Category Archives: Quilting Retreat

Back from Retreat I

Posted on November 10, 2018 by heARTs Creations

Whew! Retreat is just so much fun – but really, 30 quilters?! There was a lot of sewing, sharing, laughing, games, prizes and fun, fun, fun. What a wonderful group. And I had the privilege of meeting some for the first time and there were a few that hadn’t been in a while. There are those that come every year. All lend so much to the retreat. In addition to North Carolina, they came from South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama and Florida!

Here are some of the pics – another took some and am awaiting those to be sent so there will be a second post soon. Each day began with a great breakfast to fuel us for the fun and work ahead. Lots of serious discussions too!

Beverly and Janet were obviously absorbed in their projects.

It’s not all sewing. Adrienne did beautiful painted rocks while Diane knitted scarves for a charity program.

Jean made a fabulous cover for her sewing machine and completed a nifty reversible apron.

One pretty and warm afternoon we had no choice but to go to Kilwin’s for ice cream. This has become a very yummy tradition!

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Betty Ruth was delighted to win at strip poker – things got a little rowdy!

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Lots of fun and laughing, but I have to admire the concentration and seriousness.

Pat was determined to complete her first quilt – a flannel rag quilt.

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Be on the lookout for Retreat Wrap-up Parts II and III!

The Fabric Made Me Do It – Again!

Posted on October 15, 2018 by heARTs Creations

Keep Calm Squirrel[1] Remember my rant about reducing my WIPs? Huh – guess I lied! How weak am I when I begin to look through my fabrics. Maybe I can justify this one, though – it’s a leader ender to have on hand at upcoming retreats. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! This also puts me as a member in good standing in the Squirrel Club!

I was going through my scrap bin of Kaffe fabrics which was filled to the brim with beautiful, colorful prints. I saw a quilt online recently that’s done with all half square triangles AND I have the perfect gray and white “splotchy” fabric to use as the neutral. Leaders and enders – a good way to double sewing production, so I began to cut triangles on the Big Kick and voila! Another WIP!

Now, do I really want to wait for retreat in a few weeks? No, I really want to begin it now, so I quickly packed the project away with all the other retreat goodness. I can still hear it calling me, but hopefully it will die down soon!

And here it all is – snuggled in a project box waiting for retreat.

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Do tell, I’m sure I’m not the only one who breaks quilting and sewing promises to oneself!

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Posted in Art, Color, Fabric, Kaffe Fasset, Modern Quilting, Projects, Quilting, Quilting Retreat and tagged Color, projects, Quilting, Retreats, Scraps. Bookmark the permalink.

Two More!

Posted on June 27, 2018 by heARTs Creations

My goal for June was to quilt and finish as many Hospice quilts as possible. I have been working on it for the last few days, but because so much of my time went into finishing my new sewing table, I could not begin earlier.

I pulled out all the quilt tops and if I had not already had a backing stored with them, I chose one. I also prepped the binding for each. Oh my – look at all those bindings!

I prepped the batting for two of the quilts and sandwiched them. Now it was time to quilt!

I especially like this one because it is well suited for a male. See the lion peeking out?

Lion Hospice

This paintbrush quilt is so bright and cheerful and is sure to bring a smile to someone in Hospice care.

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The blocks for both of these quilts were pieced by those attending the Quilt & Sew-In retreats. I then put the blocks together and finish the quilt. It is a great way to get more charity quilts done and is fun for all!

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Comments: It is always so much fun to read your comments. The encouragement is just priceless!

Linky Tuesday, (too) Cute Tuesday, WIPs on Wednesdays

Needle and Thread Thursday

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Posted in Art, charity quilts, Color, Fabric, Modern Quilting, Pattern, Projects, Quilting, Quilting Retreat and tagged Charity, Patterns, projects, Quilting, Retreats. Bookmark the permalink.

Surprises & A Great Retreat!

Posted on April 28, 2018 by heARTs Creations

Last week was the Spring Quilt & Sew-In Retreat and it was a blast! There was so much sewing going on, but that is truly the least of it. The sharing, assistance, laughing and teaching moments were all such treasures. The generous spirit of all who attended was just amazingly wonderful. How lucky am I to bring these quilters back together each year!

And there were surprises! Beverly made these darling heart appliqued bags for everyone and a few extras for the wonderful employees of the inn where we stay. She also made cute little butterflies (mine, unfortunately, is camera shy). She is the resident crochet queen! In addition, she blessed me with the crocheted doilies (if I ever made one of these, I don’t think I’d be giving them away!) and a sewing machine cover with pockets for tools.

Sandra made everyone this cute finger pin cushion (on the right). It is going to be a real bonus for me when I am hand appliqueing.

