Two more sleeps

Only two sleeps to go until the fun starts. Finished my ATcs, only have to sew the binding down on my challenges, ironed my fat quarters. No packing done yet. Have a pile of stuff to bring, so will have to give some thought to that. I need to make a list.

Went through my stash today to choose fat quarters. Funny, but nearly every piece of fabric I pulled out wasn't quite a fat quarter - too narrow, pieces missing etc. Did anyone else find that? Must admit I did manage to find and iron quite a few - about 60(said very softly).

Did anyone notice that Duncan had a little friend in some of the photos? His girlfriend "Dymphna the Desirable Dragonette". He's quite chuffed about it all. Never had so much fun in his life.

Duncan visited one of the shops on the Shop Hop, just to ensure that they were ready for nearly 100 happy quilters.







Here he is making friends with Jenny of Patchwork by Sea, although she doesn't look too sure about those teeth.





See you all soon.

Liz

Duncan travels

On Thursday Duncan drove down to Goolwa with Jenny to visit with Elvira. No doubt many weighty Retreat matters were discussed and decisions made. More importantly Duncan visited Goolwa and checked out the water situation in Lake Alexandrina.


Here he is checking out the bridge to Hindmarsh Island. This was the subject of huge publicity some years ago - Secret Women's Business.











And looking out over Lake Alexandrina - where once there was water in abundance!

This picture tells the tale. This is the Goolwa Barrage, designed to hold back water - when there was water to hold back.

On a lighter note - only 4 sleeps until we meet at the Thursday night dinner and 5 sleeps until the Retreat officially begins!! How much to do before then???

Well, I have finished one set of ATCs and the other is in mind. I have pinned together my Retreat Committee Challenge (but I am not really happy with it), I have started a Little Quilt of Love. Angel presents - not yet (sorry my mortal - I will get there, though maybe not hand made); Table Topper - not a hope in Hades; Show and Tell - luckily mine was finished in time for the Retreat before last, but never got there; siggy squares - not this time - too many from previous years; clothes - in the wash; Tiara - broken!!! Chocolate - good old Easter bunny; wine - bottle shop on the way. Anything else?

See you in a few days.

Liz

Sightseeing

Duncan has been out and about today. He paid as visit to the Grand - site of our Retreat. The guy on the desk doesn't seem too sure about him. The poor fellow is probably having nightmares about our weekend at the Grand. Can't think why!!



Here we are right on the beachfront. A few more metres and you are walking on sand.

















Duncan checking out the registering process at the Grand. I hope the guy on the desk looks happier when we all arrive!!!!






Finally Duncan checking out the War Memorial at Glenelg. I bet he never had this much fun when he was living at Barb's Sew and Knit. Thanks Jenny.

Liz

Introducing

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our committee - he will be acting as our PR consultant. Yes, he!! We thought it time we had some male representation on the committee. Duncan will be pointing out some of the sights and not to be missed spots around Adelaide, so keep a look out for him

Duncan is a personable fellow and was donated to us by one of our Glenelg sponsors. As yet we have not quite decided to do with Duncan - we are open to suggestions - but in the meantime we have decided to make use of his unique talents by employing him to show you around Adelaide.

Here he is in Jenny Loveder's garden. Duncan has a love for and a knowledge of wine so we thought he fitted well into our wine theme. So much so that we have named him "Duncan the Drunken Dragon".

The hand knitters among you would appreciate his beauty, no doubt.

Today he visited the physio with his friend Jenny. Wethought he needed a massage and a spinal stretch in readiness for a big week of sightseeing and then a weekend with 150 adoring female fans.

Liz

Retreat Reminders

You have probably read these on the Retreat list, but if you are following the blog, here they are again.

1. If you are attending the Thursday night dinner, could you please wear a name badge. Two reasons - so that other Retreatees know what to call you and so the staff at the restaurant know who is a Scquilter (they are expecting you to be wearing a name badge - not necessarily a Scquilters badge).

2. Undercover parking is available at the Grand. It will cost $7 a day for Retreatees. 24 hour parking is $15. If you want to do the Full Monty and have valet service, it costs $20 a day.

3. Registration begins at 2.00pm on Friday. The Retreat officially finishes at 3.00pm on Sunday - 49 hours of non-stop self indulgence!

4. If you have been unable to get electrical equipment tagged, it can be done on Friday night at a cost of $5.50 per item, but please only use this as an emergency measure. Otto's time is limited and precious.

5. If you have a Dear Jane quilt finished, we would love you to bring it for display. In 1999 Irene Carrig inspired many Scquilters to start their DJs and we would like to remember and commemorate that 10 years later.

6. Please remember - No swapping at meal times!!!

7. Please bring your own first aid supplies and medication.

8. Please remember to tip the committee generously - chocolates and wine would be nice.


That's it for now. More later.

Liz

Two weeks to go

Only a few weeks to go now - just over two in fact and life is beginning to get very frenzied in Adelaide. Apart from ongoing hassles with venues, the committee is getting it together and I can assure you, we will be ready for the onslaught of 150 enthusiastic quilters, come the weekend of the Retreat.

We spent last Saturday putting together the goodie bags and the raffle gift bags and thanks to our very generous sponsors, we have many treats in store for you. If you are lucky enough to become a recipient of one of our prizes, please thank the donors by email, phone or post. They do appreciate your thanks and are more likely to become repeat donors if they feel appreciated. Check out the list of sponsors on the Retreat website and if you happen to be visiting one of them, please tell them how grateful you are for their support.


Committee members filling goodie bags. The photo is a bit blurred because they were moving so fast around the table. LOL!!

Unfortunately I forgot to get a photo of the finished pile of bags, but Maxine's long front hallway was filled with bags.

This is Maxine's lounge and the boxes of donations left after the goodie bags were finished.












Tagging - A reminder about getting your electrical tools tagged before the Retreat if you can. Otto Windler will be able to do emergency tagging on the Friday evening at a cost of $5.50 per item, but it is emergency only. He is coming from work and will have a limited time in which to do the required tagging. Please help us by doing as much as you can before you get here.

Car parking. Under cover carparking is available next to the Grand for Retreatees. The cost per day will be $7 and if you want 24 hour parking, it will cost $15 a day. Valet service is $20 per day. Car parking is available in the nearby streets, but on a weekend it is like hens' teeth.

Not sure how many sleeps to go - BUT it is not very many. Get moving on those challenges, siggy squares, angel gifts and your packing!!!

Liz

New Raffle

It is obviously my day for catching up with Blogs. I had intended to garden today, but I hung the wet clothes out about 2.00 and 15 minutes later it started to rain - well light misty drizzle really. Enough to we things a bit, but not really do much good. The little birds love it though - they are swooping and diving everywhere.

The new raffle is finally ready to go. The quilt is a lap size - or slightly larger - may even be a single bed size. I can get the exact dimensions if you wish. It is a New York Beauty done in Batiks and I love it. Tickets are $2 each and available from the Retreat Committee. If you are interested just email the Retreat list and someone will oblige - or contact one of the committee direct.

The raffle will be drawn at the Friday night dinner so if you want tickets, you need to purchase them now or as soon as you get to the Retreat.

The blocks for this quilt were made by the Retreat Committee, but the quilt itself was the inspiration of jenny Loveder who has really done most of the work on the quilt.

Liz