Quilt Bliss

I have just experienced the BEST WEEKEND EVER! Perhaps I am being a bit dramatic and my son, who optimistically insists each and every day is the BEST DAY EVER, is rubbing off on me. To my credit, I have been away at Quilt Bliss, a weekend retreat organized by the Utah County Modern Quilt Guild, where there was much to appreciate. 

First off, the accommodations are divine at the 26,000 square foot Timber Moose Lodge.

This enchanting hide-away boasts thirteen bedrooms with comfortable beds, a hot tub and pool, great views, and plenty of sewing space. 

Here's a peek into my bedroom, featuring three queen-sized bunks.

While my driving companions and I discovered the four-wheel drive vehicle requirement regarding the gravel road leading to Timber Moose was more than a suggestion, we made it to the formidable lodge in time for an elegantly prepared feast of pork tenderloin, green beans, salmon and scalloped potatoes. I will not soon forget dessert either--with its marshmallow snowmen, trio of yule logs, meringue mushrooms and chocolate-covered candies. 

Thank goodness this was not a fitness retreat, as I had no intention of restraint at the sight of the food, glorious food! This fine dining experience extended throughout the weekend, with an unending assortment of tasty delights.

It was a pleasure getting to know the talented women who attended, many of which are well-known fabric designers, quilt bloggers, or pattern designers such as Emily Herrick and Melissa Solecki.

I took advantage of the many optional classes included with the retreat. Amanda Woodruff gave great suggestions for fabric selection such as using a unifying solid color to tie together a quilt, balancing warm and cool colors, and excluding a color to make a desirable palette. Anna Morrison provided a step-by-step overview of paper-piecing so her students could create a free block designed by Anna of Six White Horses.

Kristin Barrus expressed the importance of journaling by sharing her late mother's beautiful watercolor journals and providing suggestions from her personal organization of quilt records. I learned a few helpful knots for hand appliqué and played around with fabric dyeing under the guidance of Jeanette Hartvigsen.

Emily Sessions gave some pointers regarding quilting and Leigh Hansen reminded everyone of the value of time to create. Amy Smart provided ample ideas for how to use scraps in her class, which resulted in these beauties.

The trunk shows from JoyLyn Rigby, Sarah Jane Wright, Sherri McConnell, Erika Bartlett, and the Utah County Modern Quilt Guild were quite inspirational.

Sarah Jane

Sarah's Jane's Autograph

(Yes, I'm that groupie.)

Sherri McConnell

Sherri McConnell

What's more, there was SWAG. Check out the bountiful loot I scored from the sponsors!

I also won some fabulous prizes.

I participated in the Secret Friend swap too. I created this wall-hanging using the Lone Star tutorial on Better Off Thread.

These are the treasures I received in return from Pamela Cardell. Aren't I lucky?

The low volume and text print fabric swaps were a rousing success as well.

Now I've unpacked the bag I made for my trip using a free pattern tutorial by Jennifer Mathis. I'd say they are quite a match.

Bye, Bye, Quilt Bliss. I will miss you. Until next year...