Spaced Out Retreat

Spaced Out Retreat

I had been hoping to take some sort of vacation in a warmer locale this winter.  When I saw the posting for the Spaced Out Retreat, I jumped on it.  I had the opportunity to be a student at a quilting retreat, instead of being a teacher.  Yay!

The Spaced Out Retreat was a space-themed quilting retreat in Cocoa Beach, Florida (remember I Dream of Jeannie??).  Three amazing teachers teaching three different techniques to create one space-themed quilt project.  Cindy Lohbeck taught multiple techniques of dyeing fabric to create the background fabric.  Cheryl Whited taught fabric manipulation to create moons and planets.  Kestrel Michaud taught applique techniques to create space ships and space artifacts.

Cindy was great at setting the tone for the whole weekend:

Opening night featured Guest Speaker Jean Wright from the Sew Sisters at NASA! She gave a fabulous presentation on creating the thermal blankets that cover all the space shuttles.

Lots of spacey fun, including breakfast!

We were so lucky that we had the perfect weather, and were able to have classes outside.  Here’s the work in progress:

I love the three backgrounds that I dyed that weekend.  Now to decide which one to use for my space quilt – hmmmm.

Here’s my moon and a couple of planets.  I think they’ll look more moon and planet-like once they are appliqued down on the background.

And here’s my Spaceship!  Remember Marvin the Martian?

So I made all the pieces and parts to my space quilt, but I haven’t had time to put it together.  But here are some other amazing quilts in progress by other students at the retreat:

I’m not an art quilter, so this trip I learned techniques way outside my box.  I’m glad I tried something new at the Spaced Out Retreat.  It was so fun, with a great group of artists.

Next year’s theme is The Midnight Creativi-Tea, using natural dyes with a botanical theme.  You can find more information at Cindy Lohbeck’s Facebook page or Kestrel Michaud’s page.

TTFN,