Quilter’s Station - Day Two/Part Two

When we first learned about the Quilter’s Station Retreat there was no question as to whether or not we would go. If COVID has taught us anything, we have learned that life is short and you need to take advantage of the things you really want to do while you still can do them because the opportunity may not come up again (or you might now be around to enjoy it!)

Blackbird Designs was at one of the first cross stitch retreats that I ever attended back in 2007. I loved them then and I have loved them ever since. I knew that they were starting to cut back on teaching and so if we were ever going to take another class from them, this might be our last opportunity. Little did we know that Barb would no longer be with us when the retreat dates actually rolled around.

Alma still came and was our afternoon session on Saturday. It was so good to see her! How hard it must have been to present without Barb. It was so much fun to spend time with her. She told some wonderful stories about Barb (as Alma said, “she’s not here to defend herself!”) We learned about their journey in quilting and cross stitch and about some of the designs that had special meaning for them. I just feel so fortunate that I was able to be part of this experience.

As always, Alma set up a table that was decorated beautifully with framed pieces and smalls from Blackbird Designs.

This framed piece in the table, a gift from Barb to Alma, touched my heart.

Our project for the retreat was fall-themed; a small bag for buttons or other trinkets and a round pincushion with a squirrel on top. The presentation was beautiful.

Alma also shared some older patterns with us, because she said, “Barb would have wanted you to have these.”

It really was a special afternoon, one that I will treasure forever.