A couple of weekends ago I got to go to a wonderful little quilting getaway at a big cabin in the mountains here in Utah put together by the talented and way-more-energetic-than-me, Emily Herrick. Emily was the greatest host and we got to sit and sew, eat good food and gab away for 2 ½ days. Heaven, I tell you. Emily was helped in the food department by amazing Shannon and her awesome husband, Stuart. Here is Stuart, his ‘stache, and his stache-quilt, tuckered-out from all that food-prep.
One of my favorite parts of weekends like that – besides the non-stop sewing time! – is getting to know new friends and being inspired by all the fun stuff they are working on. Here’s just a smidgen of some of the fun projects in the works (clockwise): Hexagons by Tammy, I-spy squares by Maggie, squares in squares by Patti, and scrappy-trip-along blocks by Michelle.
Emily had also arranged a trunk show each day by Amber Johnson, Natalia Bonner, and Kati Spencer. I was late and sadly missed Amber’s (boo) but I’ll share a few a few glimpses of the other two. Natalia shared with us some of her quilting journey including her first Moda Bake Shop quilt, her mother’s award winning quilt It’s For the Birds quilt, and other quilts from her new book Beginner’s Guide to Free-Motion Quilting. Natalia is crazy talented.
I also finished my Dream On blocks so maybe I can assemble that quilt before summer! I also finished a giant Jeni Baker star quilt top, but did not manage to take any pictures. So stay tuned for that one. In the process Marion and Heather decided to make one too. They are such a satisfying, quick finish!! At least the top. Marion already has hers quilted. Mine is just added to the endless works-in-progress piles around here. But I’m happy to say I’m making a dent in those!
So lovely to get away. Now it’s back to catching up on everything at home…
Melissa Corry
Looks like a great time was had by all!! Glad you got to get away for a little while 🙂
Mrs. West
What do you do with all the quilts you make? Do you sell any? Give to friends? Keep for your home? Just curious!
amy smart
Great question! It's a mixed bag. I keep some to use ourselves or as samples for shops/trunk shows, but I also love to make them for friends and extended family. I don't currently make any to sell.
Katy Cameron
Love all the quilts, but I particularly like one man and his 'stache :oD
Karen M
Wow. What a fun post to read. Thanks for sharing all the pics. What a great retreat.
Rosa
Thanks for sharing your pics.I love all the projects!!
Karen - Quilts...etc.
sounds like such a good time and a wonderful place to be – the place looks wonderful – I love cabins,
Kira Rae
Hey that "stach" looks familiar! That's my DAD! He's a pretty awesome cook too!
amy smart
No way! He was so awesome and a GREAT cook. That food was so good. Plus he was a hoot to have around. 🙂
Tracey Holzer
Looks like a great place…I was wondering the name of the pattern in the last picture on the right hand side…it looks like Fig Tree fabric. Thanks.
amy smart
Amber was making that – it's a Fig Tree pattern I think from a few years ago. (Glad I wasn't the only one working on years-old-projects. Amber (alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com) may know.
Thimbleanna
Wow! Looks like you were hanging with some really fun quilters!
Missy Shay
I love that mustache quilt! Looks like you had a lot of fun!
Colleen
Sounds like a great time!
Live a Colorful Life
I think sewing retreats with friends are like the best medicine. Ever.
Cathy
Wow, it looks like a wonderful few days…I love al the projects! Any chance you can show us the mostache quilt??
amy smart
Sorry Cathy, – the mustache quilt isn't mine. I only snapped that quick picture of Stuart and his nap, but don't have any pictures of the full quilt.
Shannon
Cathy, I am the maker of this quilt. Stuart just happens to be my husband. You can find pictures of the full length quilt on my blog. Itssewshannon.blogspot.com The pattern is from April Mae designs. Or email me and I will send a picture straight to you. Thanks
amy smart
Yay! Thanks Shannon! And thanks again for the great food!!<br />
Archie the wonder dog
Looks like a wonderful time was had by all!
Melissa
Do you happen to know where I might find the pattern for the sea-glass quilt? <br />
amy smart
So sorry – I don't. Maybe Suzanne will see this post and be able to help us, so check back. I don't even know what it's really called. I just called it Sea Glass because it felt like a nice description. 🙂
Suzanne
Amy, in answer to Melissa regarding my quilt-and by the way I LOVE the name you gave it! It is officially now named sea glass quilt, although some would call it "hence the squid" and they know who they are….;-) anyway yes I have that information about the pattern, but just not at my fingertips right this second…I will find it tomorrow and get the name posted. I just had to respond
Unknown
I was just about to ask about this pattern too. i love it!
homeamazing.net
HAHA the stache + stache quilt is cracking me up right now. Looks like it was a very fun weekend!<br />-Sam
Melissa I.
As someone who is just starting her first quilt (a very simple baby quilt), I am in awe and completely inspired by this post! Wow, wow, WOW!
Laura
It was so nice to get to know you after lurking on your blog for so long! I loved everything about this retreat…new quilty friends, projects, swag, conversations, food, laughter & no quilt police!
amy smart
Thanks Laura! Wasn't it a great group of ladies??
Cynthia
Oh boy, that sure looks like fun 🙂 Such beautiful quilts!
trish
Oh my goodness! How much fun you must have had!! :o)
Andrea Pannell
Sounds like so much fun!!!
LynCC
Wow, Amy 🙂 That's such a gorgeous write-up of that terrific weekend. 🙂 Wasn't that cat great, too? Never seen such a friendly one.
Stephanie
How FUN!! The trunk shows were a great idea, and super inspirational, I'm sure! I can't wait to see your finished Dream On quilt – it looks like spring. 🙂
Angela T
Thanks for sharing. The quilts are so beautiful.
Jessica Pyykkonen
What a fun post. All of the quilts are beautiful. I just love seeing all of the different quilts, and all of you are so talented!
Maggie
Hey Amy, so great to see you at the retreat! Also so much fun to be able to relive the fun of the retreat through your post! Thanks for including a pic of my lil ole quilt! It was so impressive to see all the amazing work that everyone was doing!