Friday, April 3, 2009

Avalon Homestead Retreat!

Back home again! Oh, what a wonderful few few days we have had - just 12 of us this time and it was so lovely the interaction between us all - what a great way to really get to know each other!

We met for lunch at the Toodyay Victoria Hotel - a lovely old country pub! Then off to the Homestead where we were once again welcomed by Delveen and Peter - here they are last year coming up Christmas, but they still spoil us with the greatest hospitality!

This will be a familiar sight to all who have been on a retreat - a beautiful Convention Room with gorgeous drapes, a lovely modern day chandelier, wonderful lighting and gorgeous polished jarrah wood floors - and then, look at the mess only quilters can make!

Below, this Little Black Duck wasn't over-productive I'm afraid - some hand-quilting done on my Angel Quilt and then a little trial run on a lace border I may put on the finished quilt!
Now, lots of pics with lot of variety! Raelene was a great achiever, in progress a Thirties Dresden Plate!
Raelene again - a log cabin achieving a wonderful antique look - I just love this!

A pretty little Thirties Dresden Plate - in an Ikea frame - great idea!
Now - Janet with her colour-wash, mind boggling, I thought - but what a wonderful outcome!

Marilyn, with another mind boggler - it was funny, the Girls sat there with ' move this one here, move that one there' - I failed to be drawn into it - too much for me!

Dear friend, Teena's Trip around the World - Teena was my travelling buddy, I was designated driver this time!
My other travelling buddy, Kris - we also roomed together - great girlfriends, we are, having travelled the USA together in 2007! Here is her wonderful Hexagon and Stars being beautifully hand-quilted with the tiniest of stitches - Kris uses the spoon method!
Irene is in the throes of Perle thread hand-quilting using larger stitches, this gorgeous Apple Core Quilt!
Look at the gorgeous enhancement that is happening!

Barb once again organized the retreat for us - so well done, thanks Barb! This gorgeous project below uses Thirties fabrics and American Hand-piecing!
Diane worked for part of the time on preparing Hexagons of Hope (see my sidebar) - so very generous of her to donate so much of her time - she has made literally hundreds!
Dear friend Louise almost finished a lovely bag - I will show you one day - she remained relatively controlled with the stress the pattern caused! Her dear friend, Nancy worked on her hardanger that I have shown you recently! Wow, Canadians on each side of me - they have both been in Australia for years and I am still trying to teach them to speak Australian - not an easy task, I tell you!
Well, it's back to reality now - a little sad it's over - but thanks to all the great folk who contributed to a wonderful Retreat!
Best wishes to all - hope you are all happy - Hugs♥

31 Lovely People said ...:

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Thanks for sharing all the lovely quilt projects.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh what a fun time you must of had, I love all that you showed, love the block in a frame, what a great idea. Nice to have you back!

Lindi said...

You sound positively energised! Loved the show and tell.

Unknown said...

Glad you had a Great Time...all the show & tell is Beautiful...
cheers

Nat Palaskas said...

Welcome back. Thanks for bringing all the lovely pic. of quilts. Glad you had a great time. Missing you - Natima

Cardygirl said...

Looks like you all had a wonderful time- the quilts are beautiful!

Julie said...

Looks like you had a great time. Those two colour wash quilts are amazing aren't they. Very arty, something I would hang in a wall.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Lurline...looks like you guys had the best time...lots of nice show and tell there, glad you are home safe and sound..

Lisa said...

Great pictures, love the quilts! So glad you had a wonderful time!

Cathi said...

Fabulous pictures!! What a treat to see all those glorious quilts. Glad you had a good time!

Janet said...

I'm glad you had such a good time. My favourite is the courthouse steps quilt, followed by the dresden plate. I'm very traditional I guess. Thanks for show and tell.

Joy said...

Thanks for all the fabulous show and tell Lurline. It looks like you had a wonderful time - isn't it a treat to spend time with good friends :o).
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Julia said...

Hi, good to see your home safe...have missed you!
Love all the quilts you girls have been working on..couldn't stop thinking about you all up there...
Laurie's home..big surprise today!
Catch up soon...hugs Julia ♥

Shari said...

Welcome home Lurline! Sounds like a fabulous time was had by all! And congratulations on your 200th post! It certainly goes fast...

Hugs

Betsy said...

Lurline lots of lovelies.
Welcome back.

antique quilter said...

oh I wish I could have been there and seen these quilts for myself!!!
Love that courthouse step quilt
I am going to make one of those too, soon!

Abby and Stephanie said...

How fun!!! I love the lace edge you're putting on your angel quilt. I can't wait to see that one finished.

*karendianne. said...

Undeniably the best way to start a blogging session. I'm so excited to sit here and absorb your gift of "shares" with coffee and peace. The lace edging looks lovely. I cannot tell you how much I hope that works out. Everything... Oh I'll be back just to study, soak it in and relax. Welcome home! *karendianne.

Karen from Sew Many Ways... said...

Such great pictures...love to see everyone's creations. Glad you had a wonderful time!
~Karen~

Karen said...

Such wonderful projects. Very inspiring.

em's scrapbag said...

Those are some amazing projects. Sounds like a wonderful time.

Rumi said...

I wish I could have tagged along! Looked like alot of fun. Thanks for all the photos.

Kaaren said...

Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. It's so great to see photo of everyone's work.

Lurline, was that a knitted "lace" border you were doing? Now I can knit but I can't crochet. Is it difficult to do, the knitted lace I'm referring to. It looks awesome!

Happy you made it home safe and sound.

Micki said...

Glad you had such a wonderful time at6 the retreat and thanks for sharing the pics of the wonderful quilts. I have a retreat in three weeks in Belfast, so i am really looking forward to it.
Micki

Chookyblue...... said...

wow so much mess and beautiful things made and worked on over your retreat........

Anonymous said...

Lurline - I have never ever been #26 to comment on your blog! My internet, phone and tv have been out for 2 days! I am glad to be catching up and thrilled to see all your pictures of such beautiful treasures. So happy you enjoyed the trip - it sounds like so much fun. Enjoy your weekend, my treasured friend.

Browndirtcottage said...

Oh what fun!!! Great photos of wonderful 'quilty goodness'!!

Di said...

Just found your blog. Great photos. I really love the apple core quilt. I am just about to start one of those so it was great to see one almost complete.

Myra said...

A wonderful show & tell of the talented ladies on your outing... Looks like a good time was had, and much achieved in the process! Good for you all! 8-)

Darlene said...

So much talent at your retreat - thank you so much for sharing.

Bernadette said...

What talented friends you have Lurline! I love all these projects especially the log cabin and hexagon with stars.
hugs
B