Gifts made for Retreat

2 weeks ago, I attended a Quilting Retreat in Bathurst. Each year, Southern Cross Quilters (SCQuilters), an online quilting group, holds a retreat somewhere in Australia or New Zealand. This year was the first time I have been able to attend. I HAD A BLAST!!! So much fun and laughter and meeting people first time face to face. I haven't had so much fun since I don't know when. :)
Part of the fun included an Angel Mortal swap. For 3 months before retreat, I had an Angel (who sent me lovely pressies, Hi Lorraine!) and a Mortal (to whom I sent lovely pressies). This was all done anonymously until the reveal on the Saturday night at retreat. We also gave (secretly to remain anonymous) 2 pressies to our Mortals leading up to the reveal, then a pressie for the reveal.

Thought I would share with you my final pressie to Grace (Hi Grace!), my Mortal. I forgot to take photos of the other pressies.

I used this pattern, which I purchased from BeBeBold, and followed the instructions for the bag at the back.

I chose Japanese fabrics because they are Grace's favourite. She had also mentioned that she liked wearing rust occasionally in winter, so when I saw this fabric, I knew it was a winner. The rust worked perfectly.

I made a few modifications to the design. (Can't help myself! lol) I lengthened the handles; added the decorative strip to the rust part - felt it needed it to tie the rust in with the print and to add a bit more Japanese flavour to the bag design; and made a false stiff bottom to be inserted into the bag for sturdier wear. It can be removed if Grace prefers.

Grace loved it and I'm told she wears it constantly.

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Do you remember me buying this pattern? Again from BeBeBold. :) (Hi Jane!)

I decided to make some of the small sized owls for gifts. One for Lorraine, my Angel, one for Grace, my Mortal, one for Lissa, who gave me a lift to retreat, one for my daughter, one for myself and one to spare.

I did cheat a teensy weensy bit. Instead of making fabric eyes, I made felt ones (less work) and I painted the beaks with lumiere paint instead of using orange felt.

A Parliament of Owls:

Aren't they cute? I think I will have to make some more when I get time.

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I still have to upload photos taken at retreat, so I'll post more another day.

Scquilty hugs!

Lindi