Saturday, January 13, 2018

Back to Normal...

...normal life, and almost normal computer.
Had a glorious time at retreat, sponsored by Village Dry Goods in Brigham City, UT! I came home with no new UFOs! There were mini classes offered during the three day period, and I was one of only a very few that took none of them! Just kept my focus on the projects I brought, and making progress.

I took a different large UFO to work on each of the three days, and then I had a couple of minis and bonus triangles to use as leader/enders and to fill in the gaps when I got tired of my "big" project.

Day One: I worked on my Scrappy Trips blocks. This is a Bonnie Hunter free pattern, and I started it in January 2013, when it was really making the rounds in social media. A LQS held a free sew day to come and learn how to make it (which you can read about here). I already knew how, but thought it would be fun to participate, so I did.
(I didn't purposely lay it out in the shape of Utah, but thought it was interesting that it ended up that way.)
There were 12 blocks already made when I went to retreat. I made 6 more blocks, and got a start on two more--and I have all the strips cut for more, so I can just sew, sew, sew!



Can't decide how many blocks I will end up making for this quilt. I think I would like 40, but I may not be patient enough to wait another 5 years to see that happen!





When my enthusiasm for Scrappy Trips waned, I pulled out my little paper pieced blocks for the Kim Diehl mini. They really don't take long to make, but I didn't spend much time with them, so I only made 4. They will finish at 2".

Day Two: My "big quilt" focus for this day was the "Legendary" quilt of Sasquatch, by Elizabeth Hartman. I completed the Sasquatch block and the first tree in a class at  a LQS in November. So my goal for retreat was to get all of the flippy corners sewn on the tree sections. Mission accomplished! They went from this..............................................................................to this!






















Day Three:  My main project for this day was a quilt called Settler's Puzzle. It is a Pam Buda design, and I started this at the retreat in 2014, when Pam was the invited teacher.
I only had 2 complete blocks when I arrived, and I went home with 6 finished. The pattern calls for 12, so I am halfway there. Though all of the parts were already cut out, I had to spend a lot of time on this one, getting all of the individual components made. Once that was done, the blocks went together very quickly!




I have the next 3 laid out on design boards--sans the red/gold HSTs. Those are cut, and shouldn't take too long!



This was held at The Academy Conference Center in Brigham City, UT--the same place where I took Bonnie Hunter's classes last summer. Such a lovely venue. This is looking from one end of the room to the other.
Each quilter got a full table to herself, but they pushed 4 tables together so we could visit as we worked.

It is hard to tell from the photo above, but at the end of the room there is a big, wide staircase that takes you down into the luncheon area.
As we descended the stairs for lunch, we joked that we felt we should be wearing ball gowns, tiaras, and glass slippers.

Each day there was some kind of program at lunch. The first two days were trunk shows.
The third day was an author/potter. His wife is a quilter, so some of his pottery caters to us. I picked up this lovely, magnetic pin bowl. I love functional things that are pretty, too!












My retreat buddy (Kim), and I became good friends with our table mates, and look forward to next year, hoping we will meet up again.

Standing L to R: Liz B., myself
Sitting L to R: Kim W., Annette B. (Liz's MIL)
I shared this experience with such wonderful women--kind, thoughtful, funny, sometimes silly, and always willing to go out of their way for you.I'm sure that sounds like most quilters you know.
When I returned home I looked at the blocks I had left up on my design wall during my absence, and I suddenly knew what I wanted to do with them.

All of these blocks came from Karen (karen-logcabinquilter.blogspot.com). They are from two different projects for which she had lost interest. The 5 center blocks were from one project, and the outer stars are from another large bunch of stars that I seem to be parceling out to various projects. I have border fabrics hanging to the side. You can't see it in the photo very well, but each of the fabrics in the sashing, setting triangles, and borders are small prints. I didn't want solids, but I also didn't want to compete with the blocks. I want them to shine. 
Thank you, Karen, for the privilege of working with your lovely blocks!
Enough of my ramblings!
Until next time, 
Janet O.

37 comments:

  1. You planned, you worked, you accomplished---a lot!!! I like all the variety of your projects, as I tend to get bored quickly. So divide it up and conquer. That is a good tactic to remember. I also like the last project of are creating by mixing the two together. Sounds like your retreat was a good time.

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  2. What a wonderfully productive retreat you had. I'm in love with your Scrappy Trips colors!

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  3. What a beautiful place to sew! The lighting must have been perfect! You got a lot accomplished. I've been meaning to look at Bonnie's instructions for the Trip Around the World quilt. I've never understood how it goes together and am hoping it's not square by square on a design wall. lol I saw your strip sets, so I know that isn't the case. Karen's blocks are gorgeous and I know you will provide an amazing finish for them!

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  4. wow that looks like an amazing place to have a retreat. I love the idea of you all coming down to meals in gowns and gloves :)
    You go so much done on so many great projects!
    I really like how Karens blocks look together.

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  5. Wow. I love the neutral in the scrappy trips. It really catches the eye and provides movement. Great accomplishment on the working the projects you took. The facility look fabulous.

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  6. How exciting! I've never been to a retreat before. :) So many beautiful projects going on. Looks like you made pretty good progress on them all.
    Blessings...
    Kristie

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  7. What a beautiful venue for a retreat... indeed you should be wearing tiaras and ball gowns for meals!
    Great progress on your projects... and way to go staying focused and not starting anything new!

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  8. Looks like a good venue for the retreat. Adequate space for each participant to spread out and sew. I attended one where we were very cramped for space. I had brought a small folding table with me and ended up setting it up to work on as one quilter at my assigned table decided she wanted most of my space plus hers (she arrived before I did). She apologized the second evening for being so space greedy.

