#seattlemqgretreat

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the first ever Seattle Modern Quilt Guild retreat. I could go on and on about how wonderful it was, but when it comes right down to it, for me the weekend was about three themes: community, exploration and focus.

Community

Photo courtesy of A Quilter’s Table

Even though I have been a member of the guild for some time, I have not been able to attend as many events as I would like, and so have not gotten to know my fellow members very well. I really enjoyed becoming better acquainted with women who share a passion for sewing, even though we come from different backgrounds. During the retreat, we swapped Instagram handles (mine is @snippetsofsweetness), and I have relished staying connected with my fellow guild members.

Exploration

My team’s improv pieces after I worked on them

At the retreat, there were a variety of smaller swaps and events to participate in. I signed up for the Improv Round Robin session. We split up into groups of four and spent two hours taking turns “responding” to ever growing improv pieces that others had started. Even though I had played with improv piecing before, it was always on my own terms and at my own pace, never like this. Working on other people’s pieces made me a little nervous, but I had the most trouble with the time limits! Each round was timed, which was definitely a new experience. Even though it was challenging for me, I’m glad I participated and explored new-to-me quilting terrain.

Focus

Photo courtesy of A Quilter’s Table

I find that in this busy modern life, focus can be frustratingly elusive, especially when it comes to sewing. Usually my sewing time consists of 15 minutes here, 15 minutes there, or a chunk of time in the late evening when I should be sleeping. Having three days to focus on sewing was amazing! My goal for the weekend was to finish a baby quilt and that’s just what I did. I am grateful for having that time and space to focus on creating. It was invigorating.

All in all, I had an exceptional time at the retreat. The SMQG Retreat Committee did an awesome job and I would definitely go to a retreat again. The only thing I would do differently is bring fewer projects. Of the five I bought, I only touched two.

If you’d like to read more about the weekend, check out the relevant posts by A Quilter’s Table, I’m Feeling Crafty and Tiny House.