Retreat!

I had written an earlier blog post about having trouble doing any “creative” work after my Dad died on February 23. I had an art retreat scheduled (before any of the stuff happened with my Dad) for March 5-8. I decided to go, and it was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. I immersed myself in my work and got my creative mojo back!

This art retreat consisted of several artists working in varied  mediums—felt making, poetry writing, book making, organization, sewing/piecing, hand stitching, sketching, planning, eco-dyeing, collage, etc. Being surrounded by people who CREATE really fed my soul. The first thing I did was finish the machine appliqué on the quilt I made out of Dad’s pajamas. (See the blog post about that here.)

I finished six 3” blocks for my 365 Quilt and two 6” blocks for it.

I finished the stitching on an “extreme embroidery” pin.

I started an improvisationally pieced quilt top. I got several good-sized units pieced and several smaller units ready to join. This type of creative project was just what I needed. I thoroughly enjoyed the process; the colorful pieces make me smile.

I arrived home to several very nice sympathy cards from friend (all of them much appreciated) a walking foot for my new machine, and a new hair care product I want to try. My husband unloaded all the retreat stuff from my car. Life is good.