A productive weekend

But so far not as productive as I'd hoped. I wanted to get started quilting the massive auction quilt but now it's Sunday afternoon and I'm currently "fluffing" the batting in the dryer. The backing is on the machine, but since I had to use a kingsize batting - the batting on the roll isn't nearly wide enough - I had to get out all the wrinkles from being rolled so tightly in the plastic cover. While I'm waiting I'm trying to get the rest of the decorations put up - they've been sitting on the dining room table since last weekend.

I've finished the last appliqué block for Heirloom Stitches so I'm all caught up with that until the next installment comes. I pieced the two October blocks for the mystery quilt and prepped the appliqué block. It's very simple - just an oak leaf and a star - so it won't take long to do. That will catch me up on that one. I have the binding on the Quilt Pink quilt stitched on by machine and just waiting for the hand stitching. I also have a few fabrics chosen for the appliqué hearts. I've started a pile of things in the corner of the living room - all ready to pack into the car to take to the retreat. So far the pile includes the basket of Mistletoe Manor fabrics, pattern and freezer paper for the Warm Hearts quilt so I can prep some blocks, the basket of fabrics for my medallion quilt so I can make the flying geese for the last round before the next class, my mystery quilt appliqué, the quilt pink quilt, and the fabrics for the three dimensional flowers that go on my border for the auction quilt. That's a pretty good start I think. I still have to pack up the machine, all my rulers and cutting tools, my good chair, my string quilt stuff, and all the other stuff I know I'll decide at the last minute that I need to take.

I really need the break this retreat will provide - I can't wait! This retreat is with my PINS pals - Phenominal Internet Northwest Stitchers. Some of you may remember me talking about the spring retreat last March. We all met on the Internet on Pat Sloan's yahoo group, and have been getting together twice a year for the last three years. It's going to be so good to see them again and catch up on what everyone is doing. We are renting a "quilt house" in Coos Bay, Oregon. I have to do Friday dinner but that's it for cooking. I'm going to do a nummy crock pot soup of some kind, a salad, and good crusty bakery bread.

I hear the dryer buzzing - I'd better go get back to work.

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Gratitudes:

1. A good drink for the flowers and lawn from the rain.
2. Hobbs Heirloom batting - my favorite!
3. Fresh grapes and bananas
4. Silk flowers and garlands that look almost real
5. Dolls and teddy bears - old friends brought out from the attic

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