I just got home. Literally, a few minutes ago. I haven’t even unpacked yet! But I just had to share: The Quilters’ Paradise Retreat sponsored by Quilting By The Bay in Panama City was simply THE. BEST. QUILTING. RETREAT. EVER! Oh my gosh, we had a ball. There were almost 70 quilters who attended this sold-out annual event, and boy, oh boy….these gals could stitch. And stitch….and STITCH! They sewed late into the night on Friday (working on one of my mystery quilts) and then they got up and sewed ALL DAY on Saturday taking one of three available classes. After dinner, many of them sewed until the wee hours again. And there was more sewing on Sunday (although I did steal them away from their machines for about an hour this morning while I presented a lecture, Powerpoint presentation, and trunk show.) Then many of us met up for a quick “retreat reunion” at the quilt shop after the retreat ended about noon. Leave it to quilters, we bonded. Every single person I met this weekend was a treasure. We giggled. We laughed. We talked, and ate. (Delicious food — all prepared, ready and waiting!) I feel so unbelievably blessed to do what I do. (How on earth did I ever get so lucky?) Rather than ramble on and on, how ’bout a quick photo recap of the weekend’s festivities?
- The rooms were light, bright, and airy — just perfect for a full weekend of sewing!
Long time friends having FUN. These gals were a hoot!
I taught the EZ Pineapple Log Cabin class on Saturday. Everyone loved the ruler and the technique!
Smart cookies. Many gals wore those back packs to alleviate back pain after hours of cutting and sewing
When the pineapple blocks began to come together with ease, you could hear a lot of those "Oprah Ah-Ha" moments throughout the room!
The blocks all laid so nice and FLAT....
....and everybody commented how the backs all looked as neat and pretty as the fronts!
Just look at the spectacular first blocks and the gorgeous selection of fabrics!
Happy campers!
But throughout the weekend, the mystery quilt continued....
And everyone had such a great and grand time.
And nothing could have made the weekend any more complete, other than a stop at the shop....
.....Quilting By The Bay!
Thank you - all you quilt "retreatees" - for a FABULOUS weekend!
Hey, everybody…..same time next year?
I loved, loved the class and your rulers! I’m a total convert. Can’t wait to finish my blocks and my quilt. I am so hoping that you’ll be there again next year!
Thank you, Breanne! I hope you had a great time — and I hope you had a wonderful recharge weekend, although I’m sure it was so great to have your sweet baby back! What a cutie-pie! Keep in touch and send me photos of your pretty quilt! 🙂
It is great to see your photos today. On Saturday, I am taking a class using the Pineapple Ruler at the Attic Window Quilt Shoppe. One of our local teachers came in and watched your demo when you visited last August and finally we are having a class that I can attend.
Now seeing all the blocks above, I have to start (okay, yes I am leaving it too long) thinking about what fabrics I am going to use. I was thinking it might make a nice QOV and I have a panel that I could cut for the center of the blocks. Hmmm…. wonder if I can get it to work.
Hi Jan!
I was thinking about you all day today and wondered how the Pineapple class went? Hope you had a great time. Can’t wait to see what you ended up doing with your fabrics and colors….
Hi Kimberly,
I love reading about your trips and new friends you make. The picture of pineapple blocks using different color combinations is giving me some ideas…
Ilona — Knowing you the way I do, I KNOW you’ll come up with something AMAZING…..
I need to come down to Florida for a weekend and get a quilting lesson from you! I’m jealous of all these ladies!!
Kat – Come on down anytime! I’d love to get to know you in person! 🙂
I can tell you’d be a “hoot” to be around — lots of fun!
Kimberly,
I just finished my pineapple log cabin from the retreat class and it turned out well although sewing so late into the night took a toll on some of my blocks! I must have been bleary-eyed as a few are a little crooked!!!! But I love the technique and will be making another one soon!
My sister Paula and my niece Breanne and I had a blast! Thank you so much for a great class!!
Mindy –
You, Paula, and Breanne were just such fun to be around; I’m so glad I got to know you! I’m honored that you chose to take my Pineapple class at the retreat — do send photos of your pineapple blocks (or quilt — even better!)
Hope I get to see you all again soon. In the meantime, keep in touch!
I had a great time at the retreat and really enjoyed your class and spending time with you. You have a gift for teaching. I have finished my quilt, just have to get it up on the quilter. I’ll send picture when it is done. Hope we will get to see you again next year. Breanne, Mindy and I are looking forward to it.
Paula –
I really enjoyed getting to know you, Breanne, and Mindy too! I’m just delighted you had a great time at the retreat. I can hardly wait until next year — let’s hope Sandy hosts another retreat!
🙂