Colorado Toast to CQI Friends

Last week was our first annual kick off to the Crazy Quilting International Retreat! Here are several of us, toasting with Colorado Peach Wine (provided by Janet) to our wonderful gathering! From left to right is Gerry Krueger, Debbie Quirion, Cathy Kizerian, Leslie Ehrlich, Janet Popish! My fur kids enjoyed the extra attention....as you can see, Koda is in the thick of it here!

Here is a pic of everyone, inclusive of my hubby who decided to act a bit like a clown AND Debbie getting a little love from one of my other 4 legged kids, Boogie! LOL!!!

Gerry K and Debbie are a hoot! Before she left home, Debbies sister in law she could be killed by axe murderers or something.....and Deb showed her a pick of Gerry! After hearing the story, I HAD to show off the antique hatchet I have and Gerry/Debbie decided they HAD to have a pic of Debbie being attacked by the crazy hatchet lady!

Here everyone is gathered on my patio while we get dinner prepared! It is SOOO very special to finally be able to meet everyone!

Here is a pic of Cathy K, Gerry K and Debbie stitching away while we wait for everyone else to arrive!

Once gathered together, Cathy shared how to make these folded flowers and folded ribbon border and ribbon leaves.



Here the gang is gathered around the table (Connie, Gerry H, Lauri, Cathy, Debbie, Gerry and Janet). Connie shared her thread storage method while Janet looks on; and Lauri, Gerry H and Connie are enjoying their stitching while we all chat!

Debbie, Gerry K and I had gone to a couple of thrift shops prior to everyones arrival. Here, Debbie is modeling her find.... a satin halter top, red lace (low bust top!) and lace paints that made her feel like a creature out of the cq lagoon! LOL!

Here is Gerry modeling some of hers while she works on a needle book!

Amongst the many activities that we planned, we had a stash dash! Here, Cat is communicating with Jill on her stash preferences!! LOL!! You remember that call Jill? You fussed about how "fuzzy" the connection was! VBG!

Other activities included a private showing of 5 vintage quilts at the art museum, a lecture by Paulette Reading on quilt restoration, a brazilian embroidery class, beaded embroidery class and button painting class. Many many techniques were shared and everyone left with heads full of information and hearts full of friends.

Stay tuned for more pics as we continue to get the loaded!