San Antonio Modern Quilt Guild Retreat (my first quilt retreat ever!)

Why did I wait so long to do this?  Maybe it was because I wanted to have the best-possible retreat experience!  The young SA Modern Quilt guild hosted a wonderful retreat in Boerne TX at Ye Kendall Inn from Friday through Sunday.  It seemed like a perfect experience to me:  a great location just up the highway from home (it only took me 15 or 20 minutes to get there), lovely accommodations and great food, and we had a nice conference room with everything we needed.
It seemed like I hauled everything I owned (again) out of my studio, but I was glad I took it because I used it all.  One of the fun new toys I played with during the retreat was my shiny new GO! die cutting system, now called "Go Get Em".  I got a great deal on it at the Cincinnati quilt festival, but frankly, I wasn't quite sure how I would use it.  As soon as I started playing with it the wheels started turning.  I have a LOT of plans for this guy.
This thing will cut strips and shapes, even difficult-to-cut applique designs.  Apparently one can get custom die cutters made for the professional model.  I love this thing!  I cut strips, and also cut pre-fused cloth for the appliqued pieces on my little quilt top.

Never able to leave well-enough alone, I cut up my strip pieced top and resorted it, inserting a thin strip of orange batik fabric into the mix.

Look at the cool die-cut applique pieces!

I used the negative space around the cut to fashion a second shape, which I like a lot.

Now, take a look at the facility:

 I had this 1850s-era cabin to myself, which had been restored and moved onto the property.

A claw-foot cast iron tub!  I loved it!

Here is the conference room.

Lunch on the patio.

We were fortunate to have pleasant weather all weekend.

We dined on the back porch.

The food was excellent and the service was equally great!