Welcome to Fiber Qwest Retreats --
Four days of fun, these day-time only Sew-ins are budget-friendly without the expense of a hotel. Meet new friends and indulge your passion for quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet—all the textile and creative arts, and beyond! These life-enhancing “get-a-ways” offer learning opportunities and patient instruction for both absolute beginners, and also for experienced quilters, sewers, and fiber arts enthusiasts.
Are you a beginner? Learn to Quilt or Learn to Sew with patient and gentle instruction. Already an avid quilter? Work on your own project(s), or try a new technique from classes or kits. You can expand your sewing and quilting skills at the same time with Ricki Bremer's easy Butterfly Jacket, shown on the My patterns and kits page.
View the Photo Gallery to see what the fun is all about, and read their own words on the
People are talking page. Don't miss the Blog, (a full size Lone Star quilt made by a
13-year old) and then join us! Meeting new friends and expanding and sharing a love for all things fiber is all part of the fun! We can't wait to meet you!
Scroll down to see the pictures from the latest retreats.
Four days of fun, these day-time only Sew-ins are budget-friendly without the expense of a hotel. Meet new friends and indulge your passion for quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet—all the textile and creative arts, and beyond! These life-enhancing “get-a-ways” offer learning opportunities and patient instruction for both absolute beginners, and also for experienced quilters, sewers, and fiber arts enthusiasts.
Are you a beginner? Learn to Quilt or Learn to Sew with patient and gentle instruction. Already an avid quilter? Work on your own project(s), or try a new technique from classes or kits. You can expand your sewing and quilting skills at the same time with Ricki Bremer's easy Butterfly Jacket, shown on the My patterns and kits page.
View the Photo Gallery to see what the fun is all about, and read their own words on the
People are talking page. Don't miss the Blog, (a full size Lone Star quilt made by a
13-year old) and then join us! Meeting new friends and expanding and sharing a love for all things fiber is all part of the fun! We can't wait to meet you!
Scroll down to see the pictures from the latest retreats.
2020 winter to summer dates just posted!
Come play for up to 4 days--all Friday through Monday
February 14-17 and May 29- June 1 in Brea
April 3-6 and July 24-27 are mini retreats in Tustin--limited seating
Come play for up to 4 days--all Friday through Monday
February 14-17 and May 29- June 1 in Brea
April 3-6 and July 24-27 are mini retreats in Tustin--limited seating
Most retreats are held at the Brea Glenbrook Club
1821 E. Greenbriar Lane, Brea CA
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PLEASE USE NEW ADDRESS ON REGISTRATION FORM BELOW
Four full days with lunch on your own
The cost is $160 for 4 days**
$125 for 3 days**
or $95 for just 2 days
Click here for registration form
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KEEP SCROLLING FOR PICTURES OF THE LATEST RETREATs!
Fiber Qwest Retreats--Gift Certificates
SHARE THE FUN WITH A FRIEND!
Beautiful color gift certificates in a presentation envelope are available. Give the gift that you can share! Use the CONTACT ME tab for immediate delivery. February 2020All our Valentines/Presidents’ Day 2020 retreaters felt like LION TAMERS, each in their own way, as they tackled some tricky finishing techniques and all came out smiling!! Karen tamed the “wanting-to-ruffle” edges on her huge scrappy quilt featuring one-inch bias squares, then added a red border. Teresa similarly flattened some problematic bias edges on her blue, burgundy, and brown stunner after finishing the straps on a gorgeous graphic designed purse. Mary made a whole series of Magic Pillowcases for gifts, and Sharon worked on another beautiful purse, adding a decorative machine stitch on top of the already lovely print—what a great effect!
