I'm getting ready for my 1st Annual Small Quilt Retreat this coming weekend and scrambling to get everything done in time. I say 1st annual with a grin. Who knows how it will go? It's my first time hosting a retreat, so wish me luck. I have lists all over the place so I don't forget anything. If it turns out to be a success, we'll definitely do another one next year. I'm looking forward to relaxing and sewing in a woodsy place in Wisconsin in October with a group of ladies who like to make small quilts too. What am I saying - of course it will be fun!!
The colors have just barely begun to change here. Wisconsin is farther north - I hope it looks like this.
I'm almost finished with the quilt I'll be teaching on Saturday and hope to get it done today or tomorrow. I left it ito the last minute, of course. Instead of using a quilt from one of my books, I wanted to design a new small quilt just for the retreat. As usual, the quilt took on a life of it's own. When I began, I had an idea of what I wanted to make, using Ohio Star blocks. After I designed it, I kind of knew it was just a draft. I took my time picking out the fabrics. This part takes me so long but is probably the most fun. I always make a few sample blocks when I begin a quilt.
As I go along, if the colors are not quite right, I'll make a few more blocks. I always make extra blocks just so I have the option of choosing different ones and playing around with them. While I play with the blocks (This is actually my Yahoo Small Quilt group motto - "We Play with Blocks"), I get ideas and the quilt evolves and changes. Fabrics are swiped out and others substituted until I get the look I like.
The table sure gets messy. Fabric flies!
The quilt has changed a quite a bit from its original design. Hardly the same quilt at all! I decided to make it more scrappy and colorful and added more blue in the blocks. I'm getting ready to quilt it today and will show you the finished quilt next week.
Karen, who is coming to the retreat, made this darling wool pincushion for me and promised to bring a few nore to show everyone, along with her doll beds. I think some others are bringing their antique doll beds and everyone is supposed to bring some of their small quilts for Show & Tell. Don't forget, ladies.
This retreat will be so much fun and I cannot wait to meet everyone (I've already met a few of you) and have a great time together, sewing and chatting! Now, back to work. Friday will be here before I know it.
14 comments:
How fun! I wish I lived closer to Wisconsin. Have a wonderful time.
How exciting! I wish I were not thousands of miles away. Look forward to seeing the new quilt next week and hopefully some photos of all those doll beds and quilts (pleeease). I just happen to be quilting the scrappy coins quilt from Remembering Adelia as seen under the cute pin cushion. Fun to make, thank you.
How exciting! The fabrics you are using looks great, so I look forward to see what you're making! Have fun,
Laila
My Mom and I spent this past weekend at a retreat...wish we were closer so I could come to yours! Have a wonderful time!!
I am sad that I decided not to come. Darn ole Chicago traffic! Hope you all have a great time and maybe next year it won't be on the other sside of Chicago.
Linda in IN
You are going to have a fantastic retreat...I can tell by your excitement! Wish I lived closer OR had my own private jet. Best of luck!
I am sure you will have a lovely time. Making doll quilts is so much fun, and so is sharing ideas with everyone. Your small quilt looks great - I look forward to seeing the completed project when you come back.
I know that you will all have a wonderful time. Maybe if I start saving now, I can come to the next one. Have a wonderful time.
I am sure it will be a great time!
It will be wonderful! I love the fabrics you choose for your small quilts! They make my heart sing, just looking at them.
How I wish I lived closer to you than on the other side of the ocean, wouldn't this retreat be great! Now I can only wish you a very happy time, I am sure it will all work out well!
I know your retreat with small quilt ladies will be fun for one and all, and you will enjoy meeting some of the people you've been talking to via email.
Hi! Greets from Finland! The quilts are fantastic!! I love them! Thank you for your lovely blog! It's so nice to find other quilters from the other side of the world! :)
Greetings from the northwoods of Wisconsin...Just found your blog and wanted to wish you a fun weekend at retreat. Love the little quilts you have shown - my kind of colors.
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