Another Successful Retreat

Where do I begin? How can I possibly describe in a few short paragraphs the incredible weekend we just enjoyed? Imagine Perfect Weather (high 70's with a slight breeze); a Perfect Studio (take a look at my blog from June 24th to know all that Verne and I did to prepare the cabin for this event); a Perfect Setting (background sounds of our chickens and occasional crowing of the rooster, about 20 head of cattle grazing in the field, the vinca major surrounding the cabin in its summer glory...you get the picture); Perfect Food prepared by our own Chef Verno with the enthusiasm of Alton Brown (an Asian pork tenderloin with stir-fried green beans one night, Chicken Diane on another, two of the best fresh blueberry/blackberry pies I've ever eaten! and on and on); a Perfect Project that taught three new techniques (new twists to old techniques for some). All of this was just background to the pleasure of spending three days with a group of fun-loving friends and fellow Stix Chix...sewing, ripping, laughing and just having a good time!!!


A few unplanned things happened over the weekend that further added to the enjoyment of our June Retreat:


Neil, who I will now call Roach-Coach Neil, showed up around lunchtime on Saturday with a truck full of food (this is no exaggeration). Wanting this to be a surprise and not knowing our likes and dislikes, Neil brought lunch-making food for every persuasion. He'd prepared a delicious ham (his own recipe requiring four days of preparation) and all the sandwich fixins', a deconstructed fruit salad (separate bowls for about a dozen different fresh fruits), chips, and a finale of jello with whipped cream! It makes me smile just thinking about it! Neil, you are one of the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful people I know! 

Sunday brought another pleasant surprise. Knowing my interest in learning to bead, Sandy invited one of her Sutter Creek friends, Lori Yardley, to drop by for a few hours to give me a lesson in the Peyote Stitch. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the most social person and not always open to making new acquaintances, so while I appreciated Sandy's intentions and Lori's willingness to drive to Volcano to help me...I was lukewarm to the idea. Well, all I can say is: I've met a kindred spirit! Within a few hours on Sunday and long calls/conversations each of the next three days, I was completely enchanted with this amazing young woman. 


To those who attended the June Retreat and read this blog...thank you for making it such a success. I had a wonderful time! Here are a few pics...

Upcoming Stix Retreat

I'm counting the days to our June Retreat (just five remaining) and already beginning to plan the next one in October when Maria returns from four months at sea and Lauren will be past her bar exam and (if not working) able to attend. We've used the June Retreat as an excuse to do several big jobs around here that are easy to put off if not given an excuse, like "company's coming!"...Verne sanded and refinished the cabin porch floor while I sorted my bins of fabric and labeled each. Yikes! I've got So! Much! Fabric! Verne cleaned the cabin (even vacuumed the beams...three years of dust and cobwebs) and cleaned the cabin roof of pine and cedar needles while I made a curtain for the bedroom slider (that will make all of those concerned about Peeping Toms rest easier). After our February Retreat Sally donated an antique cabinet/mirror to be hung (very low for all of the very short Stix members) in the cabin bedroom. Before it was hung, Verne completely repaired and refinished it. Kudos to Verne!!! I hope we hung it low enough for all of you shorties! Now, all of our attention will go towards the weekend menu and Verne's Good Eats! See you soon...

Majestic Fir Placemat

Here's another idea for the Majestic Fir table ensemble (our June project)...I took the fir tree pattern and made it a bit taller by adding another row of branches so that it fits perfectly on a 12"x16" placemat. Here's a pic of the result.

If you don't use table runners or prefer to make something a bit smaller, this might be the perfect option. 


NOTE: By clicking on the label below each entry (Stix Retreat 2012, in this case) you will be able to see all posts with that same label. Saves time as you don't have to scroll to find a particular entry.

June's Project

I've been busily working on our project for the June Stix Retreat. I had a bit of time and decided to make one of the foundation pieced trees. Had so much fun I made a second. Finished the blocks and decided to do the applique portion. And so it went...here's a picture of the finished runner.

Stix Retreat - June 2012

Okay, the date is official. Our next Stix Retreat will be held June 29, 30 and July 1st. The main project will be Majestic Firs. I've selected this project, because it incorporates applique, foundation piecing, and piping all in one project (wallhanging 30"x32",  table runner 12"x51", or pillow 14x14").

The first technique we'll be learning is called Starch Method Applique. I call it "Big Girl Applique", because it is not the quick and dirty raw-edge applique we've all done, nor is it the tedious needle-turned applique. It is the latest in applique techniques and renders perfect results, but I warn you...it should not be attempted by the faint of heart. 


The second technique we'll learn (or review, for some of you) is Foundation Piecing. You'll remember that I took a class in March on this technique. I'm hooked! Love it! And, can't wait to teach you how to do it on this simple 10-piece tree design.


The final technique, which really isn't a technique at all but does add a nice touch to any quilt, is piping. It's not piping as I know it (a piece of cording enclosed in fabric and used to delineate the edge of cushions and the like). Essentially, it's a very narrow border. Look closely at the picture and you'll see it surrounding the tree block.


You'll need to bring your sewing machines and typical accoutrement (I love this word, because it always makes me think of a series of books we (Moser Fam) have read and loved about a female archeologist/sleuth, Amelia Peobody. Back to the Retreat...as the date draws closer I'll let you know what else you should bring. Originally, I was going to focus on applique and have you bring all of the tools and supplies necessary to complete a large applique project. However, since this project is using mixed techniques, we should be able to share and get by with only my tools/supplies. If you are certain that you want to do applique work beyond our class, below is a list of supplies that you will eventually need to accumulate.


1. Applique Pressing Tool (this is a mini iron with a triangular tip, pictured below)
2. Ironing Mat (the one shown below is the best as it has extra cushion on the ironing side)
3. Stiletto (a pointy tool that is used to manipulate the fabric as you iron)
4. Stencil brush (just needs to be a small, stiff-bristled brush for applying starch)
5. Fabric scissors
6. Fiskars small curved scissors (to be used on paper) 
7. 1/4" Clover bias maker
8. Roxanne's Glue Baste It
9. Aleene's OK to Wash It Glue
10. Ultimate Applique Template Paper (this isn't the thick template paper we've occasionally used)
11. Spray starch and small container with resealable lid
12. Black Identa pen or fine-point Sharpie 
13. P3 Designs Petite Needle Threader
14. P3 Designs Straw Needles #11
15. Assorted colors, 50wt DMC fine machine embroidery thread, or your favorite thread


The most expensive item is the Applique Pressing Tool, which runs $32-$40 at Joann's, but is occasionally on sale for 50% off or may be purchased using a 40% or 50% coupon.