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.

Susan