Time to Get Away

Since I posted about traveling in my mind last week, I’m excited to share that I actually, physically went somewhere this past week!

Last year my friend Laura discovered a beautiful quilt retreat center in Poynette, WI. Early last Spring she planned a weekend retreat for this past weekend and, even though a few of our group had to cancel for various reasons, Laura, April and I are very glad we made the trip!

As I packed up the car my sweet husband made sure all was well for my hour long drive (I loved that it wasn’t very far from home).

I didn’t realize how ready I was for some new surroundings – and time with friends, and Cattail Retreat didn’t disappoint.

The accommodations were very comfortable, and the sewing room was perfect.

With only 3 of us we were able to spread out and get some serious (😁) sewing done.

We took turns making meals, but breakfasts were on our own. I especially loved spending some morning time in the second floor porch.

My first project got it’s start as blocks made by a dear lady in my guild. Carole was a very giving member who passed away last year. Her husband donated much of her quilting stuff to Patched Lives, saying the proceeds were to be used by our charity quilts committee. Many of us purchased fabric and UFOs from her collection, and are finishing them as charity quilts. I bought these beautiful star blocks and pieced them into a lap-sized quilt. A double donation! Once that top was together – on the left – I began a scrap quilt for myself (right):

This scrappy green quilt will eventually be king sized. I was inspired by one made by my friend Lori. The blocks are paper pieced rectangles, and I’m using green scraps, with a few surprises thrown in to add excitement.

I ended up using pages from an old phone book for the foundation, and cut strips of various widths from my scraps.

These blocks are fun, easy, and I’m actually using up some of my bin of scraps! Thanks Lori!

I highly recommend spending time with quilting friends – it is great for our mental health. Click here to learn more about Cattail Retreat.

If you’d rather stay closer to the Milwaukee area, I have two friends who have recently opened wonderful quilt retreat centers.

Mom’s Place

Lou has remade her mother’s home in New Berlin, WI, into a lovely place for quilters to relax, stitch, and spend time together.

Click here to learn more about Mom’s Place!

Tall Pines Retreat

Laure and Hans have renovated this beautiful home in Mukwonago, WI. They’ve made it into the perfect spot for quilters, or any crafters to spend time together doing what they love.

Click here to learn more about Tall Pines Retreat.

No matter where you are, I hope you are finding time to escape into our wonderful world of quilting with friends.

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This is a follow-up email I received from Carol after my post about barn blocks.

“WNCQG sub group did a program in January 2020.  These were very easy.  Precut plywood from Lowes that was primed on all sides and edges.
 (24” x 24”) Then we marked and painted with outdoor paint.  My husband made the frame and I will paint it the same red.
Hope this helps.“

She certainly did a great job! Thanks Carol!