Creations in Kerrville - Summer Retreat

Welcome welcome welcome, guest-member blogger, Emily.  Emily attended our guild's retreat, recently, in Kerrville.  Here's her review:

Have you ever been to Creations in Kerrville? If the answer is no, then I suggest planning a trip as soon as possible. Once there you will find a perfectly curated collection of fabrics including, but not limited to, beautiful modern finds that are organized in a logical and inspiring manner. Kaffe Fassett? Check. Tula Pink? Check. V and Co.? Check. Cotton + Steel? Check. Could I go on and on? Check! In addition to the glorious yards and yards of fabric, they have a room filled with books and patterns, another filled with notions and sale items. The charming house is stuffed full of fantastic finds and fabulous staff who are there to help around every corner.Truthfully, I was only in the store for thirty minutes or less, sprinting through in a mad dash to see what they had and return to my sewing station at The Main House. I was there on a quilting retreat after all. Because I sprinted through, I am sure I missed entire areas or even rooms (gasp!) but I can say it is without a doubt the best quilting store I have ever patronized. The finely attuned attention to detail that is so striking in Creations is readily apparent in The Main House, our home for the weekend of August 3-5. 

Eighteen Hot Tamales journeyed up to Kerrville to relax, quilt, eat, and commune with one another. When we arrived we found a well-lit work room where everyone had enough room to spread out and get creative! The kitchen/lounge was well-organized and stocked even before we stuffed our delicious menu items into the fridge. Upstairs, the rooms were just like staying in a fabulous hotel, with rooms accommodating anywhere from 3-5 quilters. Each room had it's own bathroom and shower. We were staying in luxury; the attention to detail that makes Creations the best quilt shop around is evident in The Main House. I could go on and on about the accommodations, but you might want to know that we did work. 

When Christine and I arrived around two on Friday afternoon, Toni had already cut into her Liberty fabric, making a stunning baby quilt for one of our littlest Hot Tamales, Gracie. Sue was well on her way to completing her fantastic wedding quilt, gearing up for her son's wedding in September. Suzanne was hard at work putting together a beautiful quilt for her daughter, who had picked out the fabrics. They were all working together; mothers hard at work providing beauty for their children. 

Close to the busy moms was Sarah Rodriguez, speedily completing her inspiring paper pieced hexagon quilt. When she ran out of paper, Sarah started working on the BOM blocks she won in July. Boy, was this girl drooling over those beautiful blocks! Next to Sarah was a station stacked high with fabric and thread but not a Hot Tamale to be seen. Christine and I put everything away and started sewing before we even caught sight of Joanna (who had apparently been lost in Creations.) Even though Joanna spent a lot of time shopping, she somehow started and completed a fabulous mini quilt, busted out a whole bunch of BOMs, and worked on altering the pattern for and creating another Sew Together bag.

At the other end of the room, I'm pretty sure Ashley had already completed her Yellow Brick Road quilt; a stunning work that brightened up the entire work space. Ashley dubbed her corner "her little sweatshop" because she clearly came to work. I would love to think I could tell you everything she completed over the weekend, from a bag to several Farmer's Wife blocks, to a herringbone quilt but she completed work faster than I could even register. 

Christine photo-documented the entire weekend, making sure to keep all of the Hot Tamales who couldn't make it to the retreat up-to-date. She also worked on the beautiful backing for her triangle quilt, which she even got spray basted, ready for quilting. She completed a pillowcase to accompany the show and tell quilt she made for her son's bed. Finally, she worked on an inspirational improvisational quilt. We only got to see part of it come together, but we are all curious to see the finished project. I had been waiting for this retreat  because I knew I would have the precious space to lay out two quilts that needed time on the design wall; I completed the first of my seasonal bed quilts. I also completed the design of the triangle section of my Christmas snuggle quilt.

At another quilting station, Cathy worked diligently on something she loves to procrastinate. . . . binding her quilts. (I know some of you can relate to that!) She finished binding all of the quilts she brought; it always feels great to finish and see the final, executed design. She also pieced together a Minnesota Viking quilt top (presumably before she started her binding work. . . but I'll never tell!) She also fielded questions left and right about foundation paper piecing. Edna was busy, busy, busy working on her adorable summer-y quilt. Her quilt just makes you want to stop and have a picnic with some Hot Tamales. Kathleen was fervently working on charity quilts all weekend long. There was no slowing her down! Mai joyfully worked on a spunky polka dot quilt kit she got from Craftsy. Sara kept cutting out baby block kits and sneaking them to people to complete. She got all of the blocks for Yong-Li's and Katrina's quilts done. She also was working away on some UFO's and quilt backs. I'm not sure how all of these ladies got so much done since they also were telling stories to entertain the entire room!

Allison's crew joined Ashley at her "sweatshop" station and they clearly showed up to work. Allison completed her President's challenge quilt and worked on top secret quilt con entires -- you know the drill, we can't tell you or we'd have to force you to bind quilts in a dark room (with an OttLite) until QuiltCon selections were announced. Sorry. Rosemary  worked on binding a T-shirt quilt and keeping everyone encouraged and entertained. Kim finished her second quilt ever -- a quilt any Texas Longhorn fan would be happy to snuggle with! When Danielle arrived late Saturday night, she joined this group and went right to work, busting out some garments and working away on her captivating Tokyo Subway quilt. 

As you can see we had a super productive weekend! Can't wait to see you at the next retreat!