I'm just back from a lovely weekend retreat in Urbandale, Iowa hosted by Heidi Kaisand (former editor of APQ magazine, now working with APQS long arm quilting machines). About 17 of us enjoyed a relaxing few days of stitching, eating, sharing and more eating. Heidi spoiled us with homemade goodies each day and a wealth of handmade treasures to remember our outing. Even though I've been anxiously anticipating spring, I was perfectly happy watching it snow and blow outside as we sat cozily inside sewing to our hearts content. Fellow designer friend, Pam Buda (check out her new BOM Hearth & Home at Fat Quarter Shop) and I had made plans to meet at the retreat to catch up and hang out together. Pam describes herself as a KT stalker, but I found if I just become good friends with stalkers it takes all the negative connotation out of it! I was also enjoyed the company of Pam's friend, Deb (owner of Quilter's General Store in Rockford, IL). It filled my soul to spend time with these ladies and babble about everything and nothing. I work alone so often it's a blessing to have good friends in the business who "get it". My roommate and dear friend, Connie Huddleson (Starry Pines Designs and The Little Wool Shoppe), was unable to attend due to her husband's ill-timed triple bypass surgery. But, we're already planning a summer get-together as soon as Chuck's on the mend. My best to the patient and care-giver.
Heidi provided us with a unique opportunity at this retreat by having an APQS machine AND expert instuctor, Dawn, available to quilt our own projects. I took a pic of Deb as she proudly displayed a table topper sample for her shop. It certainly did not look like a first time long arm project. Great job! I finished a lap quilt for market but was afraid to totally ruin it by quilting it myself. Wish I'd taken a generic UFO to play with - it really looked like fun.
Off to KC Tuesday thru Thursday to visit a couple more guilds and Prairie Point Quilt Shop. Finally home for a few days in April before heading to Scott's Bluff, NE the middle of the month.
Still time to enter for the March Giveaway next week (where did this month go???).
Lynne
Sounds like a quilter's haven. What better place to be than ANYPLACE with friends who share the same interest.
ReplyDeleteLoved Deb's quilt - is it a KT pattern? Glad you had a great get away - everyone needs it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a blast! And how fun to get to test drive an APQS machine! I'm glad you could getaway and enjoy the company of quilter friends. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a whirlwind of fun activity. The machine quilter's expo is going to be in RI this year, not sure if I can make it, but will try.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I would love to win your give-away!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a time of renewal to be with good friends and to share food, fun and quilting! I am going on a quilt retreat with my "Quilting Chicks" in April and can't wait! Glad that you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this month. If not, I will have to make a note of the booklet, as I am dying to add the bow borders to a project - love them.
ReplyDeleteOn Monday, I finished the top to my first quilt using ALL KT fabrics and my girlfriend's new book, Jelly Roll Quilts & More. I made a Chain Saw quilt using a Vine Creek jelly roll and layer cake and a Kansas Winter background from a different project that never got made. It is going to NC to be quilted by another friend with a Statler Stitcher. Love the fabric and the pattern.
What an incredible bunch of artist.. Sounds like so much fun and working together would be an array of inspiration.. Love all of your work and I am now a follower..Legacy of stitches sent me to your blog..
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Maggey
Loved your trunk show at my guild last week! Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteJeanine