It has been over three years, probably four since I went on any kind of creative retreat. SFVQA had their first retreat and we went to Temecula.
Up in the hills, surrounded by vineyards, is the Vina De Lestonnac center. Other groups with us appeared to be religious in nature. And yet, many quilters, stitchers and other fiber craft groups love to come here.
Turns out this is one of three retreat centers of the Sisters of Mary, started by Jeanne de Lestonnac back in France in the 17th c.
Vinyards all around.
I sat on this bench reading East of Eden. Yup, first time for me reading this book. I listen to a podcast, Close Reads, which is a wonderful way to get great insights into books. Really looking forward to the discussion about this one.
The hot air balloons go up at sunrise and at this point are all coming back down. I love hot air balloons. I’ve had the pleasure of being in them, and otherwise, just watching them glide through the air.
Old town Temecula is adorable, a little western town. Yup, I got olive oil and balsamic vinegar – yummy. We stopped in two quilt stores, at one, I bought nothing, at the other, I got a rotary blade – very necessary for the project you will see shortly. As well as a few more notions. some people went to a winery and came back buzzed and bearing gifts. Wine and bread with brie cheese in it – what a treat.
In October we are having a craft boutique, so I got to work, making these little jewelry bags.
They have little pouches for small items. I’ve made these at the holidays, and people love them. So what better item for a boutique, I have been making more since I got home. If there is a basket full of them, more will sell.
I won this pattern by Linda Ballard at one of our meetings. The print fabric was also from a meeting, someone dropped off boxes of fabric. The rest is from my stash.
I didn’t have enough of the grey background and I’m glad. I think using this other print really makes things pop.
Quilt top done in a day. Now I have two quilts I need to quilts, so I really should get onto it.
Here I am, proud of my work!
Yes, I will sign up for next year, I knew some of the women. I met others and deepened relationships. Retreats are wonderful. One of the best things was being cut off from the media. The Dodd decision came down and it wasn’t until Saturday that someone brought it up – me
, I walked away and talked quilting with someone else.All in all, a great weekend.
Leah