Back from Siberia

Er, well, after much fanfare in my last post about my renewed commitment to regular blogging, I vanished from the blogosphere. I was, apparently, tempting the Fates, who decided that I was getting cheeky. Within a day or two of that last post (January 7th, I believe), I caught a cold. Not a big deal, right? Well, it is now March and I am only now getting over it. It's months like these that I start to see hibernation as a welcome alternative.

Anywho, dare I tempt the Fates again, I think I'm back. Still snuffly and such, but upright enough for stitchery and such and lots to talk about.

First up, a shout out to my quilty peeps at the Quilt Bliss Retreat and Cabin Fever Retreat
During the past two weeks I've been participating vicariously in the Quilt Bliss and Cabin Fever retreats. When I was living in Utah I met some incredible quilting folk, many of whom have become dear friends. There's an amazing modern quilting community out there—fabric designers, quilt designers, quilters, bloggers, and fabric shops.

Two years ago I joined some friends at a fun, food and fabric fueled getaway in a phenomenal snowy lodge at the Cabin Fever Retreat organized by Emily Herrick, Shannon White, and Terry Griffin. Picture an adult-sized spiral slide running from the loft down to the second floor. Serious fun. I couldn't go this year, but I hear it was fabulous!

Last year was the first ever Quilt Bliss, organized by Pamela Cardwell and friends. Imagine a horde of talented and wonderful quilters, retreating in a "cozy" 26,000 square foot log cabin. Check out my post here from last year with all the details. I was sad to miss it this year, but still am holding out hope of going this fall. Check it out if you're interested, tickets are still available!

Next, a look ahead
Not sure you can A) believe me, or B) stand it, but brace yourself for a virtual onslaught of Shortcookie blogginess!! I have news of swaps, bees, tutorials, quilt-a-longs, and even some new news of progress on our dear 1927 house.

Next up—tomorrow—will be Part I of my first week in the Blocks From the Past quilt-a-long (#BFTPqal). Stay tuned for the wondrous challenge of using a block measuring 1 11/16". Yes, that's one and one sixteenth inch.