Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Fat Quarterly Retreat :: Part 2 :: And a Giveaway!

Ready for part two of the retreat round up?  I promise there is no part three (whew!) and if you make it all the way through this post you'll find a prize at the bottom.  Bonus!  

Let's start with photos from not only one, but TWO classes with Jen Kingwell.  Oh. Yeah.  My first class was hand quilting with Jen (sure, we're BFFs now....) where we were each to bring a 20 inch quilt sandwich to practice our hand stitching.  


It was a pretty super class for three reasons.  First, there were only about 12 of us in the class so it was like having a one on one conversation.  You could ask any question you had and she was very relaxed chatting away.  Second, Jen demonstrated her technique for hand quilting using a clear plastic sheet.  You could see where her needle was going, what angle it was at and what her hand under the "quilt" was doing.  Such a simple idea and it made all the difference.  Finally, she took a good bit of time to discuss notions - what thread you can use, what needles she likes and why, how to use a thimble, etc.  Brilliant.

She discussed stitching while travelling.  As you know, I stitch on every flight I take, on all buses going by and when ever I am in my camper.  Apparently she does too!  Jen made for each and every one of us a little travel pin cushion that is shaped like a ring.  It just slips on your finger and holds all you need without it rolling off your seat.  I'm sure you look less like a psycho using that on a flight vs. leaving pins in the back of the seat in front of you.  Just sayin'.



AND we had a cheeky show and tell.  Jen Kingwell...yes, THE Jen Kingwell, pulls out Green Tea and Sweet Beans and Gypsy Wife from a small suitcase like they were random scraps she stitched together watching TV reruns of Friends the week before the retreat.  You should have seen us - the quilt junkies with our cameras flashing.  Hilarious.  There was no dignity.


She discussed her fabric choices, her quilting style,etc.  What an amazing learning experience. 


After class, she draped her quilts over the table in the hall so we could closely look at each of the blocks.  She let us flip them over, re-arrange them for photos and ooo to our hearts delight.

Gypsy Wife

Gypsy Wife

Gypsy Wife

Green Tea - the flower block in the center is my favorite!

Green Tea

Nicky and Jen, chatting away....

My second class with Jen was Green Tea & Sweet Beans where we were to learn tracing templates, hand piecing and needle turn appliqué.  Now, these techniques were not part of my repertoire going to the retreat and I dare say they will remain absent moving forward.  This is not my happiness.  But I wanted to give hand piecing and appliqué a try...who better to learn from then the master herself?  


Jen gave each of us a copy of her pattern and a quilter's wheel (what a fab invention!), gave us hints and tips on tracing a template, using sand paper to secure our fabric/templates, marking fabric and chatted about the possibility of using her pattern with machine piecing (now that's interesting!).  Jen stitched along with us, giving us plenty of opportunity to ask questions and observe up close.


Together we were to make this block that would require us to trace templates, cut our fabric, use hand piecing and appliqué the stems.  Right. 



After a three hour long class (I think it was three...) I made this:


One flower head.  Now, that said, I learned a tremendous amount and I will continue on with this quilt using my machine and raw edge appliqué.  It will be a long term project.

But what, you want to know, am I giving away?  To share the retreat with those of you who could not attend, I wanted to give away the contents of my retreat goodie bag!  That's right - a fat quarter of apples, solids from both Kona and Riley Blake, two mini charm packs, a pack of Makower Nautical prints, swatch buddies AND a COPY OF GREEN TEA AND SWEET BEANS.  Yes, it's all yours.  






This giveaway is open to anyone who did not attend the retreat.  Just leave a comment below telling me what your favorite thing is about stitching with friends and I will draw one winner on Sunday night (3 Aug) by random number generator.  Please be sure you are not a no-reply commenter - if you are and have not included your email in your comment, I am deleting your entry.

Good luck, everyone!




189 comments:

Raz said...

Hi Cindy, every time I stitch with friends I learn something new, and that's one of the things I love about it. Rachel

pippablue said...

Sounds like such an amazing time! The best thing about stitching with friends is the chit chat!

Michele T said...

Sounds like you had an amazing time!!! I am bound an determined to attend a retreat one of these days, it would be an amazing experience!! I do get together with a friend at work each day and we work on our quilty projects daily, but that's only for 15 min!!! Maybe it is high time that we arrange an evening together each week! Thanks for inspiring and sharing your goodies!!

