Aussie Retreat Report

With the Aussie retreat only a few days away, this is what the entrance door looked like. Most of these boxes had been delivered for someone else, but a couple of them were horn sewing chairs that I had ordered last month. Thankfully the owner of the larger boxes collected them on Wednesday, which cleared the entry somewhat. Which meant that I had 2 days to either shift the other boxes to somewhere else, or perhaps find the time to assemble the chairs????

When Helen called to collect something the next day, I accepted her offer to help assemble the chairs, which cleared the doorway ready for retreat.

Now we have 2 new sewing chairs, (which are very appropriately decorated to match,) in the sewing room. Thanks Helen.

The flags were flying on the front table, and a few other Aussie decorations were around, and of course we had our Aussie headwear. Three of us purchased Aussie shirts which we were proud to wear.

We had some Aussie food, some savoury biscuits in the shape of our country, and an Australia tablecloth on the table,.................

..... the iced VoVo's, Tim Tams, Lamingtons, Arnotts biscuits, and some scones, as well as some rissoles, sausages, vanilla slice, fish and chips, and a pavlova.

In between all the laughs, and the stories that are shared, there was some sewing achieved. Pat was busy putting Cleapotra's Fan blocks together for a new quilt that she has designed. Of course, we all know that she has finished all her other UFO's don't we?? LOL!

All the blocks were made, and there is thinking time needed to decide on the next step, so here is another quilt started, and this is as far as Pat had progressed, before she received a phone call from hubby telling her that she was needed in the cattle yards at home!!

Julie was very busy hand sewing hexagons together for a quilt,............

                .....and this was her progress, after 2 days sewing. Sorry it is only a photo of the back of the quilt, but it is secret sewing at this stage.

Erica spent some time sewing bindings for quilts that will be on display at the Kaniva exhibition next week..................

.......................and then she started sewing the blocks for a child's quilt..........................

..........and here is her TaDa moment.

Cathie spent some time making hexagons, and her pile gradually grew............

                                     until she had more.......................

before deciding that a change of pace would be good, and a start was made on this quilt. There were some more blocks made, but sorry, no photo.

A decision was needed to purchase fabric for sashings for these sashiko blocks, and she chose the yellow as a contrast.

"Somebody" decided that we needed some brain exercises and handed out these word puzzles, and a few people received rewards for their efforts. My mind just closed off as soon as I looked at the page!

Margaret was sewing these "licorice allsorts" blocks, and I think there was some unpicking happening as well as stitching............

.....until her TaDa moment. There is still more to be added yet.

Val spent time making another child's book for me, as well as keeping tabs on the cricket and tennis scores on the tele..............

.....................and then settled in to making some string blocks.

Yazmin made more Log Cabin blocks for a quilt for her Grandma, and laid them out in 3 different layouts, and sent phone photos for her to choose from......................

.............and then this was her Ta Daa moment with the centre assembled, before borders are added.

We received visits from a few locals, who called in for cuppas, and some joined us for meals. Jocelyn came with some blocks and asked for opinions about finishing them. 

Of course, there are always more opinions than you perhaps want!

Raylene was handquilting and binding a charity quilt, and then took time out to occupy 2 little girls who had made cushions earlier in the week. They played games .......

and did crafty things......................

...while Grandma managed to get some sewing done.

Proudly showing the results of their time.....................................

.............and Grandma managed to sew borders to 2 quilts like this. This lady is one amazing quilter who also manages to quilt her own quilts on her domestic machine!!! 

And here is the obligatory group photo, with them all being good sports wearing the Aussie ears!?

Thanks girls for coming and making it such a great weekend celebrating this great country that we live in.

Blessings, From Jude