Whole Lotta Sewin'

Someone once told me, "It you quilt, you will have friends no matter where you go". This is so true. I took a class in May and met a great lady Merrie. She has invited me to two of their mini retreats that are about an hour away. Yesterday I hit the road at 8:30 and didn't get home until 6:30. Next time, I think Miss Annie will go to the Puppy Parlor for a sleep over and I'll grab a room and stay for 2 days of sewing.
Check out this space!

The ladies in Mt Vernon use the space next door to the quilt shop, Calico Creations.  It's great to take a break and wander next door for some retail therapy or inspiration.

There were 15 of us and TONS of room.  I think there were 5 - 6 ironing stations, lots of cutting table space,

And of course plenty of room for our snack table.  Whoever brought the macaroons needs to please bring the recipe next time!  Yummmm.
I think these are Carolyn's pieces, Crazy 8 Pattern.  Very graphic and she's ready for Christmas with this table topper.

This cutie was made in the morning, and Carolyn was getting to the pot holders in the afternoon. She is gifting this out to a lucky friend.

Merrie has been working on the BOM that will be offered this fall from Calico County. The applique on this is beautiful, I should have taken some close ups! Love how the background is patched a bit, each block a little different. There is a border going on this, but I'm not sure if it's appliqued or pieced, I didn't ask!

Carol was my neighbor and she spent the morning making this Cash and Carry bag. She has a purpose for it, all her knitting tools, stitch markers etc.
Anyone who has made these little projects know how much work goes into them. I told Carol I'd rather pay someone cash and carry my purchase away. She did a beautiful job on this, she has more patience than I.

Here is Mary's show and tell project. She has the most amazing sense of color, she is far braver than I am. This piece is amazing, it's a Judy Niemeyer pattern and I just love the colors. I've seen paper piecing with all these spikes and slivers and they can be bulky, but Mary has this mastered. Her piece laid flat and smooth. Now to get it quilted and bound. I'm hoping to see this in a show in the future.

Merrie was also working on a Judy Neimeyer pattern in the afternoon. A few days of steady sewing, where you can leave everything out it the best time for paper piecing something like this. On a scale of 1-, I'm about a 2 in this technique. I can't wait to see this one when it's finished.

There were other pieces for show and tell, but I didn't have my camera out.  Thanks ladies, my day was great and I hope to see you all again at the next sew in!
Sharon