Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day Two

 Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was a joy from start to finish—full of conversation, laughter, learning, good food, and yes, a bit of quilting too! Simply walking through the room was a visual delight, with each table showcasing the incredible creativity of this talented group of women.  Let's begin with Angie's jaw-dropping block.

Cute as a Button blocks.

Grammy Squares.

Christmas Ribbons.

I always start the day with a reading on a positive note and a raffle.  What could be better than starting the day winning a bundle of beautiful fabric?

I teach throughout the entire day.  The quilters wander over to my lecture area and pick up some quilting tips.  I had a full day of teaching Cozy Country Christmas, and Country Charmer.

I also taught applique to the group.  I had a private one on one class with Gwyneth who's working on the applique for Laurel Ridge. 

After dinner, Barbara Black spoke about quilter's time management, and we all learned a lot from her witty lecture. 

After Barbara spoke we had show and tell. Let me begin with Row-mancing Alaska.

There were two Calico Cottage quilts.

This is Linda's self-portrait.  She has ideas popping out of her head.

This is Lori's version of Laurel Ridge.  She added her own personal spin to the design.  Well done, Lori!

Nancie's spectacular wool applique.

Sharon's super-sized Christmas Ribbons.

You are seeing triple with three Cute as a Button quilts.

Deborah made this pillow for Gail's birthday.

There's so much more I'd like to share but not enough time this morning to pull it all together.

Soon,

Lynn

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day One

 Hello Everyone,

The November 2025 Sew’n Wild Oaks Retreat kicked off yesterday at Snowflake Lodge in Arnold, California. Pictured here is Barbara Black of The Quilt Show, proudly standing beside her completed Laurel Ridge quilt.

The staff at Blue Lake Springs turned the dining room into a spacious quilting studio for 37 quilters from around the world. 

Within moments of their arrival, the machines were turned on and began humming.

Gwyneth came all the way from Australia to quilt with us.  She purchased a sewing machine and had it shipped to my cabin.  She took it out of the box and quickly started to quilt.

She brought all of us a little Koala bear to clip on our bags. She is so thoughtful.

Pati Violick, the director of marketing for Marcus Fabrics is also here.  I knew Pati was the perfect one to arrange my little 'store' at the retreat.  It has never looked better. 

Pati and Barbara worked on the store together. 

Candace showed us the sweet cover she made for her Featherweight.

Pati donated so much fabric to our group.  Everyone in the room will get to pick their favorite fabric bundle. 

Each of the quilters also received a gentle reminder that they are awesome!

We had a great appetizer dinner last night.  The bar area was filled to the brim with fabulous food.

The girls started making new friends right away.

I gave Gwyneth a Cozy Country Christmas kit since she traveled the farthest.

Some of the girls took a stroll around the lake which has been partially drained in preparation for the gully washer predicted to arrive on Wednesday.  We will stay inside of the Lodge and stay nice and toasty while weathering the storm.

We enjoy our meals in the bar area of the Lodge.

There's still a bit of color left at the lake.  My guess it will be gone by the end of the week. 

Another fun day is planned for this wonderful group of women.

Soon,

Lynn

Retreat Preparations and Updates

 Hello Everyone,

In my last post I showed you my friend's Calico Cottages quilt she entered into the Independence Hall Quilt Show......Diane won a well-deserved Viewer's Choice ribbon!

We went out for lunch to celebrate after the guild meeting. Mr. Joe met up with us down at The Bistro and Diane took our picture to show off the fall colors in the area. 

Speaking of fall colors, our dogwood tree is spectacular this year.  The tree is located right outside the windows in our great room, and we get to enjoy it all day every day.

I’ve been busy prepping for my final retreat of the year, which kicks off this Sunday. Three quilters are arriving early—this Friday, just two days away… YIKES! On Saturday, a few of us are heading to Yosemite for a little adventure before the stitching, laughter, and creative magic officially begins.

As part of my retreat prep, I’ve done just a touch of autumn decorating with nothing too elaborate. These days, I find myself thinking, “Whatever goes up now has to come down soon… because Christmas is just around the corner!” Still, it’s nice to enjoy the cozy colors and little touches of fall, even if only for a few fleeting weeks 

I also cut six more kits for Country Charmer yesterday.  Whatever is left over after the retreat, will go into my Etsy shop after the retreat. 

Speaking of Etsy shop, I'm slowly adding new listings for DIGITAL DOWNLOAD in my shop.  As I track the orders, I'm noticing many sales outside of the United States to Australia, France, Germany, Italy and the UK.  I feel this has been a very positive decision and quilters seem to be happy to have easier access to my patterns without the huge shipping costs both inside and outside the US.

This week I've added digital downloads for Bridle Path and Heritage to my shop.

Digital download for Heritage is located HERE.

Bridle Path DIGITAL DOWNLOAD is located HERE.

Yesterday I tackled the cobwebs in the cabin. though honestly, they could’ve passed for Halloween decor! I also began swapping out quilts and gave the master bedroom a deep clean. One of my favorite things is creating cozy little areas to showcase different quilts, moving them around until each one finds its perfect spot.  I'm having a tour of the cabin during the retreat, so it has to be spotless.....tell that to Mazey so she won't leave trails of golden hair around the cabin. She sheds so much, I'm surprised she's not bald!

I'm off to begin my workday of making those pesky cobwebs disappear.

Soon,

Lynn