The following activities are available for you to participate in during the retreat. All are optional, however, the Deboning Shirts activity is highly encouraged, as it is intended as a time to get to know each other better.
Please follow any links within each description for additional information, such as materials list, kit information, etc.
Deboning Shirts
Bring your best pair of dressmaker shears (yep, the scissors your family does not dare use for anything other than paper!) for Thursday's group project. Everything else you need for this activity is provided! An excellent stress reliever, with a competitive twist.
Mystery Quilt
Our simple mystery quilt is designed to make your quilting experience fun and simple. It is intended to be completely cut then sewn, without strip piecing, diagonal seams, or secondary cutting. You will want to pre-cut your suspects prior to leaving home to maximize your sewing time at the retreat. Each participant will work at their own pace through the mystery.
Mystery Quilt Kits (pre-cut and ready-to-sew; must be pre-ordered)
Call Me Bag
Keep everything handy in this lightweight bag. It's perfect for conferences and shows, for workers who must carry an ID card, or just for running around town.
Use the vinyl pocket on front to hold a name tag or ID card... or just a shopping list. Carry credit cards or cash in the zippered fabric pocket. Tuck a cell phone into the mesh pocket on back for easy access.
Kits available for $10 – includes full-color pattern, white mesh, white zipper, Soft and Stable, clear vinyl, white fold-over elastic. Just add 2 Fat Quarters and you are ready to go!
Charity Sharing
Have a favorite go-to pattern for quilts for charity projects? You are invited to bring 13 copies of your favorite patterns to share with the group. If providing full patterns, please make sure they are public domain, free downloads, or original works. For patterns that must be purchased, please provide name of the pattern and the designer to aid in locating the pattern.
String Piecing
Learn how to use “strings” of fabric to create beautiful quilt blocks. You just need your sewing machine and thread (size 14 needle preferred). All other materials will be furnished for everyone to make a few blocks. If you have some bright colorful strings that you have been saving, by all means, bring them! Swapping and sharing is encouraged for more variety.
Hen Cushion
You can’t herd hens, but you CAN stuff them! Scraps of fabric + buttons + stuffing and you have a sweet little hen (or rooster) to keep your pins all in one place.
Supplies needed: two 2-10” fabric squares (the smaller the body squares, the smaller the hens), additional fabric scraps for tail, beak, and comb (may use decorative trim), two buttons, crushed walnut shells (we will have available for purchase) or rice.