Michele T said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mamasqd said...

I joined a small sewing group at the start of the year and we meet once a week. It is great fun and these lovely ladies are a great source of inspiration and knowledge:)

Elita@Busy Needle Quilting said...

I've been stitching every Monday night with the same group of ladies for nearly 18 years. They are my Thread Sisters. It brings tears to my eyes to think of all the wonderful times we've shared between stitches, chit chat, tea & biscuits. Love them!! Thanks for the giveaway! :-)

Collette said...

what a fantastic time away and the idea of showing hand quilting with a plastic sheet is genius!! would love to meet Jen! thanks for a generous giveaway - the best thing about stitching with friends is sharing your passion!

Unknown said...

Hi Cindy Love all you did Stitching with friends is great I learn alot.

Bossymamma said...

I love the companionship that I feel when stitching with friends. There doesn't need to be any chat, just sitting together with the common bond of a love of sewing is enough.

Nicky said...

It was amazing to learn from Jen ! I was there don't count me in!

Betsy Grey Crafts said...

Wow Jen's classes sound fab Cindy. This is gonna sound sad (but it's not)... I havent actually stitched with stitchy friends in real life yet. I do plan to remedy this lol but life is so busy. I imagine we would be nattering for quite a while before we settled into contented silence.

Rachel said...

Sounds like you had a fab time! The best part of stitching with friends is the chatting - although not much stitching actually gets done! Thanks for the chance to win!

Jane said...

So jealous, I would have liked to go to the retreat but I was dog sitting my sisters two gorgeous miniature snautzers! I'm with you on the hand quilting but that pattern look fun and I love the idea of those swatch lables to match stuff when your out shopping! My favourite social quilting time is our UFO days we have once a month at the village hall, one of the ladies makes devine cake and we all chat and help each other out, and have a good laugh too! (jane.osborne@btinternet.com)

Isisjem said...

Oh wow your pictures are fabulous. I really want to make the GT&SB quilt but I think if I ever did I'd have to hang it on the wall rather than throw it on the bed.

As for stitching with friends. The best thing is being able to learn tips and tricks, especially when you're not sure how to do something or have messed something up.

Lianne said...

the best thing is the chatting while stitching or even just chatting and not getting much done at all being with friends that have the same interests is great

maria said...

I've been meeting up with a group of ladies once a week for years, I think the best thing is the friendships and having the chance to talk to other people with the same interests.
Does Jen use a hoop when hand quitling?

pennydog said...

Oh wow, well I probably shouldn't enter since I won Reene's similar giveaway but I like most the general banter and good-humoured mockery, and when our MQG meeting is in Bradmore we get Bridget's amazing malteser cheesecake (it is the best cheesecake ever tasted).

Linda Coleman said...

Looks like you had s great time. My favourite part of sewing with friends is the chat and laughs. No matter what my mood I always leave in good form.

Jennie said...

Thanks for sharing so much about retreat. The best thing about sewing with friends is the chatting. Often more chatting than sewing. And the cake. We always have cake!

Katie said...

I would have been totally beside myself in a class with Jen Kingwell -- she's amazing. for me the best part about quilting with friends or even with attending classes is the inspiration that you get from each other and learning new tips and tricks.

Kristen said...

My favorite things about quilting with buddies on retreats or in classes are he tips and tricks you learn just by casually watching someone else work, and the loads of inspiration I leave with!

Keela said...

My favourite thing about stitching with friends is that I get to drool over their lovely stash and od course having a good ole natter!

Sophie Belle Designs said...

Great post Cindy. So sorry I wasn't able to go.

Henry's Shed said...

Wow! What an amazing prize!! My favourite thing about stitching with (stitchy!) friends is that they don't think I am mad when I get super excited about fabrics, patterns, or the fact that I got my points to match up!! My lot at home just don't understand me!!! xx

Teresa @ Aurea's Kitchen said...

I don't have stitching friends, my friends just love what I do, so I stitch on my own, sometimes with my mother, just to check my stitches are neat and tidy ;)

Thanks

Mary W Quilts said...

Wow! You had sew much fun. Wish I could have gone. Maybe next year. Haven't been to London in 10 years. My favorite part of quilting is the many friends I make and the teachers I meet (stalk). Thanks for sharing.

