Wow! That’s all I can say about last week’s Sew Simply Stitched Quilting & Sewing Retreat in Vernal, Utah. I am still blown away by all I learned and how much fun we had! I even won a prize for best Queen of Hearts during the Mad Hatter Hat parade!
This was my first year attending, so I had no idea what to expect. As soon as I walked in to the main hall, I was overwhelmed and in awe of all of the beautiful quilts and vendors that were there to help us have a magical experience plus every day, there was a new treat on our sewing tables and enough give-aways that every attendee won something amazing! I walked away with a bunch of new patterns, fat quarters and other fabric and coupons to many new quilting stores to help me expand my project lists.
I was a bit over ambitious, as I took four classes (you’re only required to take two), but I am so glad that I did, as I learned so much and finally completed the best zipper of my life! Two of my classes involved making bags (taught by Rochelle Meyer) and both had some
homework to complete before attending the classes. The first was the Stylish Sewing Caddy (pattern by Kristyne Czepuryk of Pretty by Hand, https://www.zakkaworkshop.com/kits/libaj71zn0ml5lxuzcgww0p0libvk9?utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer_notification). We added some internal pockets, and not only is it super cute but even more functional. In fact, I love it so much, I want to make a bigger one but still need to research what sizes I can get the wire frames. I also think this would make a cute purse with a zipper pocket inside; I may need to explore this idea a little bit more…
The second bag was the Alpen Belt Bag (pattern by Kristina Brinkerhoff, Center Street Quilts https://centerstreetquilts.myshopify.com/products/alpen-belt-bag-pattern-digital-pdf-quilted-cross-body-bag-pattern). I had been wanting to make a fanny pack for some time, so this was a perfect opportunity. Rochelle had suggested that using batting would make the bag softer and more comfortable to wear, and I agree. I love the way it fits and is now my go to bag for quick shopping trips. This may also be my go to project for gift to all my friends this year and love the idea of adding a zipper pocket to this one too!
In line with my goal of improving my hand sewing, I also took a Hand Appliqué class, where we learned 5 different techniques for prepping the fabric pieces. This class was taught by Jennifer Harrison, and I really appreciated how she shared her passion and experience with hand appliqué; she seemed to really understand how intimidating this could be. Though I did not love all of the techniques (I really didn’t like needle turning the fabric), I did learn a couple of ways that I can use to finish some other project I started and not have to satin or blanket machine stitch pieces down. I am currently still working on the project but am happy so far with the result and motivated to get the block finished and framed.
Probably my favorite class (because I love all things Halloween) was the It Takes a Village, taught by Amy Chappell of ameroonie designs (https://www.etsy.com/listing/819448068/pattern-merry-little-christmas-village?click_key=68b235375a2ef32acd13399ff9d42fed13decdbc:819448068&click_sum=5dc577b8&ref=shop_home_active_18&sts=1). Amy was also the guest speaker for the trunk show, where she shared her sewing journey and how it has helped her to connect with herself. Her story really spoke to me, as sewing is also my retreat from the stresses of everyday life. One of the great things about this project as it can be modified for any occasion by changing fabrics and is only limited by your imagination. I can’t wait to make them all for various holidays!
During my non-class time, we brought our own projects to work on, so I focused on completing this Easter table runner that I had barely started before the trip. I really wanted to get it done before the holiday, and was able to get it cut, pieced, sandwiched, quilted and bound before the end of the retreat.
Everyone was so nice and friendly; I just love how warm and supportive the quilting community is and am honored to be a part of it. I can’t wait to sign up for next year’s retreat! Moreover, I need to go back to Vernal so I can visit all the dinosaur attractions they are famous for with the sewing distraction ;-)!