Sew'n Wild Oaks August Retreat

 Hello Everyone,

Here are some more pictures from the August retreat.  I have to get all of them posted before the next retreat starts!

I'm starting out the show today with Eileen's gorgeous Lil' Orphan Scrappy. The brights colors make this quilt dazzle!

Taimi has been working out of her stash for years and created another beautiful quilt.

I love this simply elegant Christmas quilt by Judy.

You need a long table to showcase this Christmas table runner by Trina.

Anne designed and made the center section for her new quilt.

She put the completed parts and pieces up on the design wall.  It's going to be a beauty.

Sharon's wonderful center section.

I start each day with a positive affirmation for the group which is a great way to begin our day together.

Linda made this little moose for her daughter's cabin.

Linda's granddaughter made a painting of the moose for her bedroom! It is so sweet.

Joy worked on her quilt during the retreat and had it altogether by Wednesday evening.

Julie started her table topper during the retreat and it's ready to be quilted!

I teach little mini-sessions each day.

Look how intently everyone is listening!

Trina gave us a moving glimpse into her work at Square One in Woodland, where she supports individuals facing significant life challenges. Her role focuses on equipping at-risk youth with the skills they need to navigate adulthood—and the results speak volumes. Square One has an impressive track record of helping students graduate high school, and their programs go beyond academics. They even offer quilting classes, weaving creativity and comfort into their curriculum. Trina shared several heartfelt stories that reminded us just how powerful compassion and community can be.

The quilting community is more than a gathering of makers—it's a living tapestry of stories, traditions, and shared joy. Across generations and geographies, quilters come together to stitch not just fabric, but connection. In church basements, sunlit studios, bustling retreats, and quiet corners of homes, they trade techniques, laughter, and life lessons.

What makes this community extraordinary is its generosity. Quilters give freely—of time, talent, and heart. They make comfort quilts for those in crisis, memory quilts to honor loved ones, and celebration quilts to mark milestones. Every thread carries intention.

And then there’s the magic of collaboration. Whether it’s a group project that spans states or a spontaneous show-and-tell at a retreat, quilters lift each other up. They celebrate each other’s wins, troubleshoot tricky techniques, and marvel at the beauty born from scraps. It’s a space where tradition meets innovation, and where every voice—no matter how new or seasoned—is welcomed.

In a world that often rushes past the handmade, the quilting community reminds us to slow down, to honor craft, and to find meaning in the stitches we share.

Soon,

Lynn