Monday, November 15, 2010

Whew - a wonderful retreat!

This was Friday evening view, with recent snowfall. You can see the Platte River sparkling near the center of the photo, behind the fence.
(Above) The blond gal in the center (long hair) did not sleep after arriving Friday morning, not Friday evening, not Saturday until very late Saturday night when she FINALLY went to bed! Whew - and she functioned very well!
(Above) This is one of my roommates, Lari, finishing up a Kaleidoscope quilt (and she DID). She had the bunk on top -- keep in mind that that we returned to our rooms late at night, lights are out, being quiet so as not to disturb early retirers, and she had to climb up, ladder fashion between two bunks, into her bunk! I sure could not have done it.
Now, why are their tables so clean and tidy??? I know they each finished many projects. Colleen on the right finished at least 9 separate projects! She is the most organized person I know!
Below is my tablemate, Chell, who I introduced you to in my previous post. She has definitely 'taken' to machine quilting, and she's also brought her embroidery machine. I don't think she slept longer than 2-3 hours each night.

(Above) I finished my Red/White/Black top -- only needed to add borders.

The start of a Christmas Log Cabin Star. The center was all green colors - no lights - and I became very confused!
Sharon said she only made 572 HSTs, out of the needed 800 or so. Her quilts are always spectacular. We noticed her paperpiecing some extraordinary stars also.
These old blocks had a heart-warming story. Nancy was putting sashing on them. Her 82 year old friend was given these blocks by HER mother who made them when (the older mother)she was 92. Nancy's friend did not have a clue that they were turning into a quilt.
By own mess - I took this so DH knew I was actually accomplishing something. I take a small Janome Platinum to classes.

If you've never attended a retreat, you don't have a clue what you are missing. We had 3 days this time and what I loved the best was hearing personal stories and getting to know each other more than just seeing their quilts. I believe there were 40 of us, working in two separate spaces, so we had plenty of spreading-out room. The meals were simple and wonderful, friendships rewarding and I believe everyone went home with projects completed. The local fabric shops were more than generous with gifts and certificates handed out at the culmination of the retreat. Can't wait until next year! Thank you to Marlene who did an enormouse organizing job!!!

Now, I have something else to do!

18 comments:

  1. A retreat is on my list of things to do. Sounds like you had a wonderfully productime time of fellowship.

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  2. Looks like a great retreat! I haven't been on one yet, am looking forward to it. And what a great space, the place looks huge! Love your layout, it's got nice movement.

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  3. It looks like a wonderful retreat place and I really enjoyed seeing everyone working on quilts. I love the layout of your black, white & red quilt! Looks great! I have been on some retreats, but not for several years. I might try to go this next year - we'll see.

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  4. Your retreat sounded great - some year I am going to go to one too. What kind of facility did you have the retreat? Motel, campground?

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  5. The borders are perfect for your Red/White/Black quilt. It is gorgeous now and will be even more beautiful when quilted.

    I've never been to an organized retreat, but my sisters and I had one of our own several years ago. It was a productive time, but we took time off and toured a bit and actually slept.

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  6. I love your red/black/white quilt! I do agree that retreats are just the best. Looks like you got a lot done!

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  7. Your retreat has the same advantages as an art workshop. Quilting and art are often solitary pursuits, so being with others of the same persuasion can be very inspiring.

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  8. Nice pictures of your retreat. I have to agree that retreats are the best. I go to two a year and just can't wait for them to come along each time. Love your blog. I've been lurking for a while. Thought it was time I made a comment.

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  9. Your new quilt is just fantastic. The borders really pulled the whole thing together beautifully. I'm glad you made it to the retreat safely despite the snow!

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  10. Looks like you all had a great time. Its a beautiful room - I like the log wainscot!

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  11. Your red/black/white quilt is terrific! I love how you arranged the blocks, so much more interesting than the first picture you showed of it. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. LOVE the layout you used on the red/white/black - it's going to be a stunner :)

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  13. WOW! Lucky you to have so much space to work in at a retreat. I get claustraphobic...too many people too close. I always try to get a single room so I do have some quiet time. SO much room...lucky you!

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  14. I LOVE the final setting of your split 9 patch! SO PRETTY! And looks like you had a great time on retreat. I'm not a retreat type of person--you have to be at least somewhat organized and I'm NOT! LOL

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  15. Wow, I wanna go with you next time!! Just love how your quilt top turned out...that is a perfect arrangement!

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  16. I'd love to go on a retreat! It is a goal another couple years' off, though. Glad you powered through and got some quality time in with your black and white top!

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  17. Boo. I have never been on a retreat... How I wish!!!

    I do love that Black/White/and Red quilt! I think it is the asymmetry that sets it off so beautifully!

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  18. How fun to see your projects, and my friend! Hi, Lari!!

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