Fat Quarterly Retreat, London

I'm back from my long weekend in London attending the Fat Quarterly retreat! I learned lots, and met and chatted to some super talented sewers. 

On the Friday I *attempted* crochet. big fail! This was my second go at the craft, and I can safely say it's not for me. Sorry Laura, it wasn't you! I just can't get my head around it? On Saturday Morning I did a free motion class with Trudi Wood, where I was back on my machine and feeling slightly more in my comfort zone. Although I've never practiced it before - it was even my first time putting the fm foot on my machine! I found out that I like to swirl! and will be practicing more in the future to get the knack down so I can free motion my 16stlouispatch quilt! (this is me the evening I got back, completely shattered - eyeing up my new purchases!)

In the afternoon I had my first experience of foundation paper piecing with Joanna and Julianna, they were so nice and I got lots of one-on-one help from the lovely Julianna during the class - because as like crochet - I didn't get it at all!! I completely forgot that following simple instructions and learning new skills takes me AGES! The idea of looking at things back to front, and flipping it back and forth was so confusing to me. Yes I'm blaming my lack of skills in this area and crochet to being a leftie, ha! But after being back home for a couple of days, I had another few go's at it - and eventually (last night) I got the hang of it!!!! It really didn't come to me easily, so I think this finished block is my greatest sewing achievement. ever. I've wanted to learn to paper piece for so long, but never had the confidence to try, and since finishing this block this morning I have just bought the lovely Ayumi's Dishy Treats pattern this afternoon! so as soon as I finish writing this post it's off to the sewing room to choose fabrics for them! :D

Later on came 'market night' where we got the opportunity to shop from various sellers and purchase their wares! There was some great stuff up for offer, and I was tempted in every direction - though I was very restrained and came away with only 3 fat quarters (which you can spy in my first pic). We also got given a great little goodie bag on arrival too! A big thanks to all the many sponsor's who donated. 

On Sunday, I had hand quilting with Lu Summers. She brought in some examples of her mini improv quilts with hand stitching, and wow, they were amazing! I don't think I've seen these online or perhaps noticed them (eek, sorry!) but I'm so glad I did, they blew me away! No photo's of course, sorry. Most people in the class had done her previous class 'improv' so they had blocks to do some sashiko stitching, whereas I had my traditional sampler quilt so Lu suggested I talk to Mandy who was doing another hand quilting and applique class. She was really helpful, and gave me some advice on threads and patterns to try :)

If I'm able to visit next year, I would definitely like to be a little more social!? I'm really shy around new people, so I didn't get to talk to as many people as I wanted and I annoyingly I didn't join in any of the activities going on in the evenings as I was MEGA shy and ran away, eek! Should have also taken more notice of the Flickr group and got involved in the name badge swap, dohh! So upset I missed out on that. And perhaps set up my Sew and Quilt shop to sell fabric for market? wait, what am I talking about - let's not get ahead of myself now?! Just handing out some business cards would be an achievement! 
    I'm slowly getting round to all the different blogs I was introduced to during the weekend, it's been a great way to get to know fellow sewer's I've not come across before, and also chat with some people whose work I admire from online! Jessie, xo