We had a wonderful Retreat at Red Rooster Retreat Center, in Crane Hill AL. The weather was fine, until a storm took out the power for a day and a half. But the whole house generator kept the sewing machines humming, and the irons pressing, and all was well.
Just some photos to give you a taste of our 5 day sewing vacation:
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| We had 9 new people and 7 returning plus Kathy and me--a great group of women! |
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| Major decluttering before I left--all of this went to good homes |
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| My stuff to work on during retreat |
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Lots of good stuff to give away at Retreat--all of this is gone too
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| We assign table places and sleeping quarters so everyone has a good spot and makes new friends |
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| Kathy is the Admin and takes care of all the details--she is also the queen of Retreat set up, her work space is awesome |
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| Too cold to swim in March but a lovely view |
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| Shelley was determined to get Homeward Bound farther along--116 circles |
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| Victoria R brought her Two-For-One and I was so happy to see her working on it |
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| Conna finished a project that took about 20 years to complete |
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| Julie showed off her Western Sun--a great class I love to teach |
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| Pam made great progress on Cadence Court |
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| Cadence Court pattern |
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| Amanda with her first finish of the week |
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| Cyndi with her Garden Party Down Under just back from Patty Wilson the longarm quilter |
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| Shelley with the Alabama quilt she made for her husband |
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| Suzie with her perpetual Retreat project, 3 years and counting, no rush |
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| The 365 blocks that will surround Suzie's compass middle--some of them have more than 50 pieces in 6" blocks--amazing! |
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| Julie serenading us after dinner |
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| Shelley and me and Garth--he gave me that T-shirt personally. "The Cat in the Hat" |
As usual, the food was GREAT:
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| The only dessert I ate, Texas Sheet Cake, worth every calorie |
I used this Retreat to "practice teach" an important class I will be teaching in California next March. I asked 6 students if they were willing to be my guinea pigs as I develop the class plan. They blew me away with what they accomplished and all the input and suggestions they made. I know they worked harder than they expected to. A huge THANK YOU to these women who stepped up to help me:
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| Design Boards all the Retreaters received as gifts came in handy |
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| What they accomplished |
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| Cyndi the rebel changed one round completely |
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| Julie also designed a new round--making this in Pittsburgh Steeler colors |
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| Two of my four Quadrants done, two more to go |
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| Sue did great--she also changed one round |
Kathy and I were determined to create a Retreat that is a safe atmosphere for learning and laughing. Where each woman feels accepted, cared for and welcomed into the group. This year was no exception. The loss of power was a mild inconvenience--no lights in the bedrooms or bathrooms for two nights. But there was laughing and singing, and a little crying as we told our life stories to each other.
It is no wonder this group asked us to sign them up for next year already. Even though I won't be there--I will be teaching that week in California. They are just not allowed to give away my spot! Because I will be back with bells on in 2025.
Please let me know if you want to be on the waiting list for 2024: March 6-10. Most will return but there are always a couple who cannot attend so we fill that spot from the waiting list. So far, I have two on the waitlist. Remember, this year we welcomed 9 new women.
One of the best things I have ever done was say to Kathy 5 years ago "I have an idea..." The rest is history.
Let's quilt.
