I drove up to the Siena Center in Racine Wisconsin with two fellow PAQA members for company and map reading help. It was free pie day at Perkins in Kenosha, so, coupled with the over 55 specials, we got a very good deal at our lunch stop!
Denise Havlan was there as our teacher for those who wanted to play with paint, crayons and markers.
Denise spent a busy two days sharing her knowledge and talents.
Backgrounds were painted.
Birch trees added.
A woodpecker found its way onto this tree.
Outside, the sun shone and the snow melted.
Beautiful bare branches against the blue sky.
All too soon it was Wednesday and time to go home.
We called in at QuiltPlay in Grayslake.
The present owner has owned the store for more than five years but this was my first visit. There were lots of pretty displays of modern and contemporary fabrics.
Jane found something she needed!
Definitely worth another visit when I’m up that way again…
So what did I do on the retreat?
I must admit I avoided the paint. I stitched the center of my project for my next trip with Sew Many Places.
We’ll do two classes, one embroidery, one English Paper Piecing. Once we’ve got the basics down it’ll be a great project for on the bus. The whole trip is going to be so much fun… find out more at Pieces of Ireland and maybe I’ll see you there?
I also made a couple of clothesline bowls while I was away,
AND practiced a little free motion quilting on a stenciled piece I’d thrown into my bag,
I am looking forward to seeing a few more birds in the back yard now the snow has all but gone. Some of the daffodils are just peaking through the soil.
Yeah, I think Spring has sprung!
What fun! I can assure anyone that a trip with Catherine promises to be a great time! Plus, she has so much knowledge in so many areas of quilting and needlework. Booking anything with her has got to be a win-win package!