SS&Q Retreat 2011

Again we travelled to "Weekaway" at Benloch for our annual retreat from the 1st to the 3rd of April.  This year the group decided to ask three ladies from Charlton to join us for a bit of light relief after their problems with flooding in their homes, along with all the heartache that goes with such a crisis.  They were a happy trio and added another dimension to the retreat, and from what they said, it would seem that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The Friday night project was well received; the choice was the quilted waste basket or a half size embroidery roll.  Thanks to Jan Borlase for preparing the emboidery roll and the help you gave to those making it, thanks also to Judy Van Dyck for preparing the waste baskets - both projects were fun to make and very useful items...  Judy's brainwave to use our scraps (and we all have them don't we?) to make blocks towards a quilt was great fun, and as usual, there were variations on the original theme so we were all eager to see how the different interpretations turned out.  A most successful project thanks Judy.

Kylie's scrappy quilt

We now have a substantial collection of those blocks donated towards the Raffle Quilt that the group is making for the Autistic School in Sunbury, thanks to everyone who gave their time and fabric towards that.

The retreat challenge was poorly supported this year for various reasons but congratulations to all those members who took the time to participate.  Fancy dress was a good laugh as always, and Carolyn Maxwell and Dianne McAulay were voted as the winners by all those in attendance. Thankyou to all of you who didn't win a prize but dressed up and looked fabulous anyway.

On Saturday night Fiona Karman entertained us with her game and her jokes, thankyou Fiona!! Lyn Peucker surprised us all with a cute bag that she had made for everyone, thanks Lyn, that must have taken you days on end.

The Drapers of Mt Macedon and Tranquility from Essendon were the two shops in attendance, so everyone was given the opportunity for a bit of retail therapy!!

Now I am sure that I have not mentioned the names of some people who also put in substantial effort, but in fact we are all aware who those people are, and that everyone who attends is, in fact, putting in an effort i.e packing up bedding and sewing requirements etc and without each and every one of you being there it wouldn't be the success it was, so Judy and I hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.  Until next time....

Marlene,
Assistant Workshop Co-ordinator