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  9. What a lovely retreat, working on all your own things at your own pace. Congratulations on all your progress. Hope you get more happy sewing hours to spend with these beauties.

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  10. Wow! You got a lot accomplished! I have trouble staying focused at retreats so I tend to avoid them. You obviously do not have this problem. Well done!
    That venue is beautiful and appears to have wonderful light.
    Funny how the solution to the blocks on your design came to you like that. I think that is one reason why I like to work on more than one quilt project at a time.
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects. I've been eyeing the scrappy quilt project for a while now - just haven't found a reason to start it...yet!

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  11. You were definitely a woman on a mission and achieved so much!! What a beautiful setting for your retreat and visiting with friends...love the “grand staircase” - I can see how it made you feel very royal!

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  12. Wow! The room is huge and looks like it has great light! It looks like you got so much accomplished! Lovely, Lovely quilts! The star quilt is fantastic! Great setting!

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  13. wow and double wow! fantastic progress on gorgeous projects...that scrappy trips is the absolutely nicest one i've seen of all of them...i totally love it...nothing like a little quilty rejuvenation from time to time...i so miss my quilty retreats in lancaster....

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  14. Well done Janet! You went with a plan and accomplished your goals. I love all your projects! You have such an eye for color and design. A beautiful arrangement for Karen’s blocks. Like the commenters before me, I am so impressed with the sewing area at your retreat. It looks so roomy and bright!

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  15. Lovely show and tell, good to see some progress on UFO's, but impressed that you worked on three different ones!

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  16. Boy, you sure got a lot done. I bet you had a bunch of boxes and suitcases to carry things and keep each project separate from the other. The Scrappy Trip around the world is one I'd still like to make. Your fabric choices couldn't be made by anyone but you, they tell your story. You made great progress on the Pam Buda quilt. And the arrangement of Karen's blocks is perfect.

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  17. Yippee! You made such progress, and had a lovely time...win win!!

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  18. WOW, I am so impressed by all you accomplished on your beautiful projects. Your scrappy trip is one of the best I've ever seen. Now I want to make one. Does putting a light strip on the end of every block make that secondary design naturally? I see you wear your glasses like me on the top of your head. I have contacts but my eyes still need some cheaters every once in a while. lol Great place for a retreat!!

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  19. Looks like you had a fabulous time! Wouldn't it have been a hoot to descend the stair way wearing a tiara! Your gifted blocks are in good hands with you.........soon enough they will be a quilt!

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  20. Oh my! So happy for! Great job working only on UFOs! You are a strong woman!! What fun friends!!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  21. Wow, your time at the retreat was well spent, and just what the doctor ordered - you sound so inspired and ready to take on some really gorgeous projects this year! So happy to hear you had a great time, a really wonderful setting for the retreat, and new friends. I'm beginning to think every quilter should have a 3-day retreat in January, away from all the daily cares and obligations.

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  22. Much beautiful work on several beautiful quilts, and all in a beautiful place! Glad you had such a wonderful time with other quilters. I do agree that most quilters are indeed very helpful and wonderful people! ---"Love"

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  23. What a great retreat and so much accomplished!! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  24. I'm happy that you got so much sewing done!! Great to work on your own projects. No UFO'S is good too. Amen to the Tiara Time on those stairs. Do I need to get you a tiara?

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  25. Wow! What an elegant and beautiful venue for a retreat! All of that bright lighting and windows...dreamy! You've accomplished quite a few lovely projects...can't say that it's possible to pick a favorite...though I can say that I'm amazed at how well you can assemble "loose blocks" into the perfect layout! :-) Stitch on!

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  26. Oh, I am soooooo happy that you treated yourself to this retreat!! It looks like a wonderful place to spend three days playing!! You sure got lots done!! And I love your new "pincushion"!! And the blocks you were gifted from Karen is going to make an absolutely gorgeous quilt!! What does Puss in the corners mean? Looks like a 9-patch block to my eyes!! Did you use cat fabric in each corner? :-)

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  27. Your retreat sounded just wonderful. And such a gorgeous location. I'm glad you go to do this.

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  28. Wow - you got so much done at retreat!!! And what a beautiful facility - I'm totally jealous of that beautiful dish :)

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  29. What a wonderful space for a retreat especially with all that natural light. You made a plan and you kept so focused and your projects definitely moved forward. Great job!

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  30. That's a really beautiful place to have a retreat with friends ! Wow !
    I love all of your projects and I can't wait to see your scrappy blocks done ! Love the colors !

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  31. Oh what fun! And you accomplished so much! You obviously don't eat and talk as much as I do on retreats! I am woefully behind on my Blog reading so I am happy that I caught up in time to see these wonderful projects!

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  32. What a wonderful venue for a retreat! And I LOVE those Mini Puss in the Corner blocks!!!!

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  33. Such a fun thing for you to participate in Mom! Glad you had a great time :)
    Wonderful progress on everything...I'm sure it feels good to get so much done!
    I think of all the projects you posted, the little Prairie Sky is my fave!

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  34. Oh what a fabulous retreat - it looks like you had a very productive time and you must be sooo proud you weren't tempted with more new projects! Great progress on everything. I think I especially love Settlers Puzzle. And what a beautiful venue too. Well done on the inspiration for Karen's blocks - it will be another lovely project to work on.

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  35. No new UFOs, lots of progress on multiple fronts, new friends...this sounds like a very successful retreat! I need to treat myself to one of those sometime.

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  36. Wow, you accomplished a lot at your retreat, Janet! I'm so impressed. Your careful planning of quilts-in-progress to take paid off. I love your Trip Around the World. The colors are fabulous and remind me of autumn in Ohio. Your mini Puss-in-the-Corner blocks are adorable.

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  37. what a beautiful venue...........you sure did make good of your time at retreat..........so many great projects to work on.........

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