Getting a group of 42 quilters together, and showing them how much fun it is to play with small little blocks and all of the different things you can do with them is one of my favorite things to do in the whole world.
Having the opportunity to do it in the shadow of Mt Rainier tucked away at Camp Arnold outside of Eatonville as part of a retreat with 112 in attendance? AWESOME!
And doing it ALL in quilty jammies? PRICELESS!!
Playing with Jacks is something that SOME of us grew up with, but many of us did not.
I remember jacks being around when I was a kid, but I remember being much more interested in Barbie and the many outfits we could make for her from my mom’s sewing scraps.
Margaret brought something very special to class yesterday:
Margaret’s Jacks form when she was little!
She also took some time to explain to me how the game of jacks was played, and I learned something! Speed, skill, hand and eye coordination have to work together if you are going to win at this game, it’s not easy!
And then I look at what kids are playing with now ---ipad? x box? Where is the physical activity?! Oh yes, we had quite the discussion of that too.
And at the end of the day, Margaret had gifted me her precious set of childhood jacks – something she has kept in a simple little drawstring pouch since she was a little girl.
Our Playing with Jacks class samples --
Pinned to the back side of Smith Mountain Morning as design wall!
These simple little blocks, just like the simply childhood jacks, have 6 points created by 6 half square triangle units, with simple squares chaining up the center. A simple 9 patch variation with SO MUCH POSSIBILITY!
And since we only had 3 hours to do as much as we could, we set right in and got busy making those half square triangles!
Pieces and parts and scrappy bits!
Sew on, Kathy! Sew on!
Show us your stuff, lovely ladies!!
Thank you for making this little workshop such a fun time!
Purple Scrap Lovers!
Click the image below if you are unable to view the slide show on your mobile device. You’ll be taken to the photo album for viewing.
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| Playing with Jacks, Quilter's Dream Retreat, WA 2015 |
And YOU can make your own Playing with Jacks quilt -- you'll find the free pattern under the free patterns tab at the top of the blog.
This little workshop was followed by our afternoon Scrappy Trips workshop – photos to follow, so stay tuned for those!
This morning retreat wraps up after brunch, and slowly –quilters will begin to make their exodus from Camp Arnold to points toward home.
I’ve loved being here! I’ve loved being a part of this group – it’s been fun to sew with them in the early morning hours before class started, and in the evenings after dinner. To hear the laughter and see the smiles and to stop and talk to each and every one – 112 retreaters. WHOOOOEEE!! This is a record for sure!
This afternoon I’ll be on my way back to Tacoma where I’ll stay the night and start my journey home on Monday morning.
Tonight I'll be drawing for the winner of our Quilty Box Giveaway! Did you leave your comment ON THAT POST to be entered to win?? There is still time!
My next adventure starts on October 31st –PERU! I’m going to PERU!
I think I need another nap first!
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Looked like a lot of fun, and I was so close. Maybe next time :)
ReplyDeleteI remember playing with jacks, I was never really good at the hand and eye coordination thing though. Mostly I remember stepping on them with no shoes on, ow-wowie!!!! Love the blocks, wish I could be there, not only for the sewing, but also for the great beautiful mountain I took for granted when I was growing up there.
ReplyDeleteI used to love playing with jacks, sitting Indian fashion on the floor. Oops, can't do that anymore. Lol. Looked like a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeletePlaying with jacks was a favorite game. But my older brother with the massive hands could beat me! Go figure!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Purple, Scrap Lover too! I remember playing with Jacks on the Kitchen floor with my MOM. Thanks for giving me a moment to think of the good old days, way back in the 60's. I think my Granddaughters need a set of jacks in a drawstring bag.
ReplyDeleteWould truly love to win the quilty box.
ReplyDeleteLynda Clelland
clellandlynda@yahoo.com