Jemima said...

What a wonderful giveaway - I love stitching with friends as I often feel inspired to try techniques that I am as good at. I love learning together and teaching and sharing our combined skills - such an age old tradition in passing down what you know to others.

Joe Logan said...

My friends and I have started trying to get together more and more to be crafty together. We have some friends who are going through some very difficult health issues, and all of us who are just time poor and tend to put ourselves and our own needs behind everyone else. Crafty afternoons (crafty aftys) help us to get together, be social, be chatty, be productive - or just drool over the work of other clever people. It's our therapy.

memmens said...

Boohoo! So awesome! Love the photo's of Jen's quilts. Best thing about stitching with friends is the chat and laughter, really missed out this year! thanks for sharing your goodies. xx

SewLittleToSay said...

How kind to share the FQR goodies with those who couldn't make it this year. I enjoy stitching with friends as they understand fabric obsessions and haberdashery excitement.

Sarah said...

Such a generous giveaway! I love the shared inspiration that you get from sewing with friends and just being with other folk who "get" why I'm excited about this hobby! I would love to win that pattern so much. Thank you for an opportunity.

Wild Irish said...

I'm another lone ranger, I've never stitched along with friends, I don't know anyone IRL living anywhere near me to stitch with... Would be nice to share with someone else equally mad about fabric and sewing rather than then thinking I'm just mad.

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Cindy and thank you for sharing your experiense! I have never been in a retriet and don't have any friend to stitch with so you understand how importat my blog-friends are! Thank you so much for amazing give away! x Teje
nerospost(at)gmail(dot)com

Kim said...

It's fun to catch up when stitching g with friends and the food is always good. Looks like you had a ton of fun!

Britten said...

Wish I wasn't allowed to enter. But here I am. Great giveaway. Thank you!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

I really wish I had been there, it sounds amazing!! I would love to win the goodies though I already have the pattern but I'd happily pass it on! So often I see alone but it's wonderful to have company for the laughs and to learn from others :)

MoniqueB said...

It sounds like a fantastic time! I don't know what it is like to stitch with friends yet. I have just learned to sew a year and a half ago and none of my girlfriends sew at the moment. I guess you could say I am a singular stitcher. :-) I do love to chat about sewing when I go to my local fabric store though. There is something very comforting about talking to people who understand the obsession!

Terri said...

Oh my what a Giveaway! Didn't make Retreat. Again :-( sounds like you all had the most fabulous time :-)

Tanyia said...

The retreat sounds like sew much fun! I think my favorite part of stitching with friends is being able to learn and grow as a quilter with their help and feedback!

Nelly Kelly said...

Thanks so much... You are too sweet for words! This is the closest i will ever get to attending FQR, is this contest right here! And that's okay, but it makes the contest feel really special! What I love about stitching with friends is that they understand just what I mean when I say stuff like that! We just speak the same language!

Jessim said...

I just love the company of sewing with others- I'm a talker, and my husband thinks I'm crazy that I sometimes talk to myself in my sewing room. Always better if someone is there!

Anita in Florida said...

I love the inspiration and encouragement when stitching with friends. Thanks for a very generous giveaway.

Karen @dixielandcrafts said...

I so wish I had friends close by to sew with. Maybe one day. I would love to see with friends because you can share tips and laughs. You have someone cheering you on through the difficult challenges and rejoicing with you when you make progress. Thank you for the awesome giveaway.

Karen at Dixieland Crafts
Dixielandcrafts@yahoo.com

Clothkitty said...

What a great couple of classes. The best thing about stitch with friends is the help and advice on tap for all matters sewing related or not as the case may be. And the laughter of course.

Tina Short said...

I love stitching with friends, we bounce ideas off each other, comment, swap blocks around and make suggestions (good, bad and rude!)I always come away rejuvenated and with my stitching mojo well and truly tuned up.

DeborahGun said...

I don't often sew with others, but when I do I think we talk more than sew!

Rina Mason said...

I like the sharing of ideas, how our lives are doing and general fun we have.

Ruth said...

I especially like the tea breaks and chomping down well deserved chocolate biscuits after and hour or two of sewing and bouncing ideas around!

Aideen said...

What a very generous gesture! I love sharing ideas and the social aspect of stitching with friends

Jess Burns said...

