Retreat, Retreat, Retreat

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In September, I went on the Sew Fancy Retreat put on by Pink Door Fabrics.  It started Thursday night with a talk from Tula Pink.  This was the first time that I have seen Tula Pink, and I was blown away.  She talked about business, color, fabric, schedules, process, family... It was wonderful and gave me quite a bit to think about.

I chose to drive in each day and pay for valet parking, as parking in Cherry Creek is not fun - pretty much ever.  I was feeling my age each night though driving home after 10pm.  The sewing lounge was open in the mornings and each evening/night after our class.

For me, Friday was Tula Pink's class and English Paper Piecing.  This was my first time English Paper Piecing.  Here's my in progress shot:

While at the retreat, I finished the center block to the Tula Nova quilt.  

Saturday, I had class with Annie making the Running with Scissors bag.  I learned a few tricks, and I sewed all day and well into the night.  I could have finished while I was there, BUT my stupid bobbin ran out, and I didn't have any more energy at the end of the night to finish it up.  I did not drive to the hotel on Sunday as most people were just checking out.  I stayed home and finished my bag.

The set up of the retreat was great.  We were split into 2 groups each group having a different class each day.  We had time to socialize on the rooftop bar Saturday night.  There was a pop-up shop in case we forgot anything OR we wanted to spend money.  I spent a bunch of money I wasn't planning on.  The food was great; the location was great; the organization was great.  This was the first sewing retreat that I have been on.  I would love to do this again.

Other things going on:

My October plans are suddenly seeming too big.  I want to make the Laura Heine Jack Quilt, but I haven't even traced the pattern yet.

At the retreat, I bought Tula's 100 Modern Quilt Blocks book.  I hope to make 2 blocks a week.  So far, so good.

I finished 2 UFO's this week.  Seamwork Rory.  

I don't see myself making that one again.  The pattern was fine, but it is a cropped shirt, so it's VERY short.  I am wearing super high waisted pants in the photo, and the shirt barely covers the waistband.

I also finished the Ella Top by Liola Patterns.  

I made this out of a remnant of rayon.  It was a fairly quick sew.  Instructions made sense, and it fits like I think it should.  I made this one as my muslin.  The next one will be made out of barkcloth.

I've been sewing other things too.  October, however, is already proving to be quite busy.  I am hoping things slow down a bit, soon.

The October 2019 Sewing playlist is up.  I've been listening to it these past couple of days.  Here's the link:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7h9Div1qny4uAkjsyBgkb7?si=iXyNfQFFR9uFpF-DynrdzA 

Currently, I am reading Siege and Sacrifice by Charlie N. Holmberg.  It's fantastic.