My Five Days at Quilt Camp = Heaven!

Last Wednesday I happily got in my packed-to-the-gills van and headed toward rural Michigan. This time my vehicle was not loaded with books and book related items for a quilt show or guild talk. Instead my prized passengers were my Bernina Quilters Edition 153 and far too many quilting projects to actually finish in five days. ...I was on my way to quilt camp!

The moment when you get in the car heading for quilt camp/retreat and pull away from home is one of the most anticipated events in a quilters year! I am blessed to go to camp twice a year (five days each time) and meet up with 24 other women who are as excited as I am to be away from our day-to-day lives. The pleasure of five full days of uninterrupted sewing, chatting, and eating holds an allure for quilters that is unmatched.

A half-hour from the lodge where I will meet with my B.A.Q.S. sisters (B.A.Q.S. stands for Big Ass Quilter's Society...because we make big ass quilts) is the small Amish town of Shipshewana, Indiana. A trip to camp is not complete without a stop at Shipshe (as we like to call it). Yoder's Shopping Center and Lolly's Fabrics are my "must visits" on the way to camp...you know, because I just don't have enough fabric in my stash =)  I also make a stop at E&S Bulk Food and stock up on tubs of spices and dehydrated veggies. After that there is nothing between camp and me but a fill-up at the gas station (so I don't have to do it on Sunday).

Our theme for September was mothers and pearls. We all brought photos of our moms and we all wore pearls while we sewed!

Let the photos begin...

Home of thousand of bolts of fabrics!

This is a normal sight in Shipshe.

Interior view of the main work area of the lodge.  We're all set up and ready to roll.

Hard at work having fun!

Some of the photos of our moms displayed on the hearth...

...more Mom pictures on the piano.

Every set of tables helps in the kitchen for one meal. My group had Thursday dinner. YUM

Sisters Mary and Geri playing Oscar Trivia.

A little tired late at night but my pearls are still in place =)

Caryl is so much fun...BTW that's a Kit Kat not a cigar!

A fabulous modification on an Edyta Sitar design.

Sandy made this wonderful quilt from her fathers jeans.

Marge does spectacular hand work.

Time for a little hand stitching, reading, and resting for some.

Gail and Moe made the same quilt with different colors.

Donna is putting the finishing touches on this beautiful Double Wedding Ring for her son and daughter-in-law.

Wandering around the property is inspirational.

Discussing a Blackhawks quilt.

Chef Sandy is in love with the new ovens that were installed!

Would love to see this quilt when it is finished--good job, Judy!

An artsy piece by Linda.

Chef Sandy presents us with a cupcake dress for dessert.

Caryl's big quilt from little pieces.

Chicago Blackhawks rule!

Kathy's gorgeous quilt is perfectly executed.

B.A.Q.S. Fall 2014 with our pearls and photos of our mothers.

Until March of 2015 ladies, when we'll do it all over again!