Scrub Stitchin' at Baradine

After the demise of Girls Day in the Country at Nundle last year there quite a few bloggers who were left somewhat bereft.  How would we all catch up each year?  Never fear, Chookyblue had a plan.  She roped the lovely Sonia in to ably assist.  

"Scrub Stitchin'" was born.

The venue was "Camp Cypress" at Baradine, an area Chooky knows well. Baradine, located 45 kms north west of Coonabarabran, at the bottom of the Piliga Scrub, is a town that most of us had never visited and, as it is off the beaten track, probably never would visit.  The camp is located in the local showground, where there are camping sites, cabins and a dining room with plenty of  room for 30 women with sewing machines and most importantly, the electricity supply will support all those machines and three irons.  Local catering was also available for all meals, which meant a totally indulgent weekend of sewing and socialising. 

When we arrived there was a goody bag for each of us containing the makings of a lovely bag, especially for Scrub Stitchin'.  A way to identify all us Scrubbers when we are out and about.

There were a variety of charm packs.  Mine has lovely fresh colours.  We could work on this project or any project of our own.  Me?  Well I cut out my fabrics for the honeycomb and glued down about 3........ I had other plans for completing the top of my Picnic in the Park quilt.

See how the room was set up.  (Lea pops up in all sorts of places.)

As always, Show and Tell was a highlight.

It was interesting comparing my Drunkards Path quilt with Miss Jules' version, as they looked so very different for the same pattern.

On Friday night we were greeted by a lovely pink dining area.

We all joined in by getting dressed in pink.  It was a lovely, extremely funny night.  Just remember, what happens at retreat stays at retreat.....just saying.

See all those quilt blocks hanging on the wall in the background behind the pink ladies.  Well, that was a block lotto. We each made two blocks - one white and bright and one in classic cream.  For each pair of blocks we made we got a ticket.  The winner chose either set of blocks to make a quilt and the other set will become a charity quilt.  The winner also donated her blocks to make a charity quilt, so a win win.

Susan arranged some Secret Women's Business in the leadup to the weekend. She came across a fun quilt pattern and thought it would be nice to have some ladies make the blocks for Chookyblue in appreciation of all the work she has done and for the inspiration for many to blog.  To say Chooky was surprised is an understatement.  I'm sure she will have fun with these.

Quite a few of the girls had something to show for the weekend.

Kylie completed her quilt top.  It is stunning, with all hand applique.

Lea made a fine start to her Flamingo quilt.  It is amazing how many pieces are in each block.  You have to be very organised.  Only seven more to go....

Three girls finished their bags.  They were all in different fabrics and looked so different to each other.  All stunning.  You should have seen them on the podium. 

No, I didn't get my quilt top finished.  I still have to complete the sashings, add setting triangles and two borders.  I blame Chooky - she arranged a surprise outing for us, which robbed us of stitching time, but believe me, I'm not complaining.

Here we all are.  There were the usual crowd of bloggers and we were also joined by a couple of local Baradine ladies and a group of newbies joined us as well.  I think I can confidently say that everyone had a wonderful time and will be back next year, all things being equal.  We didn't scare off the newbies, which is a great achievement.

What a great bunch.  I can't wait to do it all again next year.  Thanks so much to Chooky and Sonia for making it all happen and for starting a new tradition.

More soon.....