One of the things I really love to see (Besides the smiling faces, talking voices and loud laughter!) is the abundant creativity that flourishes when quilters (and knitters!) gather to spend a few days away from the world.
They have plotted and planned. The have dreamed dreams, they have cut and kitted up, and packed as carefully as possible -
This gorgeous bargello in progress arrived as a barely-begun UFO and is progressing rapidly - and there are still days ahead to get it done as this group is staying until Monday!
It is going to be so WOW!
Gorgeous ocean colors being assembled -
Much cutting, sewing, pressing, subcutting and PROGRESS happening!
Jeffrey is mixing up some Kaffe's with grunge and solid black.
This is going to be STUNNING!
Denise has been paper piecing fans - aren't they elegant?
Her table mate is also sewing big floral diamonds showcasing her love of Kaffe Fassett fabrics.
Those flowers are just radiant!
Kare is working on her NEXT big postage stamp quilt!
Her fabrics are so fun - there is everything in here, and each tiny square is a story in itself.
Quilt artist in residence!
Jerry arrived with a bundle of fabric, and set to work creating this beautiful landscape.
The mountains are freeform, with fabric manipulation and texture that you just HAVE to reach out and touch.
And then the thread play comes in and adds the wow!
This has been so exciting for me to watch - as a traditional scrap quilter who sees things in triangles and squares - My little patchwork grids march along, but this creation is like a dance - it flows.
Showing the thread play on the back.
It looks like a night scene highlighted by neon lights!
And yes, he does triangles and squares in a traditional way, too!
This was a group challenge, simply pairing a "light" to a "dark" and trying to not overthink things - the layout was up to each person once units were made from exchanged fabric pieces. They all turned out different!
While all of this activity was going on inside the Quilting Quarters - I was next door. I've spent quite a bit of time in front of my computer screen - it's time to put some finishing touches on the next PDF pattern release, coming toward the end of next week.
The thing I'm waiting for the most? Good weather for photography. Wind and rain and cold temps have plagued us this week -
This morning I woke to pounding rain - torrents - at around 4am. My fingers are crossed that better weather will come in the next week so I can get this job done.
This job only made a little headway last night!
I could only bind as far as I could reach - there was no turning the quilt or rearranging her in my lap.
That look says it all!
Come quilt with Cotton to Quilts!
Have you wanted to retreat at Quiltville Inn, but can't find 11 friends to join you?
Do you have 2 friends who WOULD like to join you, and you could occupy a room together instead of rooming with strangers?
Irene at Cotton to Quilts is hosting a couple of retreats in June and is booking trios!
The first retreat is 6 nights, includes lunch and dinner in the price (just bring your own breakfast foods!) for you and 2 friends. Dates: June 16, 2021 (4pm check in) to June 22, 2021 (noon check out)
The second retreat is also you and 2 friends includes lunch and dinner in the price (just bring your own breakfast foods!) and is a bit shorter. A 4 night stay beginning June 23, 2021 (4pm check in) to June 27, 2021 (3pm check out)
Click to the Cotton to Quilts website for more details, and contact Irene for more info.
This morning I am easing into my Saturday with just a handful of book orders to get out. Hopefully there will be some sewing time - and if the rain and wind hold off, there may be a hike with folks from the Quilters of the Night.
How about your own weekend ahead?
Don't forget that we still have a IronEZ Gift-Away happening on Thursday's post. Click to THAT POST to enter! Winners will be drawn for on Tuesday.
SewPad Mother's Day Special!
What is a SewPad? Check out the full info on THURSDAY'S POST. The most comfort you can have while sewing!
Take advantage of the FREE priority shipping (within the USA) offer by using code MOMday at checkout!
To the moms and grandmoms - have a WONDERFUL mother's day. If you are an aunt, friend, sister who also mothers others - this includes you too!
To the moms of fur babies - I hope they thank you for all you do with loads of kisses and cuddles.
For those remembering the mothers and grandmothers and other special folks who are no longer with us, may your memories draw them near enough to feel their love.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Keep on shining like you do - and be kind to yourself, too!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone - catch you back here on Monday!
I love getting to see what all the retreaters are working on. A big thank you to you and to them for sharing all the pictures. It is almost like being there! Someday I hope to be lucky enough to come and retreat with you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's day weekend. So glad you take a day of rest. Ivy is urging you on. Praying that rain to not spoil our flowers we just planted.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog post! I feel like I was at a quilt show... so many gorgeous and creative projects to enjoy...thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteVery refreshing to see a male quilter. I have been to a quilt retreat where the husband was assisting his wife with cutting and arranging and even accompanied her on fabric shopping trips carrying in all the bags himself. Was fun to watch the two of them.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOW... I"m in Awe of the wonderful talent shown in the photo's today. I want to make the top one, the fan one, and the next and the next... LOL Awesome work and would love to see these finished... and how they are made. Please have the makers share links to see their finished work. : )
ReplyDeleteWOW! I'm like you, Bonnie - my quilt mind works in squares and triangles and runs in rows. I don't know whether I'd enjoy the process of making an art quilt or intricate paper piecing, but oh, my! I do enjoy seeing what others have come up with! Really great work being accomplished this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe works in progress is just stunning. Wow. Great work everyone.
ReplyDeleteWow! Wow! AND Wow! What fabulous quilts ladies! What inspiration! Thank you for sharing! And Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, aunts, sisters, SILs, cousins, and friends. And a heartfelt ❤️ To all those who’ve lost a loved “mother” this past year.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother’s Day to you Bonnie
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for the trio/singles group retreat opportunities. Not all quilters and Bonnie Fans are part of a permanent group due to location or personal demands yet we are part of your "congregaton" and this is a great opportunity for them to share the special experience Quiltville offers. And it is a brilliant shift in your own planning due to changes this past year has caused. You certainly have great support from your friend. It will be interesting to watch the dynamics of these retreats among strangers brought together by their love of Bonnie logic and design and optimism. Happy Mother's Day to everyone!
ReplyDeleteBoy oh boy, Cats don't need to talk... the looks say it all. That "Don't mess me look can't be mistaken." She who must be obeyed. We live with them for sure.
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