This time last month, I was up at Blackheath, for a three day quilting retreat. Three days spent with people who get why you like taking little pieces of fabric and sewing them into a larger piece of fabric, which in turn becomes a mini quilt, wall hanging, bag, cushion or something similar.
![Foundation Paper Pieced Tote Bag ~ Threading My Way](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJATo7OiKSaD_M4dfK_wnPftIFvLZuE26CiPQ2_9nobevhh6uXDwhXIX3wlPGgRNhrshBlcMtKbG8blMQTKYPZ4dNs8bxjvoaYLRpSSqSDv05ltZjRaHHdAHlPDIlTi6IJ_wrN_xdYH8Pz/s1600/quilting_retreat_thoughts.jpg)
Once again, Anne Sommerlad Designs, ten out of ten for a fabulously well organised three days. Everything ran seamlessly. With 60 ladies and three tutors, this is no mean feat.
Each day was a different workshop...
- Raw Edge Appliqué ~ Wall Hanging ~ with Amanda Daly
- Foundation Paper Piecing ~ Little Black Bag ~ with Anne Sommerlad
- Needle Turn Appliqué - Cushion ~ with Lynne Alchin
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOogQ5ir3T0W7EnQ6JDdb8fJ5VcYrknT2g2B3pX5OwJXSqLBlbSTdHQ4uwipAZn2ipr664o__XsLkmTG2aY-VcsNTgFoesEDg6m6O8yYRgBg4RkKFibztkVbTQET4wWq8Alr8scNIXPLW/s1600/foundation_paper_pieced_tote_bag.jpg)
I've worked on all three projects since coming home - one finished and two nearing completion. That's pretty good going for me.
The picture above shows the Foundation Paper Piecing in progress. I get confused at the beginning of a Foundation Paper Pieced project, every single time...
Once I get started, however, I really do like the process...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPO4VBZ8rbOoX02aanmMxPLjVrNV2ULEvW7uOe3_GWvKbcEq4BOUiHXlqlETirTzJwxvdmdiCuoEpD7atnHcVApuM4V2fM8GuLTT21l1VOsCBXcedRF6wA47TRIFr2HV3o9JB37NTtDKM/s1600/foundation_paper_pieced_bag.jpg)
... and the results.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwvzOK6CgJWXBEB5kEk8CKTPNT3ZhwfMaapFHyQbEFfyL0pLbLdZAV9PyyU3Q8xnTg5e9D3YAd7w_sjbPXk0Mxt3Lov97Lu9ld7imKMeWRR1qZAm5b45m5woVNy68teF9r4x1eFqFBSPJ/s1600/quilted_tote_bag.jpg)
Once the paper piecing was finished, the bag was a quick and easy make. It gave me the opportunity to try out a new to me foam stabiliser - Bosal In-R-Form, Laminated Napped Tricot, fusible foam stabiliser. With just the stabiliser, the bag stands up by itself!!! Consequently, I purchased a couple of yards, as I have no idea where to purchase it locally.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-i-f_Y0B6KZQXo2mvTbONjaxE7J-WJ0g5ZqXfFJ39nUMbE9QPpfO_viijuUY_09NAA7KyC2anrUAXB30RZDRL1_Rvl57tkC57wzrUBZZ6Rit7PT1a6Q-I0cDZz2YCrDfa_jxNKrjrybD/s1600/shaped_tote_bag.jpg)
I'd previously heard a lot of bloggers say how wonderful Annie's Soft and Stable is, but I have never tried it myself. I think(???) the In-R-Form, is a similar product, but I'm not totally sure. If anyone has used both, I'd be very interested to hear how they compare.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVYwFKwHqvS0ocs9athitm65sMXKe-btUF1USz53jazn1fIIfleBtVYhJYJ1OkZgvY9T52pzdgeKFMb9N5YkkZbA-J3l2NSHNcV5reGaYIkezYz6nu0YKY9jDmRURmNNewtg9HZttfA2Q/s1600/are_quilting_retreats_worthwhile.jpg)
One little black bag finished and I love it. My Foundation Paper Piecing doesn't line up perfectly, but hey, I'm guessing most of you wouldn't have noticed if I didn't tell you.
Much as I like the finished products, I don't go to a quilting retreat just for the sewing. As I said in a post last year... It's not just the sewing, it's the whole package - fun, friendship, girls' weekend away and for me, stepping out of my comfort zone.
In that post I posed the question... is it worth attending a quilting retreat? Costly as it may be, the answer is still YES.
You can see photos from the retreat on the Anne Sommerlad Facebook page.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZM0HHx6GdBJXNtOl-r9jhN-cSrIPDqmV49jRdwyD1SDkObUCeFJJHzNa5_85rRXAKWJWubvOnwML0gVXGueE5laycUmVMKVk5vA84Ch-YkezJm7HVDfoUGbiPkDGZNBZSmjLDK6zYa3K/s1600/foundation_paper_pieced_quilted_tote_bag.jpg)
Have you ever been lucky enough to go to a quilting retreat?
... Pam
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I have never been to a retreat, but it looks like a good learning opportunity! The foam really makes your bag look nice, too!
ReplyDeleteI like paper piecing more than I like sewing thousands of HST's together. So not a quilter.
ReplyDeleteI like how your bag sides look. Is there a pattern?
That bag is AWESOME, and your paper piecing is just fine, thank you very much :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bag! I love it! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
ReplyDeleteYou know it's an awesome bag cuz I'm jealous! As for retreats, I'd love to go on one someday. They are pricey, but I am sure well worth it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time and came home with some awesome projects.
ReplyDeleteI have been to a few quilting retreats that my quilt guild does every year in the fall. They also do a in-town all day retreat which we are having tomorrow. We can make the quilt that will be taught or bring out own UFO's to work on. I will be bringing my UFO's. It's fun just to sew with friends for the day. Your bag looks great Pam!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a 'girly' type so I am totally swooning over this bag. I absolutely love your stunning black and white colour choice and the stitching is perfect, as always!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Josie.
DeleteYour bag looks amazing, very professional and smart and I totally would not have noticed it not lining up! Your interfacing looks like it must be pretty nifty too.
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