July 2024 The Collaroy Centre retreat
Collaroy Weekend Retreat Report
What a marvellous time we had gathering as a group to sew, chat, laugh and commiserate with each other. 15 members attended and we welcomed 2 friends of Viive: Colleen and Coral who were inspirational in their different approaches to patchwork and quilting.
We dressed up for “Christmas in July” theme on Saturday night and we were spoilt by Annie’s lovely dining room decorating and special gifts she made for all of us. The individual gift boxes were also handmade and had given her many a sleepless night to finish them in time for the Saturday night. Here are some happy snaps.
This was followed by a fun Xmas trivia quiz, ably led by Viive. Quiz was won by Lynne, a close second Sue P and Ros.
Viive thanked Karen for organising the weekend and presented her with a thank you gift. Another gift was presented to Annie for her marvellous dedication to the theme and our lovely little Snowmen!
Most of us had a little sojourn to “60 Stitches” and were inspired by the wonderful fabrics and ideas displayed in the shop. A lot of money was spent, but a lot of joy received! Well worth a visit anytime! Some of the lovely fabrics in 60 stitches.
We also had a lovely catch up with past Cherrybrook member Judith Hardacre. This was a Suffolk puff Topiary tree in progress by Judith Hardacre.
Here are some of the projects we were sewing on the weekend.
Colleen was inspired by the colour and construction method of her recent trip to India
Coral had a large stack of hand embroidered and appliqued blocks that she was machine quilting and intends to join the quilt by “Quilt as you Go”.
Sue O made up a quilt kit prepared earlier by Viive. (Completely cut out and then she helped sew as well!
Lynne had several projects “on the go” but she was diligently working on Ruby Rosehips by Margaret Sampson George. This is a modern take on Nosegay block worked on bright yellows and pinks. She had them sorted on her hand made block holders.
Karen was making gorgeous panels of scattered hand appliqued, blue/grey shaded flowers and leaves and some birds too.
Kim was another prolific sewer. There was a beautiful quilt to bind and Xmas blocks to complete.
Sue P apart from sewing more of her infamous receiving blankets, she went for golf!
Annie had little time for her own project as she working on the Christmas in July Extravaganza! She did manage to get some blocks done for her Community quilt project.
Carmel was concentrating on Clamshells! They form a decoration for a small bag she is sewing. She got the job done and also worked on some hexagons.
Judith had a plan! She had pieced some cathedral windows and was not happy with what she had done. On the weekend she started reverse sewing and rearranging to maybe make a table runner or a wall hanging. She highlighted the zig zag as part of her new structure. Her work was exceptional and when held up to the light you could clearly see the Cathedral effect she was looking for.
Helen was concentrating on completing the more fiddly part of her quilt blocks so she could go home and put the quilt together more easily.
Christine did some “slow sewing” which was very interesting to hear about. Tiny samples of whatever you feel like doing- piecing, embroidery, applique, beading, lacework all showcased on a slither of fabric the size of a cotton reel! Very beautiful!
Roslyn’s weekend was also filled with a few projects. Completion of a table runner and the making of a quilt top for her husband. An interesting mix of black and white and red worked a treat, especially combined with the backing of similar colour already printed with his name.
Jill was also working multiple projects. One with shirting, one with fussy cut centre blocks, and one with a coffee theme blocks.
Viive was quite the speed queen! After cutting out Sues entire quilt kit, she helped sew it as well. She also put together a small wall hanging from plain fabric and following that she put together a star quilt kit she had purchased at 60 stitches during the weekend! This is a baby
quilt for Harrison, the grandson of a dear friend.
Janice made a few of these pentagons for a quilt she is making. The lovely Quilt Pattern called Marmalade is shown.
Dawn worked hard all weekend on her hexagon flowers made from liberty fabric.
Rosemary had many projects to show us that she was completing for her niece’s children handiwork stall at their school fete, including some drawstring bags and bespoke book covers.
