Saturday 26 May 2012

FQ Retreat Linky Party

I knew I was going to this retreat almost as soon as they announced it. It just took me a little bit longer to convince someone that I needed to have it as a Christmas present. Luckily my powers of persuasion still work. And I cannot wait.

Photo taken a couple of day ago.
My hair usually looks more crap than this.
Sad but true.


Who am I? I am a Canadian who was a nomad most of her adult life. But I finally got married and settled down in my late 30's. I am 48 years old but you are free to tell me I look much younger. Lie! Please!!! I am a stay at home mum, almost the world's worst housekeeper, though not yet reached a point I should be featured on any of those tv shows.

I started quilting about six years ago. I wanted a hobby, something that wasn't directly involved with childrearing. I tried card making. That didn't do it for me. I tried beading. I was crap. Then yet another friend got pregnant. And I decided I would make a quilt. How difficult could it be? Yeah, I know, but I learned, the hard way most of the time.

I took a few classes with (very nice) quilt police so I learned to do some things the proper way. I decided that I like doing things my own way most of the time. And then I started reading blogs about a year and a half ago and found out that you lot all knew way more than me and I learned to do things the best way - finally!

My quilting life changed forever when the fabulous, wonderful and inspirational Lynne (shhhh! I'm sucking up here!) started Brit Quilt. I joined up in the very beginning and just moments later Laura Jane volunteered to be mama for the first ever Brit Bee. Scared witless, I took a deep breath and put my name down for it. That was the best thing I ever did for my quilting, because I met eleven of the nicest, funniest and best quilting buddies I could have hoped for. And I will be meeting them all face to face next weekend.

I am so excited!

At the retreat I will be doing Portholes, Framed Purses, Freezer Paper Piecing and the design challenge. If you don't recognise me from my photo above then you will by the language. I apologise in advance but I have been known to spout the odd swear word or two (or three, or four, or five). It is the legacy of living the life of a sailor for five years when I worked for Princess Cruises. (Truth be told I already had a foul mouth but I use the sailor thing as a very convenient excuse.) I talk too much, especially if I am nervous. I laugh loud and and I am known to be ditzy so shall be sitting by Annabella as much as possible so that my mucking up things doesn't show up as much because she claims to be much the same.

I will be sharing a room at the Grange Strathmore with Annabella and Laura Jane. And I am so looking forward to meeting everyone next week. I think next year we should aim for a Retreat week. I have joined the linky party. Click on the button and read all about everyone else who is attending the retreat.

Fat Quarterly

Susan

42 comments:

  1. eeeeek! Looking forward to swearing along with you ;-)

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  2. I should have guessed about the language.

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  3. Whilst talking to Lynne, I finally came up with a hoop saying - 'Modern quilters like to fuff' - trouble is it sounds a lot dirtier than I intended ;-)
    Can't wait to meet you next week x

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  4. Awww man, you're coming too? :-P I guess someones gotta keep Lauli in order.... See you soon!!!

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  5. We're going to get along just fine you and I!

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  6. I`m so excited, I just can`t hide it....oh, I sing too!! Can`t wait Susan - woo hoo!!

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  7. I can so feel the excitement mounting.

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  8. Ha ha! I wish I was going, but perhaps it's a good thing I'm not. I swear too and have this habit of telling myself off if I do something wrong. In A Very Loud Voice!

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  9. You are all going to have a ball...I'm so jealous that I'm not going now. Looking forward to seeing all the photos and hearing about the banta when you get back!

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  10. Enjoy! Though why I am saying that I do not know because - it goes without saying that you will. Hugs

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  11. think I might try swearing in french lol, cannot wait :)

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  12. Can't wait to meet you next week, Susan!

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  13. So you were on your best behaviour at the NEC in August then cos I don't think you swore ....much!? Looking forward to extending my vocabulary!

    Teehee - can't wait, can't focus,....oh dear!

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  14. Looking forward to meeting you xxxx

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  15. retreat week - now there's a thought..... See you soon!

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  16. I actually started crying when I read this! I am soooo sad I will not be among the fun, loud, quirky girls, best new friends! You are all going to have so much fun!

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  17. I can't wait, only a week to go!!

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  18. I'm finally going to meety very first swap partner! I can't wait ( nice photo btw)

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  19. How fantastic. This is just so perfectly you...I know it's a silly thing to say as it's a bio, but the you described here is the you I have become friends with. I can't wait to share a retreat with you!

    xx

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  20. WOO HOO - This is going to be so much fun - this time next week...
    Suppose I better get a post linked up, when I have finished doing the rounds xxx

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  21. Looking forward to seeing you there and my MIL Carol is very excited about meeting you and seeing which tag you're wearing x

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  22. when you get home you can teach us

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  23. I can't wait to meet you in person. Di x

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  24. Looking forward to meeting you!

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  25. Have a great time. How exciting to be meeting up for the first time with swap friends.

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  26. Lol, well I already knew about that mouth of yours, can't wait to hear it in action though! xx

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  27. Did you really swear at FoQ? I don't remember that! But then I have slept a lot since then! :D So looking forward to catching up with you Susan!

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  28. Are you sure you're 48? You look much younger and that is not a lie.
    Have a wonderful time, I'll be thinking about you all and hoping to see you some other time.

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  29. Sweetie you don't look a day of 49... sorry 39, really, it meant to say 39... ;o) Bet I can out swear you though, product of Belfast and the east end of Glasgow that I am ;o)

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  30. Can't wait. I swear a lot too - it doesn't see to matter much when you don't think anyone around you can understand. Sorry to everyone in advance!

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  31. Have a fabulous time - I think it's fair to say there'll be a lot of talking and laughing going on...are you also planning on sewing?!

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  32. Looking forward to hearing you swear...ehm...I mean.. to meeting you. I can teach you a Dutch swearword or two (3,4,5) :)

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  33. Haha! you'll be in good company being potty mouthed - trust me there's a few of us FQ team included ;)

    I'm staying at the same hotel and your roomie LJ is one of my sewing besties - Yay!!

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  34. I'm at the grange too, will be good to mett you again!

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  35. Oh I am so looking forward to meeting you! See you at the weekend!

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  36. CANNOT WAIT TO MEET YOU! Its going to be so epic!

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  37. Hahha Annabella got there first, but that song is my go-to when I am excited, Ive been singing it since I was a little girl (no, not in anticipation of the retreat, I am not THAT excited!)
    Ahem, anyway I am SOOOO excited to met you!!!

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  38. Nearly missed the suggestion for next year being a week! Great idea!

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  39. You've got it easy: you're coming with 2 of your best mates! I'm coming on my own
    But as Bob Hale always says: NOT FOR LONG
    Love to meet you!!

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  40. Susan, I'm totally with you, what would I be without the www and all beautiful blogs out there... I'm a selftaught quilter (books/ internet reader) and very thankful for all the free tutorials and patterns!
    See you very soooon!
    Christine

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  41. And I have your Tube line fabric packed.... See you on Saturday.. I'm at the Grange too...

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