Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Retreat news


Last weekend was annual retreat time for eight of my sewing group and friends. I was so tired from the week before that even though I didn't achieve much, I got a much needed rest.
My friends have kindly given permission to share their projects. There was too much to put on one post so I'll have to divide them into two.

This gorgeous quilt belongs to Connie, it's Quilted Diamonds from Linda Franz and was completely hand pieced. It's been basted and ready for quilting.
This was Connie's first hand pieced project, I'm in awe of the size of some of the pieces in the blocks.
 Space was very limited for photos so please excuse the quality. 
 This Celtic one is also Connie's and bound at the retreat. It's hand appliqued and machine quilted. 
 
This applique medallion is a project on the go for Loz. It's stitched on a soft linen and has the most beautiful gold border surrounding the center. 
Loz does all her applique by basting over papers first, then she glue bastes onto the background so that the stitching part doesn't get interrupted. 
 The outer borders are well on the way. I'm sorry I can't remember the pattern.
The one below is a Karen Cunningham design called Plain and Fancy done in classes at Quiltsmith.
Lenore was busy with hand quilting it.
 What appealed to me were the different blocks used as borders, I love, love this quilt.
The only machining I did on the weekend was this piddly pile of Pies and even doing that much gave me a sore neck. Still, the UFO is a little further on. I'm starting to think all my quilts want to be ten year projects. 
Until next time, happy stitching, Janet 

30 comments:

Cathi said...

Beautiful quilts!! The Quilted Diamonds one is spectacular!

Nedra said...

Your friends quilt at an advanced level! What wonderful projects. And being together is often the best therapy :)

Oops-Lah said...

I think there's no better way to recharge your batteries than with good friends, sharing a passion. And it seems your friends are as prolific and dedicated quilters as you are.

Shirley said...

Ha! I know that feeling. One day I will have a finish to show. Your pies look delectable though. Great stitching projects from your friends and I shall look forward to the next instalment. Take care of that neck. Occupational hazard for quilters.

Susan said...

It would have been lovely to be surrounded by so many beautiful projects. I think your pies look great.......and I love quilts that take years to make.

Susan said...

More wonderful inspiration Janet! Quilted Diamonds is beautiful!

liz said...

What a talented bunch you all are. How long have you been retreating together?

antique quilter said...

what an inspirational weekend this must have been
beautiful quilts, wow!
that quilt is Anns Legacy, its a reproduction by Di Ford of an antique quilt....by Ann Daggs
http://www.threadbear.com.au/online-store/product/view/29/88
love that your working with repros again :)
LOL
Kathie

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

There is nothing wrong with 10 year projects, I have a couple of those!
It was good that you could recharge on retreat!

ranette said...

Beautiful quilts Janet! I can't believe how much talent and skill your group has! Keep going on those pies....I love my pies and tarts quilt :)

Abby and Stephanie said...

You hang out with some amazing ladies...perfect as you are amazing yourself. When I first saw Connie's quilt I honestly thought it was a tile wall mosaic. Totally stunning and her FIRST hand piece project. Wowzer.

Karen said...

I can't even imagine being surrounded by such beauty. What talented ladies. So glad I don't have to pick a favorite!

Pinkadot Quilts said...

You have some talented friends! Love your little pies.

Heather said...

Wow, these are all so lovely and inspirational. I love the diamond quilt and even have the book but I think it is just going to remain a dream for me!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have the book Quilted Diamonds but after doing two Dear Janes I was burnt out on tiny pieces and have never gotten back to it. Maybe one day - but then I say that about Nearly Insane too LOL love all the quilts that you show.

Karendianne said...

Oh what a yummy post! Loz's piece really caught my attention.

Thimbleanna said...

Wow -- you keep some very talented company Janet! I love seeing all the beautiful WIPs. Especially yours. And every time I come over here, I swoon over your blog header!!!

Janet said...

You have very talented friends! I love the Plain and Fancy quilt - wow! Your pies are beautiful! I'm sorry to hear about your neck. I hope it is feeling better soon!

Lori said...

It is still good to get away with friends and relax. It was nice to see what everyone was working on.

Nanette Merrill said...

Oh I love the pies. They are so cute. Sorry about that neck.

Carrie P. said...

great show of quilts. that first one is fascinating!

Julia said...

Glad you had a nice retreat...good to get away for a while.
Everything looks lovely, love the pies.
OMG, what a beautiful Quilted Diamonds quilt...I started one years ago but gave up, too fiddly too small, that one is amazing a credit to the maker.
Hope your neck gets better soon.
Julia ♥

FlourishingPalms said...

Retreating with friends is SO therapeutic! I haven't been on a retreat for more than 18 months, and so wish I could go on one. Your pies are charming, and it looks like you hung out with some really talented quilters. Now you should feel pumped up for going to the quilt show in Sydney. You ARE going, aren't you?

Marit said...

Sounds like very good company! Sharing so much beauty... and patience, too!

Mary said...

Oh my goodness! Amazing...all of them! I love the diamond quilt. The simplicity of the blue and white is a perfect pairing with the complexity of the design.

Grit said...

Wow, fantastic all of them.
Grit from Germany

Nifty Quilts said...

Wow! You are fortunate to have such talented quilting friends. Good for you, resting when you needed to. Your pies are lovely.

tich said...

Thanks for showing such beautiful quilts. they are truly inspiring.

DoubleL said...

Janet my quilt is The Rochester Quilt, the Ann Dagg one. I did a Lyn Alchin class at Quiltsmith in 2007 - and now just got back into the quilt. I have only one border to go now and I am loving sewing it again.

Fiona said...

Hi, sorry to hear you were too tired to stitch, but simply being in the company of others does wonders for the soul..
I was reading an old post of yours where you talked about using Quilters Dream cotton wadding, I love this wadding also, do you still use it, do you get here in Australia. I bought mine from USA ages ago and am looking for more. can you help me