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

Monday, May 26, 2014

Another catchup post -




The weekend before we went to Pittsburgh for Quilt Market, a group of us had our annual retreat.
The peninsula of Whangarei Heads is beautiful, with lots of coastline, and the camp where we stay is a lovely spot with a gorgeous setting. Admittedly we are mostly heads down at our sewing machines but it is always nice to look up and take in the view. There are always some good walks to be had, as well, along the coastline.
Always something happening out on the water.
We had a full house this year (18), luckily most of us have Sew-Ezi tables so
we all fitted in (still setting up and waiting for later arrivals in this pic).
We decided to host a Pink Ribbon morning tea while at there to raise money for The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.
Prior to retreat we needed to organise a few props -
Using 'breast cancer' fabric we sewed and sewed...
...and made this gorgeous table runner,
perfect for our tea party.
And for a bit of fun, can you spot the
special biscuits I made, keeping to the
theme of the occasion?
We also thought it would be fun to wear a quirky hat. For some reason this hat
won the  most votes as favourite!
This fundraiser carries on until the end of the month. I have a special fundraising page if anyone wants to donate a little ... this year the funds raised go to research. The link is in my sidebar or *here*. I was asked if it is possible to donate via PayPal, this isn't possible. They will only accept credit cards. I haven't reached my goal yet so any further donations, large or small would be gratefully accepted!

This year I took a lot of little projects to retreat so in a way felt that I didn't achieve much, but I guess they all add up!
I did start a new quilt, my new Red and White one for the SewCalGal challenge.
Lots of learning which I will share another time.
I made a recipe book cover for one of ED's friends.
..and decorated a hand towel as a gift for another friend.
A few of us decided to make this bag.
Very cute, a lovely shape.
This pattern is by Gathering Stitchers and can be
found *here*.
All so different!
It was a great weekend, lots of laughs and creativity. Of course we all took far too much food and too many projects. Looking forward to the next one :-)

Today was the first chance I have had to unpack my sewing machine since retreat  - I made a few simple blocks and feel whole again. The days are definitely cooler now so hopefully I can have a few more dates with it!
Have a great week and happy stitching,
 

19 comments:

  1. What a lovely location for your sewing retreat. Love the big long runner for the table.
    You did get a lot done!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have way too much fun! The table runner for the long table is awesome. I want to come over and go on retreat with you. What a beautiful location.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A beautiful setting for a quilt retreat! It looks like you accomplished a lot. Love the bag! The table runner and your biscuits both look fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh wow what a great time you all had and that long long table runner is soo cute!!
    hugs, di and miss gracie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such a beautiful spot and it looks like you all had so much fun.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks like a gorgeous place--and sounds like a fun bunch!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Raewyn, I am laughing at the Red Hot, what a good one! And yes I did notice your bikkies, very smart of you!
    And wow that trip to the US - what an experience! The Amish quilt you bought is stunning, what a lovely item for your home

    ReplyDelete
  8. Um , that would be Red HAT, sorry...
    and by the way, were you all also going for the record for the World's Longest Table Runner?!

    ReplyDelete
  9. sounds like you all had great time and very productive too in a lovely setting. Your sewing tables look a good idea, they have recently appeared over here too, I am tempted but as I have a horn cabinet which I no longer use as I sew in the kitchen this might n=be a good alternative as it collapses when not in use.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a picturesque spot. I love the fun of your fundraising tea party! The projects you made are lovely x

    ReplyDelete
  11. oh a crafting weekend retreat it sounds all too perfect all too good all too wonderful

    LOVE the hat and the biscuits

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Raewyn,
    seems you and your patchwork friends had a wonderful time. Lovely to have time and space to sew together and have fun and friendship.
    Hugs
    sigisart

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a fab weekend and lots of gorgeous projects! I love the bags everyone made.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks like a great weekend Raewyn - those views are inspirational alone,. So glad you got lots of gorgeous projects completed - especially LOVE the bags you all did.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, it looks like you had a great time! I still have the hand towels you made for us! I love them. The bags are all lovely and I am excited to see your red & white quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a great spot, looks like you all had a ball

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh, my goodness, you have been so busy. I absolutely love the bags you girls made. I need to check out that pattern. I have the perfect friend who I think needs one!! Do you have a picture of the towel opened up? Looks very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Phew what a big but great weekend! Sounds and looks sooooo lovely!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate them all and try my best to reply. Have a great day!!
(If you are a no-reply or anonymous blogger and would like a response, please leave an email address.)