Happy Hearts Quilters Retreat - August 2010

August has come and gone with a swirling gust of wind! WOW - so quick but not without some fun and productivity at this year summer Happy Hearts Quilter's Retreat a the Judson Baptist Retreat Center in St. Francisville, LA.... truly a great space for a quilter's retreat, far enough away from civilization not to be tempted by our daily lives, and quiet enough to get quite a few projects done over a period of 4 days.

The quilters began arriving on Monday morning and unloaded their vehicles and speedily setup their sewing areas --- each got a whole 8 foot table space to work for the whole retreat. There were cutting tables, ironing stations and a fabric and scrap swap pile too!

Enjoy the slideshows!

Slideshow of Day 1

Slideshow of Day 2

Slideshow of Day 3

Slideshow of Day 4

August 2010 Meeting Share

Our August meeting was lightly attended but full of great sharing. Here Cindy displays her 9-patch blocks from some of the Stitchin Sistas for the monthly 'Name Your Block' exchange.

A letter recently received to thank us for the Quilt of Valor quilt recently donated to the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home.

Paula R. shared with us some creative fish embroideries on denim -- can't wait to see what she creates with these -- I'm thinking it will be something for the camp!

Paula also shared with us this great quilt top --- scrappy and quite happy!

Here's a great colorful quilt Paula also shared with the group.

And finally, Paula modeled her new jacket she stitched up recently.

Dawn shared a great bag with a peace symbol embroidered applique. Loving it!

Joanie shared her seasonal table runners --- one for each season! How creative!

And Joanie also shared with great quilt which was recently quilted and completed --- the blocks were from the 2009 monthly block share.

Cindy also shared with great little quilt - pink of course!

And finally this great strip quilt --- sew creative!

Annual Christmas in July Meeting

Well pull out the tinsel and the lights - it's our Annual Christmas in July meeting for the Stitchin Sistas held at Jayne's house. What a great time we all had. Everyone brought a great dish or two, the wine and soft drinks were flowing and it was time to celebrate a little ho-ho-ho in the middle of a 95 degree Sunday afternoon in Louisiana!

We started with wetting our whistles and filling our tummies before getting down to the nitty gritty of the meeting. Here are Rick's blocks he requested at last month's meeting - they came out great stitchers!

Jenny brought in a great holiday creation that is perfect to decorate any home or office during the holidays. Thanks for sharing the pattern with us Jenny!

Dawn showed us a great and easy to make fleece pocket scarf --- I think we'll be seeing many of these made this year for gifts!

Jayne's talented husband created this incredible bell and gifted it to the Stitchin Sistas --- Colleen will be lucky winner of this bell to adorn her curio or holiday tree this year!

Donelle shows a great project box from our gift exchange. Exactly what she needed!

Jayne will use this JoAnn's gift card in a snap!

Janet B. shows off a great fleur-de-lis dish she can decorate her home with.

Joanie opened a great gift box full of fat quarts and...

...a new rotary cutter! What quilter doesn't need another rotary cutter!

Mary Ellen will be busy using a set of note cards, post its and stationery.

Mary Ellen also picked a gift for Colleen who couldn't be with us this time -- I'm sure she'll be able to use this traveling cutting mat!

Jenny proudly presents a great array of fat quarters!

Janet R. shows a great new ruler --- no stitcher can do without a new ruler!

Janet R's Mom also came along and participated in the gift exchange and will be happy sharpening her scissors with her gift.

Cindy will be busy stuffing her new project box getting ready for retreat next month!

and some great goodies inside the new project box too!

Dawn will be busy with her new fat quarters and pattern book!

Dawn started our show and tell with a great new quilt she created recently

and the lovely back!

Jayne's showed off a great new quilt created from Cozy Quilt Designs

Janet B. is working on a great watercolors quilt project -- just beautiful!

Joanie brought in her completed quilt top from the monthly block exchange --- isn't it great!!!

Cindy shows off a great new creation she whipped up!

And our winners of the annual dice game ---- Mary Ellen and...

....Jenny! Congratulations girls!

GSQA Quilt Show Quilts - Congratulations

Congratulations are in order to Joan Rickmeier for receiving 3 ribbons at the recent GSQA Quilt Show held June 18-20, 2010 in Slidell, La. Below is "Squah Blossom" - 2nd Place ribbon.

"Oriental Fans" - 3rd Place ribbon

"Fractured Fat Quarters" - Honorable Mention

And our very own Mary Ellen Leingang had this beautiful quilt displayed at the show titled "Blue Bayou".

Congratulations to you both ladies -- you are incredibly talented!