I haven't had a lot of experience sewing with other people, but when I have, I think that it's somehow more relaxing than doing it by yourself. Plus, you can get in-the-moment help.

I think I'm not a no-reply, but just in case: jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

Sarah said...

the chat, definitely the banter. being able to get all gushy and excited about fabrics and stuff without feeling like a bit of a special case...
brilliant post cinders. that one paragraph about the show and tell... ROFL!

Unknown said...

My favorite thing about stitching with friends is this...my 13 year old daughter and I quilt and stitch and sew together. It's been the very best bonding time. She and I sit and sew and chat for hours. I LOVE our sewing days!

Margie said...

I am a loner when it comes to quilting and most other things I guess. Would be quit a drive to attend a quilting club or any classes. Would like to if I had a chance! Thank You for this chance!

Jo said...

Sounds like your classes were fun! Unfortunately I haven't found any local stitching ladies yet. Although have just attended my first guild meeting so perhaps there is stitching and chatting with friends in my future :)

Indianna said...

I love to learn from my friends, though I still can't use a thimble on the right finger. I'd love the fabrics to mix in with my scrap quilts and I'd forward the pattern to a friend as I already have it!

sandyandcosmo said...

I'm a lone stitcher because none of my friends sew or quilt and there are no local clubs or guilds. Quilting by myself is quite relaxing though!

needle and nest said...

I don't have any stitchy friends, so I suppose the bloggy community is where I "stitch with friends". The best part about this wonderful group of ladies is that I get so much inspiration and constantly learn something new.

Thanks for the generous giveaway. It looks like you had a wonderful time!

Marti Taylor said...

Other than my father-in-law and great grandmother-in-law I don't know anyone that sews. My father-in-law is great at teaching new-to-me techniques, like darning and how to fix a hole in a knitted sweater without it looking ridiculous.

Unknown said...

I love stitching with friends and seeing where our creative minds differ and where they take us. It always inspires me to try different things!

Michelle Olsen Sasak said...

I'm also a lone stitcher. It would definitely be nice to stitch with friends though (:

Unknown said...

The best thing about stitching with friends is my friend s are also my sisters. What grat quality time that is. Matsche.christine@yahoo.com

Allison said...

most of the time, I'm sewing by myself. I love being able to collaborate with friends & family when I'm sewing with others.

Four dogs and one quilter said...

I love stitching with friends. Can see what new projects they are working on and can share new to me techniques.

Four dogs and one quilter said...

I love stitching with friends. Can see what new projects they are working on and can share new to me techniques.

Bethany said...

I learn so much when stitching with friends. And I love seeing the different projects we are working on!

JLVerde said...

I've never stitched with friends! I sew solo but I bet it would be fun to do the supply choosing with someone else. Picking out fabrics is my favorite part of a project.

Paula Lemos said...

Unfortunately none of my friends enjoys sewing but I'm sure it must be fun stitching together with friends. Thank you for the giveaway!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

Mokki said...

I love the laughter! I meet up with a group of friends to sew and/or crochet (and anything creative really) once a month and I find I don't accomplish much but I do have a lot of fun!

Charmed Life said...

I enjoy stitching with friends because I am always learning about a new technique or a new tool that someone discovered...plus there is always lots of laughter. Speaking of which, you post was so funny, as you shared your new-found love (not) of hand piecing and applique!

Diane said...

Stitching with friends feeds the soul...

Katherine said...

Great post, Cindy! Sounds like classes were amazing. Had to smile when you described the reaction to seeing Jen's quilt in person. I think that's one of the best parts about being with stitchy friends - we get excited about one another's work/fabric/technique in such a genuine way. Love that! Oh, and I love the laughter that often is a part of stitching with friends.

Maxine said...

my favorite thing about stitching with friends is the conversation and the laughter that goes along with it. I don't think we get much stitching done!

Vicki H said...

I love the social part of getting together.

Rhonda Best said...

It is always fun to see what everyone is working on and share my projects with them.
mtmom57@gmail.com

Jackie said...

I love stitching with my BFF because we inspire each other. The retreat looked like such fun!
doyleajackie at gmail dot com

Nancy said...

I have just started stitching with others. I enjoy picking others brains on tips and tricks. I am also looking for a new sewing machine so I went around and asked them all what they liked and didn't like about their machine. Enlightening.
nridder@hurontel.on.ca

Victoria said...

