retreat

Retreat! from A Prim and (not so) Proper Quilter

Let the good times roll, if only for about 48 hours!

I joined the Northwest Arkansas MQG this year. Katrina is the current president of the chapter and told me I needed to go to the retreat. I signed up even though I didn’t have my heart in it at the time because at this point in my life, who wants to schlep all that stuff, especially a 45-pound sewing machine?

One of the luxuries of retirement for me is being able to have a bit more time for planning and packing. While the retreat was only for two ...

added by Shari - a prim and (not so) proper quilter 1 month, 2 weeks ago. under baby quilts , friends , katrina , quilting , retreat

Defiant or Delulu? from caledonia quilter

Ha ha, love the word 'delulu' which was added to one of the dictionaries this year.

added by helenmaryhubert 2 months, 1 week ago. under block swap , dogs , garden , retreat , tobermory , weather

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day Four from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

The Sew’n Wild Oaks retreat wraps up today, and we’re sending it off with a final flourish—a mini quilt show filled with quilted treasures. Today’s gallery includes snapshots from our last show-and-tell, along with candid moments captured around the room as creativity bloomed. Leading the lineup is my Prairie Flower quilt, beautifully brought to life by Sharon’s expert hands.

This is Sarah's quilt on the front.....

.....and then she has this wonderful back which she created making a great 'turn down' on her bed.

Cozy Country Christmas blocks.

This is a block ...

added by Lynn 2 months, 1 week ago. under retreat

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day Three from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

Where do I even begin to describe the talent that filled our retreat? Melinda left us speechless with her completed Lucy Boston quilt, an absolute masterpiece that stopped us in our tracks.

Enjoy your mini quilt show this morning.

Our new friend Gwyneth, all the way from Australia, made a quilt for my sister Gail. It was a gift made with kindness and care. It was more than fabric and thread; it was a moment of heartfelt connection we’ll never forget.

We had the honor of Barbara Black and Pati Violick at the retreat.

Last night, Pati ...

added by Lynn 2 months, 2 weeks ago. under retreat

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day Two from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was a joy from start to finish—full of conversation, laughter, learning, good food, and yes, a bit of quilting too! Simply walking through the room was a visual delight, with each table showcasing the incredible creativity of this talented group of women. Let's begin with Angie's jaw-dropping block.

Cute as a Button blocks.

Grammy Squares.

Christmas Ribbons.

I always start the day with a reading on a positive note and a raffle. What could be better than starting the day winning a bundle of beautiful fabric?

I teach throughout the entire day. The quilters ...

added by Lynn 2 months, 2 weeks ago. under retreat

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day One from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

The November 2025 Sew’n Wild Oaks Retreat kicked off yesterday at Snowflake Lodge in Arnold, California. Pictured here is Barbara Black of The Quilt Show, proudly standing beside her completed Laurel Ridge quilt.

The staff at Blue Lake Springs turned the dining room into a spacious quilting studio for 37 quilters from around the world.

Within moments of their arrival, the machines were turned on and began humming.

Gwyneth came all the way from Australia to quilt with us. She purchased a sewing machine and had it shipped to my cabin. She took it out of the ...

added by Lynn 2 months, 2 weeks ago. under laurel ridge , retreat

In the Dark (or how to entertain five longarm quilters when the hydro goes out) from caledonia quilter

Retreat is half about socializing and half about productivity. I was plugging away and got the braid border finished for a Round Robin.

I finished the Block of the Month for the Binbrook guild (two blocks, really).

I also finished a sample block to see if my instructions were workable, for the house block swap group:

We were enjoying ourselves in the afternoon sunshine:

When all of a sudden - POOF! NO HYDRO!

We looked at this for a while:

Then, we decided that since my laptop was charged up I could show them my pics from Birmingham Quilt Festival. EXCEPT ...

added by helen-mary 2 months, 2 weeks ago. under beach girls , block of the month , block swap , retreat , technology , tobermory

Is It October Already? from caledonia quilter

I have temporarily exchanged my horizon, from this:

to this:

so I could spend time like this:

and like this:

I'm planning to get the borders on this:

I've also convinced four friends to join me in a monthly House Block swap, to copy the Terry Rowland quilt. So stinkin' cute with all those little critters in the window(s):

Blocks will be 4 1/2" unfinished:

sample made by Janice:

Good lord, it looks like a bomb went off in there.

added by helen-mary 2 months, 3 weeks ago. under beach girls , block swap , retreat , tobermory

Things I Learned on Retreat on Off the Wall Friday from Creations - Quilts, Art, Whatever by Nina-Marie Sayre

Rug Hooking Retreat at the Heritage Inn

When I was in college, I belonged to the Newman Center group on campus. The priest who was the moderator would take us on a spiritual retreat to a monastery outside of Elmira, NY. My time there made a big impression on me. I loved the fact that we were getting away from campus. I would catch up on homework, get up early (5 am!) to hear morning vespers, take long walks on the farm and explore the monastery. It would center me.

That's why when I heard that Sauder Village offered ...

added by Nina Marie 3 months ago. under off the wall fri , retreat , rug hooking , vacations

My First Hook-in on Off the Wall Friday from Creations - Quilts, Art, Whatever by Nina-Marie Sayre

The calm before the storm

After going through the Covid plague of 2020, I made myself one promise...I would make sure I wasn't blowing off chances to socialize just because it seemed like "too much bother". What that awful time made me realize was not to take socializing with my community for granted. To that end, I took a leap of faith and went to my first Hook-in.

It all started with me seeing a Facebook post on a rug hookers guild page for their Hooktoberfest 2025 Hook-in. After a guild member said it was open to the ...

added by Nina Marie 3 months, 4 weeks ago. under likedislike , off the wall fri , retreat , rug hooking

Mini Retreat Day 2 from Quilting My Way

Today is the last day of retreat. We got breakfast in the hotel. It was pretty good. They really had a spread for everyone. DON'T MISS DAY 1 BELOW!

