Showing posts with label My First. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My First. Show all posts

Monday, November 11, 2013

The Quilt Retreat

This past weekend was filled with great company and quilting. I attended the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild's first retreat weekend. The Quilt Place Retreat Center provided a cozy and beautiful space to get together and be creative.

Of course, I couldn't decide what to pack so I brought everything that fit into a jumbo-sized suitcase. I did get a lot done while I was there. Here are some photos:
Our Workspace all weekend!
My Cozy Bedroom!
Since we had an odd number, I was lucky enough to get my own room.
How sweet is that?
I loved this green and pink log cabin quilt.

Our view of the water for breakfast each day.

The front of the Retreat Center B and B.

The Dock View overlooking the Indian River

So many pretty views!
Pool and Hot Tub available!
Saturday Morning Workshop: We learned about mediums on fabric that can act just like watercolors when a wet brush is used.
My first use of Inktense Pencils. (Thanks Katherine for a wonderful workshop!)
I want a set for Christmas!
Played "strip" poker! I had a lucky night.
Great gift bag with fabric and other swag from "The Quilt Place".
 Our stay included exclusive shopping time at The Quilt Place with a discount on our purchase. Check out these great fabrics I picked up:



Check out these quilts hanging in The Quilt Place! I left there so inspired.










More projects I finished:
Quilt top for someone special this Christmas!
(I won't say who in case they are reading this.)

Front of Mug Rug for OMQG Holiday Party!
(My first mug rug actually.)
I just love the little blue bird in the bottom corner of this scrap fabric I used.
She was a fun surprise. 

Back of Mug Rug
Front of Pot Holder

Back of pot holder...mmmm coffee!
 Borrowed Michelle's book of mini projects to make this tea bag holder:

A little Christmas stocking gift for someone special.

Completed 3 Christmas BOM for the next guild meeting.

I finished the quilt top for my godson's Christmas gift. These are just some of the Halloween blocks from my guildmates and I really love it! The back will be pieced with the rest of the blocks and other random scraps of Halloween-themed fabrics I have.


(Sorry for the blurry mess. I will post better pics when I have it all quilted.)

I could write a mini book about my time away and still not cover all of the great fun we had. I am forever grateful for the company of these talented, wonderful women. My cheeks still hurt from laughing so much.

Packing up to leave there was a sadness, much like I imagine leaving the last day of summer camp. It was hard to say goodbye to my friends and go back to work today.

I can't wait for our next adventure.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

About Me (Well, part of me!) Day 1

[My First Stab at Blogtoberfest!]

I have been a reader and lover of art for as long as I can remember. I started reading at an early age and stared at the art work of Rackham, Gorey, and Seuss which held my attention as much as the stories did.
Arthur Rackham's Little Red Riding Hood



I found myself lost in books for hours. I started writing my own little stories and had dreams of becoming a famous author. Somehow in becoming an adult, I decided that I needed a "real" job a.ka. - one that would pay money on a regular basis. I became a teacher to share my love of stories with others. 

About 14 years ago, I bought a sewing machine at a yard sale for $15 with my dear friend and decided that I was going to make my own clothes. (I mended a lot but never made anything that I would be seen in public wearing.) One day, my dear friend confided in me that she was pregnant and having another baby. I decided I wanted to make her a quilt. (My teacher's salary didn't cover much and I wanted to save a few bucks!) I was given a quilting book by my mother-in-law and that was the start of my love affair with quilting.

I still use my original Kenmore when I have heavy duty projects that don't need any frills like my newer Brother can provide. It's built like a steel powerhouse and will always be my first and favorite machine.