January 2025 Retreat

I thought I would write a short blurb about the retreats.  Mostly for those of you who never get to go, or have never gone yet. 

I am not sure what I like best but it just might be when one of the worker girls comes to the door and says "Ladies, lunch is ready". The service is wonderful.  Three meals a day and no dishes to do. We all have our own room and bathroom so all we do all day is make our bed.

This retreat is held at Spruceholme Inn, a lovely complex in Fort Coulonge.  About an hour from Arnprior.  They have cabins, Carriage House, Toller House (which is like a nice motel, with a kitchen and meeting room), and two old mansion houses filled with antique furniture.  In the Bryson House you do share a bathroom with one or two.

There is a large room where we get together to sew. There are windows down 2 sides and I have seen over 30 people there and you still have lots of room to set up.  They are very accommodating with extra tables and chairs though many bring their own.   There is a snack corner where they always have coffee, tea and ice water and many of us provide extra snacks.  ​

The last retreat cost $425 plus $25 for the tip for the 4 days.  I just spoke to a friend who had to stay in a hotel for 2 nights in Whitby and the hotel bill alone was $428, for 2 nights nothing included.  I travel a fair bit and really believe you get a good deal.  Think of it as a short vacation for yourself.

It is a wonderful thing to spend the whole day quilting, sharing with everyone in the room and you never come home without learning some new technique or wanting to go searching for some new gadget.  It is almost necessary that you spend some time checking out other projects.  When something gets completed we all gather to congratulate and compliment.  Of course we also spend a short few minutes getting together to play strip poker or some other game.  Last time it was for 6" squares.

The real best part is the camaraderie of spending time with friends with the same interest. You not only get to know gals but pick up tips as well. We all take a placemat and these are mixed up so you have your meals with different folks every day. 

Hope to see you at our next retreat. 
-- Joyce Murray
Editor's note: Photos are from the January 2025 retreat and provided by guild photographer Emma