Winter Quilt Retreat Recap

We just finished up our annual Winter Quilt Retreat, which took place at the Art Nest Retreat Center. This was our first time to retreat at this space. My friend, Tina is the owner and I have watched her build her dream retreat center over the past year. I am so excited to share this space with you along with all the fun we had at our last retreat.

Venue and Warm Welcome

The retreat kicked off with gals settling into their rooms at Art Nest Retreat Center—each room had the perfect amount of space and convenience for everyone. We all got settled into the sewing workstation area. It was awesome to have 2 full size, adjustable tables for each person. We could even plug in extra things like personal irons and task lighting (not to mention our sewing machines – obviously).

Upon arrival, everyone was greeted with swag bags filled with essentials for the weekend. A special thanks to Magic Quilting & Crafting for providing mini Magic Quilting & Crafting Sprays and Magic Iron Cleaners in each bag, not to mention a generous 20% off coupon for further purchases, adding an extra layer of excitement to the welcome gifts.

Catered Comfort

One of the things I loved about this retreat was the ability to offer a “no cooking -no cleaning – just quilting” retreat. Everyone received a copy of the menu, in advance. The Art Nest Retreat Center offers a ton of options for meals. They have several ways to serve and prepare meals. You can also cater in – they have options for that as well, but we decided to take it up a notch and provide the cooking (and cleaning) for the attendees.

With a fully operational kitchen (microwave, multiple stove/oven, multiple refrigerators) we had everything we needed to fully cater this event. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner were enjoyed in the dining area. I loved having so much convenience and functionality in the kitchen. Everything is so new and modern.

It was so great to also have my Aunt Robyn with me in the kitchen. What a HUGE help she was all weekend! And, my hubby even arrived for Dinners on Friday and Saturday night! He didn’t say long, each night, but I sure loved having him help with the event. (Now if I can only talk him into selling everything we have, buying an RV and touring America while I teach at quilt shows across the country – pipe dream exposed).

Prize Highlights

Throughout the Winter Quilt Retreat, our evenings were made even more exciting with prize drawings that featured fantastic contributions from our sponsors. Each prize was met with enthusiastic cheers, highlighting just how valued these tools are in our crafting community.

The Daylight Company awarded Jeanne a Halo Go Lamp, perfect for illuminating her projects. Juki contributed a Quilting Ring, which Jane won, and Quilting Paddles, which went to Susie, enhancing their quilting precision and comfort. Oliso generously provided several prizes: Robyn and Kelly each won an Oliso Ironing Board Cover, Sharon received the Wool Pressing Links, and Amy was thrilled with her new M3Pro Mini Iron. Lastly, Wanita was the lucky recipient of the Magic Quilting & Crafting Ultimate Bundle, ensuring her projects remain crisp and clean. Each of these prizes not only supports our quilters’ creativity but also celebrates the spirit of the quilting community.

Retail Therapy at Sew Enchanting Equine

One of the highlights of our Winter Quilt Retreat was the visit to Sew Enchanting Equine, a nearby quilt shop owned by my friend, Thalia. The shop boasts an extensive selection of fabrics, notions, and tools, catering to every quilter’s needs.

Our trip there provided the perfect retail therapy break between quilting sessions. Everyone not only found what they were looking for but also discovered plenty more to inspire their next projects. This outing was a favorite for many, combining the joy of new finds with the pleasure of supporting a friend’s business.

Shared Stories of Stitches

One of the most cherished moments of our Winter Quilt Retreat was the evening dedicated to sharing projects. Gathered in a cozy, welcoming space, participants brought out their works in progress and completed quilts, each piece accompanied by its own unique story.

This sharing session wasn’t just about showcasing skills; it was a profound opportunity to connect, with quilters discussing the inspirations and personal journeys behind their creations. The room buzzed with admiration and encouragement, highlighting the deep connections and support that define our quilting community. It was a memorable night that truly embodied the spirit of sharing and camaraderie.

Not Your Basic Blue Bag Mini-Workshop

During our Winter Quilt Retreat, we held a mini workshop on the Not Your Basic Blue Bag, a versatile pattern designed by my friend Kelly Lautenbach from It’s Just Sew. Inspired by the iconic IKEA blue bag, Kelly’s pattern offers three sizes, catering to a variety of needs and preferences. Most of us opted for the small size, while my Aunt Robyn tackled the large version, adding her unique touch. Most of us enhanced our bags with zipper pockets and seatbelt strap webbing sourced from a Sew Enchanting Equine Quilt Shop. Aunt Robyn went a step further, incorporating some of my leather and grommets into her bag for an extra stylish flair.

To accommodate the variety of materials used, I brought my Juki TL-2010Q, a robust machine capable of handling multiple layers of fabric and tougher materials like leather and seatbelt strapping. This ensured that everyone could fully participate in the workshop, regardless of the thickness of the materials they chose to work with. The workshop was a fantastic learning experience, packed with lessons on inserting zippers, attaching grommets, and mastering intricate stitching techniques. It was not just about crafting a bag; it was about mastering new skills that expanded our sewing horizons.

Conclusion and Look Forward

As the retreat wrapped up on Sunday, it was clear from the busy hum of sewing machines and the exchange of contact information that new friendships had been forged. The Art Nest provided a perfect backdrop for a weekend where quilting was more than just a pastime—it was a rejuvenating escape from the everyday.

We’re grateful for the support from all our sponsors, including Magic Quilting & Crafting, Oliso, The Daylight Company and Juki, whose contributions made the evenings extra special with their generous prize donations. Plans are already underway to make next year’s retreat even more memorable, promising another fantastic weekend of quilting, relaxation, and community. I’ve already reserved the same weekend next year!

To learn more about our Quilt Block Club retreats – head over to our Events section of our website!