A couple of weeks ago we had another incredible time at Springhouse Retreat near New Hamburg, Ontario. This was our second time there, and hosts Kathy and Nancy have continued with the high quality accommodations and amenities that had us wowed last year. This place is stocked with everything necessary for a wonderful stay…except your food and projects! Our group of 11 highly recommend it…as a matter of fact, we’re already booked for next year!

For those of you who have been fortunate enough to attend a quilt retreat yourselves you already know that one of the best things about it is the variety of projects that everyone there works on. We always get inspired by our quilty friends. So, with that in mind, feast your eyes on the following projects that we worked on while there.

First up is Patti. She completed a Block of the Month quilt that she had been working on in her favourite colour combo of black, white and red, and also assembled this awesome machine embroidery of cardinals (Winter Visitors by Dona Gelsinger) made with individual “tiles” that were sewn together to create the entire image…so beautiful!

Gail worked on a super cute pattern, Tail Wags by Art East Quilting Co., and made almost all of the puppies at retreat using all of the bright colours that she loves. And, of course, she had to use her favourite Tula Pink fabrics including Fairy Dust for the background.

Chris worked on a couple of charity quilts while there and then finished up the In Control bag that she started at our guild workshop. The colours are gorgeous, (you know I love purple) and she’s already got it in use with her tools.

Nora plugged away at these adorable chickens and managed to get quite a few done while there. She found the free pattern link on Quilty Love. Are chickens in your future?!

Becky worked on a block of the month quilt and then finished a quilt for a friend whose niece is having a baby. This Alphabet Soup pattern by The Pieceful Quilter is a favourite of Patti’s (I’ve lost count as to how many times she’s made it!) and it’s one of those patterns that looks great in any colour combination or fabric line…it’s very versatile.

Sandra finished the binding on this wonderful Hallowe’en wallhanging that she quilted on Becky’s longarm machine. The pattern was from one of the Missouri Star Block magazines . It incorporates a great variety of large scraps and it’s all ready to hang for this coming Hallowe’en season.

Judy brought along this great little kit by Miss Rosie’s Quilt Company called Darcy and completed the whole top while at retreat. Do you think the name Darcy might be inspired by the book Pride & Prejudice? The colours somehow evoke that time period.

Linda completed the top of this beautiful Edelweiss pattern by Thimble Blossoms. I love her use of bold colours…very different from the pattern cover…and in keeping with Linda’s bold style!

For years I’ve been wanting to try the Shimmering Triangles pattern by Jenny Bowker. It uses the very traditional Corn & Beans quilt block, but in a new modern way. Instead of half-square triangles in the centre, I chose to use a square block, but the effect is the same. I ran out of the blue Kaffe Fassett fabric so I have to get more from Gail!

The “Patience Award” goes to Joanne for her beautiful rendition of the Colour My World foundation paper piecing pattern by Wendy Williams of Australia. She did an incredible job and, as an ode to Canada, even included Toronto’s CN Tower in one corner.

One lovely view of *Heart’N’Home Creations*

Three and a half days just didn’t seem like enough time…we could probably stay for a week and still not get as much done as we had hoped to, but all in all we had a great time and can’t wait for next year.

Since Judy and I drove together we took a small detour on the way home and ducked into New Hamburg to check out a couple of places. We were told that New Hamburg has a wonderful thrift store, MCC Thrift, that even has a fabric/craft section…and you know I love thrift stores! Judy got some yardage for pillowcases, we both got quite a few fat quarters for $2 each, and if there had been room in the vehicle I probably would have taken home a table or two! I may take a little more time to browse next year.

We also checked out Heart’N’Home Creations, a wonderful quilt/gift shop on the main road of New Hamburg. Judy had been there before, but this was my first time, and I was impressed by the quality and variety of their products and the friendly service by the owner, Esther. I got a couple of fat quarters and even got a Christmas gift (yes, I shop year round for Christmas!). If you like jigsaw puzzles this is the place for you, and don’t forget to check out the large room at the back of the store that showcases beautiful furniture and pre-cuts. I’m going back next year…with or without Judy. LOL.

Springhouse Retreat 2024