Barcaldine Retreat Cont.........................

With everyone busy sewing, it was another late night sewing in pyjamas, late night snacks and lots of coffee and other forms of beverages. When we first arrived this lovely lady came and introduced herself to us and we have nicknamed her Nanna Jean, you can tell country people their hospitality is second to none.

Nanna Jean

Nanna Jean had this dry sense of wit and a very warm personality. Wendy said I can close my eyes and listen to Jean talk and it reminds me of my own Nanna. We met lots of new people and it was lovely to think that women can gather from all parts of the area and have a great time sewing, talking and sharing ideas it is great.

Front and back of Amanda's runner

Of course Amanda puts her own stamp on the project and turns out something stunning.

Good Friends, Good Food, A Celebration, A weekend Away.

What an absolutely fantabulous weekend we all had. Friday saw us pack up and head to the lovely western town of Barcaldine, for a sewing retreat, a celebration the coming of age(my 50th).
After arriving at the heritage centre in Barcy, we unpacked rather quickly, got the machines set up and ready to sew. We started on our projects for the weekend. Most of the women chose to do the spring table runner, which saw us get out of our comfort zone and learn Raw Edge appliqué, this is done with the feed dogs down and just your hands controlling the fabric, Scary stuff, but after a few attempts you eventually get the hang of it and it doesn't look that bad.

Julie, concentrating on the Raw edge Applique

Saturday saw the coming of age for me, with the celebration of my 50th, after receiving many phone calls and text messages it was time for my wonderful friends to bestow upon me the cake that they had planned. I had started to get worried a few days out when I knew who was making it. But alas it was not what I had imagined but rather funny instead. As i have no photos of it I will have to describe it as best I can.  It was a boob cake but no ordinary cake they were hanging down to my belly button, complete with piercings in one boob, stretch marks and a note attached saying: 50, and still hanging around. It was delicious. Thank - you Amanda I loved it.