It’s time to start getting ready for the February quilt retreat (Feb 7-9). This one is sponsored by Calico Hutch QS, and it’s in Austin, Minn. This will be the third time Gret & I have gone to this retreat and we really enjoy it. Plenty of personal space, tons of shop items that the ladies haul to the conference center (kits, notions, yardage), good freebies, good tutorials, good food, and some pretty funny ladies that we sit with. (We crashed their party at a retreat in Nov 2012 and now they can’t seem to shake us!) Gret lives 2 miles from the conference center, but we stay overnight at the hotel anyway – it makes it much easier to sew until 2 or 3 am if we just have to walk upstairs instead of having to get in a cold car and drive for a few minutes.
We last did this retreat in November 2013 and I left pretty much empty-handed at the end of the 3rd day. I had taken my Bloom Bloom Pow stuff to assemble my blocks, and discovered that I had to rip and re-sew so that’s what I spent a bunch of time on. I was pretty bummed that I didn’t make any quilty-progress, but was happy with the cute drawstring bags I made that weekend.
For this retreat, I’ve pulled out the projects that I plan to work on. Two are ones that have been in my stash for more than 3 years. I picked up these Six-Pack patterns and fabric bundles and they’ve been patiently waiting for their turn.
The fabrics are both from Riley Blake: Boo to You and A Colorful Christmas
Next step is deciding which pattern to use with which fabric. Here are my pattern options:
I also have a bunch of Bliss by Bonnie & Camille that I’ve had for over 2 years as well. I recently ordered a tumbler ruler, so these fabrics may be cut up into tumbler blocks.
I joined the Gen X Quilters Vice Versa BOM last weekend and I’m likely taking that along to do January & February. I ordered the print for the back and am awaiting its arrival so I can match solids for the front. I should have everything I need by the middle of next week.
And finally, but not pictured, I have a jelly roll of Countdown to Christmas that I have plans for. That’s already in a project box and ready to go to the retreat. I think that’s enough to take…should offer some project variety!
Happy Hump Day, y’all! I’m linking up to Lee @ Freshly Pieced and Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts.
Wanna-Be-Quilter 
Have fun! I love quilt retreats!
Beautiful fabrics-can’t wait to see the finishes you get at retreat!! Have fun 🙂
Oh, we’ll have fun! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Such fun fabrics – love the Bliss stack particularly. I could see the Tiddly Winks in your mod Christmas prints! Hope you have a blessed retreat.
I love the red/pink/aqua color scheme so I’m so happy I got my hands on Bliss before it was all gone. I like Tiddly Winks better than the other one, but I don’t think I should do both Christmas & Halloween in it. But then again, I don’t think anyone would notice. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer.
I love the Bliss fabrics too. You will get lots accomplished this time around. Is the retreat near Albert lea?
About 20 miles south of Albert Lea. And I sure hope I get lots accomplished! If I don’t, it’s because I’m doing too much talking! 🙂
I’ve had this Bliss fabric for quite a while – time to do something with it!
Love the fabrics for your tumbler quilt! My first retreat I took bags of fabric and a plan. Then, after waiting and waiting for the cutting table, I learned to cut at home. Even so I always fear running out of things to do. Only did once–luckily it was at a retreat with a shop like you describe on the premises. Have fun!
I also learned quickly to pre-cut, and also pre-layout so that I can just sew while I’m there. Makes me feel like I get a whole lot more accomplished. Also means a lot of pre-planning!
Sounds sew exciting! I have never been on a retreat. Your planned projects all look fabulous. Looking forward to seeing your tumbler quilt. I love those!
Oh, you totally need to do a retreat! Such a nice little getaway!
Wow! That’s a big collection of projects to work on. And I’m glad I’m not the only one that works on Christmas and Halloween stuff in January (or February). I hope you get lots done at your retreat!
I figure if I start in February I have a better chance of getting it done in time! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
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