Retreat Prepping

Another list.  I think I may have officially tipped the scales from sane to insane.  I'm in hyper excitement mode and making preparations to attend a quilting retreat in the near future.  It's never too early to start planning.  If you've never been to a quilting retreat before, Jen at A Dream and A Stitch has a wonderful series talking about different types of retreats and how to pack (check it out here).

Even though this list may seem a bit long for only being gone a few days, and a portion of those days will be shopping, I still have hopes that much can be accomplished.  My key, prepping before hand and organizing.  Okay, those that know me really well may have just spit their drink all over the computer screen, because organization and Tish usually do not appear in the same sentence, but I can do it when I WANT to. 

So what is the plan?  I have pretty much pre cut everything that I logically could.

I have cut quite a few strips to become the borders on Jenny's unicorn quilt.  I'm not sure which fabric way I want to use yet, so I cut fabrics already used in the quilt and some other fun rainbow fabrics as possible contenders.  Which ever I do not use will either become a Jelly Roll to give away or a Jelly Roll quilt.

Recently, I have purchased Judi Madsen's iquilt classes for Bernina.  I have watched the Quilting Makes a Difference class which talks about the difference between traditional quilting motifs and modern motifs.  The best way to practice quilting is by quilting something.  So, I would like to make two of the 24" sample quilts and practice both of her quilting designs.  The only way to get better is practice! (have I said that before?)

Also on the list is another 36" version of Karen Korner's Star Cross quilt, pattern found on the Juki website.  David recently pieced one as well.  Once I get mine pieced and both quilted, they will become extra's...meaning if we need something to donate, we have something on hand.

The block exchange blocks for the guild meetings will also be tagging along.  It's just time to get these finished, or close to it.

I couldn't leave home without bringing my dogs with me, could I?  This is just a slow ongoing project using fabrics I purchased during a quilt retreat last year.  The quilt is 100% for me and my real life pooches so no rush.  I hopefully will sneak in some time to make a block for Karen at KaHolly and her charity quilts.

The recently started baby quilt Star Blossom also needs finished.  I have four our of the nine blocks pieced.  I've made this quilt so many times, I could probably just finish this one while I'm sleeping.

I may need to dig through my stash one more time before I call the fabrics for the October Aurifil BOM good.  This one is a great one to take with me, because it will require some English paper piecing which I no nothing about.  I dear friend has offered to help give someone a demo on this method, so I was thinking I could sit in on it as well.

This small pile of stuff will be my car project.  Have you ran across Mister Domestic's fabric pinecone ornaments???  OMG, I love them!  Our guild will be hosting an ornament exchange again this year during the Christmas party and I have decided to join in with these little babies.  I just have to be careful not to spill the applique pins in David's car or my retreat time will be spent playing pick-up-pins.  Mister Domestic, I am definitely part of this fabric party!!

The "Brad's Baby Quilt" isn't pictured, because I may just look for fabrics while we are out shopping.  I still need to look through my stash to see if I find fabrics that grab my attention.  I'm thinking it will be a version of the Woven Baby Quilt David and I recently made or possibly an easy charm pack quilt of some sort.

I do have a method or plan for working on these projects.  My friends will either think I'm completely crazy or a genius.  Typically, I work on several projects all at once.  That may sound a bit confusing, but I've learned to be a multi-tasker in life and that's usually how I tackle multiple sewing projects.  Since most of these projects are already cut out, all I simply need to do is sew them together.  I promise I will take pictures of the craziness and we will talk about what I got done (or not done) after I'm back and settled in.

So for now it's back to packing and prepping to go.  I'm looking forward to many laughs with friends and touching beautiful fabrics.  Have you gone on a retreat before?  What is your favorite part of getting together with sewing buddies?