Virtual Retreat July 2015 - Join Anytime

[Nancy R.]

Our 'virtual' retreat idea started last month. We have been very actively encouraging each other and doing a fair amount of oohhhing and aahhing over the pictures that have been shared. If you're new, just jump right in. Introduce yourself. Tell us what your #1 POP (project of priority) is, at the moment. We know life has a way of changing our plans. We share our techniques, sources of information, and whatever may be on our mind.
Think of it as a retreat where you can come dressed as you are, or aren't!?, sit and look over a shoulder, or get your project out and make a little progress on it. We are a group of people that enjoy sharing our passions.

Welcome to everyone,
Luann

[Nancy R.]

My intentions for July's Virtual Retreat:

1. Finish my online class work. I have 2 art quilts to make. One is about wind, clouds, and lightning. The second one is "earth". This one is based more on landscape than the earth's composition. But who knows where I will take it. I also have the two pieces that are 'in progress' that need further exploration. I'll post pictures as soon as I do a bit more on either of them.

2. I really want to make some headway on my pile of quilted pieces. They need bindings and homes!

3. While I'm busy with my retreat time this month, I want to kick the sugar addiction. Milk Duds need to be a sweet memory and a lost muffin top my new reality!

What do you have for your intentions during July?

Luann
And I may just get busy on my blog again,,,
www.letscreatetoday.blogspot.com

[Nancy R.]

I am working on a two fabric,appliqué quilt, since I have been sort of laid up wearing a knee brace (fron groin to ankle) for the last four weeks, after I dislocated my hip on 5/31. It has been very inconvenient to walk,
The pattern is for a wall hanging is Celtic Hearts by Nancy Lee Chong.
I was in the process of fixing up a baby quilt to start quilting it for my new great granddaughter born on 5/21. But it has not been possible to do, so it is sitting till I can get around better. Going back to the Dr next week, and should be able to get rid of the brace.

It is nice to see what everyone is doing. There have been some great projects being worked on.

Margarita

[wendy w.]

Hope it goes well with brace Margarita. Your appliqué is a good idea while you're out of action can we see it.

My intentions for this month are to take a break and do some little projects to give me time to think of what to do next and catch up with BOM.

I'm going to try some virtual milk duds I'll let you know what I think :cheer:

[Judith A.]

My #1 POP is to finish a quilt for my husband's 70th birthday this month.
Then back to my Judy Niemeyer paper piecing.

I will bring some unsweetened iced tea - per Barb's request.
Since I have diabetes, that will be perfect for me too. I am looking for some new diabetes-friendly recipes for tea, hot or cold.

Margarita, I hope your hip heals well. I am glad that you didn't break it. I am glad you have some applique to do. Do you knit? I knitted an Aran cable sweater while in a leg cast after knee surgery. I had plenty of yarn and plenty of time, so I just kept knitting. It turned into a long sweater coat.

Judith

[Geneva C.]

Hello,

I need to finish up the art quilt for my niece, Her wedding is August 1st. It's coming along quite nicely. I should be able to start quilting it soon. I'll take a picture and share it soon.

I have a couple of smaller items I'd like to make.

And.... I need to make a baby quilt for my new granddaughter due October 2015. The baby shower is in late August! Yikes!

It's nice being with all of you!

I have Dots as a treat. But I only allow myself 4 a day. And water. I drink lots of water!

See ya!

geneva

[Lois B.]

I am joining in on the healthier eating. For me it's low carbs and high protein. I cannot believe what that change has done for my energy level. It's great which is good. There is so much high energy work needing to be done outside. I am making picnic baskets, and make-up cases. I'll be needing quite a few hostess gifts associated with this upcoming wedding. Not far enough alone for pictures. The pineapple quilt is still set up ready for stitching but I haven't had a chance to touch it all month. I doubt I'll get to it until after the wedding. This marriage is a second marriage for both my daughter and her fiancé and it is at their summer cottage. I live half a continent away so I don't have much prep. I am expecting it to be low key, very relaxing and lots of fun. I will acquire 2 new grandchildren that day. Lots of excitement.

[Lois B.]

We're travelling July and couple weeks in August. I'll take and work on the TQS BOM Hexagons borders. A highlight this year is attending the Sister's (Oregon) Outdoor Quilt show. And of course two weeks with family at our time-share condo in Whistler, BC. We'll spend a week or so in Seattle visiting family and friends before heading home.

Barb

[Lois B.]

my virtual retreat must do is to get Maxiatura finished and ready for FoQ. I sent off for some silk thread the other day (thanks for the link Wendy), but still need to sort out some of the joins first.

[Rita C.]

Rosemary if I make it to Birmingham this year I will really look forward to seeing your miniature quilt in person.

I am working on the next wedding quilt now so that's what I will bring to my virtual retreat. I have decided to use the central motif from Sue Garman's Ruffled Roses quilt from the TQS BOM 2011 and I have designed the rest of the quilt in EQ7. At the moment I am stitching all the leaves around the heart stems. This quilt needs to be finished by mid December so hopefully I will have enough time to complete it before then.
We are having a heatwave here today - it was 31ºC and that's very very hot for us - so I am thinking that whatever drink I will have has to have a lot of ice with it. Maybe a gin and tonic would be nice. :cheer:

[Geneva C.]

Gin and Tonic sounds wonderful. My sweetie just came home from the grocery store with more limes! B)

Is anyone planning on doing the Blossoms for Julie quilt that TQS is starting? I really like the center and was thinking of making it. In my free time with my extra money!

geneva

[Geneva C.]

Geneva,
I downloaded the introductory information. It looks very interesting to me. I will download each month but just when I will get to doing it, well,, we all know how that goes!! LOL
This past month has been so interesting and fun for me. I wish we could all get together physically at some time. We wouldn't get much sewing done, but we would sure enjoy being together. Every time a new person comes along it's like meeting up with a friend you hadn't seen for years, but you can just pick right up and continue on together.
The Internet can be a very good place.
Luann

[Geneva C.]

Rita - fabulous central motif, can't wait to see more!
Geneva - gin and tonic sounds great about now. I thought about the Blossoms for Julie but haven't taken any action.
Margarita - hope things improve for you soon the Celtic Hearts sound neat.
Judith - looking forward to the tea!
Wendy - Imagine chocolate covered bit size caramels.
Barb

[Marianne G.]

I am working on the next wedding quilt now so that's what I will bring to my virtual retreat. I have decided to use the central motif from Sue Garman's Ruffled Roses quilt from the TQS BOM 2011 and I have designed the rest of the quilt in EQ7.

Wow, Rita! That will be a lovely gift for the couple. I so admire hand appliqué but am a complete clutch when I try
Marianne

[Marianne G.]

Thank you to Luann for getting this thread going!
My WTDL (want-to-do-list) for July is:
1. finish blocks for my quil-ket
2. start berry FMQ sample
3. start embroidery machine cover
4. maybe explore my hand embroidery/drawing I started while away from home



and a few dressmaking projects I won't bore you with
Marianne