Cecilia was smiling as she nearly completed her own custom designed appliqued hearts quilt, and realized just how much she has grown as a quilter since she first started with just the blocks. Lori quietly whipped through a bunch of community service quilts as well as her own personal projects. Verna wowed us with a stunning One-Block-Wonder quilt as she moved colors and patterns around on the wall until they felt like a cohesive whole. Patty also enjoyed designing on the wall with variegated strip widths of plain and floral denim to create an eye-catching small quilt—maybe for baby—or maybe not!! September 2019So much progress at our September retreat! Lori amazed us with her appliqued dollhouse quilt as it came together one room at a time, and finished a two-sided table runner with a fall design. We were so glad to welcome back Sharon, who worked on her favorite oversized tote bags. Cecelia worked diligently on a whole collection of cute mini card holders, while our “new quilter” Ruth shared her completed table runner and king-sized self-designed quilt-as-you-go beauty. She also made a lot of progress on a multi-colored squares on white design with modern vibes. Teresa showed us her progress on a stunning blue-toned beauty with angular lines, and then did a show and tell with Verna with their matching versions of a quilt from a class they took together. Verna patiently worked on a gorgeous bee and beehive quilt from a designer whose challenging designs have kept her coming back for more—I think this one is for a lucky granddaughter, perhaps? Several of us enjoyed a wonderful massage from Sheila, whose magic touch was much appreciated--see the pictures below!
August 2019 retreatQUILT COOKIES!! Ruth, one of our newest friends, showed up with 31 gorgeous, and delicious, cookies with quilting designs—and she says she’s not a quilter—yeah, right!! She had already been teaching herself by adapting a design from a favorite bedspread—watch for what she does next!! Also new to us is Eva, who completed a flag wall hanging for her very first quilt, and then wowed us with a slew of bags, purses, and skirt “hacks”; another FQR first-timer was Joann--a long-time quilter, who worked on a scrappy patriotic star quilt and wowed us with several beautiful show and tell quilts. Cecilia continued on her appliqued hearts quilt and shared her first applique teapot quilt. Verna is working on a new Bee quilt with many pieces per block, and shared her Bunny wall hanging and a primary colored star quilt; Teresa is working on a second version of her blues and rose geometric beauty, and shared the original version with dramatic black background; Norma is making a coral and cream table mat and is learning a new binding technique; Ruthie found a cute pattern for a petal embellished table mat, and plans several for gifts; Claire continues on another large modern style quilt with striking color contrasts; Gwen worked on color decisions for a turquoise, white and yellow quilt for her daughter; and our machine applique queen, Lori, just kept nose to the grindstone on an adorable appliqued truck-themed quilt for her grandson. So many cute projects!!
June 2019 4 day retreatTO FINISH IS DIVINE! If so, then this June retreat was DIVINE! The accomplishments and sharing more than made up for small size of our group. We saw the sparkling finish of a few quilts that have been the focus of many past retreats—and spectacular they were! Just for fun, you can look back at the pictures from previous retreats to see many humble beginnings. Marcia’s magnificent Mariners’ Compass in lavenders and blues has been the subject of awe for some time, and to see it completed was a joy! Her new project in aqua and blues will surely keep us admiring her beautiful work. Cecilia shared her finished appliqued teapot quilt—truly beautiful—and then revived a UFO, a sampler wall hanging that was her unfinished, first-ever quilt. Her joy at completing it is evident on her face! Now she is off on a new project with die-cut applique hearts, and also learning to free-motion quilt. Teresa worked ever-so-quietly toward finishing her purple Asian shadow play quilt, and it is close to completion. Verna happily shared the finished bright green posey basket quilt with deeply scalloped edges and then took off on a bright yellow and orange quilt and pillow cases for her granddaughter. Did I mention that Verna likes brights?? Lori wowed us with her completed paper-pieced Mariners’ Compass blocks that will be set with beautifully detailed counted cross stitch Christmas blocks—amazing! She also shared a finished kite wall hanging, worked on cowboy themed steering wheel covers, and completed a road play quilt for her grandson. Whew—we all wonder if she ever sleeps! So much fun—can’t wait for the August and September retreats!