I love stitching with friends who *get* exactly why finding that one specific piece of fabric is sooo important! My husband tries, but his responses sometimes fall a little short of the mark!
vichenderson at hotmail dot co dot uk

SIMPLESEW said...

I love the sharing of an idea and it blooms into something else, I love sharing my tips and teaching my DIL's and hope they will pass it along. Then they appreciate what is made for them.

Weatherbee ;) said...

How fun. I love piecing and sewing by hand. My favorite things about stitching with friends is getting different ideas about how people go about doing the same thing. It's interesting to see how other people think.

Thanks for such an amazing giveaway! :)

Carol Maynard said...

Oh my!! Such wonderful goodies!!! How can you bear to part with them?? But, THANKS for the opportunity to win such incredible yummies!!

Catskill Quilter said...

It is fun to bounce ideas off each other! Your wonderful description certainly had me wishing I had been there to see those gorgeous quilts in person! What a fabulous opportunity for you!

Cille said...

I wanted to go but my local quilt group voted for Birmingham instad - two solo trips for me to the UK wouldn't sit well for the rest of my family, so Birmingham it is... Next week :) I love the sharing of knowledge, the common understanding on just how precious a little scrap of fabric can be :) you just don't get that by stitching by yourself.

Susan @ MadebyMommainPA.Blogspot.Com said...

I really don't have any local stitching friends! All my sewing friends are online so I need to get to a retreat :)

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

The best bit about hand stitching is teh peace and quiet it can give me. My mind can calm itself down when I hand stitch -- until I make a booboo and need ot rip it all out!! I did not go to retreat this year but I wish I had taken this class - yummy quilt!

Courtneysews said...

I don't have any friends that stitch but I love chatting on the phone with a friend while I stitch! Great give-away!! Thanks!

Courtneysews said...

I don't have any friends that stitch but I love chatting on the phone with a friend while I stitch! Great give-away!! Thanks!

Jacklynn Grimm said...

The best thing about stitching with friends is having someone who can sympathize with you when you need to rip something out....the husband just doesn't understand. Thanks for the awesome give away!

Emily C said...

Stitching with friends means you can trade fabric when you go to visit.

Anonymous said...

Amazing! My favorite thing is the quality "girl" time and the laughs. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Unknown said...

Retreats sound so fun!! One of these days. :) I really don't have any friends that share my love of sewing. :( But it would be great to just sit and chat and sew. :)
clc97423@gmail.com

Nessa said...

Sounds like a wonderful learning opportunity!
Stitching with friends is a rare treat that leaves me feeling liked and loved and useful and necessary.
Thank you for such a generous give away. X

cheeky monkey said...

Looks like you had a great time. I so hope you bring parts to the next stitching meeting in September and show what you learned. I am totally impressed!

Suzanne Daniels said...

Thanks for a wonderful giveaway. I love the laughs, sometimes the tears, the wine and good company.

Oneoldgoat1962 said...

That sounds like fun and I just love the quilts - they are so happy! Beth
oneoldgoat1962 at gmail dot com

AngieSue said...

I love the conversations women have when we're all sitting around and sewing. It's pure therapy.

AngieSue said...

I love the conversations women have when we're all sitting around and sewing. It's pure therapy.

AngieSue said...

I love the conversations women have when we're all sitting around and sewing. It's pure therapy.

Lynne said...

What a fun retreat! Thanks for the round up.
For me, stitching with friends is learning, laughing and sharing.

barbara woods said...

i love stitching but quilting takes so much of my time. tjwbewatcharterdotnet

Wendy said...

I love stitching with friends because of the comradery that forms between everyone...plus all the tips and support you receive when you stitch with friends...

Rachel said...

I like stitching with friends for the inspiration. It's great to see how people create and what they can come up with! There's also all the conversations to enjoy. Sewing with other people turns a solitary activity into social time! Thanks for the chance to win.

knottygnome said...

honestly i have never stitched with friends, which now that i think about it is super sad. :-(

Janarama said...

The best part of stitching with friends is the laughter that occurs every time we are together.

Mara said...

I didn't go and I so wish I could stitch with friends but there aren't many of us stitchers in Greece :(

Missy Shay said...

I wish I could have gone to the retreat, sounds like ya'll had a lot fun! I love sewing with friends because I seem to get so much done and learn so much from my friends!
missysaprons@gmail.com

Karen said...

