Memories of Red Gum Retreat

This time last week, I was waking up after spending the previous afternoon and evening at my sewing machine with 16 other ladies all working away on their projects. Such a great start the Red Gum Retreat that went from Monday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon.

The workroom was spacious and the work tables were amazing as they were so solid (made of Jarrah I think), that there was no vibration even for those sewing at full speed. It did not take long before there was stuff everywhere, and the place looked like we had been there for weeks.

The meals that were delivered were amazing, with plenty to go around, so not sure we needed to bring our own breakfasts as there was plenty left over from the morning and afternoon teas. Not having to do any food preparation or cooking was a lovely treat and it meant there was more time for working on our projects. The weather was lovely so we were able to have our meals outside whilst watching the kangaroos and emus nearby or simply enjoying being in the country.

I had taken two projects with me, and managed to finish what I wanted to do with the first project, and made great inroads on the second one. Some of the ladies worked on only one project the entire time, whilst others seemed to have a different one each time I looked. The cutting table was constantly in use and so it was good that it was large enough so a couple of people could use it at the same time. When both sides of the design board were taken up by other projects, the coffee table was also put to use providing a different angle from which to view the arrangement of blocks.

Taking a break from the sewing machines, we played a game where everyone got a prize, but when it was your turn you were allowed to steal someone else’s prize before opening yours. Who knew that quilters were so keen on fancy coloured pencils?

As appears to be a tradition with most quilting events, just before lunch on our final day, there was a show and tell that allowed everyone to see the progress that we had made on our projects. As a bonus some had brought along quilts or other items to share. For those interested in seeing more pictures of the work of the retreat members check out the Redgum Retreat Slide Show.

A special thank you to Madeleine, the WAQA Retreats Convenor for the work that she put in to organise such a thoroughly enjoyable retreat. Thank you also to the other participants for sharing their knowledge and expertise and making the time so much fun.

Iris Potter (Website Author and thus WAQA Blogger)