February 2019 4 day RetreatFebruary challenged us to “make lemonade” when we learned just days ahead of the retreat that the clubhouse had been damaged by the recent rains and would not be available to use. Everybody was a good sport as we changed our location and shared borrowed tables and chairs to make it work. And, boy did everyone work!! Marcia wowed us with her magnificent purple and blue stars and completed center to another beautiful mystery quilt; Lori finished a brown and fall-toned bear paw design; Penny worked on multiple projects, including setting some adorable hand-embroidered squares with multi-colored sashing strips; Verna finished a top featuring some modified mariners’ compass-like blocks and modeled wild socks with her friend Teresa, who was caught up in lovely spring blocks of purples and pinks. Karen also worked on strips of spring pastels and then proudly shared her (finally) finished and quilted gorgeous wool applique quilt--which has been the object of several previous retreats! We are so happy for her painstaking work. Claire worked on another large scale multi-color quilt with square in a square design, while Patty adapted and modified the design of a favorite blouse to create a new look in a linen fabric—great job everyone!! We also enjoyed Karen’s gift of “help yourself to my extra stash” as she shared her overabundance with us. Can’t wait till April for more fun!!
november 2018 4 day retreatNovember was another “let’s get it done” weekend as almost everyone was working to finish big projects that have been in the works for a while. Chris, however, was designing cute little reindeer from wine corks and wire and giving each a personality. Debbie joined us for the first time and completed a partially-done top of fishing fabrics that her husband had selected. We all gave her our “2 cents” on how to design and fit in some odd-sized but really interesting blocks—and hubby liked it! Cecilia beamed as she finished her appliqued teapot quilt and began her first machine quilting. Claire shared her Christmas banner with us and continued on her modern large star quilt. Verna’s pink bunny socks made us smile as she continued on her golden autumn quilt and shared the bright green posy top she just completed. Karen and Teresa and Sharon all worked so quietly on their projects, while Mary’s gorgeous collected African fabrics spoke loudly enough for all of them! And then there is Lori—our finishing Queen, who shared her baby sleep sack, appliqued dish towels, a cowboy top and some beautiful blue star blocks—her machine must run like a Ferrari!
September 2018 4 day retreatA FULL HOUSE WITH THREE NEW FACES this month! Newby Eleana brought the completed center of her Tall Mouse 2009 Harvest Song quilt and enjoyed seeing Melinda's finished version of this heirloom project. Also new, Cecilia H charmed us with her appliqued teapot beauty. Verna shared her finished rabbit wall hanging and continued with her favorite green quilt and some aprons, while Teresa shared a completed Bits and Pieces charity quilt ready to be quilted. Gina worked in her usual brights and finished a panel quilt with colorful borders while sister Cecilia C echoed her in a Halloween panel quilt. Jane rejoined us and showed us her needle felting technique and pumped out several pillow cases for gifts. Another new addition, Sue L, worked on several projects, including a stunning Judy Niemeyer paper-pieced design. Mary, just home from safari, worked on a second African strip quilt using all those glorious collected fabrics. Amanda worked on her first tee-shirt quilt for her little son, while Karen shared her wool felt table piece and continued on her pastel strips. Florine continued her years-long love affair with Dear Jane and is now working on the intricate border blocks. Lori made more adorable doll clothes for her granddaughter and shared her mystery quilt while Marcia worked through her stash with some beautiful log cabin blocks. Sharon finished a stunning multi-color on white beauty while Claire stared another large modern star quilt with many colors--WOW--what a weekend!!
June 2018Stash busting for charity quilts is a recurring theme we hear at each retreat—and what a great way to use your stash! Karen S shared two large completed quilts, all fabrics gleaned from her collection. She also auditioned possible settings for a cat quilt from blocks made by her friendship group. Lori earned her usual “Prolific Quilter” badge by completing a patriotic Sunbonnet Sue mini and worked on gridded design in masculine golds and blues. Marcia quietly pumped out another patriotic red, white, and blue design, then shared a different technique for a beautiful black and rose cathedral windows-style quilt. Karen C is so close to finishing her magnificent wool embroidery quilt, which has been a long-term project. She is now looking at a graphic new design with dreamy pastel strips. Melinda happily completed her traditional design with vibrant darks on a light center and a beautiful green floral border print. Sue brought her heirloom 2002 Tall Mouse Harvest Song Quilt, with the center unit finished. She worked on getting some of each of the remaining months completed, and surprised us by wearing a different Tall Mouse tee shirt each day (you may remember her from both the Irvine and the Laguna Niguel stores!) Verna worked on a new quilt using brilliant greens (her favorite color) from the Jane Sasserman fabric line—should be wild! Sisters Gina and Cecilia enjoyed each other’s company as they consulted on Gina’s purple Rail Fence design and Cecilia played with her pretty fabrics. Florine shared her amazing repair job on an antique nosegay quilt as we all admired the beauty of the workmanship. She also wowed us with her hand-piecing skills as she patiently continues the outer border of her Dear Jane quilt—truly a masterpiece in the making!
