Thank-you, LuAnn, the wonderful chef at the Monastery.  I have Celiac Disease. Because consuming gluten really kicks my a-- and takes me out of the game (any game), I worry about what I can eat when I travel or go to events with friends. Going to the retreat at the Monastery was no different.  BUT GUESS WHAT??!!!  All the meals were gluten free!!
One morning they had gluten free hotcakes! For dinner on the second night we had meatloaf with baked potatoes and gravy.  I had not had meatloaf with gravy in eight years.  I was in heaven!  The meatloaf was made with cornflake crumbs and the gravy was made with cornstarch.  I had taken my breakfast bars because I figured they would have nothing I could eat for breakfast.  Wrong!  I did not have to eat any of my breakfast bars.  The food was so delicious and comforting, but I made sure not to have seconds because I would have gained weight for sure!   

It was awfully nice of Julia at Room To Learn to co-ordinate this wonderful quilting retreat in Jerome, Idaho, at the Monastary. http://www.roomtolearn.biz/

Her 'room to learn' is located inside the Knit One Quilt Too knitting and quilting shop in downtown Kuna, Idaho. http://www.knitonequilttoo.typepad.com/

On April 16, day 1, I completed the handstitching part of the binding on the arms of my kimono jacket. It is named "Elephants of Style".  If you are interested in learning to make kimono jackets, visit Sharon Baker's web site: http://www.kapamaker.com/   She has been very busy with life lately, so her website is not current, however, it is still valid and inspirational.  You can get her patterns and books at the Cotton Club, an on-line quilt shop: http://www.cottonclub.com/ 

I love making these kimono jackets. This is my third, and I made this one for me.





Here are some photos of quilting retreat:     

design boards are showing off beautiful blocks and smiles are all around.  

On Day 3, Rose and crew asked if I would like to go with them to the Kimberly quilt shop. Before my mind could engage, my mouth said, "yes!" I had so much fun on our little odyssey to Twin Falls, then to Kimberly, where I found my new favorite quilt shop: The Quilt Barn. I bought some orange space ship fabric, to suppliment the Planet Ruth Bag, and the 'Scattered Anchor's" fabric, for my border on my crosses quilt.  The nice gentleman there, who really knew how to cut fabric, gave us all a tour of their 'quilting retreat' space.  Very nice! We all ahhh'd and oohh'd over it. http://www.quiltbarn.blogspot.com/

My days are a little mixed up, because the first thing you post ends up last on the blog.  That is okay, just continue on for more awesome photos and information about the retreat.  I did complete my kimono jacket, learned how to make a fabric box, and got all my cross blocks pieced together. I also started on a bunting to hang, and a impromptu orange and purple tote bag, that became known as the Planet Ruth Bag.

Sally's Back Porch Fabrics "in Shoshone"

 

On the second morning, my roomie and I were going to pop out to the quilt shop in Shoshone, so she could get a better variety of batiks. I just needed to go because I am a fabric hog.  Ken and Sharon said they were going to go right after breakfast, and did we want to go with them?  Only if we went now and came right back.  We want to do as much quilting activity as possible with as few road trips as possible.  That was their intention as well.  We invited Wanda.     So, we five (Ken, Sharon, Wanda, Carol, and Ruth) set off on high adventure.     It turns out the quilt shop is not "in" Shoshone.  You drive through Shoshone and approx. 2 miles beyond.  Turn left and go 2 miles past some lovely livestock and turn right on 150 N and proceed on a gravel road to Sally's Back Porch Fabrics/hair salon/massage parlor.  Unfortunately, Sally does it all, so I can't have my fabric cut at the same time as my hair.  She had alot of good stuff. I mean she had everything! batiks, flannels, cowboy prints, lights, darks, sophisticated, friendship prints, kid prints, embroidery floss, buttons, rulers, rippers, a whole notion wall actually, patterns, examples, and country gifts, even spool o'thread strings of lights!  The yard has a plethora of birds and fun antiques including an old merry-go-round!

Weeeeell, we each got our cutting done, then while waiting, found more fabric and had to get more cut. We had so much fun, we managed to get back to the Monestary in time for lunch! 

A "fab" time was had by all. 
I know I had a blast!