Quilt Mini Retreat

Happy Tuesday to you! As you know, our county quilt guild is holding a mini-retreat for two days at the golf course banquet area where I live. I had never gone to one before, for several reasons and believe it or not, because I can be quiet if I don't know people. One of my goals though, for this year, has been to step out of my comfort zone and join in. So I went today; thankfully I knew some gals from my mini group that would be there and I sat at a table with a close friend. There were three places at each table; by the time I got there-15 minutes after the doors opened, I got a table in a corner near two barn doors, which provided lots of fresh air, breezes and light. This barn is used for wedding receptions, wine tastings, big parties etc. as you can see from the chandeliers and lace.

I believe there were 40 of us spread out.  I can tell you it was so much fun with lots of talking and tons of sewing.  The guild even had a silent fund raiser for donations of miscellaneous quilt fabrics and tops; I didn't get anything, but my friend got a lovely Wedding Ring quilt top.

I love this little table which came from Office De*ot.  I may need to get one for future trips, because after this retreat I see more in my future.

I also love this fold up wagon; when the gals sent out a list for things to bring they mentioned wagons-I thought they were referring to a children's wagon.  With all the things I had to take today, I now understand why women would own one.

After talking with one gal extensively, the past president of the guild, she told me I have to go to the retreats next year.  They go to Cheyenne, Wyoming for 4 days and have a ball; they eat, sew, play games, eat, shop, sew and repeat.  There is also a retreat in October near Estes, which would be a good one to try.  I had fun sewing and took my old machine, since we leave everything overnight in the locked barn.  I didn't want to chance it with my year old expensive machine.  I felt like I made some new friends!  At 6:00 p.m. about 30 of us headed to a nearby Mexican restaurant for dinner.  I didn't get to sit with the friends I had hoped to, but got to branch out and meet some more new quilters.  The quilt I am working on is one by Missouri Star Quilt owner Jenny Doan and I'm using white fabric and different batiks-so it will be somewhat scrappy.  It's called Summer in the Park.

Tomorrow will be another full day of sewing and I'm hoping to finish the strip piecing, shown above and start the next step.
I hope you have a great day!  Tomorrow I will be walking early and then cleaning house with the help of our oldest granddaughter, in preparation for hubby getting home mid morning.  I always miss him when he's gone, but try my best to have some fun.
Joy to you!
Noreen