May 2018
I am constantly amazed at the variety of projects! Karen is completing her wool embroidery and is ready to start a new quilt for her granddaughter. Chris is our basket maker, incorporating agates into the the center of her creations. Florine is our "Goddess in Waiting" as she has completed the center of her "Dear Jane" quilt and now tackles the intricate border blocks. Teresa gets creative with not enough side setting fabric for her mystery quilt and tries a different solution. And check out her lovely jacket with collar and cuffs that began life as a plain navy pullover hoodie! Mary completes a quilt from her African fabrics as a gift for a very lucky friend! Jean works on an appliqued wall hanging with a cute fall theme. Clair works on a colorful large star design and Verna uses the large table to pin-baste the stunning king sized bed quilt she finished at the February retreat. Norma is finishing the cute wall hanging for her sewing room, and Sharon is cutting out a pattern from one she admired from Claire's collection. We share ideas and we learn so much from one another! APRIL 2018
"Spring" brought a whole lot of "ing's"to this retreat--we spent our special four-day retreat creating, sharing, bonding, chatting, finishing, celebrating, smiling, laughing, knitting, and, of course, eating! PRESIDENTS WEEKEND--February 2018
February drew a nice large group, with four new faces, Susan, Monique, Cecilia, and Martha, to enjoy the roaring fireplace and a special camaraderie that a winter retreat brings. Oh, and we found a good-natured closeness as we had to take "potty run" field trips to the restrooms on the pool deck because the bathroom remodeling was not quite complete! SEW, EAT, LAUGH, SHARE--Gina had her finished Frida quilt, Melinda shared her Grandson Marshall's truck quilt and also her heirloom Harvest Song quilt, Lori shared her American Girl doll clothes, and Norma brought her miracle apriciot, brown, and green beauty. Patty completed a manly apron and tackled and an unusually tricky Roman shade. Susan completed her beautiful traditional quilt kit saved from many years ago and Karen continued her heirloom wool embroidery. Florine shared her latest book, The Quilters' Flu with us and Teresa continued with a multi-colored angular beauty while her pal Verna completed another fishing shirt for her husband. Sisters Sharon and Mary worked on their matching quilts and alternated with lots of their signature tote bags. Monica and daughter Monique both made reversible aprons, Gina's sister Cecilia worked on some pastel baby quilts while Letty quietly did her thing. Martha joined us on Sunday and Monday and doggedly worked through some difficult pattern instructions to complete her multi-pocket purse. Our wonderful massage sessions with Dawn completed a perfect four days!
November 2017Not a moment was wasted as our November retreaters cranked out a whole variety of projects and presents at our last retreat for 2017! Our two newest quilters, Barb and Marcy (making her first quilt) each came with a stack of fabrics and left with with quilted quilts ready to bind! Barb even designed her quilt around four beautiful cross stitch pieces she had stitched, and the final piece will be a gift for her mom. Claire shared her gorgeous multi-colored beauty that we had watched her construct at two previous retreats, and she made a cute blouse. Our ambitious Precious completed a top from the amazing super hero blocks that mom Renee had made on her embroidery machine. Lori completed a baby banner and shared the American girl doll clothes she made for her granddaughter. Verna shared her completed Giraffe quilt and whipped out three Hawaiian shirts for Hubby Chuck, while Letty designed and made a custom sweatshirt jacket for her Mom. Norma treated us to a riot of color as she stitched her bright color bricks together, and Sharon whipped out adorable sewing machine covers for Christmas gifts. Some of the gals even took time for a wonderful massage from our favorite therapist, Dawn--aaaaahh!!!
