O'Susannah's Retreat Part 2

Here with the girls!

:-)

We were so darn excited to get together and start our secret project that Sharon put together for us, that we completely forgot about getting the camera out and taking photos... Sorry Sharon, no pictures of our wonderful leader in this mystery...

But, the "sweatshop" was open...

              and she had us string piecing and making these adorable blocks...

 

This is a tutorial over on Connie Kresin's blog 

Freemotion By the River.

You can find the link to it right HERE 

It's a great stash buster, and so darn fun. You just have to check out her tutorial!

Here are some of the blocks that were put together at our retreat...

 

Mary's blocks...She changed up the flower a bit below.

These were like chips to me. You just can't stop at one. 

I put together a few,

playing with different ways to stitch the flowers down.

(Connie shares great ones in her tutorial)

 

Then I turned mine into a little wall hanging.

 

I had a piece of very high loft batting left from some project...

It was just the right size, and allowed for me to play around with a little trapunto quilting.

Oh and Sharon had treats for us.  

Besides those wonderful tote bags of real treats...candy and fruit rollups, lollipops,  granola bars, mints, and even ring pops! Talk about kids in a candy store! LOL!

 

She gave us these.

A perfect way to keep your thread and bobbins close by, and the pegs

pull out easily, to pack and tote back and forth to class! 

This is just too cool?

 

We discussed those thread cutters on a stand... 

You know those that make clipping your chain piecing a snap...

It would be so easy to drill out one of the holes to accommodate a round handle seam ripper.

Everything at your finger tips!

Oh the ideas...

:-)

 Thanks to Sharon, for the great gift and mystery pattern she found! (not to mention the wine that was delicious) ;-)    And a very special thanks to Connie for sharing this wonderful block. It was perfect for swapping our scraps and just having some good ole fun!

More to come...

:-)

O'Susannah's Retreat!

I was lucky enough to get invited to a quilt retreat with these 4 wonderful ladies.

 

Lynn, Mary, Sharon, and Ann

You know it's not every day that you go out on the limb, and invite someone you have never seen face to face. Sharon and I have known each other for 4-5 years online thru quilting boards. I've done some swaps with her and Mary, but never met them otherwise. 

It was a big leap of faith, as you never know just who is at the other end of a keyboard here in cyberspace, but WOW what a great leap it was. I felt like I had known these gals for years. 

I boarded a plane Easter Sunday to head across country to O'Susannah's Quilt shop in Watkins Glenn, NY for a 4 day retreat. Having never even been to the area, I had no idea just what to expect.

Our home away from home was up above the shop. A quaint place all decked out in Shabby Chic style.

                                           Notice those beautiful tin ceilings!

There were 3 bedrooms, 2 baths...

 

and a kitchen and dining room...

 

but the best part was the huge work area...

                                      This is only about 1/2 of it!

 

And an ironing area. 

We were surrounded by inspiration!

And snugly quilts to wrap up in.

I'm hoping to get some photos from the gals, and will show you just what were were up to next time!

;-)

til then!

Arabian Nights

I've long been a Disney fan, so when I ran across this pattern, I knew it was going to be a must.

 

Another of those wonderful quilts the Quiltery offers!

Is this just the coolest?

The whole gang is here...

 

The Wizard

 

The Guards

 

The Monkey

 

Aladdin of course!

 

The Parrot

The Sultan

 

Genie!

 

I love the quilting in it. Easy enough on a domestic machine.

I just made 1 line with my chalk marker, the switched to my Hera marker for the rest. Never did I imagine that it would work so well. I learned after a few lines, that looking ahead (much like driving)

gave me much straighter lines! Who Knew!  LOL!!

 

And that scroll work! Yum....

Everything was included in the pattern, right down to the quilting design.

 I'm definitely going to sit down and just enjoy this one for awhile!

My left arm needs a break. It got quite the work out pushing all that thru my machine for 3 days!

A break would have been nice, but this was like "chips" you couldn't stop with just 1!

I played a lot of mind games on this one.

You know...one more line and I will stop and get something to eat,

I'll stop and go to bed

I'll stop and go to the bathroom!

LOL
That one couldn't wait!

;-)

PS: I have a secret to share...

I had a horrible accident when this was all done. I always put Fray Check or Fray Block on my raw edge appliques. In a couple of places the black batik I used ran when the Fray Block hit it. 

Arrrrrrrgh!

What was I to do?

Some days it pays to save everything under the sun.

I dug thru my totes and found the flesh colored tole paint that is about 25 years old!

Hallelujah it was still good!

Can you spot where I had to repair things?
Hint Hint...

One place could not be fixed!

:-)

It's ok, I love it anyway.

Wishing you an Eggstra Special Day!

 

Does this not just bring the biggest smile to your face?

You can imagine my delight, when I opened my package from the Mini Swap and found this gorgeous creation. 

My swap partner Wendy, is something else!

 

Those beautiful stitches and that incredible quilting...

Finished off with a fabulous lace binding.

I never thought of lace!

  :-)

 

Even a lace sleeve to hang it with.

Incredible!!!!

 

Just as the backing she chose says...

You're Eggstra-special, Wendy 

and I am so blessed to be your swap partner.

Thank you thank you!!

May you all have an Eggstra Special Day!