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Light a candle for Webguru Bob.  He got food poisoning and is in bed for tonight.  The newsletter will come out tomorrow morning or whenever Bob can stand totally upright.

Keep your eye out for the newsletter.  We have a visual tribute to the male quilters in our community. (Pictures of quilts!)

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As you can see, it was a very energising week. To recap, the idea of the retreat is for people to gather with like minds, sew and create. The format is essentially independent study with small break out sessions. What has grown is extremely heart warming, as serious life long friendships have been built, and to think it all started on the Internet! - But HEY - I am singing to the choir here! This last quilt was made for Debbie as a house warming gift from Holly, Marlene and Deb - and that is the true spirit of the AAQ Retreat. To get a general idea of what the retreat is about go here (it will be updated soon for next year's info). Registration for 2009 opens to the public April, to get on the wait list write directly to Susan at sujielee@hotmail.com,

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Kathy, from Seattle brought this charming scrap quilt. During retreat she was working with Kaffee fabrics, I can't wait to next year to see how it turns out.

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Speaking of The Cotton Patch, they provided 16 Bernina's for people who flew in, a delicious shop to tempt our pocket books (and that DID happen), and last but not least, Chris, Carolie's jack pot technician serviced our machine right there for an excellent rate! Hey Chris, we LOVE you!!!! Be sure to check out the guts of that machine - rock solid!

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So check this story out - A few years ago Judy (a newbie at the time) brought this quilt with her from Maine. To say it had serious problems would be the understatement of the century. It was so horrible, that my mind has block out the exact situation for self preservation - lol. It was clear that ALL the quilting needed to be picked out and redone. So, Judy, not really knowing me from Adam, let go of her quilt into the arms of an unknown person. In turn, that person took it up to the Cotton Patch. In turn, it was shipped off to the Amish for restoration  - Although now she confesses that a pit grew large in her tummy, here is the end result! Kudos to trust, especially with such a happy ending!

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Photo by Gregory Case

Join Gina Halladay and Joanna Figueroa in Episode 311 as they share with you the latest buzz and yummy things to add to your quilting "cookbook". And you don't want to miss Alex demonstrating how to create the perfect pinwheel. It's a luscious and tasty show without all of the calories. We guarantee that these recipes are definite "keepers". To view the show click here.

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Sharon (on the right) was all jazzed  this year because she is retiring in Jan - more time to quilt! She created this quilt as a signature piece for her fellow employees to sign. Check out the border - she too, used the accuquilt to create this quilt.

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Marlene is also very important to the success and memories of the retreat - can't tell you why, but if you have been - you KNOW.................Here is Marlene's scrappie quilt which celebrated this years theme - I love this quilt!!!

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Along with Susan, this retreat would not be possible with out the attention and detail of Deb. Deb make sure that every detail is under control during the actual timing of the retreat. Deb chose to bring along this quilt which was gifted to her last year at the retreat from the attendees- The master mind behind this quilt was Marlene - and speaking of Marlene............stay tuned to see her creation.

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Another Newbie, Diane, brought several quilts to share, but this one was SO GREEN, because she used recycled prom dresses from the thrift shop to create this master piece. Way to go!!! As an aside, Diane's heart is with the people of Mexico where she is teaching ladies how to sew and quilt.

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