Darlington Park Quilting Retreat

 I am a bit late this week as just come back from a 3 day retreat. Feeling very tired from all the mental exercise as well. It was a good time, had by all. My sister picked me up and we shared a bedroom, in a villa that sleeps 8 but there were only 4 of us in ours. Unfortunately there was no internet and phone access was very bad as well.

It is a lovely area and I have been here before years ago. Lush greenery with many palms, as you will see in the  photos. Lots of villas, some permanent residents and a camping area that joins on to a beach plus a lagoon in the centre of it all.

Large swimming pool

Water Park Area which was the most used by kids.

One of the entrances

Kids swimming area, and spa.

The birds every morning were a delight to listen to, so many of them, with a lot of rosellas. We had some light rain but mostly at night. Some of the ladies had a spa every night also and happy hour. Each lady took something to eat, mine was a pavlova and Jan's was a beef crock pot which I ended up doing and she made a ton of chocolate balls, as she had been on holiday with her girls at Bribie Island.

Indoor seating Area from Conference room which was also attached to a very popular cafe. 

  Lots of cakes and slices, plus a chicken crock pot, rice, sausage sizzle one lunch, soups on the last night with leftovers. By last night we were full anyway so soup was a great idea. Chicken and Corn, and a Minestrone. 

Pavlova I whipped up.

Soup de Jour

The conference room was hired and we sat with tables in a square. If you wanted to do a new quilt it was called Waterwell and 4 did that including my sister. A sheet of notes went out before hand, so materials could be bought or found.

The beginning of the pattern Waterwell.

I decided to make a handy carry bag as I needed one to go to quilting every Tuesday. 

 

 We all had to bring a needle case wrapped in brown paper, which some didn't or forgot but this was the group that did arrive. Mine was the middle bottom and I got the hexagonal one next to it.

Needle Case Swap

Nearly finished carry bag, 3 exterior pockets either side.

Inside has 3 pockets either side also and a clip for scissors. Also in it is my new needle case.

Side pocket on both sides need a gold press stud for flap closure.

All in all it was a great weekend, but I will be having an early night, that is for sure. 

To finish off,  John celebrated his 70th birthday  on the 28th and we went to a lovely local Japanese restaurant which had some amazing meals. We used our NSW $25 incentive vouchers so it only cost $38 dollars for 5 dishes and wine. Bargain !!1 The waiter also supplied some dessert for free to celebrate as well. Tempura bananas with green tea icecream.

Happy Birthday

Till Next Time.