Sunday, November 01, 2009

IF YOU SIGNED UP FOR MY IDAHO RETREAT READ THIS PLEASE- AND WIN A BOX OF COOL STUFF JUST BY COMMENTING


Mel hold's up a story quilt/hoochy mama inspired piece of art-isn't it great???
If you signed up for the retreat (either of them-May or August) or planned to, please send in your deposit as we are wanting to know who is serious. You can find out more about it by clicking the link at the top of this blog. We have gotten alot of input on what makes a great retreat from our friends and we want to include some of these fun things.
If you want to comment on what you think makes a great retreat, I will send a cool BOX of stuff -I love your comments and think one might be fun for everyone to read. I will have one of my kids draw the winning name.

10 comments:

Sandi said...

Hi Mary Lou,

I've been to a few retreats organized by either quilt shops or guilds and one of the things I enjoy most about them is the opportunity to meet with other quilters and see what they are working on.

Some of the retreats have been organized classes and it is amazing to see how varied people colour choices can be to make the same basic quilt.

One of the things I enjoy is a meet and greet on the first night, we've had some fun mixers with the guild I belong to with themed nights.

We've played poker with buttons for chips, had a chance to make a doll by committee, made hat pin cushions and guessed who made them. One of most fun was bringing a baby picture and putting it inside of a evening bag and then trying to guess who's bag it was and then have a second clue by who was in the picture.

We've also had people bring earrings, slippers and photos of their sewing rooms on different occasions.

But it is the inspiration from seeing what your friends, or new aquaintences are making that is a big part of the retreat and the sharing of knowledge, tips and even fabric that makes them so much fun.

I hope to come, but have to wait and see if I can get vacation time.

Sandi in New Westminster B.C.

West Michigan Quilter said...

I love this quilt. I love the colors in the border and the big flowers are lovely. What an inspiration. Love your daughter's quote too!

Maree in NC :-) said...

Mary Lou, I've never been to a "spend the night" quilting retreat and surely do wish that yours could be my first! :-)

I just know that it will be so much fun and filled with wonderful inspiration and lots of laughter!

Happy Hoochy Hugs, Y'all!

Maree in NC :~D

Pam said...

Mary Lou makes a great retreat!
what more can I say.. :0)

Karen in Tucson said...

Some of my favorite things about retreats include: enthusiastic leaders/instructors who make every minute fun; great patterns with or without kits but lots of complete instruction; "free wheeling" retreats just to do UFI (U Finish It) time; sewing rooms open 24/7 so we can sew whenever and not put things away each day; lots of "little" prizes/goodies; and, of course, meeting and spending time with new and old friends!

The best retreats are the ones when we go home with completed (or almost) projects. Don't like to go home with one partially finished block that I will never complete no matter what.

Really wish I could join you in Idaho!!!
Karen in Tucson

Vicky F said...

Hi Mary Lou,
I have never been to an "overnighter" retreat, but I imagine yours would be a blast. I would think having a few people you know (so you can be comfortable) and a few people new would work out fun.

Of course, I'm all about food. You got cookies (with chocolate), I'm happy! Snacks and beverages available so the sewers don't faint dead away would be high on my list. Hah!
Can't wait for your new book to get here . . .

Vicky F from Michigan

Rhondi said...

Hi Mary Lou
I haven't been by to visit you for awhile. I love the photo of you as Kate!!
I think a good retreat includes a project that stimulates our creativity, comforatable rooms ro sleep in, good food and a teacher that makes it all fun ( like you do!!)
If I had the money I'd love to go to one of your retreats.
Hugs, Rhondi

mary-myneedlethead.blogspot.com said...

Hi Mary Lou,

I love all your quilts! Great Blog, Mary (in Illinois)

crow (deb) said...

a teacher who is organized, friendly and knowledgeable. also provides the workshop as described.

a place that is user friendly - easy to find. has ironing boards and enough power strips. good food near by.

and fellow quilters who are open to the challenge of doing something new or creative.

your workshops fit the bill:-)

crow said...

a teacher who is organized, friendly and knowledgeable. also provides the workshop as described.

a place that is user friendly - easy to find. has ironing boards and enough power strips. good food near by.

and fellow quilters who are open to the challenge of doing something new or creative.

your workshops fit the bill:-)