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!