Tuesday, September 29, 2015

A Sweet Retreat


I can’t believe my good fortune to have participated in not one, but two quilting retreats this year. I posted back in June about our fantastic annual “Seven Sisters” retreat in Rangeley, Maine. Well, somehow one of us found out about a weekend retreat at the Franciscan Guest House in Kennebunk and we were amazed that five of the sisters were actually able to make it (yes, Charlotte and Kathy we missed you very much – in fact we really didn’t have any fun without you!).



It was organized by Kathy Stanley of Sewing by the Sea. She has two locations, “Sewing by the Sea” in Trenton and “Sew Portland” in (yes, you guessed it) Portland, Maine.


Kathy had numerous projects for everyone (27 quilters attended) from quilt blocks to bags and even a jacket.



 some cutting by the Karen's

and some modeling by the Karen's



Some people (and I’m sure you’ve already guessed that I was one of those rogues) brought their own projects to work on. I had so much hand work to finish that I didn’t even bring my machine (so I wouldn’t be tempted to start something new!).



It was a diverse group with quilters from Southern Maine to Jonesport (over 3 hours between the two groups). I couldn’t believe how fast some of these ladies worked and how much they accomplished.



The weather was sensational. I couldn’t believe that on September 26 (in Maine, mind you) I was able to swim in the OUTDOOR pool. (I’ll spare you any photographic evidence of that event!)

We all had a super time and I hope you all get to participate in a retreat very soon!

15 comments:

  1. Wheeee, two retreats in one summer!!! yeay! Thanks for the armchair tour of all the fun to share. I love those cute scrappy blue tote bags (or purses) with the handles.

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    1. They were very cute. I din't make on but I'm sure you could get the pattern from Kathy at Sewing by the Sea or Sew Portland.

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  2. Lucky you Wendy !! Thank you for sharing.....
    These bags are so cute !

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    1. Do you do retreats in France? I find I don't get as much done as if I were at home, but I have lots of fun!

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  3. I have never been to a quilt retreat! I don't think I would get much done. I think it is the packing and planning that intimidates me. Looks like fun though!

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    1. Ha! That is why I didn't take my machine to either retreat. I did take more hand work than I could finish in a month of Sundays, but I did finish one thing. Whoopie!

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  4. It looks like everyone was having fun and you looked quite productive.

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    1. I did actually finish one thing so I fell pretty good about that.

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  5. Lucky you to get two retreats in one summer!
    I like to be able to take my own projects. Funny, though, it seems the retreats I attend are always based around specific teachers and their projects. : )

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    1. That is why I don't bring my machine so I won't be tempted to start something I will never finish!

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  6. Is there a pattern for those cute tote bags?
    Renragjdatgmaildotcom

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    1. Yes and you can get it from Kathy at Sewing by the Sea in Trenton, Maine or Sew Portland in Portland, Maine. I'm sure she will ship it to you.

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  7. sounds like a fun time. we did a little project together this time and is was great. Those bags are too cute

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    1. They were cute. There were lots of tempting projects... maybe next time!

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  8. Must have been loads of fun. I haven't been to a retreat in many years. I used to host friends for a weekend in my home when my husband was out of town. Now he does not go away so no more of those. They were always fun times.

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