Thursday, February 25, 2010

Bryce Retreat

I am here in beautiful Bryce Canyon City at a quilt retreat. This is a working retreat for me. I will be teaching two classes and doing a Texture Magic Trunk Show for the group.

This is a winter retreat that has been held for the last 17 years at Ruby's Inn near Bryce National Park in Utah.
Out of all the National Parks I've been to, Bryce is my favorite. The stunning beauty of the etched red rock formations take my breath away.

Because it's winter, I won't be hiking the trails. But we live close enough, that I will be back soon.

The Winter Retreat is the creation of Bonnie Miles, who by the way, does all of the work herself.
The Syrett family originally settled in Bryce in 1916, and the decedents of Ruby have run the Inn ever since.

Bonnie can take up to 250 participants, and every year there is a long waiting list of those who try to get in.
There are a wide variety of classes taught by local talent, and several vendors line the main conference room. When the registration first opens up, I know of some ladies who spend $17 to overnight their forms in order to get the classes they want.

Last night was "Meet The Teacher" and Show and Tell. We were asked to bring quilts that were made from previously taught classes.
This Diamond quilt made with Kaffe Fassett fabrics was from a class Bonnie taught last year.


Last year I taught a "Fun & Done" class (and I'm teaching it again this year). One of the students liked the technique so much she went home and put her own blocks together in this quilt. Beautiful!




One of the vendors gave Bonnie an apron last night. They wanted to make sure everyone knows who is in charge!
Bonnie does a wonderful job of keeping track of all of us, and making sure things run smoothly.
Bonnie was raised in this area and she and her husband just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

11 comments:

Material Mary said...

Beautiful quilts and what a fun job to have. Enjoy.
Mary

Jana said...

Bryce Canyon has a special place in my heart. That's where we honeymooned oh so many years ago! I look forward to seeing all your pictures from the retreat! Have fun!

Rae Ann said...

Happy to see that you made it there okay! Judi told me about the weather.
It all looks so fun! Wonderful pictures!
I will be waitng to hear all about your fun time at our next retreat!
Have a great time and get some good stitching in!
Hugs!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh Nedra, You are one of the 250 lucky ones!! I do not have to tell you to have fun, for I know it will be wonderful!! Looking forward to hearing all about it.

Micki said...

You will have a wonderful time. I was at Bryce Canyon a long time ago and it is magical!
Micki

Unknown said...

Have always wanted to go to Bryce Canyon. The perfect trip would be quilting and canyoning? Looks like a great time

Martha said...

Love Bryce Canyon! Love the quilts. Thanks for sharing.

Browndirtcottage said...

Woo Hoo......wow....I know you all are having sooooo much fun...and I'm not there darn it!!

Mel said...

I love that you shared the goodies from the retreat with us!

I love the cabin/house quilt!

Jen said...

My mommy was there! I hope to be there next year! I nominated Bonnie for SewCalGal's 2011 Golden Quilter Awards... I hope you do too!

brycecountrycabins said...

Bryce Canyon looks incredible. I've not been to this part of the country yet but hope to someday. The photos are great and the lodge cabins look nice.

Bryce Cabins