V_A_R_I_E_T_Y was the theme for our October retreat as our projects ranged from A to Z--well actually, from Karen's wool felt, and Florine's Dear Jane Applique to Verna's Giraffe--same continent as Zebra--does that count?? We had purses and bags as Harriet made a classy placemat purse from one of my books,Teresa finished a striking bag from a North Cities Quilt Guild workshop, and Letty re-purposed a tablecloth into a darling tote bag. Claire fashioned some matching fabrics into zippered make-up bags. In the clothing department we saw BIG to little as Claire used her serger for a man's t-shirt, and Patty made a Texas-sized barbecue apron. Letty made a child's matching pants and t-top, and Lori wowed us period doll clothes for her granddaughter. Melinda made cloth book and yes, we even had some quilts! Mary and Sharon worked on matching quilts from a kit; Cynthia organized some pretty fabrics for a rag quilt, while Verna continued with her animal themed quilts. We even had some hand quilting as Harriet detailed quilted a beautiful Christmas napkin into a possible wall hanging . Mary treated us to her homemade chili for all on Saturday, complete with cornmeal muffins. It was a nice treat to all have lunch together--BIG THANKS TO MARY!
Air conditioning made our August retreat a little piece of heaven as we beat the crazy heat in our lovely room. Our "newbie" Cynthia was meeting new friends and also getting acquainted with a new sewing machine, so progress was short, but her patience was long! Karen S shared more charity projects--lots of Little Dresses for Africa and a quick pattern for cute crib sheets for shelters. She also shared her Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt in primary colors. Verna's sunny yellow and brown table runner is a real stunner from an easy pattern. Karen C continues on her lovely wool embroidery--a multi-retreat project, as is Florine's ongoing antique reproduction quilt. Lori's Outlander wallhanging was a hit, just in time for the new season. Jean popped out some pretty Dresden Fan table toppers, and Claire completed most of the blocks on a new pastel quilt, and shared her spectacular self-designed second quilt in oranges, reds, blues, and greys--watch out for this girl!!
Presidents' Weekend February 2017--Four days by the fireplace! Finally some winter weather--and boy did we enjoy the roaring fire and listening to the raindrops! Lots of handwork--crochet and hand applique to repair a treasured Sunbonnet Sue from childhood; an ambitious only second quilt with modern prints, flying geese and five-pointed stars; and lots of finishing on mystery quilts, and ongoing projects--quilts, wallhangsings, and of course, purses and totes!. Everyone enjoyed sharing--our projects and our expertise with others.
January 2017--Small but mighty! What we lacked in numbers, we made up in enthusiasm! Everyone came loaded with projects and put pedal to the medal churning out blocks. The disappearing nine patch was sprouting up in holiday and 30ies prints, along with lots of appliqued blocks, traditional pieced blocks, and borders. We enjoyed the show and tell and even tried something new--rag weaving with torn fabric strips for both warp and weft--well you just never know what someone will want to try! Lots of fun for everyone!
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November 2016 and the holiday elves were busy completing their gifts, and pondering---should it be a red border, or a green border? Hmmmmm--we tried it both ways. Cute minion blocks and sashing--we arranged and rearranged to get it right. We were machine quilting and also machine appliqueing some blocks--fast and easy! There were itty-bitty baby pants, designer bags,and some worked on long-term projects, which will no doubt be heirloom quilts. Everbody shared their talents and their laughter!
October 2016--Fall is definitely upon us, with Merry treating us to fall shades in her table runners, banners, and ghost wall hanging. Verna happily completed her animal quilt of foxes, bunnies, butterflies and rabbits--we have celebrated her progress over several retreats. Teresa took the prize for patience as she pulled out a delicate peach bordered beauty that had been waiting several years for the perfect finish--done! Lori thrilled us with the progress of yet another of her beautiful appliqued block quilts. Sally, Florine, and Penny all worked happily on their on-going projects while Gina made tote bag gifts. Sharon showed us her new toy--a snazzy light-box, on which she traced the patterns for a new embroidered quilt. Patty was perhaps the most surprised with herself as she came with with three fabrics and no pattern, and after three days, left with a rail fence quilt ready for the baby shower on Sunday!
