Each year I have the opportunity to attend an art retreat with some of my friends at a place called
Pieceful Haven. It is a chance to visit with artist friends and get some much needed, uninterrupted work time in.
Everyone works on different things—some art related and some not. This year the projects ranged from making gifts for Christmas to catching up on computer work. We also have a “Show & Tell” (sometimes critique) at this retreat. I took a few pics along the way.
I have one project that I finished but can’t show yet. (It is a surprise gift.) Besides that, I made these 4 kennel quilts for TQPM Small Kennel Quilts. I hope they don’t keep the cats/dogs awake. These kennel quilts are desperately needed by organizations that take in cats/dogs that have been displaced for some reason—fires, floods, etc. The fires out West have really increased the need for these small kennel quilts. You can find out more about this great cause
here. These small quilts are quick to make (and you can do some stash reduction). Maybe you would like to make a few too.
I also made 4 blocks for the 20,273 Project mentioned/explained in
this post.
I also got a new pattern drawn up for an art quilt I’ve been thinking about and completed the stitching on my “In the Eye of the Hurricane” quilt top. I was the last person to leave the retreat; it was a lonely place that last day. However, I was DETERMINED to finish the stitching on my hurricane piece. I watched “John Adams” on Amazon Prime while I worked and really enjoyed that.
You may (or may not) remember that I taught an “Extreme Embroidery” class for LAFTA (Louisville Area Fiber and Textile Artists). The first piece Kathy made was sold. She recently finished the stitching on this one that will also be for sale. I just love seeing pieces my “extreme embroidery” students make.
This was Vickie’s first time at the retreat. She got A LOT done, and I think she enjoyed herself. (Don’t you just LOVE these pieces?)
Debby worked on several projects.
Felice didn’t get to stay very long, but made some good progress on one of her pieces. (I didn’t get a picture of the new piece.)
Pamela is always VERY focused during the retreat. Often, she spends time making gifts for friends—this time she made beautiful purple rocks to brighten up a friend’s garden in winter.
Debbie worked on a Christmas gift (among other things).
Robin finished a quilt top for a baby quilt and got a good start on another project.
MJ worked on original patterns.
Wendy brought a scarf to show. It is made from of silk from old kimonos.
This is such a good retreat for me. It comes at a time when stress (about the holidays and other things) seem to be prevalent. I have time to wind down and also get some work done. If you need some time away, you might check out going to a retreat.
8 comments:
Wendy's scarf was made from old KIMONOS, not saris!!
We spent almost a whole year at LAFTA with everybody in the group working from a huge stash of old kimonos. Many people made one project, and several made more than one project. I think Wendy's scarf that she showed here is the third one she made from the stash.
Looks so fun!! Happy holidays!!
Always enjoy seeing your show and tell from retreat(s)! Love those surprise gifts!
It is always fun to see what all the group is making. I will be interested to watch as the new project you are making is revealed. All of those pieces!
I love seeing all the pictures from your various retreats! All the ideas that everyone has. Can't wait to see what you have in the works.
Sounds like a wonderful retreat with great friends. Love their projects!!!! Merry Christmas Beth! Thanks for sharing b
I enjoyed getting to spend time with fellow quilters, learning new tips and techniques. It was great to finally meet you after seeing your work in several venues. Happy holidays!
That room does look lonely with everyone gone! I'm glad you stayed and finished your project, though. Sometimes we get more done alone anyway, but the interaction with others for a few days is always good, too. Thank you for always sharing projects from your retreats. I love seeing what people are working on. I look forward to seeing your surprise project, too. And by the way, to hearing what you like about the planner. I rejected it again, though I did buy some print-yourself pages from someone. The problem is none of the ones I've seen do any more than my Blue Sky Day Calendar. There are lots of recording pages, but how likely am I to use those?
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