreat at my house!
My quilting buddies, Joann and Barb, and I have been discussing attending a retreat for a long time, but retreats are beyond our budget right now and I have to work. But because the opportunity presented itself (no man around for a few days), and I was able to work out some time away from the office, I jumped at the chance to take a couple of days off work and create my own retreat. Thank goodness everyone was available!
We kept it very simple because the point of the 3 days was to produce. Over three days we each worked on our own projects with varying levels of satisfaction. Our days began in the morning with coffee and bagels, then down to work, with a break for lunch around 2 pm, then back to work until early evening. Lunch menus consisted of home made chicken soup, baked macaroni and cheese, and Greek salad with olive oil ciabatta bread. Beverages were coffee, tea, water, soda and wine (the sources of our only exercise, climbing the stairs to the bathroom). I provided a cutting table, iron and ironing board. And background music. Tony Bennett and Michael Buble had us dancing in our chairs.
My project was to make a wall hanging for my mantle at work. I am using almost all batiks which work really well for the pattern. It consists of stars in 3 sizes and a LOT of flying geese units. I still have not finished the little guys, but I am very happy with the way they are coming out. These are the blocks; finished item to come.
Joann's project was a quilt that she adored at a recent quilt show. She is working with some beautiful greens and a great pattern. However, frustration reigned from the first block she completed. Much ripping to come, but she did complete the four corner blocks in a method not included with the pattern. So this quilt will be uniquely Joann's. Here's a finished block:
Barb joined us for a couple of days, but due to her busy schedule, she only got as far as cutting for her project, a table runner.
All in all, it was a great way to spend time together and help each other out. But it's not really over. Tomorrow we are traveling to a favorite quilt shop for a quick visit before continuing on to my daughter Laura's house for a Tastefully Simple party. Mmmm, more good food!
