Friday evening and Saturday I spent with these lovely ladies at our first Des Moines Modern Quilt Guild Sew-In/Retreat. We found a converted 1918 Church building that now serves as the Waukee Arts Center to house our two days of sewing; great lighting and lots of space:
We had a few more registered to come that couldn’t make it, but ten of us got together to haul in a few tables, ironing boards and irons, and a design wall, and just spend an evening and a day sewing, collaborating, learning from each other, and most importantly, getting to know each other better! What a talented and fun group…
Jill M made two baby quilts, start to finish and sent them off to her sister on Monday via FedEx! TWO BABY QUILTS in ONE weekend!
This pick Jill took on her swing set at home, borrowed from her blog
Jill G and Marny, of Modern Quilt Relish fame, made a new version of their “Bowtie Pasta with a Twist” pattern. It was fun to watch them work together and chat with them while we sewed.
Linda worked on these fabulous paper pieced Circle of Geese blocks, check out her post for her layout!
Linda gave us all (even those of us who have quilted for YEARS) a lesson on how to row piece by creating a web and then sewing your rows into columns (unbelievably easy, and yet, none of us had ever tried it!!!)
New-ish quilters Emily and Crystal were fast learners and each finished baby quilt tops using her method.
There was a lot of chain piecing, lots of rearranging on the design wall, a trip out for lunch, lots of sharing, laughing, and planning. Overall, a relaxing and fun time!
Here is a shot of what I worked on (not quite finished here), and I’m going to write up a pattern for it, so stay tuned to this space for more on that…
Readers, you know how I love a retreat– now only 25 more days until my next sewing retreat!!!
Happy sewing,
Doris
made by a brunnette 
Looks like a great time for everyone. Very nice projects too!
I'm totally with you on loving retreats. I consider them the best therapy. Ever.
Looks like yall had a wonderful and productive time. I love your quilt! I definitely would like to make one.
Wow, that looks like a lot of fun! I love retreats, and I get to sneak away to one at the end of this month, too. I can't wait!
I love everyone's projects! My mentor taught me that row-piecing method. it sure makes assembly go quickly, and I swear it's more accurate!
I like retreats too!
Thanks for sharing photos! Looks like you all had a lot of fun. Wish I could have joined you.
I love your quilt, and the use of grey background (one of my favorites) this pattern would be cute made with vintage sheets!