Trent Valley Quilters Guild Retreat

After several long years of waiting, the annual TVQG Retreat was held October 4 - 6, 2022 at the very popular Glen House Resort near Gananoque. No wonder it is so popular for quilt retreats with a spacious, well lit sewing room with lots of windows providing an abundance of natural light. The staff were customer focused, caring, friendly, and very helpful. The grounds were beautiful and the view from the guest rooms was very calming. Breakfast and dinners took place in the dining room, lunches were served in the adjoining, less formal sun room. There certainly wasn't a lack of food!

So many places to go for a walk or just sit and enjoy the view or stay in the room and sew as long as you like.

Guild members (27 included new members to TVQG, members who were attending their first retreat, and members who have attended many retreats) were greeted at the door by Elaine Combdon and Cheryl Lafferty. Each person received a 'Welcome Bag' which contained items made by Elaine and a few treats along with a name tag crafted by Cheryl.

Everyone was anxious to set up their sewing stations to their liking. The humming of sewing machines with everyone concentrating on their project along with so much laughter and conversations happening. What a great start to Retreat!

Glen House held a complimentary Wine and Cheese at the bar where conversations continued, including memories shared about previous retreats. The memories usually started with 'Remember when.....' and ended "What happens at Retreat stays at Retreat!"

Sarah Roberts, Elaine and Cheryl were busy selling tickets for the variety of quality quilting items, as well as tickets for the raffle of an overflowing Picnic Basket that Elaine and Cheryl created.

Creations made and donated by Elaine were a big hit, especially her three gnomes, a witch and Mr. and Mrs. Claus which she donated for door prizes.

What can be said about the weather we had. It was summer all over again and we took full advantage of it. Cheryl invited all the quilters to 'Happy Hour' at the dock before dinner on Wednesday. Snacks and drinks were shared. What a great way to spend an hour before dinner....more laughter and chatter!

There were two demos given by Cheryl: Easy Peasey Scissor Holder made from fabric that quilters brought and a Cell Phone Pillow with kits provided by Louise Oberwarth. Cheryl also gave a quick tutorial on a block design board that can be placed beside a sewing machine.

Watergirl Quilt Co. (Michelle) was our on-site vendor Wednesday afternoon. Michelle was in the process of moving inventory to her new location but was still able to bring a supply of fabric, notions and books.

On Thursday, winning tickets were drawn for the raffle prizes. It was great to hear how happy the winning quilters were with their prizes. There was a very quick Show and Share as a few people had previous commitments and had to leave early. It amazes me how some quilters can stop at a fabric store on their way to Retreat and have a completed quilt top done by the end of Retreat!

This Retreat was a success thanks to the creativity and dedication of the committee members who planned and orchestrated Retreat: Elaine Combdon, Cheryl Lafferty, Louise Oberwarth, Sarah Roberts and Pat Brinklow.

To all the members who attended, thank you for your support and feedback. With your comments on the Retreat Surveys you will help make the next Retreat even better.

It was wonderful spending time with the other quilters that you see at regular guild meetings, but you have no idea who they are. If you ever get the chance, attend a Retreat. You will not regret going because new memories and friendships are made and those are things you can't put a price on!

Check out the Members Login section to see lots of pictures of the Retreat.

Coming soon....2023 TVQG Retreat details! Hope to see you there!