Gruber's 2015
I'm home from my Gruber's retreat (and three other trips) and starting the process of unpacking while battling a summer cold. I did a little bit of sewing this morning and it's nice to fall back into a routine. (If only I could get my blogging routine set!)
This was the sixth Gruber's retreat, and I SO needed this week of sewing and quilty friendship! It wasn't the most productive as far as project finishes go, but it was a success in terms of quality friend time. That's way more important!
a large flat rate box holds a lot of fabric scraps |
I didn't have a set plan this time around and ended up shipping a box of fabric scraps (and my happies) ahead. Catching up on the Scrap Vortex QAL, bee blocks and making a baby gift were on my list to work on, and I accomplished those goals.
Having a sister that quilts is awesome! |
My sister and I exchanged birthday quilts while on retreat together.
Michelle sets the bar higher each year, which is a good thing and a bad thing ;-))
photo borrowed from Mary |
Speaking of setting the bar higher, here's a picture of the happies exchanged this year. I "outsourced" mine, ordering coffee mugs with our Sew Sisters bee logo designed by Terri and adding some favorite fabric scraps and a QAYG coaster.
quilt cake fail |
I had grand plans for a cool quilty cake to acknowledge several milestone birthdays being celebrated, but the cake decorator didn't share my vision (or view the photos attached to my email). Note to self: research out of town bakeries more thoroughly in the future!
In between laughing, eating, shopping, chatting and more laughing, I managed some sewing:
In between laughing, eating, shopping, chatting and more laughing, I managed some sewing:
Birthday block for Amanda Jean (there's still a few days until deadline if you'd like to make one too) - check...
Block for Charleston MQG's Emmanuel AME community quilt - check....
and baby gift made (can't show yet) - check!
design table - not as efficient as design wall |
Gruber's annual photo - year six |
I have grown to love these ladies more and more with each passing year if that's possible, and I already miss them so much! Pictured above left to right: Amanda Jean, me, Doris, Mary, Michelle, Terri, Cindy, Shelly and Stephanie. We missed Toni this year.
one way to sort your scraps! |
I've said it before and it bears repeating: If you ever get the chance to attend a quilt retreat, take it! Saying yes to flying across the country to sew with nine other bloggers I had never met before was a life changing decision that I am so happy I made!
Past retreat recaps are here, here, here, here and here!
Thanks for stopping by,
Past retreat recaps are here, here, here, here and here!
Thanks for stopping by,