In their goody bags, each attendee received a pin cushion with a Velcro backing – perfect to place on your sewing machine or table or wherever you might find it handy (above left). Several were put to use shortly after receiving them! Both were made with bottle caps as the base.

Something very special that happens at retreat is that there is a bucket of block “kits” for each to sew if they choose. The blocks are then put together for Hospice quilts. Everyone sewed one – some more than one! These batiks are going to make a beautiful quilt. The very masculine blocks were put together and the quilt top is already finished – Yeah!

AND there was a last minute sponsor – Woo Hoo! Northcott Fabrics so very generously sent these goodies. Sponsor generosity helps to make the retreats so very special.

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In the Fall we retreat again in Blowing Rock. Lucky me – I of course get to be there!

Two Projects Ready to Sew!

Posted on April 18, 2018 by heARTs Creations

It’s time to pack up and head to Blowing Rock for the Spring retreat. I’ll be setting up our sewing room for the Thursday morning start when I’ll greet all the happy, ambitious and anxious quilters as they gather to sew until Sunday!

I have several projects ready to go. The first one I will be doing as a leader/ender project. It is just a simple four patch with a one patch sewn in between each. It will be colorful and fun and fairly mindless – the kind of project I need when I lead a retreat.

In my stash I had a pile of little triangles that I’ve looked at several times wondering, “what should I do with these?” Then when I came across 1 stack of 2 1/2 inch squares, it all came together! These will make a cute wall hanging or table topper – I’ll decide as I progress.

There are a few more projects prepped, but as they are Island Batik Ambassador projects, I won’t be showing those to you just yet. I am excited about working on all of these and hopefully will get much accomplished!

And here it all is – the pile of retreat goodness ready to go!

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Posted in Art, block pattern, Color, Fabric, Pattern, Quilt Setting, Quilting, Quilting Retreat, Sew-in and tagged Patterns, projects, Quilting, Sewing. Bookmark the permalink.

Sew Many Goodies!

Posted on April 15, 2018 by heARTs Creations

The Spring Quilt & Sew-In is this week and many goodies have arrived from several generous sponsors. I can’t thank these companies enough for their generosity which lends to the fun and creativity of the retreats.

A HUGE thank you again to Island Batik. How generous to have sent several “Fifi and Fido stamps” (five inch squares) and City Culture II fat eighth stacks. The colors and designs of these beautiful fabrics will make some quilters very happy!

Once again Dritz has sent an amazing prize – this beautiful sewing basket and a pile of sewing notions – such goodness!

Pineapple Fabrics is a faithful supporter of the Quilt & Sew-Ins. The box of fabric they donated is especially useful for the charity blocks that are constructed at retreat. The blocks are then pieced and made into quilts donated to Hospice. Thank you Pineapple for a wonderful assortment!

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Colonial Needle is back again with their Turn Sharp rotary blade sharpener and their beautiful Presencia Thread which is virtually lint free!

Clothworks Textiles sent these beautiful fat quarters. Fun prints and solids to compliment them – how wonderful!

And where would our quilting be without Olfa mats and rotary cutters – in two fabulous sizes!

Martelli has also returned this year with one of their ergonomic rotary cutters. Truly, these are life changing in the quilt studio! And, a pack of rotary blades is greatly appreciated.

Quilters Dream has added to the retreat goodies with wonderful battings for our precious quilt projects.

Inch Worm Fabrics sent these lovely fabrics. Soft and rich colors will truly delight a lucky quilter.

June Tailor donated these cute mug rug quotation panels. These will definitely make some cute and thoughtful gifts.

Hobbs donated a wonderful batting – a must product for quilters.

Thank you doesn’t even begin to communicate how grateful I am – these prizes add so much fun to the Quilt & Sew-In and certainly enhance each quilter’s supply of goodies.

There are still openings in the Fall Retreat! November 4 thru 8. More info and registration form are here.

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Posted in Fabric, Island Batiks, Quilting, Quilting Retreat, Sewing Tools, Thread and tagged Quilting. Bookmark the permalink.

A Warm Thank You

Posted on March 28, 2018 by heARTs Creations

The Spring Retreat is coming up soon and it’s time to announce a generous sponsor with a favorite product. A big thank you to the Warm Company! I was so excited when the great big box was delivered. Inside were several battings – Warm & Plush, 80-20 Warm, Warm & White and fusible Warm! We couldn’t have quilting without batting and how wonderful to be able to have these quality battings as prizes.

AND…that’s not all! They also sent the waterproof Insul Shine for making personal coolers and lunch bags and Insul Bright, reflects hot or cold energy and is great for potholders.

AND… Steam-A-Seam light fusibile which just happens to be my favorite fusible for applique projects, together with Steam A Seam tape.

Thank you Warm for your generosity and to help make the Quilt & Sew-In Retreats a success!!

heARTS Creations