Idaho QBees!

Oh ... how I enjoyed my week in northern Idaho!  Everything about this "side trip", as I worked my way home, was wonderful!

How It Happened

Nearly a hundred years ago ... ;-) ... Sharon and I began our quilting and knitting journey together.  Twenty years ago, she and her husband left Cordova and returned to their Idaho childhood home.  We have often dreamed of an opportunity to sew and knit together again, but distance and expenses usually made that impossible.  This year the dillydally stars aligned themselves and on short notice, it all became a possibility!  Her plan was to have me teach a knitting class, as a few quilt camp participants were interested in expanding their knitting experiences as well as having time for us to sew together!  Win/win in every way possible!

Quilt Camp

I loved seeing their Quilt Camp traditions.  Many quilters brought mascots that have attended camp multiple times.  Lots of stories and fun surrounding them!

Chinese auctions are a big hit!  Participants contributed pin cushions this fall ... next retreat pillowcases are planned!  What a hoot!  Lots of giggles and competition!

Here the Camp Director is pressing her dress for their annual Red Dress Dinner!

Sharon is infamous for her antics!  The night before, poor Nancy made the mistake of sharing her  concern about her intestinal malfunctions.  Sharon showed up the next morning ready to assist!  Dressed in plastic, with tongs, spoon, and nose clamp ... she was prepared to physically remove the problem!  Too funny!

Loads of Inspiration

A beautiful quilt made with Fig Tree fabric!

There was plenty of room for quilters to spread out and machine quilt!

Sweet applique' wall quilt!

I loved this patriotic quilt!

Snowflakes over Kansas Troubles fabric ... I was smitten!

Be. Still. My. Heart!  Buggy Barn pattern made with scraps!

A unique twist on the Bargello ... loved the results!

French General ... all hand appliqued by Nancy!  Stunning!  Everyone was working on their own projects.  There was so much to absorb ... I would have to write a book in order to share them all!

It was also inspiring to see how everyone set up their sewing stations!  This woman uses a bathroom floor mat.  It was enlightening to talk to her about it.  The non-skid backing prevents the machine and acrylic table from slipping while sewing.  The fluffy surface keeps tools from rolling around and the white color helps make things visible!  Genius!  I plan to get one soon!

My Quilt Posse!

Sharon's amazing friends took me in under their quilting wings ... I arrived without any supplies ... they took very good care of me!

Meet Mary Margaret!

Everyone wears their pajamas all day and night at quilt camp!  I loved the Scotty Dog pjs Mary Margaret made for herself!  Adorable!

Mary Margaret's Nine Patch Snowball quilt ...

... and her four-patch stack and wack!  She made a second one as well ... all for charity!  During our conversation, we discovered that she grew up in the community where I was born in Oregon!  What a small world and kindred spirit!

Sweet Miss Mona!  So generous with her time and supplies.

Here she is modeling an apron that Sharon made!  Mona is the quiet one in the posse ... she would finish a project and pack it up before any of us could take a photo!

Dedicated Donita!  This is a woman that gets things done ... with a smile that lights up the room!

Left over scraps became this rail fence lap quilt!

Such talent!  Replacing hand embroidery with free motion thread work on the machine!

Two seasonal table runners!

Another table runner with a lodge theme.

And a snowman themed wall quilt!  Donita can machine applique' faster than anyone I've ever met!

Sensational Sandy!  I refer to her as the head cheerleader!  Keeps us organized and always encourages everyone!

Here she is modeling another apron Sharon made!  Both her and the apron were super cute!

She completed this beautiful jelly roll quilt for her granddaughter.

She was also busy making these gorgeous 6 inch blocks for a large project she is working on!  It will be amazing!

Sewing, eating, laughing and sharing four days together builds close friendships ... I miss them already!  I am so happy that Sharon has such amazing friends in her life and that they welcomed and included me.  They are such a blessing to one another ... and to me.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel to Idaho ... to have new QBee friends ... and the opportunity to dillydally with them!

Do what you love.  Be a blessing.  Do dillydally!

Mrs. DillyDally