I'm reporting back from retreat, energized and ready to sew, sew, sew some more! This photo is from the website for Camp Dogwood, where my small group 'retreated' this past weekend. It was an absolutely GORGEOUS weekend, weather-wise, but don't let the image fool you... the dogwood weren't blooming, I promise! We occupied the lower level of this lodge, set-up our machines in the craft room and barely came outside, except to go and eat! It was truly a wonderful time.Friday afternoon I decided to tackle the one remaining block from last year's BOM, it was almost my downfall. Try as I might, I could not make the pieces come together accurately. I sewed, I ripped, I steamed and pressed and sewed again... I ripped it apart, AGAIN. I threw in the towel! I began to worry about myself. We went to dinner, whatever they had on the salad bar at Big Daddy's restaurant did the trick, (wonder-lettuce?) I came back to the machine and finished it right up:
Voila!
Voila!
I was eager to dive into my bin of strips after that, and begin the String-X blocks that I'd prepared to do. I sewed block after block... long into that night and all the next day. Instead of my bin emptying as the stack of sewn blocks grew, it seemed to expand; it was difficult to understand. The more I sewed the more the strips multiplied! Quiltkeemosabe seemed to really be enjoying my ever-increasing mountain of strips, she could barely contain her glee... she even inquired how I would ever get the top back on the bin. I tried to explain that I would merely have to tidy them back up (even though I was beginning to have my doubts...) and I was sure they'd fit back inside; she plunged her hand right down into the bin, smiling broadly, and pulled out her zip-loc bag of blocks! Very funny. She got me! I was relieved to see my mountain shrink back down rather than create an avalanche. I did piece enough blocks to set together a small quilt top measuring 41.5" X 55". I have decided now to add another full row, side and bottom, to create a more useable size. Yes, I still have enough strips. In fact, I'm sure I have more than enough to create a second quilt, too; it's twin!
"It's A String Thing"
And so, I shall return to my bin of strips; and add to this beauty, I just love the way it's turning out! I'm very happy that I had the opportunity to sew and laugh and enjoy the company of my Miss Bee Haven comrades this weekend, but I'm happy to be home, too. Someone missed me! I think I'll sit back down and sew a bit now with my other best friend, he's waiting for me!
Life is Good!
9 comments:
I absolutely love the cross block with the beams of light radiating from it. Beautiful!
Glad your retreat was good.
A productive weekend..!
I've had projects that wouldn't co-operate, and often find I just need to walk away for a while, and then when I pick it up again it seems to work.
Magic..!
What a great looking place to have a retreat.
Thanks for the compliments on the quilts. I had the bestest time ever and it was my first Symposium. My friend Janice and I won a prize in one of the challenge competitions and Janice also won the Hoffman Challenge. I did a 3 day design class with Jenny Bowker - fabulous class. And of course we spent at the merchant mall!! What more can one want from life?
Sounds like a splendid retreat!
Sounds like a great time!!
That's what i need... a retreat!
Sounds like you had a magic time. My retreat isn't until June - time goes very slowly when you're looking forward to something :-)
Looks like you had fun at your retreat, & I love the work you did while you were there!
Also adore Bailey.
Glad that you had a good time at your retreat. That quiltosabee is a mean one! But very very funny. So glad you got your block worked out. It is a great block, I find that eating helps me too. Need the proper amount of brain food before I can do something complicated. Your string quilt looks lovely.
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