Sandy V left about the same time we did. We headed to get coffee at Starbuck's and didn't realize we were 15 minutes late for the classes. When we arrived, they told us not to worry, they were going to start Q&A before we get started. They were running behind as well.

Of course, I pulled out Blitz to work on. I had to take out the ...

added by 6th Generation Quiilter, Crafter 4 months ago. under brazilian embroidery , retreat

Mini Retreat - Day 1 from Quilting My Way

I'm a day behind, so I'm going to post twice with both days covered.

Yesterday -

Patrick dropped me off at Sandy's house at 6:30 am. We needed to be in Auburn, WA by 8 am - so we thought. It was actually 9 am. We ended up being early, so we sent a text asking if we were in the right place. They were on the way. The facility was awesome, but they had a manikin (sp) that looked real. It was a little spooky. So, we set up in our chairs to get to work.

We ...

added by 6th Generation Quiilter, Crafter 4 months ago. under brazilian embroidery , retreat

Quilt retreats are the best from Crazy Quilter on a Bike!

Just waiting for the email wth the photos to come through! It's been a super productive retreat so far, and we still have a few days to go. Can I finish the remaining quilt tops for the dog quilts? They will have to wait unit October to be quilted, but that's OK.

OK -- the pictures came through, but some of them need a bit of editing; however, that doesn't seem to want to happen this morning. No big deal -- some are sideways -- we'll just have to let it go.

This first picture is a bit weird ...

added by Elaine 4 months, 1 week ago. under advent calendar , bobbins , dog quilts , enders , exit game , jigsaw puzzle , patterns , precuts , retreat , spring house retreat

Sew'n Wild Oaks August Retreat from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

Here are some more pictures from the August retreat. I have to get all of them posted before the next retreat starts!

I'm starting out the show today with Eileen's gorgeous Lil' Orphan Scrappy. The brights colors make this quilt dazzle!

Taimi has been working out of her stash for years and created another beautiful quilt.

I love this simply elegant Christmas quilt by Judy.

You need a long table to showcase this Christmas table runner by Trina.

Anne designed and made the center section for her new quilt.

She put the completed parts and pieces ...

added by Lynn 4 months, 1 week ago. under retreat

Retreat Pictures from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

Still soaking in the joy from August’s retreat—I've just posted more photos if you’d like to take a peek! Hard to believe I’m already deep in prep for my September retreat at Zephyr Point at Lake Tahoe…which kicks off two weeks from tomorrow. YIKES is right!

Enjoy your morning quilt show, friends. It is full of color, texture, and inspiration. Some of the pictures are from our nightly show and tell, and others are pictures I took while walking around the room.

Lots of parts and pieces for a basket quilt.

All ...

added by Lynn 4 months, 2 weeks ago. under retreat

Show & Tell at the Retreat from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

The big room at Snowflake Lodge was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable joy of creative souls gathered together. Quilters filled every corner, each one bringing their own spark to the space. Just look at this stunning example: Enchanted Autumn captures the essence of fall in every stitch. It was one of Debra’s first forays into appliqué—and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Her craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in every leaf and block.

Valery took my original Country Sampler pattern—which featured nine blocks—and gave it a bold new twist we're affectionately ...

added by Lynn 4 months, 2 weeks ago. under retreat

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day 1 from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

Last Sundy, August 24th, was set up day and the first day to quilt, quilt, quilt and get acquainted.

Snowflake Lodge was transformed into a giant quilting studio for 36 quilters.

I had product out so the girls could shop.

There was a lot of chatting and quilting going on and then the machines were turned on and started humming across the room.

Halloween was in the air at Peggy's table.

Debra is putting her own spin on my Madrigal pattern. It is going to be gorgeous!

I have a little lecture area where I teach, and ...

added by Lynn 4 months, 2 weeks ago. under retreat

The Smiley Face Quilt That Took the Scenic Route from Moda Lissa

Quilting Retreats, Lost Quilts, and Lessons Learned

I just got back from my annual retreat with my quilty friends. This year we spent the week at Box Car Quilts, and while I can’t show you what I worked on just yet (two secret samples for Market!), I thought I’d share one of my all-time favorite retreat stories instead. It happened three years ago, and it still makes me laugh every time I think about it.

The Year of the Smiley Face

That retreat was at Lisa Bongean’s of Primitive Gathering’s retreat named The Gathering, and let ...

added by modalissa 5 months ago. under my quilts , retreat (Comments)

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

It's hard to know where to begin when reflecting on all the wonderful memories made at this week's retreat. Here's just a glimpse of the stunning projects and the incredible people gathered at Snowflake Lodge. This particular block is from my Bridle Path pattern, beautifully made by Deborah.

Jocelyn has been making blocks from Lil' Orphan Scrappy with a black background. When she placed them on teal, we all knew this quilt is going to be a 'stunner'.

Here is a Lucy Boston block in the making by Paula using my Gentry's Mill fabric ...

added by Lynn 8 months, 3 weeks ago. under retreat

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day Three from Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilting Blog

Hello Everyone,

Here's another mini quilt show produced by the Sew'n Wild Oaks Quilters. This show is so good, I think I should charge admission. Enjoy!

Some of the girls took a break for a walk around Snowflake Lake and enjoyed seeing the dogwood.

Today is our last full day and it will be filled with label making, a Stardance tutorial, group picture, cabin tour, more eating, more drinking, and yes there will be a whole lot of quilting going on!

Soon,

Lynn

added by Lynn 8 months, 3 weeks ago. under retreat

What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?