Quilt Retreat 2014 at Camp Burton, Vashon Island, Washington

My friend Janet and I went to our annual quilt retreat at Camp Burton on Vashon Island this past weekend. We left home on Thursday and returned yesterday (Sunday). My photos are very limited this year, partially because it rained a lot (after the image above that is) and partially because traveling gets more and more difficult for me. The exhaustion of fibromyalgia and the pain of my back issues and body wide arthritis can really become a challenge quite quickly when I travel.  I should have gone back and taken photos of these wonderful quilts as they progressed. Also, I never did manage to take photos of Janet's wonderful work, nor of our room-mate, Sydney's, nor of my own for that matter! Apologies - especially to Janet who helps me so much!

Below:  This quilt, whose maker's name escapes me at the moment (if anyone remembers please let me know), was started many years ago. She made remarkable progress as the days went by!
Below: This God's Eye quilt was made by Merilee. She set it in black and it's wonderful. It's now on my list of quilts to make. I have always been a fan of log cabin derivative quilts. Merilee made this so darn cheerful and happy!
Below:  This quilt, made Barbara E., is a Boston Common that she is making for her son. He specifically requested these colors. He lives in, ta dah!, Boston! She managed to keep her diagonal strip remarkably straight. Most of those of us who made this quilt ended up with a lot of line distortion while Janet has somehow managed to keep it spot on!
Below: This absolutely stunning "Stormy Seas" quilt was made by Julia. She, like me, has recently returned to the quilting group, but it's obvious that she has been quilting all along! I love what she did with this pattern. It is truly a knock-out! I think it is one of the best of this pattern that I have ever seen!
Below: The beginning of a wonderful quilt that will lend itself to some amazing hand quilting! It's made by Joyce who is a wool applique like no-one else I've seen! I am a sucker for thirties prints - and this quilt really makes fine use of them in a wonderful, traditional, way!
 Below: The next four (4) photos:  

I have never used any machine for embroidery. My Bernina 180 had the embroidery unit but I never even opened it, and my beloved Janome 8900 doesn't do embroidery. Truth be told I have never had any interest in machine embroidery, and in the past, I have thought of most of it as a wee bit 'tacky. I should say, that was my thinking until I met Carol, and got to see what high quality machine embroidery really is all about. She teaches (you can see why) for a local sewing store and she uses her Pfaff embroidery machine to do things that are truly remarkable. The machine and embroidery attachment walked into and out of the retreat in impressive suitcases. I somehow doubt that I could lift the machine, which is why I travel with my Featherweights whenever possible.

Her work is truly amazing, and she has changed my perspective about machine embroidery. If I wanted another obsession, and had the money for one of these machines, I can see where, in the past, I might have jumped right on board the  'embroidery ship' !
 The image above and below are parts of a Christmas wall hanging that she was working on
Below: 
 This is the block that Carol made that really changed my point of view about embroidery machines. 
This is a machine done wool applique on a cotton backing. Isn't is wonderful?  
Below: Another wool applique on cotton. 
Below:
This charming Christmas quilt, replete with its mini 4 patches is one of Joyce's 
- the same maker of the thirties quilt above. I'm sure that it will become a family heirloom.
I feel so badly that I did not get up off my butt and take pictures of everyone's work. I ended up requiring naps each day. Two hours the first full day there and an hour the next day. I never anticipated having this sort of an exhaustion issue at my age. All in all I feel lucky, but it surely crimps my style a lot of time! To my friends whose work is not displayed here, I apologize. Next year I hope I will have a bit more pep! 

I have some amazingly talented friends and their works always inspire me! A quick shout out to our group leader, Barb Snider. She is one of the most energetic, organized women that I know. She makes it all seem so easy. I want to thank her for all of her hard work on our behalf. 

Camp Burton is located right on Quartermaster Harbor, so the views are amazing. The food is fresh and healthy - more like gourmet than 'camp' fare. One of the best things about this retreat is being able to enjoy Vashon island itself - it's just a great town, and one of the things about the town is Island Quilter. Shop owners John and Anya are the best, most accommodating people ever, and the staggering selection in their shop is almost overwhelming. In addition to a plethora of 'regular', super high quality, fabric lines, Island Quilter is the premier vendor of Kaffe Fasset fabrics. If it's Kaffe - Island Quilter has it, and they are happy to ship things right to your door for a nominal shipping charge. They also feature a gallery venue that always features a wonderful show. They have a yearly show of "man made quilts" that never ceases to please. Yes, I am an Island Quilter fan!

Since I have not taken any photos of the quilt blocks that I am working on - below is an idea of what it will look like.

The pattern is called "Fractured Quilt" and it is designed by Kathy Doughty of Material Obsession (a great place down under that I would love to see one day!). This pattern is from her book "Making Quilts with Kathy Doughty of Material Obsession".

PLEASE NOTE: This image is NOT my version of the quilt.  I copied it from one of  Kathy's blog posts (this is the link). Have a look!  I am sure that this post would inspire you!

I used my existing stash, and I just out pulled out reproduction fabrics in bright reds, bright yellows, some oranges and some blacks to work with. It's quite amazing how contemporary and 'modern' reproduction prints can look when used in an unanticipated way. I'll post some images soon. Fun pattern no?!!!


Comments

  1. That's the quilt top I did with my Dr. Seuss Grinch fabric. It's a fun pattern. You will love the outcome.

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  2. I love that quilt!!! It would be fun to see if you could get some op-art like effects with color placement. Storm at Sea is one of those patterns I have always wanted to make. I love the secondary pattern that appears and disappears. What a fun weekend and a beautiful spot for a retreat. Sorry your body wasn't cooperating. I can so relate. There are days when I think I am my "old" self and start making plans for trips/projects/activities and then reality strikes. I am relieved that you listen to your body and let it guide you. I know how frustrating that is, but it is much wiser than pushing on and being in worse shape for longer afterwards. Hugs and wishes for a painfree week (or at least a couple of days).

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  3. What a great retreat! And I love the 'Fractured Quilt.' I've been looking around for something fresh and new to make a bed quilt. Thanks for the inspiration!

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