The retreat sounds like it was so much fun. I love getting together with my quilty friends because we speak the same language. I can talk about fat quarters, jelly rolls,hst's and even square in a square and they know what I'm saying!

Coser Tejer Crear said...

Hi there Cindy! I'll tell you about stitching with friends next year when we meet at FQR. Here in Valencia there aren't any stitching friends. I haven't found them yet. 😘

Catherine said...

Oh definitely the gossiping and laughing as you stitch. Wish I had been there, thanks for the chance to win

Unknown said...

The main thing I miss about stitching with friends is having someone that understands your passion for what you do and gladly talks about stitching all day long while you sew together. I hope to find someone like that here in Mexico.

Susan said...

This would have to be the best giveaway ever! I chatted with Jen at Amitie recently before she headed north! She is a great lady! Sadly I am a solo stitcher....

Kay said...

This all sounds so magical. Thank you for an amazing giveaway, I would especially love to have the pattern. Stitching with friends is fun and relaxed, but you also get instant help and feedback. x

Gidget said...

I love stitching with friends! Talking and catching up and there is always good food involved!

Unknown said...

Oh I would have loved to be there too.
Best thing about stitching with friends: I always get new inspiration from them.
Thank you for the giveaway Cindy!

Tori said...

The best thing about stitching with friends is bouncing ideas off each other and challenging each other. Love the gypsy wife quilt...inspired to have a go at hand quilting on the long flight to Boston from the UK in Sept for a holiday.

Rachaeldaisy said...

I so enjoyed reading this post! Thank you for describing so much of your day with Jen Kingwell. It sounds absolutely wonderful. I think it is so sweet that she gave you all a mini pincushion!! The best thing about sewing with friends is talking about everything and anything!

Jenny L said...

Well there are no sewing groups around me but I have occasionally attended adult ed classes and loved to see what other people are making and chat with like minded souls. jennylarking@gmail.com

Jenny-Narcoleptic in a cupboards mum said...

The best thing about stitching with friends is passing on clever little tips.
Your retreat reports are excellent Cindy, you obviously got such a lot from the weekend. Thanks for sharing with us.

Sarah said...

My favorite thing about stitching with friends? growing our friendship, getting our projects worked on, and memories of sweet times every time I see the finished project!

Steph Blair said...

The chat of course, plus I love it when someone actually get's what you're doing and why

Sharon J. Hughson said...

Love visiting with my friends to catch up. Hope I win and thanks foe the great give away.
sjhughson@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The Girl Talk! Oh Yes! I love a good Girly Talk session. Thank you for this fantastic giveaway chance.

Allison C said...

I'm a multitasker so I love sewing and gossiping at the same time.

brenda.b said...

being able to get together with friends AND stitch at the same time, what more could a girl ask for. Awesome give away!

Lee said...

I love stitching with friends - its usually full of new jokes, stories and food! :) Oh and new sewing tips and ideas - thank you! I enjoy reading your blog.

Judith, Belfast said...

Aw you are so sweet thinking of us lot that didn't make it to FQR this year! I love all the chatter and laughing when sewing with friends (but that usually means not much sewing!). Jxo

Vicki said...

Stitching w friends is so important. The understanding and fellowship are priceless.

Unknown said...

On the rare occasion that I get to stitch with someone else, I get so excited. It is fun to share ideas, get some valuable feedback for color combinations. It is great to share techniques for efficient, creative piecing.

Ella and Nesta said...

I love sewing with friends because we help each other when we get stuck on a particular technique and there's always a lot of encouragement (and chatting, of course! ).

Sarah said...

It was so interesting to read about your classes! Thanks for sharing -- both the information, and the goodies! sarah@forrussia.org

Peggy said...

I don't get to stitch with friends, but I do belong to a wonderful online group, World of Charity Stitching. We create beautiful quilts, walker, wheelchair bags, totes, and many other items for seniors and children.
Thanks,
Peggy
Peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Diane Beavers said...

Mostly the chit chat, and getting into each others stash and swapping fabric:)
Someone always has a treasure I don't have and I love taking that home and creating with my new found fabric.

MamaLovesFabric said...

I love sharing tips/hints and looking at other's projects.

Beezus said...

