Friday 15th November – the date had been set for some months, and the day came and quilters made their way to the venue. However, in my mind, the retreat had started a few days before. This year I was ready for it: the day came when the iPad went into overdrive on the ‘pings’. There I was, trying to finish some projects (presents to take up to the Midlands for grandchildren – a flying visit after the retreat), and also trying to get some of the optional challenges done – or at least prepared. My concentration was somewhat disrupted by the ping of a new chat message, but it was not unwelcome; the excitement about the coming weekend started to grow.
After getting myself organised and packed (just how many projects are too many for a weekend retreat??), I was ready to go. An early start on Friday morning – not because the journey would take a long time, but because I couldn’t sleep, and I wanted to clean my machine before packing it away, and then we were off. Bearing in mind that we couldn’t book into our rooms until 2pm, the sewing room was a hive of activity when we arrived around 1.45pm. This time there was no fear, no trepidation, no anxiety – as I knew that I had met many of the Bloggerati last year. The biggest problem – deciding where to sit! Once again there was a lovely goodie bag on the table – many thanks go to those who contributed to it – including The Craft Cotton Co. for the pack of gorgeous purple fat quarters. Something that I particularly like from the goodie bag is the Aurifil booklet – it is a great reference guide as to which needles to use with the different threads, and how to identify what type of thread it is from the colour of the cone.
It was fantastic to see quilters being comfortable; Nina has covered this in her blog, and I love it that I was with like-minded people – who sew bare foot or in slippers. It is only this year that I’ve found I can sew in a pair of slippers, previously I’ve been inn socks or gone bare-foot; the real question here is which footwear in Nina’s blog belongs to me?! I mention the footwear, as I have had comments and a few strange looks at Project Linus when I wander around without shoes on; I find it odd that so many ladies there are able to sew in shoes!
There were some lovely conversations and moments, some of which I shall share with you – but there will be no names, no pack drill – after all, what happens on retreat, stays on retreat!
In the order that I made notes whilst there:
– How lovely to be greeted like an old friend; having met many of them last year for the first time, and spent just 2 days with them. Of course, I’ve followed them and seen their posts on Facebook, but it still astounds me.
– “It’s like the past year didn’t happen”
– “Hello Mr Christine” – I LOVE this!! The way a blogger greeted my husband!
– At first count, the choice of 7 gins (this increased later)
– The need for plasters as an essential part of the sewing kit
– Another essential for the sewing retreat – a corkscrew; this is for those whose taste in wine extends beyond those bottles with screw-tops
– “When you’ve finished one project (e.g. piecing a top) you ARE allowed to treat yourself to more fabric for the next project (or even just for the stash) as a reward!” – this was confirmed around the dinner table – not just in the sewing room, and I believe that not only is it allowed, it is expected – and may even be quilting law!!
– The response to “I think I’m going to have to fudge it” – “I don’t know what you mean!” – obviously fudging it is a perfectly acceptable way of doing things – and I thank you for your permission with this!
– Someone else agreeing with your way of doing something – even if the pattern seems to suggest something different
– The skill – and subsequent giggles of those watching – of someone pouring coffee from a pot, whilst trying shaking with laughter; I am in awe of this, and it really was quite amusing
– People in the sewing room by 9am, and returning there after dinner in the evening.
– “There’s a hole there”
– “I’ve just had an out of bobbin experience”
– Someone not remembering which starter they ordered, or even if they ordered a starter; they were sure about the main course they had chosen
– The tote bag challenge – the quick dash and grab to get the bag that you wanted
– The Jack Sparrow approach to quilting – “they are more guidelines than rules”
I didn’t stay up as late this year as I did last year, so I can’t comment on how late some were sewing – I couldn’t make it past 10pm. The generosity and camaraderie of this group is the stuff of legends; people willing to share their stash, their time, their knowledge, their ideas. If a zipper foot was needed, someone had one that would fit. If pins or needles or thread were needed, someone was happy to help.
Such a lovely weekend, with good fun, lovely fabric, good food and good friends. If you need any further persuasion of how wonderful it was, the 2020 retreat was booked the following day, with many having made the commitment to attend already!
It was a great weekend Christine. I with you on the ‘sewing in shoes’ – ironing too! See you in 2020!