2013 Fall Sewing Retreat: Part 1 - Texas

This post is a continuation of my catch-up posts. 

At the end of October, my Mom and sisters got together for a fall sewing retreat! We hope it's the First Annual Fall Sewing Retreat!

The retreat started at my sister's house in Texas and ended at my house in Arkansas. This post is about Part 1 the Texas retreat fun and there will be another post - Part 2 - about the Arkansas retreat fun.

My sister, DeAnna, who lives in Georgia and blogs over at Georgia-Girl Quilter drove from the Atlanta area to south Louisiana, to get my Mom. They then drove to Texas to my sister, Simone's house, which is where Part 1 of the retreat was to take place! I arrived a few days later, driving from the Little Rock, Arkansas area to Texas.

Let me introduce you to my family.  This is my Mom, Jennie.

My parents had 5 children - four girls and one boy. My parents friends know our names but many of them associate us with a number.. we are often asked 'Which number are you?' My reply is 'I am number 4' and a lot of times the response is then 'and your brother is the baby'. These days we are also known for where we live. I am the 'Arkansas daughter'.

Let me now introduce you to Simone, she is number 1, and the Texas daughter. We are at her beautiful house for part 1 of the retreat.

This is DeAnna, she is number 2, and the Georgia daughter.  She blogs over at Georgia-Girl Quilter. Be sure to check out her blog.

Rhunell, is number 3 and the Louisiana or Baton Rouge daughter. She wasn't able to make it to Texas, but she'll show up in the Part 2 Arkansas post, so you will meet her then.

This is me, number 4, and the Arkansas daughter.

My brother, Bryan, is number 5, and 'the baby'. He didn't make it to the retreat but I wanted to mention him since I'm introducing everyone to you.

Simone had retreat bags for us! So sweet of her to think of that! She had a theme in mind.. fiber. Since we were going to be sitting a lot, she thought we would need some fiber. She included candles for relaxation. In case someone got stressed from 'Jack the (seam) Ripper' coming around too often! We had too many laughs to be stressed though, even if 'Jack the (seam) Ripper' came around - and he did!

We ate good.. we always eat good when we're together. My brother-in-law, J1, kept the food and drink coming, and of course our hostess, Simone (number 1, TX) did a lot of preparing ahead before we arrived. DeAnna (number 2, GA) makes awesome muffuletta's! She brought her bread machine to make the bread! Look at the size of that sandwich!

Oh so good lunch!

Simone and her husband own goats and they took us to the goat auction while we were there. Here we are walking the planks above the goats and sheep. The buyers walk the planks to see what goats and sheep they want to bid on.

We actually sat in on the auction. I didn't hear Simone say to not use our hands when we go in. Well, I was amazed by it all and I use my hands when I talk and I was pointing and she said 'stop using your hands!' DeAnna and I immediately put our hands in our laps and were afraid to make any movement. We sat there for a few minutes wondering if we unknowingly bid! We hadn't, but might have raised the price for someone else! I think the auctioneer knew we didn't really belong there! 

Simone recently purchased a vintage Kenmore sewing machine with a cabinet. We spent some time online trying to find out more information about the sewing machine. There wasn't much info to find and we think it was made around 1963.

We did some 'It's 5 o'clock somewhere' sewing.

Let me show you what we sewed while we were together at the Part 1, Texas 2013 Fall Sewing Retreat. 

Mom completed this gorgeous quilt top!

Simone finished these string pieced pot holders. Thursday wanted to be in the photo op.

DeAnna completed a beautiful table topper.

DeAnna also made 3 pillow cases and a potato pouch (to cook potatoes in the microwave). Simone's string pieced potholders are also included in this photo.

I finished a UFO from 2005! Yea! Douglas the donkey managed to sneak in the photo!

It was sew much fun being together, encouraging each other and learning from each other! We left in 3 cars to travel to my house (in Arkansas) to continue the retreat, where Rhunell (number 3, Baton Rouge) joins us. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a very blessed day!

Gina