Tonight I am unpacking my suitcases from last week’s 4-day quilt retreat with my friends. I’ve been a bit busy since my return, so I am just now unfolding those projects and returning my machine and all my stuff to the quilt room downstairs. I finished 7 quilt tops and started 2 new ones. It was heaven. My favorite part of a quilt retreat like this is wandering through the room, visiting with the ladies, watching Creativity at Work. Of course, I also sew like a driven woman, but after every few hours at the machine, it’s fun to stretch and take a wander to see what’s being made by others. The room was electric, filled with the buzz of creative hands and minds and the beauty of fabrics being turned into quilts. It’s really quite a miraculous process. We come with bags and containers filled with fabrics and all our quilt-making gadgets–mats, rotary cutters, rulers, irons, and every possible notion–then we cut that fabric up into little pieces, mix them around a bit, then put them back together into magnificent patterns–creations that will bring beauty, warmth and love to our families and homes.
President Dieter Uchtdorf said, “The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. . . . Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.”
That’s what we were doing. Making something beautiful that did not exist before. And as soon as we finished one, we started the next. 100 women driven to beautify our worlds. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Here are a few of the beautiful creations made or displayed last week:
Come take a look at these other American Quilting Retreats:
American Quilting Retreat 2015: 144 Women. 144 Machines. One Room!
Wow! looks like fun – you are so productive!
Hmmmm I have a bunch of quilt pieces….
I’m so sad I couldn’t come this year but I will do my best to come next time!!! It’s on my list! Also, I loved seeing your pictures and reading your blog post.
Hi, You made a star quilt in March 2012 at the quilting retreat hosted by American Quilting. I absolutely loved your 6 star quilt. I want to make a similar one and wanted to know if you could send me a pattern. I stay in South Africa and my e-mail address is: oivaysleepwear@gmail.com Thank you, Barbara Muller
Hi Barbara!
I will send that info to you. Glad you liked the quilts. I lived in South Africa for 18 months. I love it there!
I love the Chevron quilt with the strippy border. Does anyone know the quilt pattern name or more details? I would love to make something similar.
Chelsey
The pattern name is Short Line by Miss Rosie’s Quilt Co.
It’s a fun one!
Thanks Ann for sharing these pictures. My blood pressure elevated just looking at all the hours of creativity sitting there. Could just sense the excitement and comradery. This venue seems to work out so well for all the needs for this little getaway. Love it.
Have a great week and thanks for being you and sharing with me.
Love you
Shirley
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i haue a passion to sew quilts but do not have a machine looking for any old donation
Where do you live? Machines are heavy to ship and they can break easily in the mail. It would help if we new you were close by and could arrange a meeting place.
Love the Short Line Quilt. Is the pattern still available? Myrna
http://www.cornwagonquilts.com/2013/01/31/short-line/
Here’s where you can order the pattern! I saw one done in Civil War fabrics and it was fabulous.
OMG, Could any one help me in finding out the pattern for the flower quilt. Top row on the right hand side with the cute blond gal. It looks like a baby size quilt.
http://www.underthegardenmoon.com/store/store/products/tessie/
Here’s a link to where you can order the pattern. It comes with large and small scale. Amy McClellen designed it–she’s the one holding it. Her pattern line is called Under the Garden Moon and her shop is in Orem, Utah. I’ve made 4 of these quilts and LOVE them!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! On my, you made four of them. I’m thinking of making one for my new granddaughter.
the quilt, bottom left corner. Absolutely love it. What pattern is it? Where can I find it?
Bottom left corner?? That’s a photo of me! Can you describe the quilt you mean?
I love the quilt Sandy is holing up-she’s wearing the bright blue pants.
What is the name of the quilt-is the pattern available?
Thanks
Yes. It’s a pattern by Amy McCellan at American Quilting in Orem. It’s in her book her circus book. I want to call it Ferris Wheel but I’m not positive if that’s the name. If you call or contact the store they will know and they’ll help you with the pattern.
Absolutely, beautiful,work. Quilts to be very, very proud of. Wish that I was there with everyone.
Susan
Just came up in my feed and love the quilt with all the flowers. Also love the quote by Elder Uchtdorf. Keep up the good work.