As the saying goes, "There is a first time for everything" and that is how this past weekend went. There were many firsts this weekend. I went on my first but not LAST quilt retreat this weekend. I was invited by my new quilting friend "Ray" as a guest of her mom's shop, Quiltin' Country, retreat to the Compass Centre out in Mt. Calm - and that is what it was - CALM! I went with very little expectations but a long list of things to accomplish.Well, my expectations were exceeded beyond belief. It was a weekend of sewing, quilting, laughing, great food, rest and lots of new friends. But, I must say my list of things to do is STILL long...
While I was there between all the talking and laughing and good times, I was able to make some serious progress on my nephew-to-be's baby bedding. I used Sarah Jane's (Michael Miller) Children At Play to create the bight ensemble. I made bumper pads, two fitted sheets and a quilt top. But the quilt top was my biggest challenge.I decided to make a simple quilt pattern of 6 inch blocks, but I took it to the next level by adding in some complex blocks to add additional details to the piece. Well, after a day of laboring over it and the aid of my new friends who all took turns "talking me off the ledge" at one time or another, I finally completed the project.
But the highlight of it all was truly the laughter of the weekend, the late night sewing and being surrounded by many talented women who all have a passion for the timeless tradition of quilting. I laughed until my side hurt, I had so much good food my stomach felt like it was going to burst but most of all my heart was filled with joy! I told my new friends I was going to blog about them because I wanted to share with people the great time I had.I mean how many times in your life do you have a weekend where you have encounters with Butch Cassidy and MacGyver all in the same weekend?
Can't wait for my next retreat - but it will never be like the first time.
