Cambria tales

Last year, when the Sea Side Stitchers were at our home by the sea, we met some really nice friends we didn't even know we had! THIS year, we didn't see Loris on the first or second day, so we put a note out for her. You should always look around you for invitations, right?

Loris and the "invitation"

It seemed that everywhere we went, we saw art and beautiful things.  I think the ocean must be the inspiration to be so artful, don't you?

A pink door in the woods as in invitation to the woods?

Wouldn't this be a beautiful applique piece?

This is Wendy, the "camp director".  Here, she's working on a kit that she thought someone was really nice and had gotten all the pieces cut, and some of them even basted to the backing.  Hmmmmm, after a few minutes, she remembered that SHE had actually done that several years ago - LOL!  Time to get that UFO finished I think!

Wendy, Camp Director

Here are all the Sea Side Stitchers (and Harriet the Hedgehog).  We are reaping the rewards of Wendy's hard work from all week - aren't these soft cover books the "bomb"?

Sherri, Sharon, Harriet, Wendy, Margaret, Marj, Carol (in front)

We had marvelous weather for most of the week, but it did rain towards the end.  That didn't stop us!

Wendy and Sharon enjoying the hot tub

The surf was higher than in any years previous, and Carol was just fascinated with it - no matter how cold or windy it was.  This is the last morning, when the surf was almost up to our deck!

Carol's looking for the otter who visited every day

 Sherri and Marj were working on blocks for a block exchange.  I have to say that I really admire them that they would make 42!!! of these paper pieced blocks and the GIVE them away!

Marj, and some of her many, many paper pieced blocks

Carol worked on several projects this week, but this one really took off.  (The books on the top shelf are not part of the quilt!)

Caro, and the blended quilt

 Sharon worked on Mayo the Wonderdog, and completed the rest of the Star Whimsey blocks from her birthday quilt from the Amazing Quilt Babes.

Sharon and the Star Whimsey blocks (Mayo behind)

Sherri worked diligently day and night to complete her blocks.  Aren't they just gorgeous?  What you can't see, is that she fussy cut a little snowflake for the center of each of these blocks.

Sherri with her 42!!!! paper pieced blocks for an exchange

Margaret designed her own spheres and worked all week on this quilt.  Of course, even though she brought 1,523 yards of fabric, she didn't really have the right colors and had to go shopping at least 3 different times for just the right ones.  I think she added another 2,843 yards to carry home in her suitcase!  LOL!

Margaret with the fabulous quilt she made

And so, with all good things, the week had to end.  Until next year, Cambria!

 

So, here I am again - back from the missing. Can it have been almost two months since I last posted and had hopes of being back here regularly? Answer - yes, indeed it has!

There are times in all our lives, when either the days or weeks or months get so full of things for everyone else, there is no time for yourself. I think that's how it's been for me. Letting go of the stress is as hard on your mind and body as actually going through the actual stress itself. And that is where I've landed. After having taken care of hubby, the house (for sale), selling the other house (now done), and just general nonsense of living, I am now ready for more action. I think my frame of mind is a bit better - or so I hope.

Tiny planes do not make me happy, but I boarded it anyway!

I managed to make it to my annual Cambria, CA girlfriend retreat which was a pleasant respite from it all. 2 days before leaving, Hubby went back in the hospital to deal with an infection. You've heard "come h..ll or high water?" That was me! I left him at the hospital (no danger except loneliness) and braved the tsunami warnings on the west coast. So, now you understand just how serious I am about my quilting retreat, eh? Since Daylight Savings Time was the same night/morning as my departure (as well as the NCAA Championship finals) I had to leave at a really early dark time in the morning. Literally, I went to bed after I got up to go to the airport LOL!

I'll post more pictures of the trip in a couple of days, but here's the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve walking trails that we were on most every day. Notice the gloves? It was a bit nippy for some! This trail is just down the street from "our" house on the beach.

Margaret, Sherri, Wendy, Carol all ready to boogie down the lane.

We spent the week laughing and sewing, and of course, it ended all too soon. The weather surprised us, but ended with a lot of wind and rain as we prepared to leave. Fitting, I'd say, wouldn't you?

Little Quiltgranny on a BIG bench along the ocean boardwalk.

And what have I been working on since I've been home?

Mayo the Wonder Dog

David Taylor was here last year, and he is such a great teacher and friend. He'll be back for another private session with my friends and I on how to machine quilt naturally (not meandering, feathers etc.) So, I thought it might be nice to actually finish the piece I started when he was here last May. LOL!

I have lots more to share, and I PROMISE that I'll be back in a few days to get it all caught up.