In August 2016 we celebrated new babies and a brand new quilter! Chris wasn't even sure she wanted to learn to quilt but to her surprise, her handful of beautiful Asian fabrics became a lovely wall hanging for a friend, and her very first quilt top-- completed in three days! We worked on t-shirt quilts, dresden plates, rail fence, hand embroidery, tote bags, Christmas designs, applique and more. We admired Merry's estate sale "finds", and we said goodbye to our location at the Temple--looking now for more new digs!
July All Star Party 2016
Cute little foxes, rabbits, and hedhogs competed for attention with boldly patterned purses, a sweet first-ever quilt for a little daughter, several traditional quilts including the repair of a vintage quilt, and a museum-bound heirloom quilt celebrating the trip "From the Slave House to the White House"--all of these were part of our July retreat in Brea. We also had some great quilts for show and tell--what a talented group of ladies!
April Spring Fling 2016
We met lots of new friends and enjoyed some great show and tell!
We met lots of new friends and enjoyed some great show and tell!
Beautiful hand and machine embroidery, traditional applique to Americana, medallions, teapots and lace to modern--there was something for every taste! Lots of Featherweights were to be seen, and in additional to quilts, we made Little Dresses for Africa, purses and bags, handmade dolls, table runners, and even one of my Aaahh-sum bags for a gift.
Presidents Weekend Retreat--February 2016
From A to T--Applique, Antique Crochet, and Art Quilts to Samplers, Tote Bags and Traditional Blocks, our "show and tell" was really about sharing lots of beautiful work and different techniques. We tried some free-motion quilting, and cut up old shirts for a memory quilt. We made our own memories with friends old and new!
November Retreat 2015
We rocked!! Lots to show and tell as we finished wall hangings, purses, charity quilts, special quilts for loved ones and a major birthday quilt. We shared new techniques--there were two types of paper piecing--traditional English, and Ink Lingo, and lots of sewing projects too. A flared, gored skirt, a flannel shirt, and a Butterfly Jacket were among the projects that garnered smiles from everyone!
We rocked!! Lots to show and tell as we finished wall hangings, purses, charity quilts, special quilts for loved ones and a major birthday quilt. We shared new techniques--there were two types of paper piecing--traditional English, and Ink Lingo, and lots of sewing projects too. A flared, gored skirt, a flannel shirt, and a Butterfly Jacket were among the projects that garnered smiles from everyone!
October Retreat 2015--Halloween costumes, charity quilts, table runners, wall hangings, cute little kiddie togs, and two first-time quilters learning to do a "scant quarter inch" for accuracy! We celebrated the nearing completion of a milestone quilt for a special brother and a special event, and ate more donuts and goodies than we should have--oh well!
August 2015--hem it, stitch it, finish it, share it!July 2015--a fabric and button exchange just for fun!April Sew-in 2015--Lots of new faces and lots of show and tell!Presidents' weekend February 2015October Sew-in 2014--Sharing things from pastJuly Sew-in 2014--trying new things |
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Please read my blog post--trading Angels--click here
APRIL SEW-IN 2014--a pot pourri of projects big and small!
Presidents' weekend 2014--sewing and sharing!
January 2014--finishing up a storm!
JANUARY FUN! We had lots to share--particularly many more finished quilts from the Young Piecemakers!
November 2013 pictures are here!
See more in the Photo gallery
October 2013 Sew-in Pictures
are in the Photo Gallery
Watch the slide show here
or go the the Photo Gallery to see all the fun!
Lots of finished projects this time as we shared completed
quilts and wall hangings, made more purses and bags, worked on Halloween costumes, and one-of-a-kind Easy Sweatshirt Jackets, reviewed "squaring up" for easy construction, and tackled lots of UFO's!
