Retreat Report

We had a great time at our retreat last weekend..geez, has it been a whole week ago already? Busy week, but wanted to report on our weekend. After a tense few days when our electric was out for 2 days RIGHT before our retreat had me a bit worried. But it came back on in time to carry on. We have 8 in our small group and we divide up in pairs to do retreats, block exchanges, etc. It was my turn with my friend and we decided to do a cupcake themed retreat. Here's what we placed at everyone's seats. We made cupcake pincushions for everyone. We used those silicone cupcake liners and stuffed a fabric square with batting and then hot glued it in the liner. We put colored pins in them to resemble sprinkles. Then we made kits for everyone to make a sewing machine mat. We got this darling cupcake fabric (Robert Kaufman) and then I embroidered their names on the pocket piece and Cheryl fused cupcakes (leftover from the fabric) on. We cut everything out for everyone and all they had to do that night was do some simple quilting and then bind it. We also made the hugest cupcake pincushion EVER and I forgot to take a picture of them! I'll do it later. Actually I did take a picture of one of our buddies and she was holding 2 of them in a very provocative manner and didn't think she'd want it made public! LOL You owe me Mishelle! We played Bingo, using words that pertained to our group, and played a word scramble and had quite some lively conversations--one was what constituted a compound word. We had little cups with colored M&M's--quilter's pills good for energy for just about everything...seam ripping...decision making, like what color to use....winding bobbins. And we all had mannequin heads and we were to post thoughts about our fellow quilters on them...all good of course!

Evil twin Kathy made an appearance and took over the machine quilting on a tablerunner. She did a very poor job--it was like she had never quilted before! She blames it on doing so much on Zoe that she's out of practice on a regular machine. I say phooey--and SHE is getting the credit for quilting that, not me! I was pretty mad at her for doing so bad and she got back at me and ate all my M&M's! This was one of the Quilt 24 Challenge quilts and will be great in a 'hang 'em high and keep 'em moving' exhibit only! LOL

Waiting for clothes in Ted's workroom

My baggage finally arrived, but it took the courier another 19 to deliver it! GRRR.... but we got to spend some time in Ted's workroom. Guess what I got? A sneak peek of her newest quilt in the works. another beauty, I tell ya! wanna see? I have her permission to post these sneak peeks of some elements in her quilt. Sorry--a one was a bit blurry. I'll see if I can get better ones before I leave.

one element--check out the background...that's all I'm saying. We were also entertained by her birds, who were so happy to have company in their room again. They just sang their hearts out for us!

I made several finger pincushions, one for her and then for other friends....(hey Annamarte--remind Ted that one is for YOU!!) I love these little pincushions, so handy to have close to your sewing.

Well, this is the first day that I have my own clothes again! We are off for a bit of exploring but I need to be home early as my hubby flew in today and we are going to dinner with friends. Then tomorrow Ted and I will go have a Spa day.....I can't wait!!

Tot ziens,

Karen