Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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!

Loon Lake 2012
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?

Loon Lake 2012
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'.

Loon Lake 2012
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.

Loon Lake 2012
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!

23 comments:

sew.darn.quilt said...

Great bag, the colours are fabulous :)

Heather D. said...

AWESOME!

♥Duff said...

From the looks of it, you definitely got loony! Good for you! the holiday blocks are fabulous. HOw nice that you were able to have new quilters join the group :O)

Dan R said...

Looks like so much fun. Congratulations on a great retreat!

Kaelin said...

SO jealous you got to hang out with Kristie AND Felicity for a whole weekend. Love those gals!

paulette said...

Too funny! I really was expecting to see Loons!! So glad the retreat was a huge success!!
P

felicity said...

It really was the best weekend ever. Quilting+friends+food+wine=bliss

Dianne said...

I agree, the best weekend ever!

Di said...

What a fantastic way to spend a weekend!

Amy Friend said...

Looks like a lot of fun--well done as always!

Leanne said...

It looks like great fun!

Katie said...

It really looks like everyone had a great time. I loved seeing the pictures pop up on Instagram!

Kristie said...

Just the best ever. 'nuf said!! So awesome to meet you for reals, can't wait for next time!!

PinkGranny said...

I envy everyone. It looks like such fun and how nice to collaborate!

Sandi said...

Looks like I missed a great time! Did it snow like last year? I will be there next year for sure!
Sandi
sahill@telus.net

Tammy said...

Wow, looks like it was a great time! I also saw the pics on OCD's blog; beautiful lake. Let me know if you have a cancellation next year! :-)

Katy Cameron said...

Looks like a really fun weekend :o)

Tamie said...

Congratulations on a successful retreat. I love your hipster bag.

Live a Colorful Life said...

Looks like a fabulous weekend!

QuiltNut Creations said...

Looks like such a great weekend!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Sounds like a perfect weekend! Well done setting it all up!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for organizing such an awesome retreat, Krista. So glad I came and hung out with all you rock star quilters.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for organizing such an awesome retreat, Krista. So glad I came and hung out with all you rock star quilters.