Currently Stitching: Quilt Retreat Success!

This was an extremely productive weekend at quilt retreat! I have to tell you, after the last time where I struggled so bad with all my projects, this was a huge relief. It felt like it was fun to sew again! I am excited to share all the wonderful projects I got put together over the three days!

First, let's get started with a snapshot of my retreat set up! Previously I've shared how I like to pack and get nested at retreat. This time was not much different, however I do think I might have been even more organized than usual. And when I arrived the first morning, I went straight to business getting my station ready for a productive weekend.

I like to get my tools, pressing station, sewing machine and projects within easy reach. It helps create a good flow of action which means I'm getting more done. Sometimes I think I should relax and soak more up. But it's such a wonderful time to sit and sew and get some much done without interruption or distraction!

First off let's discuss this beautiful mermaid batik quilt I finished over the weekend! It was  one of those projects where you make the same block over and over again until you can't see anymore. I am so glad I had so many beautiful and fun colors because it made it totally worth it! Read all about how I worked my way through it in this episode, where I share all details and tips for this project!

Next on my list was a simpler, but equally peppy set of table runners!

I don't think I included this in the list of projects I was brining, but I wanted to get this long patriotic runner knocked out - and I did! It was really fun to make. The pieces weren't too small and the instructions were super simple. 

Once everything as cut I just had to chain piece these triangles and make sure I got all the placements correct. It was very nice because there were no leftover half square triangles for scraps or random trimmings. Which is rare! They all cut down to just about the right size and got used in the runner.

Once I got the alternating blocks put together I just needed to keep them in the right order and sew it up! It was such a breeze to put this runner together. And I like that was a longer piece because then it runs down my entire table instead of just part of the center.

Unfortunately, I was happily sewing away and forgot to take pictures of the steps for the other runner, but here it is all finished. Another super quick project that was very satisfying!

I put it next to the other one so you can see the size difference! It was kind of cool because the one is pretty bright, while the other is more muted. 

These batiks are from a line called "Missing You," which focuses on morse code and love letters - while remaining patriotic. So I decided to focus on the blue/ steel undertones and do a love letter longarm pattern that we usually use for Valentine's projects.

I chose some classic loops and stars for the other runner, in bright red! It turned out absolutely adorable! Something else that was great about these projects is that they were quick to get off an on the longarm, which is always a treat. Now it's just time to get them all bound up and on some tables.

Now I'll admit I was a bad girl and also did not take any step by step pics for the bags I made at retreat.

While I was prepping for retreat I decided to quilt some fabric I knew I wanted to use for bags. I loaded them on the longarm and chose appropriate patterns and thread. I now have a file of pieces of fabric like this that can be turned into bags or whatever I want.

I thought bringing sweet little seasonal pouches to work on would be a nice treat. And since the holidays always creep up on me, it felt nice to "get ahead" a little. I lined the reindeer bags with red and white candy cane stripes! I lined one pumpkin bag in green and one in orange. I shopped in the store for coordinating zippers. She has a great selection! I am very pleased with how they turned out!

Lastly, if you remember from my retreat planning episode, I put together these 6 1/2 inch blocks for our block swap. I am so glad I participated and contributed a block because it was so cool!

Look at what everyone made! I was so surprised and glad that none of us made the same block or used the same background, or anything! We all took turns sharing how we chose our blocks and why and then passed them out. It was such a treat, and I can't wait to put them together in a quilt!

If you've never done a block exchange, or been to a quilt retreat, now is the time! It's such a wonderful way to make something for your home or someone you care about. And it's an opportunity to share and connect with part of your community. If you have done one, or both, share yours with me! I love hearing about block and fabric exchanges and retreat traditions. Thanks for following along with mine!