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!
Cindy Gerritsen says
Very jealous have had three different retreats cancelled since COVID
Laura says
It was so fun spending time with you and April. Looking forward to our next trip!
Vanessa M Stevens says
I like to know more about these retreats. I belong to a quilting guild in oak creek wis. I like to sew and make projects and learn new skills. Looking forward to your reply. Thank you vanessa s.
clkquilt says
Hi Vanessa, It’s easy to set up a retreat: get a few friends on board, choose your dates, contact the retreat center of your choice – and they’ll help you with the details.
Karen Moore says
You were the group that came to Cattails right after we left. It was our second time there during all this covid mess. We are due to go back in Oct. Nice time with the same people and we have all been healthy. Did you get to see the Sandhill cranes?
Dotty Sutfin says
Chris.
Thank you for the kind words of Cattail Retreat. I love owning it because I get to meet such great people. It was great to meet all of you.
Stay safe
Kathy Bangsund says
Our quilt shop uses bridal runner for the base of string quilts, this washes well and you don’t need to tear it off. She purchased the material, bridal runner the fabric put on the carpet, at Hobby Lobby. I have used this for mug mats. Any questions?
clkquilt says
Thanks for the tip!
Peggy McGarry says
Chris,
Beautiful place to refresh the soul and inspire creative endeavors. I noticed all three of you use older models of Singer sewing machines. Coincidence or design?
clkquilt says
It was simply a happy coincidence that we all brought our featherweights. They are so much lighter and easier to pack for retreats!
Julie Vandermause says
Hi Chris,
Love reading your blogs and tips and retreat fun. It keeps me connected since our wonderful trip to Japan. I intend to make my kimono into a robe but I hate to cut into it. Keep your ideas coming to inspire us all.
Julie