August 2013--Can you spell V-A-R-I-E-T-Y ?
We were all over the map with "quick and simple" to complex star point quilt blocks; old favorites--Stack N Whack, and a Magical Slice and Dice; a freely designed art quilt; red work and table runners, hand-dyed fabrics being placed into the Butterfly Jacket, hand-piecing on a complex heirloom quilt, purses, totes, a baby bed, Christmas stockings; a tee-shirt quilt; and free-form fiber and feather jewelry. WOW--what a productive weekend--and no dishes to wash!!
August Sew-in Pictures are in the Photo Gallery
We learn from sharing -- Florine's antique beauty is embellished with fancy stitches. See more in the Photo Gallery.
Valerie's first retreat!
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See more photos--click here to go to the Photo Gallery. |
To see what Lori made with the Mouse Ears, go to the Photo Gallery!
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July Sew-in 2013 at the Brea Glenbrook Club
And now you see the end of the story! New friends beam their approval of the finished product of Devora's creative journey --from designer sweater to designer purse. Scroll down a bit to see the beginning and read more about it on my blog!
Besides starting out a "brand newbie" quilter, our inventive group worked on fabric photo Christmas balls, silk textile jewelry, a child's faux fur vest , matching purse and a sun dress, a kindergarten class worth of bright yellow oil cloth chair covers (hey, quilters can design anything!) and different kinds of sweatshirt jackets. We finished a bunch of pillow cases, purses, tote bags, soft childrens' books, and yes, we finished up some quilts too! We even had a birthday celebration with cake and special favors, enjoyed lovely massages from our friends at Joyful Healing. Click on the picture to see what you missed on the Photo Gallery page.
Besides starting out a "brand newbie" quilter, our inventive group worked on fabric photo Christmas balls, silk textile jewelry, a child's faux fur vest , matching purse and a sun dress, a kindergarten class worth of bright yellow oil cloth chair covers (hey, quilters can design anything!) and different kinds of sweatshirt jackets. We finished a bunch of pillow cases, purses, tote bags, soft childrens' books, and yes, we finished up some quilts too! We even had a birthday celebration with cake and special favors, enjoyed lovely massages from our friends at Joyful Healing. Click on the picture to see what you missed on the Photo Gallery page.
High style re-purposing--this used to be a sequined sweater!
Nilda does Show and Tell
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To finish is divine!
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June Sew-in 2013 at temple beth tikvah
It only took about ten years! In about 2003 as a beginner, Bonnie took my Harvest Song Class, a ten month heirloom quilt class and she completed the center of the quilt with first 4 months. Then she got to this 3 dimensional block with all set-in corners---and put the quilt away. There it sat until 2013. With just a little encouragement she brought the dreaded block to to the Sew-in and in just a short while had completed 2 perfect 6 1/2" blocks!! Only 10 more to go, and then on to the easier blocks to complete this magnificent over-sized queen quilt. Click on either picture to see more pictures of the June Sew-in.
The "impossible" block
You sew that----HOW?????
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6 1/2 inch perfection!
It's "perfectly" easy when you know how! Only 10 more to go.
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Do you still need to finish your
Harvest Song Quilt? Let me help you too!
April Sew-in 2013 at Temple Beth Tikvah
April saw the return of some familiar faces and some new ones too! Click on Loretta's picture or go to the Photo Gallery to see all the pictures from our wonderful weekend.
There were so many sign-ups for the July Sew-in that I added some brand-new dates in June and October and November. August is still open, but filling very fast.
There were so many sign-ups for the July Sew-in that I added some brand-new dates in June and October and November. August is still open, but filling very fast.
Presidents' Weekend Sew-in February 2013
Click on the photo (or go to the Photo Gallery) to see what you missed at our Presidents's Weekend Sew-in in February 2013 at the Brea Glenbrook Club.
Besides eating and a wonderful massage--we shared the finished projects from previous weekends and started lots of new ones--quilts, wall hangings, charity projects, knitting, creative jewelry, and even a designer purse from a sequinned knit sweater! Read my blog to learn more!
