My quilting thoughts and inspirations sprinkled with a glimpse of life down on the farm

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Just Takes Two (and retreat)

What's going on here...? Read on......
A few weekends ago a group of friends and I headed out to the Whangarei Heads for our annual sewing retreat.
It is a lovely spot but not many of us ventured outside to enjoy it
Plenty of room for us to set up and spread out.
As Leeanne pointed out,our group seems to have shares in Bernina machines
 and Sew-Ezi tables!

Janis and Jan's lace collection is Impressive!
As the weekend progressed projects grew.
Because of my state of - (if you've read my previous post, you'll guess it) - discombobulation, I decided the easiest thing to pack was my Just Takes 2 quilt - all I needed were my 2 lengths of fabric. Easy, no colour thinking and sorting required!!
For those of you who haven't heard about this quilt, it is a mystery quilt inspired by the "Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts" exhibition that was held last year.  Every two weeks instructions for another set of blocks is released.
It had taken me a while to decide on and order my fabrics so, although it's been going since January, I hadn't started it yet.
I was particularly pleased with this block - it took me most of Saturday though,
luckily the other blocks weren't as time consuming!
{Yes Barbara, I have re-done that corner square that I had wrong side facing!}
Since that weekend I have done a bit more on this project, here are some of the blocks put together.
There is a real mixture of techniques, piecing, hand applique, paper foundation
piecing, freezer paper.
The instructions also tell us which quilt each block is inspired by - I would love
to get a book (or catalogue) to 'check them all out.'
I'm loving that all the blocks are different and I also appreciate the fact that I don't have to spend ages deciding on which fabrics to use!! (That can be a major downfall for me, sometimes it takes me as long to pick my fabrics as it does to sew a block - please tell me I'm not the only one who does that!) The instructions are pretty clear too.
Having said that though, I think I am ready for a little break from it. I'm going to have to have a rummage and find another WIP to work on for a change of scenery.
Happy creating, everyone - hope you're finding some sewing time,

14 comments:

  1. What a wonderful retreat it must have been. Your feathered star and Takes Two blocks are wonderful! Love the red and white and how perfectly well they go together!

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  2. LOVE LOVE ! Your feathered star.
    Boy you girls really spread out once I had left....many quilts on the floor.This red & white quilt of your is going to be wonderful when finished, a real heirloom.

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  3. What a lovely venue for your retreat.
    You all did sew well with your projects.
    I never get much done at retreats. Too much chatting.
    Love the Red and White blocks ...

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  4. It takes me an eternity to choose fabric and I love just the two colours together, simple and beautiful. Looks like you all had a busy and productive time. Fab views.

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  5. That retreat sounds wonderful Raewyn - although I must say I'm unsure how much I would have accomplished with that beautiful scenery to distract me :) Love, love, love your red and white...I am like you - it takes me way to long to choose and place fabrics...sometimes it even takes the fun out of it! And I LOVE your word!!! xoxo

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  6. Looks like a wonderful time sewing together. So fun! I LOVE your red and white quilt blocks. It is going to be an awesome quilt.

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  7. How very fun! I don't have quilting friends who do retreats so I am always a little envious when I see these happening. Looks like a great time.
    I am with you on the fabric choosing struggles. I was in a "block of the month" group that one of my quilting mentors was teaching. I was the most experienced quilter in the bunch--and always the last one finished with my block, because I took so long deciding on the fabric!
    I also understand the need to break from projects that have a limited color palette--however beautiful they may be. Maybe that is why I love the scrap quilt making so much--all the color!

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  8. All the blocks are so wonderful (you make it very tempting!).

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  9. WONDERFUL! Red and white quilts I so heart!
    Love Leanne

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  10. It's fun when your fabric choices just fall into place but I hate it when I start second guessing myself!
    The quilt is going to look stunning in these two colours...:O)

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  11. Sounds like a wonderful weekend and your Take 2 quilt is looking fantastic, I love the red and white.

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  12. Looks like a lot of fun was had by all. Your red and white blocks are beautiful. They will make a stunning quilt. Looking forward to seeing more blocks!

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  13. I've never been to a quilt retreat, but one of these days!! Your red and white quilt is really coming along-and I really do like that feathered star.

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  14. What a wonderful sewing space. I've never seen so many Sewezi tables in one room! :-)

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