A Great Day Two

 Yesterday was cool and sunny with a high of 3C. This morning it is partly cloudy and 6C. Today is supposed to be sunny with a high of 5C. We are to get snow or ice pellets tonight. 

Lifestyle

I was out the door by 8:30 am and at the retreat just before 9 am. Most of the people were there sewing with one lady starting at 7:30 am. She had sewn until 10 pm the night before. 

We started the morning off with a game. We had to fill squares with names if people did that -- had less than 3 UFOs, hand quilted, etc. There are only 3 of us who have less than 3 UFOs. Most others have many projects on the go. The 3 of us are a bit OCD and get agitated when we work on more than 2 different projects at a time. 

I finished up the doll's quilt and had some of the binding hand stitched down by noon. I will photograph it today as I will get it finished. I had a bit of down time at noon but not a lot. There were more people who stayed than on Friday. A few had brought lunch with them, others snacked on the pastries and cookies. 

After lunch I worked on the reusable bag. I sewed, pressed, and enjoyed making it. I had it done in good time. It was loved by a lot of ladies. 

One lady loved the piping on the handles as she had never seen that before. She was amazed that I made my own and miles of it for daughter. 

My last sew of the day was cutting strips of fabric on the bias for piping. The strips are sewn together ready to be made into piping today. 

I brought my Juki home and have the Diamond in the car. I also brought home things I didn't need. I want to be able to pack up easily today as it is the last day of the retreat. 

The retreat days have been set for the fall. It is the weekend of the craft bazaar I want to take part in. I have spent so much time getting prepping for this bazaar I don't want to miss it. I will take part in the spring retreat. 

Thoughts

    The lady who changed the tone of the building on Friday was in a much better mood yesterday. I talked to her a few times yesterday and we set the pressing station so it wasn't a safety hazard. She almost tripped on the iron cord and I had almost done that earlier. When asked what we were doing, I said we were correcting a safety issue. She smiled broadly at me. 

    I was asked what I couldn't do in sewing when I was working on the bag. I said laughingly, not having unfinished projects under foot. I then divulged that I had taught Home Ec at a high school and had to have a lot of ideas up my sleeve as I designed the program for that school. There are things I don't do. I don't like complicated quilt patterns that have a lot of small pieces. I don't free motion quilt as my brain isn't programmed for that. 

    I have enjoyed visiting with some of the ladies. We have shared ideas, products, and stories. Most of them I will see in the quilt store and any retreats I attend. One lady came from Scotland, another from BC, and a couple from Ontario. I am glad that I did this retreat and will do it again in the spring of 2025. 

    I have been worried about the owners of the quilt shop who are hosting this event. The lady has over extended her knee and is in a knee brace. She is waiting for a MRI and to see the sports doctor. Her husband has been on the go since Thursday when he set up the space for us. Both needed to be home resting and they need to set parameters of when you can arrive and when you leave. Having the space open from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm is not good as the owners and their staff are on their feet for too many hours. I know the ladies who are making coats want to get theirs to a point where they can finish them at home. But, we all need to think about those who are on their feet helping all day.

     I have 3 appointments this week and will be taking it easy in the afternoons. One of my goals is to tidy up the sewing room more and make my plans for April's projects. I am going to do what I can and rest when I need to. I need to settle down and get back to my old routine. 

Today

I am back to the retreat until 3 pm. I am making piping and doing some embroidery. I want to get a bunch of the embroidery done on the shirt sleeves. I am going to be ready to go at 3 pm as I am having my birthday dinner at family's. I will be home in good time as it is supposed to snow tonight. I need to rest as I have physio early tomorrow morning. 

Until the next time................................................................