Fat Quarterly Retreat: The best bit is the people

It already feels like too long ago, but last weekend was Fat Quarterly Retreat 2013, the second retreat. and it was a blast.  There is a lot to share so, grab a cup of tea and take a seat...this is post one, a separate post about classes follows.  I arrived in London very early so my brother met me at Paddington and we went for a coffee at the V and A.  Sunny and  hot, a rare treat for the UK mid July.

Having already met a lot of people for the first time and worked out locations last year, this year was so much more familiar and relaxed all round.  There was a real mix of first timers and last year attendees and still the treat of meeting people I have known for years now online in the flesh.

L to R, entrance into the retreat: Justine, me, Trudi, Lu, Mandy and Krista- and Brioni's quilt.

L to R, Tacha, Brioni, John, Laura Jane.  John had just arrived only hours before from USA.

Justine and Katy

Early evening and warm weather took most people onto the roof terrace and into drinks, supermarket snacks and informal show and tell. 

Me, Alex (Mr Aurifil) and Krista.

Lots of oohs and ahhs at the Sibling's together quilts, bee quilts and more.  I took my Strawberry Fields Quilt as there were 4 contributors there, Lynne, Krista, Brioni and Leila.  It was still making me tear up even now.

I retired to my hotel around 8.30- tired all ready, no stamina really! 

Next day, all day classes, an informal trip to Shaukat fabrics in the afternoon- 10 mins walk from Baden Powell House.  So much Liberty that my eyes hurt from all the stimilation but still managed to buy some.  The evening was market- Sponsors and attendees and it was amazing, so much good stuff in one place.

Claire from Patch Fabrics and Leanne, Little House Martin fabrics

A big table of Oakshott, lovely to meet Michael in person.

Eternal Maker created a beautiful display on their stand and I met Sarah and Rachael at last and heard Sarah's continuing and amazing plans for fabrics at the shop, believe me there are amazing things to come.

Fabrics Galore had an amazing selection- that was the first stall I went too, I knew the navy Hello Kitty Liberty would sell out! Between Market and the raffle I sat and caught up with Leila in a quiet corner.  The sponsors- Liberty, Korbond, Abakhans, Pat at Art Gallery fabrics, Oakshott, Fabrics Galore, Eternal Maker, Moda, Amitie, Makeower, Aurifil, Village Haberdashery and many more give a huge amount of goodies so there are lots of winners.

Lynne and the big bag of swag.

Sunday, I had finished teaching so I did Mandy's needle turn class which was a treat and a lovely calm way to finish the weekend.  Meeting Krista was special, she came over from Canada so I can't expect to see her on an annual basis but having known each other online for so long she was just as I expected and very easy company.

And all too soon (although everyone is shattered at this point) it is time to say goodbye.

I wasn't as emotional as last year as I know I will be back again but it is the end of an incredible weekend of sewing and talking.  It is a funny mix of exciting and overwhelming and at times I sit in a quieter space but the buzz is like nothing else and the talent and creativity all in the one event is more than a little mind blowing.

And the booty- a lovely goody bag, packed full of treats from the sponsors.

 and my spends, Hello Kitty Liberty, Scissors ( a very similar version of the Yuwa print on a heavy cotton- both from Fabrics Galore, Liberty lawn ribbons and pink capel print from Shaukat, Simple Things floral from the lovely Jessie of Messe Jesse.  Roses and a  gorgeous vintage floral print- gifts from Mandalin Mandy, Purple Thang from Krista and crochet lace made by the very talented Sonia

Back with more pics from the classes soon xxx  Thankyou to Lynne and Jan for use of some of their pics in this post xx