Besides eating and a wonderful massage--we shared the finished projects from previous weekends and started lots of new ones--quilts, wall hangings, charity projects, knitting, creative jewelry, and even a designer purse from a sequinned knit sweater! Read my blog to learn more!
What is she DOING???? From a designer sweater to a designer purse--READ MORE ON MY BLOG!
November Sew-in--Nov.2-4th, 2012
Mary is happy as a clam in her pile of projects! See the rest of the pictures in the Photo Gallery to what else we did--quilt,eat, get a relaxing massage, and chat with new friends. There were lots of projects to finish --Christmas stockings and presents, soft baby books, knitting, tote bags, purses, a Butterfly jacket and a child's dress, baby bumpers, and Show and Tell of finished blocks and quilts. Whew--what a lot of fun!!
Click to see more pictures in the Photo Gallery
Click to see more pictures in the Photo Gallery
Fall Fiber Arts Retreat--September 21, 22, 23rd 2012
At the Ayres Hotel in Laguna Woods, California. We always have lots of quilts, fabric books, and bags to finish, but look at the "impossible" tailored jacket from a two-way uneven plaid, and some explorations in cord-making and felting--lots to share, explore, and learn! See more pictures in the Photo Gallery!
August Sew-in -- August 24, 25, 26, 2012 at Temple Beth Tikvah Fullerton
A cozy group--with a whole weekend to finish projects, and custom design some new ones! See the pictures in the Photo Gallery and discover who is also a painter!
Summer Sew-in 2012
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Presidents' Weekend 2012
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Spring 2012 Fiber Arts Retreat
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Fall 2011 FIBER ARTS RETREAT
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Some Comments from the retreats
- "My first time at the Temple and enjoyed the venue very much. Lunch on Sunday was delicious!!" MG 2013
- "The Turkey Chili was wonderful! Thank you so much for your trouble and your willingness to help. Your insights about simpler ways to do things very much appreciated." SV 2013
- "I enjoy very much everything, especially Ricki with her wonderful kind, friendly, experienced disposition." NV 2013
- "Nice group of people! I got more done than I though I would. Nice snacks and lunches, and help when needed was readily available." BR 2013
- "Loved, loved it! Looking forward to next time!" KE 2011
- "Love the new massage therapist! We always look forward to this retreat and will be back!" MG 2011
- "This was a wonderful weekend. I love seeing all the different projects the ladies were working on. I know I will get a lot of mileage out of what I have learned. Your patience and knowledge about all the crafts was truly appreciated. Love the grab bag, the instructions and the cute gifts. Great place to stay, nice people, super experience! Thank you." MB 2011
- "Great time! Great peeps! Great teachers! Perfect place to have this." SC 2011
- "A wonderful event! I learned so many techniques to improve my accuracy. I am grateful--it put the joy back into quilting for me. Outstanding teachers and facilitators!! A glorious retreat--many kudo and thanks." KM 2010
- "Thoroughly enjoyed our time here. You are so organized so everything runs smoothly. Staff is very friendly and helpful...Don't ever stop!" MG 2010
- "It's always fun! Good to see fun people we know and to meet new people too! I love to bring my own projects." AM 2010
- "Great help--everyone is always there to help--you don't have to ask twice! Hotel fabulous, as always!" LD 2010
- "Loved every minute--learning skills necessary to become a more efficient quilter makes this entire weekend wonderful." LP 2010
- "This was my first time at the quilting retreat and I had a great time and so appreciated the help and patience of everyone. I'm looking forward to September. I'm hooked!!!" AH 2010
- "Love the hotel and the sewing room. All the meals are great. I appreciated all the help and great sewing tips." LM 2010
- "Fantastic again! Hotel so quiet and group is so friendly, too. Great teachers!" LD 2011
- "Thank you for your patience and instruction. I feel empowered! This was a much needed restful weekend for me. The hotel is lovely, the bed was sooo comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed myself." KB 2011
see pictures of the Spring 2011 retreat
at ayres hotel in laguna woods
We love this hotel!
MANY more pictures on the Photo Gallery tab!
