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.

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