Desert Quilting Retreats
-- Sponsored by Monica's Quilt and Bead Creations and The Calico House --
Four weekends each summer, the desert buzzes with the whir of sewing machines, the whish of fabric being cut and the laughter of women having the time of their lives. We're planning now for our 14th year of sewing, fun and games.
This is the time to sew all night if you like at your own table, grouped with three other participants under excellent lighting, and to meet other quilters from around Southern California who return to the retreat year after year.
We are accepting any who would like to join us for this fun weekend at the wonderful Hyatt Grand Champion Resort. Please contact us at (760) 772-2400 if you are interested in joining us for your preferred session. If a session becomes full, we will gladly put you on the waiting list and contact you once an opening become available.
Dates for 2012
Session 1: Friday - Sunday, July 22 - July 29
Session 2: Friday - Sunday, August 3 - 5
Session 3: Friday - Sunday, August 10 - 12
Session 4: Friday - Sunday, August 17 - 19
Here's a look at highlights from our Night in Paris, Oh, la, la! theme.
Cindy Zechter, owner Monica Gonzales, owner
The Calico House Monica's Quilt and Bead Creations
Show and Tell, Friday Evening
The retreat begins with a display of recently completed projects. In addition to her wall hanging, this participant shows off her Paris chic by wearing a wonderful beret!
A completed 2008 mystery quilt brought to the 2009 retreat for Show and Tell.
The action continues Friday night when participants select from a wide variety of kits from two of Southern California’s premier quilt shops: The Calico House and Monica’s Quilt and Bead Creations.
Clothing to Match
Part of the fun comes from long-time attendees wearing theme related clothing and decorating their tables to match.
Pink and black fabric and Eiffel Tower embellishments predominated this year, carrying out the retreat theme.
From matching outfits to matching pincushions participants prepare all year long to dazzle with their creativity. There's no contest, no prize, just the pride of having carried out the theme!
Piecing the Top
Guests are aided by the retreat sponsors' staff who provide excellent assistance as quilters work their way through each step to a gorgeous quilt top.
With blocks done, this participant arranges them on the floor before sewing them together.
Pampering
During breaks quilters are entertained and have an opportunity to get a massage ($1/minute). 
Sunday's breakfast includes games and prizes. This Eiffel Tower with coordinating fat quarters was one of 2009's big prizes.
The quilt tops are complete, the car is packed and it's time to go back home and start thinking about what to wear next year!
Location
The Hyatt Grand Champions Resort provides a lovely spot for our retreat. For more information on the resort, click on the link below.