I love the support that most people in the quilting community share. It's wonderful to see someone new to quilting ask a question and see the enthusiasm other quilters have when sharing knowledge.

Janie said...

How sweet. I love watching different techniques. Thanks for the giveaway.

OhioLori said...

Looks like you all had such a fun time!! wish I could've been along!

Love stitchin' with friends...we learn from each other, we share snacks & cups of tea...lots of talk..and bunches of laughs... and sometimes a few tears & some hugs. Always great "Moment" spent sewin' with Friends..& Daughter's! :) Makes Special "Heart Memories" for us all...

GarmA said...

The best part of stitching with friends is the warm feelings and the joy of sharing something we love!

Kathy Boice said...

IF I had friends to stitch with I guess the best part would be time together chatting and sharing ideas.
Laughing and and sharing each others experiences. midwayfarms@hughes.net

Jules said...

I love stitching with friends because as a newbie there is always something new to learn!

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Cindy it looks like it was a fun retreat! I love needle turn applique but I've never done any hand piecing. I love to stitch with my friends -- the best part is sharing stories and swapping fabric and just being comfortable with one another because we all have the same interests. Thanks for the giveaway! Karen

Angelia Lanouette said...

I am a new quilter and sadly I don't have any friends that sew. I would love to go to a retreat someday...they look like so much fun. I really enjoy sewing/stitching with my mother when we get the chance. Thank you for sharing!

Anita said...

I don't have many local friends who quilt sadly. But I just started teaching two women in my neighbourhood to quilt and it is fun to see their excitement in learning something new and the passions they have for the fabrics they chose. I didn't realize teaching others could be so rewarding for the teacher as well as the students.

Unknown said...

Loved your post Cindy,
looks like you had a blast at the retreat. Love the baby carriage block. (Well it almost looks like one.) I love hand quilting and stitching because it is relaxing and you can do other things at the same time, like listening to friends and watching a good movie curled up on the sofa. No hand stitching friends yet unfortunately, but I know when I machine stitch with friends, it is so great cause you both have your little projects and it is not so intense talking all the time!!

Miggsie said...

Thanks for the great write up about the retreat - souns like so much fun! My favorite thing about stitching with friends is being able to ask for help with new techniques, or when you just forget how to do something simple - so nice to have in-person help!

GranChris said...

It feeds my soul to be around people who inspire, encourage, don't judge, laugh, hug each other, enjoy the same things I do, like sewing and are just good friends.

Anonymous said...

The best thing about sewing with friends, is the knowledge that is shared and help given. :-) xx

Patti said...

It's so much fun to learn tips from your friends while stitching. And I can't forget the laughter shared!

charlotte said...

I love stitching with friends for the chatting and catching up. The down side is that I find I get lots less sewing done during those sessions than when I sew alone.

AlidaP said...

Thanks for sharing the experience, I am new to quilting so I still don't have stitching friends but these posts encourage me to make some soon. Thanks for the chance to win

Unknown said...

I love stitching, bester when I can do it with my friends. Not only do we spend a wonderful time together but there is always a tip os r trick to be shared. Sometimes even a delicious cake!!!
Thanks for the giveaway.

sofen said...

To work together, talk and concentrate, just being together!

jachelno at gmail dot com

Quilting Tangent said...

I love the things you learn from each other. 24Tangent@gmail.com

auschick said...

I love being able to be productive AND hang out with my friends!

Niki said...

I love when they make me feel better about boo boos I have made. "You can barely see it!" "No one will ever notice it!" "If you can't see if riding by on a horse at a full gallop, it's totally fine!"

Anonymous said...

I like learning new techniques and approaches from my friends, as well as sharing our love of chocolates!

juliehallfeldhaus said...

I belong to a quilt guild and it's always fun to see what everyone is making and get new ideas.

Chelle said...

The things I LOVE about stitching w/ friends is learning new things, the chatter & seeing what others are making & why. {Cuz I'm nosey like that} kweenbee_612@yahoo.com

erin mcsweeney said...

I love all the help we offer each other when sewing with friends...

erin2470@hotmail.com

Shauna said...

I love the encouragement when sewing with friends.

A said...

