We just got back from another wonderful quilters’ time away at Springhouse. The only negative was that on day two I came down with a stupid cold and didn’t feel all that great. I took a lot more breaks than usual and wasn’t able to work on Patti’s A Place For Everything Bag because it required more brain power than I had to give. Instead, I ended up working on mindless projects that didn’t require much concentration. Unfortunately, I think I passed on my cold to at least 5 other people…sorry girls.

At least I was able to take a few photos of some of the projects that everyone was working on. Before I get to that, let me show you what I made for the ladies. As I stated before, I just want to sew, even though I have no specific projects planned, so I decided to make English paper-pieced hexie bags for each of the ladies. A couple of months before retreat I sent out an email asking everyone for their 2 favourite colours, their 2 least favourite colours and their favourite sweet treat. I managed to make the bags with their fave colours (leaving out the least favourites!) and filled the bags with a card game, some post-it notes and their fave chocolate bar or sweet snack.

Now on to the projects…

Sandra worked on a great pattern called Patchwork Playground by Sew Joyful Studio with a kit that she purchased at Northern Sky Fabrics in Edmonton, Alberta. Proof that even a simple nine-patch can be strikingly beautiful.

Judy’s quilt is Urban Chic by Fabric Cafe and she used a wonderful sewing themed fabric with a gorgeous blue contrast. 3 yard quilts are very popular these days and this one definitely falls into that category.

Patti loves her panels and was able to complete this stunner, Our Canada by Patchworks Studio (Patti’s shy and didn’t want to be photographed).

Linda was getting a head start on Christmas with this cute machine appliqued St. Nick wallhanging by Meme’s Quilts. Once she adds the button eyes St. Nick will have real personality.

Nora used some amazing fall prints for Brick Street by Fabric Cafe. Love that orange sashing! Just like Judy’s quilt it is a 3 yard quilt and is perfect for when you need something relatively quickly.

Gail went a little out of her comfort zone (it’s not Tula Pink!) and made a large part of this beautiful quilt, Cottage Cloth, with a bajillion half square triangles. The fabric is gorgeous with a textured look that reminds me of shot silk.

Becky was able to join us from New Brunswick and worked on this incredible foundation paper pieced Block of the Month called Winters Glow. Instead of cool and icy, she chose red, yellow and orange batiks to make it hot and fiery…so gorgeous!

Keeping up with the “spicy” theme, Joanne worked on another Wendy Williams foundation paper pieced pattern called Spice Market. She made a big dent in her blocks while there and completed the 2 largest blocks. Her colour choices are wonderful.

Chris was very industrious and had prepped a bunch of fabrics to make these great folded star hot pads…I lost count to how many she made, but she’s definitely prepared for holiday giving this year! Keeping with the holiday theme, after seeing the placemat that Linda made, Chris wanted to make one too. It’s like a little present and the napkin folded at the top is like the bow on the gift…so cute!

Marg was intrigued by some bags that Sandra made for gifts last year and while they were out shopping she picked out a jelly roll to make the Jelly Roll Tote by Shabby Fabrics. The entire jelly roll is used for both the outside and inside of the bag as well as the handles. I love the slotted pocket on the outside too.

What a great group of ladies (all from the Twisted Stitchers Quilt Guild + Sandra!) to have some time away with. As usual the company was wonderful, the food was delicious and the venue was perfect. Unfortunately, Springhouse is not available for our usual time next year so we’ll be trying out a new place in the same area. We’re looking forward to checking it out.

One more thing before I go…

Since Quiltish Corner is celebrating its 5th Anniversary this month, I have a special giveaway for one of my subscribers. All you have to do is send me an email (quiltishcorner@gmail.com) and give a comment about the blog by May 31, 2025. Did you learn a new technique? Was there a photo that you particularly liked? Was there something that inspired you? I don’t even mind if you have some constructive criticism…send it anyway! Please also include where you’re from in the world.

One lucky winner will receive the bag I made filled with some of my favourite tools…a spool of 50 weight Aurifil thread in one of my fave neutrals (light grey # 2600), a Clover Hera marker (great for marking lines without pencil), a Clover Finger Presser (great for those of you who like foundation paper piecing), the Sewline Glue Pen and Refill (perfect for those of you who love to do English paper piecing), and even a d-ring and clasp if you want to make a bag of your own. Sometime in the near future I will have a free tutorial on how to make a bag, just like this one, for yourself…that is, if you don’t win this one! Good luck everyone.

Springhouse Retreat 2026