Monday, August 9, 2010

A wonderful weekend!

The retreat was wonderful! I worked on a number of projects, but they are still packed in the car. Once I get everything unpacked, I'll photograph and share.

Quilting Retreat
We stayed in a large Victorian house built in 1890. The sewing cottage was in a separate building. There was lots of sewing, lots of talking, lots of eating, and the iced tea flowed all weekend. Lisa was our ingenious inventor*, Gina (who really needs to get that blog started) was our amazing chef, Jamie was our super-sewer who cut and pieced an entire king sized quilt, Michelle was our go-to girl (and fellow aspirin-chewer* who let me test drive her 440QE), Monica shared her adorable baby boy with us, Amanda kept the cottage bright with her gorgeous blocks on the design wall, and Ellen made some great progress on a beautiful Nest quilt. Everyone worked on gorgeous projects and it was such fun to have the help, support, and opinions of others.

It was like a three-night slumber party. I even had to hide my toothbrush*. We stayed up way past our bedtimes, talked about fabrics we are going to design*, recipes we'd like to share, and various other girly topics I won't mention in mixed company. I didn't really get an abundance of sewing done, but the company and conversation alone made the weekend. I have no regrets (other than maybe sobbing in the parking lot at the tire store*). I don't remember laughing so hard or so much in a long, long time. My cheeks and abs are sore from so much laughter, but maybe the constant laughter burned off some of the delicious calories I consumed! I'll be counting the days until we do it again, girls!

House II :: facade
While I was gone, the house got some more brick, trim and tile. I'm so anxious to move! That's my sewing room over on the far right. I'm going to have a fabulous birdwatching spot under that pecan tree.

Papaw's Birthday
Last night, we joined our family to celebrate my Papaw's 91st birthday. I always love being with my family. We have so much fun catching up and teasing one another.

Papaw's Birthday
I think a great time was had by all. The perfect ending to a wonderful weekend!

* Sorry, you had to be there.

5 comments:

Live a Colorful Life said...

Quilt retreats are the best.

Loving the idea of your sewing room--and anxious to see how you decorate it. Although, really, stacks of fabric is really great decoration in and of itself...

Family celebrations--nice!

craftyjemima said...

Sounds like you all had a great time at the retreat. I'd love a sewing sleep over! I am itching for the day where I get my very own craft room - I have a tiny room now and have to work around the built in bedroom furniature.

And happy birthday Papaw!

Nerys x

Unknown said...

I love that picture of the beautiful quilt hanging out the window.

Sunshine Girl said...

Sounds like you all had a great time! Wish I could have joined you. Maybe next time.

Nancy Sue said...

Melanie,
Although the comments I'm writing go with the most recent posting, I wanted to place it here, so it wouldn't get lost in the 4oo plus comments for the giveaway! Just some words of encouragement. I've just found your blog. My brother and his wife are going through a transition period themselves. Moving out of a house and leasing it, while living in a hotel for two weeks, while they close on the new home in Ohio. I reminded them, as I will you, that just think how great the holidays will be in your new place. You'll be sewing under the pecan trees in no time. I can't wait for the post of how you've set sheets under the trees and shook the pecans off :) Have a wonderful next couple of weeks. Home is where the heart is :) We'll be here when you return!
nsue21702 at gmail dot com
Ps. and you get some good reading time in, to boot! Whoo hoo!