Gruber's 2015

I'm home from my Gruber's retreat (and three other trips) and starting the process of unpacking while battling a summer cold.  I did a little bit of sewing this morning and it's nice to fall back into a routine.  (If only I could get my blogging routine set!)

This was the sixth Gruber's retreat, and I SO needed this week of sewing and quilty friendship!  It wasn't the most productive as far as project finishes go, but it was a success in terms of quality friend time.  That's way more important!

a large flat rate box holds a lot of fabric scraps

I didn't have a set plan this time around and ended up shipping a box of fabric scraps (and my happies) ahead.  Catching up on the Scrap Vortex QAL, bee blocks and making a baby gift were on my list to work on, and I accomplished those goals.  

Having a sister that quilts is awesome!

My sister and I exchanged birthday quilts while on retreat together.  

Michelle sets the bar higher each year, which is a good thing and a bad thing ;-))

photo borrowed from Mary

Speaking of setting the bar higher, here's a picture of the happies exchanged this year.  I "outsourced" mine, ordering coffee mugs with our Sew Sisters bee logo designed by Terri and adding some favorite fabric scraps and a QAYG coaster.  

quilt cake fail

I had grand plans for a cool quilty cake to acknowledge several milestone birthdays being celebrated, but the cake decorator didn't share my vision (or view the photos attached to my email).  Note to self: research out of town bakeries more thoroughly in the future!

In between laughing, eating, shopping, chatting and more laughing, I managed some sewing:

Kaleidoscope block parts for Amanda Jean - check....

Birthday block for Amanda Jean (there's still a few days until deadline if you'd like to make one too) - check...

Block for Charleston MQG's Emmanuel AME community quilt - check....

and baby gift made (can't show yet) - check!

design table - not as efficient as design wall

My scrappy vortex production is hard to measure without a proper design wall.  I can't wait to put these pairs onto my design wall to see how much progress I actually made.

Gruber's annual photo - year six

I have grown to love these ladies more and more with each passing year if that's possible, and I already miss them so much!  Pictured above left to right: Amanda Jean, me, Doris, Mary, Michelle, Terri, Cindy, Shelly and Stephanie.  We missed Toni this year.

one way to sort your scraps!

 I've said it before and it bears repeating:  If you ever get the chance to attend a quilt retreat, take it!  Saying yes to flying across the country to sew with nine other bloggers I had never met before was a life changing decision that I am so happy I made!

Past retreat recaps are here, here, here, here and here!
Thanks for stopping by,