FQ Retreat 2014....did it really happen?

Three weeks have gone by...we are back from our UK visit...internet is sort of fixed and I have photos so it must have happened!

(Large stack of Siblings Together quilts donated by all the lovely attendees!)

My second lucky chance to attend the FQ retreat was even better than I imagined it would be in my head during the long plane ride by myself!! 

Only doing Saturday classes I was very lucky to be in Thomas Knauer's Modern Knots session.  After we figured out how to draw our grids knotting was a cinch!  Thomas is my kinda guy...he talks with his hands!!

(My unfinished Knots piece and embroidery attempts)

Next class I neglected to take photos as Jo Avery was blowing my mind with the simplicity of embroidering what looks like very hard stitches!!  That's Jo's finished sample...I wanted to sneak it into my bag!! I learned so many useful stitches AND got to hang with my pal Jo. Bonus! Thanks sweetie!!

(photo borrowed from Lynne of Lily's Quilts and  FQ fame!:)

During the break everyone walked around oohing and aahing at all the cool makes.  I was very jealous of Trash's double pears!!:) Thanks for everything Trash...you know what I mean!!;) xo

 Then there was Sample Swapping!  We made 3-5 like items and Trash put us in small groups for swapping.

This was my lovely group and what I received from each person.  I swapped mini Kaffe pouches with a few goodies inside.  Thanks so much Claire, Pippa and Joanne.  So lucky to be in your group!!:)

After lunch was my longest class...all afternoon...which was great because I spent it learning hand piecing and needle turn applique with the amazing Jen Kingwell. My pal Amy Smart (peeking over Sue's shoulder) was in the class too.  Double Bonus! We learned a ton!

We laughed a ton.

 We played a ton!

 Cameras were happy.

Could not believe I was able to see and touch the actual Green Tea and Sweet Beans and

the famous Gypsy Wife quilts in person.  Those I totally couldn't sneak into my bag!

(Jo, Jenny, Sarah and photobombing Trash!)

Sunday morning I was going to visit the Victoria and Albert museum but Jo said come sew with her on the terrace.  OK!!:) It was so nice to be able to spend several hours stitching and enjoying the company.

 Closing comments by the FQ Three were made outside because of a fire alarm at the Baden Powell Conference Center.  Made for much better photos!:)  

Thanks so much the the FQ gang and their helpers Sandy and the Jacks! 

(My buddy Marguerite gave me the fabrics I used for Jen Kingwell's class...thanks pal!!xo)

There it is...a fun filled weekend in London. 

Traveled on an airplane across the ocean alone. Check!

Got on and off the Tube at the right stop alone. Check!

Found the Baden Powell and got the last bed because they didn't have my reservation? Check!

Had the best time learning and chatting with old friends and new ones.....Double Check!!

~d

ps...Trudi...thanks for the last minute FMQ lesson and rubbery pads...I'm working on it!!!!:)

Hoping for some good Karma!

This past March I was lucky enough to go to the first ever Sew South Retreat where I got to hang out with my buddy Dana of Old Red Barn Co.  Dana gave me a load of lovely presents but this one really touched my heart....

 Eighteen almost finished 12" hand pieced antique quilt blocks.  Almost because they still needed their corners.  I think she bought them at a flea market or yard sale.  Dana also gave me some turquoise and green fabric for a perfect finish!

Corners sewn....added two squares of Lark.....

 ...Voila!!  Don't you love it?!!!:) It is just awesome!

 The ladies at the shop think these may be 1940s fabrics.

 What do you think?  They are fabulous!  Some of the blocks are a bit faded but who cares?!:)

 This just makes me sooooo happy!

 But mostly I hope some good karma has happened and someone somewhere ;) is happy because the blocks are finally all together!  Thanks so much Dana!! xoxoxox

 Keeping with feel good quilting is this stack of red, white and blue which became....

 ...this patriotic cuddle!  Our shop was trying to collect 100 quilts that will be given to returning soldiers next month.  I wanted to be one of the 100.  I ended up being is one of over 135+ quilts for our troops!!!!  

A big heartfelt virtual hug to all you wonderful quilters from Virginia, Maryland, DC and across the USA (we received many by mail) bearing warmth from your loving hands.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!

~d