Off On Retreat

Back in March of 2020, my long-time quilting group of friends - AKA the Basket Case Quilters - had a retreat planned. Three of us would be traveling from out of state to meet up in CA at another friend's house, but at the last minute, it got cancelled due to the many unknowns of the pandemic. Finally, finally, we've rescheduled, and I'll be traveling in a few days to meet up with them.

Of course, I need to take projects! I didn't actually have a lot going on, so I've planned some stuff. I thought it might be fun to share it all here - both as accountability - and just to keep track.

1. My Pantone challenge project. Basically the stack of fabrics I shared last week + a gingham I added in for a bit of color. I have a rough plan of what I want to make - at least where I want to start, so I'll share more of that as I get started.

2. I found just enough batiks in my stash to participate in the current Many Hands and Many Hearts March-May 2026 block drive making Mini Square in Square blocks. Cynthia Brunz @cynthiabrunzdesigns is host, and I'm happy to be able to participate for another round.

3. For reasons I won't share quite yet, I hope to make several of Heidi Staple's @fabricmutt Pixie Baskets. I'm made quite a few over the years, and am looking forward to making them again.

4. I've also made numerous Pop Open Pouches over the years, using the pattern by Aneela Hooey. Last year sometime, she published an add-on pattern for a patchwork version, and since I need a new one, I decided to try this variation. I found a mini charm pack of Artisan Cotton in my stash, and will add in what I need from a Cotton Couture charm pack. And I'm taking a couple of options for both lining and zipper, and will use what I like best in the moment.

So it's always a mystery how much one will accomplish on a retreat, AND what I'll feel like working on, so TBD what I actually get done. So stay tuned. I'll try to share progress on IG while I'm away, and of course, via blog posts once I return. See ya in a few days.