Saturday, June 8, 2013

Retreated And Survived!

I survived my first retreat without running from the room in total fright 
because of all the amazing quilters that surrounded me.
I was even nice to a few people.

My friend, Brenda, forced me out of my comfort zone by MAKING me 
go early BY MYSELF to reserve four spots that were close together.
I did it, but it's a blur...must have been the fear I was feeling.

Linda and Kay greeted the new arrivals...they both
do incredible applique work. REALLY incredible!
They were pretty funny, too.

Each person received a cute name tag.

They even made these cute little pin cushions for everyone.

While I waited for my support group/friends to arrive, I pulled out my
mini Comma charm squares and started sewing them together.
I have a long way to go before they will actually look anything close to a quilt.

FINALLY...Brenda, Susan, and Vicki arrived. This was Velcroed on
their sewing machines from one of the other retreats they went to.

Susan almost lost her sewing machine...to me! It's purple!

Each table had table toppers that were so adorable.
Loved this one! Are you noticing the hen theme going on?

I learned a lot from Brenda, Susan, and Vicki:

1. Every group has an obnoxious person in it.
If you don't think any of your friends are obnoxious,
it just might be YOU that is the obnoxious one.

2. If the 20% coupon won't be good after 6 p.m., it doesn't take a 
rocket scientist to figure out that it's because the store closes at 6 p.m.

3. It's important to buy fabric while on a retreat to add to the
fabric you brought to work on. It was so cool that the fabric store,
ScrapApple, was just out the gate behind the hotel where the retreat
was being held. Like, totally connected to the hotel by a fence!

4. Sewing isn't the only reason to retreat. Food plays a really
big part in the whole experience. Lots of food!

The purple sewing machine...oh, that's Susan.

This is Vicki being nice when I was taking her picture, 
but she was wishing I'd just leave her alone to sew.

Brenda found her own corner to cut her fabric.
It just happened to be in a separate room away from all of us.
We didn't take it personally...much.

 I ALMOST finished this little monkey quilt, but it still needs a little work. There's a 
ruffle AND monkeys...love it! I'll show it when it's finished...hopefully  real soon. 
A long-arm quilter, Linda, gave me a great idea to give it a nice finished look. 
She was so nice! I can't wait to do what she suggested.

My sister asked me if I'd do it again.
Yep!

14 comments:

  1. So glad you had a good time. Those little name tags are adorable.

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  2. I knew you'd love it! Being in a room full of people who share your passion for sewing and quilting is always a winning combination! Sounds like the hosts were so generous with their handcrafted treats. Glad you had fun, and looking forward to seeing your monkeys quilt!

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  3. Na-na-na-na-na...told you so! Sew glad you had such a great time! COMMA fabric....a woman after my own heart!

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  4. aww glad you had a great time, I expected you to NOT be anxious!! you are such a cheerleader online!
    I've never been on a quilt retreat either.... sounds fun though!

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  5. Well the first one will be the most difficult. Good that you had fun!! I get anxious too; not sure why, but it is annoying....lol.

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  6. Glad you had fun, and it sounds like you made progress too...I seem to do more visiting than sewing at those things :)

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  7. Retreats are the BEST! You can stay in your comfort zine or get outside the box. Your friends will help you!

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  8. Looks like you had a great time. I must try one.
    Love those monkeys :D

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  9. My first retreat was scary, too, for a few minutes. After finally finding the venue, I walked into a roomful of women and said, "I'm Tracy." Four women immediately dropped what they were doing and came up and hugged me (this was an online group I'd 'known' for a couple of years).

    Once that happened, I learned and laughed - and, yes, ATE - a lot.

    This year I had to miss my now-annual retreat with another group of friends I met online because I'd just started a new job. I've already put in my time off request for NEXT year's retreat!

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  10. You crack me up! Quilt retreats are so much fun. It is a great chance to work on projects, but to also make new friends. Being silly is part of the fun!
    I am so glad you liked it.

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  11. I am so glad you enjoyed the retreat! :)

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  12. The girls are still cackling around the tables. Many are viewing a (your) blog for the first time and enjoying the humor. So sorry your couldn't stay today for more fabulous food (kneeders) and lots of laughs with a bit of quilting. Thanks for joining us!

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  13. Love retreats and sew-in's especially with the guild I belong to. My local small group has that same sort of flavor since it is always hands on, not that meeting agenda, etc stuff. Glad you had such a fun time, Carol!

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  14. You've got the first one under your belt, hooray for Carol ! You're liable to become a retreat junkie ! haha ! You will have to put the names of your little monkey grandboys on the quilt....Is it made in honor of them ?
    Seriously, I'm glad you had fun. Where is your picture?

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