A Plan for the Future

 I had lunch with a fellow longarm quilter yesterday. We do that periodically just to touch base with each other and to talk about our chosen avocation. It's always good to bounce ideas off of each other, share thoughts on different subjects, and possibly work out joint projects.

While we were talking the subject of my quilt retreats came up. I think I have convinced her that she needs to come join the fun really soon. We have all been so confined, more so than usual, and getting around other quilters will always raise your spirits and help with getting the creative juices flowing. Seeing what others are working on always jump starts our creativity. 

One idea that came out of our lunch was for me to re-start 'May Mester' in 2022. I have had requests for that type of retreat where we are in class for several days and then have the option of staying around to sew for a few more days. I have also set this as a split retreat where some are there for the instruction and some to work on UFO's.

 I have actually missed this 'teaching' retreat. My opinion is that we need to stretch ourselves to do somewhat more difficult designs so that life doesn't become dull and boring. Here lately we tend to do alot of  really fast quilt tops. Now, don't get me wrong, as a longarmer I love those types of quilt tops as they keep me busy. However, I love seeing someone tackle something that they thought they could never do, and then see it to completion.

So, I have added a poll to my group facebook page to test the waters as to the type of quilt that you might like to 'tackle'. For about 4 years we did Judy Neimeyer quilts, and I am not against doing them again. Many of us thought we could not do those quilts and I have seen many of them completed over the last couple of years. (I have a few myself that need to be quilted) A similar quilt would be one from Jacqueline de Jonge. I have always wanted to work on one of hers, but, have heard that the instructions are somewhat convoluted and difficult to follow and understand. That said, I have someone who can carry us through that maze. With either of these choices we could pick a specific quilt or two and all work together to learn how to put them together. If you didn't want to pick your own fabrics, Batiks Etc. is always a great place to have a kit made up. I have used them often and always happy with the results. There are several local quilt shops that might want to step in and help with this too. These are just 2 examples of the designers. These are not the actual quilts that we might choose to work on. 

This is one from Jacqueline de Jonge.

This is one of the many Judy Neimeyer quilts.

Well, that's as far as I have gotten with this idea for now. It does add a little spark of excitement to the coming years at One Loose Thread. I do love doing retreats. I do love the planning stage. It's like I can invite everyone to my home studio for several days of sewing and the joy it brings. Add to that the peace that we feel when we go to Gravatt for several days, it makes all of the work worthwhile. 

So, think about it. Let me know what might interest you. But in the meantime:

LET'S  GO  SEW!!!