FO: Second scrappy trip

As I've already admitted, when I finished my first scrappy trip quilt, I wasn't keen on making another.

In fact, I used the word "never". Don't be like me.

I love the second versin more than the first, if that's possible.

There are so many favorites in this quilt. And I especially love the back. Ahhh. Yes.

I'm so glad I changed my mind.

Again with the indigo

I just got back from Wisconsin, where I was able to join some good friends for a sewing weekend in the country. This is my third year to participate, and it's always a very happy time. I don't think I shared it last year, but here's my post from our first year, if you'd like to know more.

One of my favorite parts of this retreat is the dyeing. Each year, we've done fabric and yarn dyeing. We were hoping to try dyeing with logwood this year, but I didn't research enough to prepare ahead of time, so we omitted it. But, indigo! It's always fun, and one of the simplest natural dyeing processes.

I used rubber bands to resist this piece of fabric.

Additionally, I overdyed a large cut of the Cotton and Steel x print for a garment, and redyed some pieces from last year (which really, just took the dye in an even way, covering up my previous resists. Oh well. Lesson learned on that!

Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of our entire group of fabrics, but we used two entire indigo baths! And here is the group photo from our first year.

Jeni had to mail a box home to me, so I'll share my other dyed fabric and yarn very soon!

Delayed retreat post

better late than never, right?

My lateness in posting about my recent retreat should not be taken as a lack of enthusiasm.

I had a wonderful time in Wisconsin a few weeks ago. I'd never been to that part of the US, and I hope it's not the last time.

Photo by Faith/Fresh Lemons

I spent several days with Anna, Deedee, Faith, Holly, and Jeni. I love these girls!

Jeni picked me up from the airport, and we jumped right in, with a fabric shop and some thrifting.

And of course, a visit with George!

We stayed near Madison, at a gorgeous cabin. Seriously, this place was stunning.

There was plenty of space for our group to relax and sew.

The place had lots of windows, too, to give us lovely natural light.

On our last full day, we tried indigo dyeing!

Using wooden (from Deedee's sweet husband) and plastic resists (Jeni purchased them from Rossie), we prepared our fabrics. Above, you can see how I prepped my pieces.

And look! The fabrics we dyed look beautiful together in the sun (my fabrics are in the front, center). I want to do this again, soon.

I didn't sew as much as I hoped, but I managed to finish my staple tunic, and I knit a hat. There was also MUCH eating. Deedee kept us well-fed. But, my favorite new thing?

Fried cheese curds. OMG.

I hope I can visit you again someday, Wisconsin.