Ever wonder what really goes on at a quilting retreat?

Let me just tell you. It was 3 1/2 days of heaven on earth. We were surrounded by friends, new and old that are joined by a strong thread called quilting. Shadow Rest Ministries that over looks a pond and had several cabins along with walking trails scattered around was our home for the weekend. We were pampered with homemade meals 3 times a day and didn't even have to do the dishes.  It just doesn't get any better than that. This was my second year to attend and I do have to say, I don't ever want to miss another one. I packed all my sewing supplies, my knitting, magazines and books to read incase I got tired of sewing. Needless to say, my knitting never made it out of its bag and I never did tire of sewing. Here is what went on at this year's retreat (well, almost everything).

Here one of my friends are using a hand applique technique. You cut a piece of fabric into a certain shape, apply a fusible backing and attach it by hand with pretty stitches to your quilt and it makes a beautiful picture. They make nice heirloom quilts to hand down to family for years to come.

Lori is using a light box to trace her pattern onto her fusible piece before attaching to her quilt.

This is Bonnie and Rhonda adding rows of a brightly colored quilt together.

Nancy, Glenda and Cindy are like the energizer bunnies, they kept sewing and sewing and sewing. Their knowledge with quilting made this trip even more rewarding as I was constantly learning new techniques and ideas from them. Actually, everyone there was more than willing to share new ideas and help when needed. (See the pond out the window?  The view was amazing and so relaxing)

Here Molly, Lori and Jan model their tye died hair.... hmm what would you call them?, hair sleeves? It happened by accident, as Jan was working on a t-shirt quilt and her hair kept getting into her eyes. One of the sleeves that she had cut off a t-shirt was laying there and she pulled it over her head. They worked like a charm. Aren't they the coolest thing. Note to self, post this to pinterest.

This is Anna, the youngest quilter at the retreat, with her Potato Chip quilt. What a charming, beautiful and talented 18 year old.

Yes, another Potato Chip quilt, because you can't make just one.

This is Angie using a rotary cutter to make blocks for her quilt.

In a nutshell quilting is taking large pieces of material, cutting them up and sewing them back together to make something more beautiful. A quilting retreat is taking our large pieces of stress, worries and hustle and bustle of everyday life apart and putting it back together to make a more rested, more loving wife and beautiful mother and it just doesn't get any better than that.