My first quilt retreat!
05-07-2014, 05:15 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 7,381
Your enthusiasm is showing! I am so glad that you had a grand time on your first retreat. I too was just thrilled when I made the time to go to my guild's retreat. Having concentrated time dedicated to just one, or two or in your case 11 projects makes one feel like you are really accomplishing something. The help from others, comments, encouragement and just building of friendships over a meal or a quilting challenge or accomplishment is worth the $100.
Get your pen ready for the next sign-up!!
Get your pen ready for the next sign-up!!
05-07-2014, 05:22 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 727
Originally Posted by linda8450
I belong to a guild with about 60 members. Some great quilters, some beginners, some come to socialize, some work, some retired. I am 70, retired and have been sewing since I was 4 yrs old. I am new to quilting, mostly piece the tops and stitch in the ditch, so I don't really feel qualified to call myself a quilter. But I try.
We had the opportunity to book a great venue on a lake from Thurs from 1pm to Sun at 11am. The rate was better than I could imagine, $108 meals included for the entire long weekend! Though money is tight, I couldn't pass it up and I am so very glad I went.
I took way more things than I thought I would ever get to, pre-cut some borders, etc. and had all my supplies and tools well oiled and at the ready.
Everyone was so wonderful, what a variety of projects! Paper piecing (over my head and I am 6' tall!) Stack and whack, even a lovely bunch of Crown Royal bags that were magically transformed into a work of art (no alcohol allowed on the trip, but lots had been consumed to make this one). I sewed, ate good food, snacked endlessly, relaxed, we had a masseuse come in and give wonderful massages, and played with my favorite fabrics. I took 13 projects (no batting, just piecing) and FINISHED 11 of them!!!! I am soooo excited!
Someone didn't have a spare machine needle, "Oh, I have extras" was heard. Another had a machine die and was going to leave "Oh, I brought an extra machine, I'll go to the car and get it" was heard. Seam rippers were shared, binding was done by 3 people on one quilt to get finished for Quilts of Valor this weekend's presentation. One lady had a new machine and was having issues, several lessons were offered and accepted. People took time out to help, encourage and lift up those that needed it.
As I said, I don't do much quilting...one project I took was 4 bible verse (preprinted panels) wall hangings, I put a nice narrow flange, added 2 borders and was very pleased, but no idea how to quilt. A very experienced quilter was sharing how I could free motion in between the words, stipple the open areas, etc. but I don't free motion, and this was way above my level of expertise. They are to be donated to our guild quilt show for the bazaar table, so I want them to be nice. She very nicely offered to pack them up, take them home and long arm them! I offered to get muslin and batting first, "No, I have some wool batting I want to try out, and I would love to try my new silk thread if that's ok?" OK? OMG, I couldn't even imagine paying you, and of course she said she wouldn't hear of it! Where do these wonderful people come from?
I can't express how much I enjoyed the whole experience. So for those of you who have been debating as to whether to go to a retreat or not, GO GO GO! Even if you don't get anything done, it is so worth the experience.
This facility has a brand new building under construction, and we are all making plans for the end of summer when it will be finished....we all want to go back! I want to be first on that list!
We had the opportunity to book a great venue on a lake from Thurs from 1pm to Sun at 11am. The rate was better than I could imagine, $108 meals included for the entire long weekend! Though money is tight, I couldn't pass it up and I am so very glad I went.
I took way more things than I thought I would ever get to, pre-cut some borders, etc. and had all my supplies and tools well oiled and at the ready.
Everyone was so wonderful, what a variety of projects! Paper piecing (over my head and I am 6' tall!) Stack and whack, even a lovely bunch of Crown Royal bags that were magically transformed into a work of art (no alcohol allowed on the trip, but lots had been consumed to make this one). I sewed, ate good food, snacked endlessly, relaxed, we had a masseuse come in and give wonderful massages, and played with my favorite fabrics. I took 13 projects (no batting, just piecing) and FINISHED 11 of them!!!! I am soooo excited!
Someone didn't have a spare machine needle, "Oh, I have extras" was heard. Another had a machine die and was going to leave "Oh, I brought an extra machine, I'll go to the car and get it" was heard. Seam rippers were shared, binding was done by 3 people on one quilt to get finished for Quilts of Valor this weekend's presentation. One lady had a new machine and was having issues, several lessons were offered and accepted. People took time out to help, encourage and lift up those that needed it.
As I said, I don't do much quilting...one project I took was 4 bible verse (preprinted panels) wall hangings, I put a nice narrow flange, added 2 borders and was very pleased, but no idea how to quilt. A very experienced quilter was sharing how I could free motion in between the words, stipple the open areas, etc. but I don't free motion, and this was way above my level of expertise. They are to be donated to our guild quilt show for the bazaar table, so I want them to be nice. She very nicely offered to pack them up, take them home and long arm them! I offered to get muslin and batting first, "No, I have some wool batting I want to try out, and I would love to try my new silk thread if that's ok?" OK? OMG, I couldn't even imagine paying you, and of course she said she wouldn't hear of it! Where do these wonderful people come from?
I can't express how much I enjoyed the whole experience. So for those of you who have been debating as to whether to go to a retreat or not, GO GO GO! Even if you don't get anything done, it is so worth the experience.
This facility has a brand new building under construction, and we are all making plans for the end of summer when it will be finished....we all want to go back! I want to be first on that list!
Sounds like the retreats/quilt camp I go to
05-07-2014, 06:42 AM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Lafayette, TN
Posts: 1,204
This sounds wonderful, and is in Alabama (close enough for my sister and me to try to work into our busy lives). I love it, and have wanted to go on a quilting retreat ever since I got into the quilting scene.
05-07-2014, 11:56 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Broadway, Shenandoah Valley, VA
Posts: 478
What a wonderfule experience you had! And the price was right, more than reasonable. I've never been on a quilt retreat, but I've had the experience of having wonderful workshops in my area. All the workshops were instructed by Jan from Virginia who is on this board. Saturday's was the third workshop here. Most of the laides were repeat attendees so the fellowship was easy going. Everyone, even the new junior attendee, sewed with an earnest enthusiasm, and the end products were beautiful. There was sincere interest in each other's progress. The Show and Tell was awesome and exciting for the audience. Quilting brings out the "nice" part of all of us in most cases.
05-07-2014, 05:54 PM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Grants Pass, OR
Posts: 2,071
Originally Posted by running1
Every retreat I've been on has mirrored your experience... quilters are just the best folks to spend a weekend together! So glad you had a wonderful time!
05-07-2014, 07:16 PM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
Originally Posted by cricket_iscute
What you describe is typical of quilters. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
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