Wow! Well in case you haven't heard, eighteen ladies from Sunshine Linus have just returned from a fabulous four day retreat at the 'House of Happiness' on Bribie Island. This retreat was the first of what we hope will be many more to come. The weather kept us indoors most of the time but that just provided the 'perfect storm' to inspire the ladies to create and sew! Within the first hour of arriving and setting up, the hum of sewing machines could already be heard vibrating through the common area.
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| Only a short walk to the beach. |
In between their fervent sewing the ladies made sure they took some time out for morning tea and a chat and of course Kaye kept everyone up to date with the proceedings.
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| Kaye explains the proceedings |
Kaye made sure we were well and truly spoilt with each lady receiving a mug-rug and a selection of chocolates to nibble on!
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| A selection of the mug-rugs |
It was fantastic that Susan (Sunshine Linus' previous president) was able to join us for the duration. In fact it was her idea to hold a retreat! Thank you Susan!
We had in our midst some seasoned retreaters who know how to retreat in style! Chris and Robyn amazed us with their set-up which included their own chairs, a second table, ironing station, embroidery machines and laptop computers, regular sewing machines, lamps, power packs and even a fan!
Robyn even had an adorable '7 in 1' portable storage unit that had many of us green with envy. She uses it to store and transport all her projects and sewing notions when attending retreats. I think there are going to be few online purchases of these trolleys in the near future!
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| Kaye demonstrates the 'disappearing four patch' |
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| Two of Kaye's 'disappearing four patch' quilts. |
Barbara throws out the challenge with a 'sixteen patch quilt' and its variations.
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| Carole, Bridget and Barbara hard at work. |
During the course of the four days Kaye had organised lucky door prizes, so each day the pressure was on Kaye to draw the next set of winning tickets!
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| Barbara wins the first Lucky Door prize |
'Happy Hour' proved to be a great time to relax and catch up later in the day. Of course lots of nibbles had to be consumed.
On Wednesday we had a special outing to the business 'Fabric By The Sea' owned by Lynette. The ladies had a wonderful time - who could resist purchasing fabric at $5 metre?
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| Lynette was kept extremely busy cutting the fabric. |
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| Denise, Gail, Bridgette and Jenny with their purchases. |
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| Some of the gorgeous fabric |
A few of the quiet achievers working away on their tasks:
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| Marion sewing bags for Linus. |
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| Jenny crocheting as she listens to an audio book. |
It's amazing what secrets and hidden talents get revealed when a group of crafty ladies spend quality time together. Here are a few of the discoveries we made:
Bridget is an exceptionally talented embroiderer.
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| Some of Bridgette's exquisite handiwork |
Susan's first love is fibre and textile arts/embroidery and 'slow stitching'.
Carole is hand-piecing a 'tumbling block' quilt containing over 900 blocks!
Dawn likes to cook herself a roast dinner - even when on retreat!
Eventually we decided it was time for some 'Show and Tell' and what a stunning collection of quilts and other items the ladies presented! Here they are:
Barbara's clever 'disappearing nine patch', 'four patch' and 'flying geese' quilts:
Denise made a 'snuggly', disappearing four patch quilt from flannelette and completed the first two rows of a pretty 'Jagged X' quilt.
Yvonne worked tirelessly to make dozens of blocks using a pattern called the 'Arrowhead Puzzle' or 'Gaelic Knot'. It incorporates light and dark fabrics to create the design.
Barbara C was one of the 'fearless' first time quilters who finished two gorgeous quilts at the retreat!
There was no stopping Gail who completed a very cute 'Frogs and Elephant' themed nine patch quilt, and a Christmas table runner. Gail also started cutting out and sewing her second quilt on the last day!
Jenny was another 'fearless' quilter who sewed two beautiful quilts at the retreat.
Linda completed a stunning applique and embroidered 'Geisha' wall-hanging.
As well as working on her hand-stitching Susan made these cute little bags to hold Christmas presents.
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| Christmas present bags |
As well as teaching and demonstrating and giving advice, Kaye worked tirelessly to complete a number of half-finished quilt tops she had been given.
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| Grandmother's Flower Garden blocks |
Glorianne made a box of fabric letters as a Christmas gift for her grand daughter, sewed a table runner from some left over blocks and completed 3/4 of her Christmas themed star quilt.
Dawn was determined to complete her gorgeous batik, 'Jelly Roll Race' quilt. Once that was done she went looking for more fabric and used scraps from other quilts to make a small flannel quilt.
Carole shows a section of her brown and blue 'disappearing four patch' quilt. She did get it finished before pack-up time!
Bridget made a lovely 'summery' 'disappearing four patch' in pastel colors.
Jenny showed her brightly colored chevron rug and blue herringbone rug.
Jenny completed a hot pink 'disappearing nine patch' quilt and a delightful 'Chandelier' quilt top.
Chris made an extremely cute 'Christmas Gnomes' table runner and a set of Santas on her embroidery machine.
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| A close-up of the gnomes |
Robyn also put her embroidery machine to work to make a delightful 'Christmas Gnomes' table runner in a different colorway and a set of Santas too!
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| A close-up of Robyn's gnomes |
Of course we had to take a formal group photo:
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| Linus Members Bribie Island Retreat 2021 |
And who was the 'last lady stitching' on the last day? Well it was a toss up between Barbara, Kaye and Yvonne!
Goodbye 'House of Happiness'....until next year!
