The Loons at Loon Lake

I hope you're not expecting National Geographic-inspired nature shots of black and white water fowl. The loons I'm referring to are none other than the 27 participants at this year's annual November retreat at Loon Lake...what a weekend we had!

the last contingent to depart on Monday afternoon L - R: 

Kristie, Paula, Krista, me, Sindy, Felicity and Sandie

For the first time in the 6 year run of this annual long-weekend retreat, I had five unexpected cancellations. This opened the door for some newbies (and two overnight retreat virgins!) to join in the hilarity and good times, including blog friends from afar Krista, Sandie and Kristie. I think this year was my favourite so far. We seemed to have the perfect blend of experience, enthusiasm, comedy and wine. Already a few gals have emailed to say it was one of their favourite weekends ever. As an organizer, who could ask for more?

One of the best things about retreat is a captive audience that is more than willing to provide feedback on border options!

I find it hard to take a lot of photos at retreat, mostly due to unflattering/cluttered backgrounds and equally unflattering flannel pj's.  Plus, I really get into my sewing while I'm there. Not having to prepare dinner, drive kids to activities or walk the dog makes for concentrated productivity. There are several hilarious pictures on instagram, so if you're on that app you can look them up on 'poppyprint'.

Last year on this retreat I started an optional block lottery - you get one entry for every block you make at retreat.  This year it was a quick "modern presents" block and Tanith made off with 20 of them for a fabulous holiday quilt!

Despite a frenzied pre-retreat cutting week, I still only managed to make 3 bags, two blocks, sash and border a baby quilt (with blocks made by other members of my stitch group) and cut and apply a bias binding to my queen-sized Brrr! star quilt. Krista beautifully quilted that on her longarm with a stunning baptist fan pattern and brought it up from Seattle with her. We're going to need a radical change in our dreary Vancouver weather before I can share any photos of that - it's just too dark to take anything decent right now.

Here's the 2-Zip Hipster I made for a private swap (I have a Honey Cowl in yummy variegated red Madeleine Tosh coming to me!!)

I've got lots more to share and a less-crazy couple of weeks coming up so I'll be back soon!