A Gift for Yourself

When you own a quilt shop, what's the next step? (Well, besides more fabric, because we all know you can never have too much of that!) A bigger place to sew, of course. Preferably with other quilters. 

Theresa Bringardner, owner of The Quilt Place in Rockledge, Florida, has done just that, opening a retreat center just 3-1/2 miles from her shop. The retreat is located on the picturesque Indian River in Cocoa, FL. 

It seats 25 people to quilt and can sleep 15—just large enough to make some new friends, yet small enough to feel personal and cozy. In addition to its proximity to the shop for fabric or notions needs (with 12,000 bolts, The Quilt Place is one of Florida's largest quilt shops), the center is also close to a quaint little restored shopping area in Cocoa. Did we mention the retreat also includes a heated pool?

The next retreat scheduled is January 25-27, 2013, with classes by Phyllis Anderson—a perfect cure for mid-winter blahs! As Teresa says, ''no cooking, no cleaning, no interruptions!" You come, you quilt, you swim, relax, and make friends (or come with friends!), and they'll take care of the rest (including meals!).

Visit The Quilt Place website for more details and to find out future retreat dates. 

p.s. Sending you warm wishes for a joyous holiday season and happy and healthy new year, filled with all the sewing you would wish for!