That's such a generous giveaway, thank you! I'd love to go the FQR one day, but I might have to wait until I'm retired (so three, four more decades...), as I really couldn't justify the costs of it at the moment. Anyway, that's why I love hearing from you bloggers about it!
I'm lucky to have a couple of stitching friends I sew with more or less regularly and I just love the social factor of it, as it is a lovely atmosphere being creative and chatting away at the same time.
All the best, Anja (guanako01 at hotmail dot com)

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

Chatting while stitching - of course! What a great way to have time to talk and catch up while doing something you enjoy!

KJC said...

Retreat sounds like a great place to learn new techniques. I do not have any friends who sew so I am a lonesome stitcher. Blogs are great for me to see what everyone is up to.

Catrin Lewis said...

I wish I could say what my favourite part of stitching with friends was but I don't have any real life stitchy friends so I don't know :0(

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

Every month a group of my friends get together and make donation quilts. It is such a wonderful social event.

Unknown said...

Jen Kingwell would definitely have been my favorite part of the retreat! I love her patterns and quilts! I have been wanting to try quite a few of them out! Thanks so much for the giveaway, I could definitely give everything a good home! Lol!

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Teresa S. said...

My favorite thing about stitching with friends is being able to chat while doing it!

tstanulis@verizon.net

Joan H. said...

There is something so special about stitching with friends! We learn alot from each other and have such a good time.

Wendy said...

I wasn't at retreat... maybe next year. I love our Guild meetings as I get to sit and sew with like minded people, who will be interested in what I'm doing and can offer help when I'm stuck.

Jenne said...

Sounds like a lovely retreat! Thank you for having this giveaway :)

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time! The best thing about stitching with friends, apart from the chatting, is seeing what other people are making and getting inspired by them xx

Jen Barnard said...

It looks like you had a great time. I don't have any friends I can sew with so I can't answer your question, sorry.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

juliehallfeldhaus said...

Thanks for a chance at a great prize!!

Emily said...

I like constructive criticism you get from sewing with friends. Sometimes you need another set of eyes to look at things a different way and push you to grow as a quilter and artist!

Lorinda said...

Looks like some great classes! I don't get to sew with friends very much, but I love listening to other quilter's plans for future quilts or works in progress. We quilters always get so excited when sharing our vision for a new project.

Rebecca Pharr said...

I love stitching with friends. You hear so many great stories. You can also learn new tricks and techniques. Not to mention great new friends.

Karrie said...

I LOVE being with people that share the same love for fabric and thread as I do. I can really relate to these ladies, and it doesn't matter what age you are. I learn SO much. It's just one of my favorite things to do!
ksmith8@emich.edu
thanks for such an awesome giveaway

Jeanette said...

I don't have anyone near enough to me to stitch with, but we text and share photos and Skype about our current projects when we can! It's great to have someone you trust to get opinions, ideas or suggestions or even just approval from. :)

Gill said...

I love stitching with friends - the camaraderie,advice and of course gossip !!

Tomomi McElwee said...

Hi Cindy, you had a great lessons. Unfortunately I don't have anybody stitch together as a friend(well I have classes and that is a bit different,isn't it) nearby. Classes are fun everybody bubbling away.

Sew Surprising said...

I think the best part is you learn something new everytime about the person from loves to tough times, often its not just threads that bind us :)

valerie boudier said...

Love stitching with friends for the companionship and friendly chat valerie.boudier@ntlworld.com

Francine said...

What a sweet giveaway! I attended last year and was so sad to miss fqr 14! My favorite thing about stitching with friends is the inspiration I get and give as we share our projects with one another.

Sallie said...

the laughter!

Margaret said...

I love all the comments and the stories of what is going on in their families. We have so much fun just comparing and praising each other.

Anonymous said...

I don't have anyone around that I can stitch with, but I enjoy stitching around other people because they provide entertainment when I'm working on a boring/tedious part of a project.

Unknown said...

My favorite thing about stitching with friends is the combination of sharing our love of quilting as we share our lives (the ups and downs)...

Katy Cameron said...

Sewing with friends? It's all about the talking, and rather less about the sewing, you can do that any old time at home ;o)

pippirose said...

What a gorgeous quilt!
What's best about stitching with friends? Catching up on what's going on in our lives.

pforgerson said...

The best part is getting to be with my girl friends. I have 2 sons, so not much girl time here. Love this pattern- on my bucket list

mumasu said...

I tend to sew with my daughter rather than friends so I tend to be teaching her things here and here just hanging out :)

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