Exhausted ~ But Worth Every Second!

My first retreat, our Guild's first retreat...was a HUGE success!  It was a blast, exhausting, crazy and one weekend I won't soon forget!

The lake was beautiful, even in the dead of winter.  Not that we were looking to go fishing, but you could have!  Paris Landing State Park...watch out!

The room was huge!  It was set up so that we had two people per table, a cutting station and several pressing areas.    

Everyone brought their own projects.  It was all about 'us'...do what you want!  Machines were quickly set-up and a steady hum filled the air.

Would you believe we had a Mini Pop-Up Fabric Shop?!  Stephanie who owns Cotton Bliss brought bolts, threat, pre-cuts, tools...you name it, she packed it!  Believe me this came in very handy for many of us.

See all that room?!  Well, ignore the carpet, the ceiling and the concrete...other than that it was perfect!!

All those projects I decided to bring with me, I made it through them all!  Four in all!  My suggestion...bring lots to do. You wouldn't believe how much you can get done in a weekend when all you do is sew, sew, sew!

My main project was to make another quilt using my design.  I've been wanting to double check my original measurements, directions etc. in hopes of developing a pattern.  (first go around with my design HERE)  The fabric is Denyse Schmidt ~ New Bedford. 

By the time I finished this it was mid-way through Saturday!  While I love the fabric and design, I was ready to move on to something else.

I busted out Hazel the Hedgehog!  Believe it or not...these are for me!  I've decided new pillow covers for my dreary couch was in order.  I busted out the big guns for these...Anna Maria Horner's 'Pretty Potent 'Echinacea'!  

I had most of these rainbow stars all ready finished, but decided a few more were needed for a mini quilt.  

The very last project is one I knew I wouldn't be able to complete, but was sure I could start. With a paper pieced pattern in hand, along with that ever popular Kona Highlight...wonder where this will go?!

I wish I had taken pictures of all the beautiful things everyone else made!  So many beautiful quilts, bags, blocks and baskets!  

By the end of the Retreat I was cross-eyed and blissfully exhausted!  The entire experience is one I will not soon forget.  There was always a steady hum of sewing machines and laughter.  Tips and advice flowed freely (and maybe a little wine here and there).  A feast of cupcakes, candy, chips and dips ~ and coffee (a retreat requirement).

If you ever get the chance to go on a Retreat, do it!  You will not regret it!  Hopefully there will be another one in my future.  I wouldn't miss it for the world!

A few thoughts for the next Retreat (or for your retreat):

~ Bring my own pillow!  Hotel pillows are just plain awful.  I might have slept better had I done that! 
~ Take several projects.  You'd be surprised how much you get accomplished.
~ Pre-cut as much as you can before your go!  I was so happy I decided to do that.  You will be too!
~ Bring an extension cord.  While a conference room has a lot of outlets, they sometimes are not close enough.
~ Take breaks!  I was determined to take advantage of every second to sew, but barely took time to breathe. 
~ Take more pictures of every one's projects!  I'm so mad I didn't do that...and don't forget your phone charger!  
~ Expect to be exhausted by the end of it.  

I would love to hear what you do at Retreats.  Do you do selfish sewing, charity sewing? Play games, have prizes?  What makes for a good Retreat?  

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