March 2009
Hi Everyone ~

As I’m sitting here, it’s raining, cold and dull looking.  What it makes me want to do is play in the sewing room, whether it’s creating a new pattern for you or straightening up the shelves of fabrics.  But alas, I need to get this out to you, to share what’s been happening and to get you excited about the “Let’s Quilt Retreats” that I’m offering this fall.  I’m beginning to try out the new name for my retreats, using my ‘by-line’ I’ve used from the beginning instead of the Mystery Quilting Retreats.  Does it matter?  Probably not, just looking at something a little new. So sit back, enjoy reading about the happenings of Linda Ballard & Co. and see if there isn’t a retreat you’d like to come to, I would love to have you join me.

As always I love starting off with an update on Blake.  He’s a cutie patootie!  He will be 3 this July, and of course he’s just the best …. Yes, we’re proud grandparents.  We get to see him usually every 3 months or so and it’s amazing to see how fast they change.  He’s quite precise about things, whether it’s lining up his cars, trains or animals; he likes them to be perfect.  Do I see a quilter coming in the future?  I’m thinking good piecing skills and he’s also left handed (yea).

Ok, now for business …. The fall of 2008 was a busy time.  I traveled mostly in the western states, seeing some country I haven’t seen before.  I had the privilege to go to St. George, UT and saw the ‘red rocks’ … were they beautiful.  Also traveled to Big Bear for that guild, a location somewhat new to me …it’s truly amazing what Mother Nature has given us.  How fortunate for the quilters in these areas to see it all the time.  I bounced around a great deal from state to state, driving and flying.  Had a marvelous time at my annual teacher gig in Tillamook, and of course the annual retreat in Brookings was a smash in July.  And don’t I love those quilters in Shady Cove …. You provide such a wonderful venue each year for me, always a pleasure to come back.  Another fun stop for me was a retreat I did at a beautiful countryside location near the town of Healdsburg, CA …. 30 ladies had a blast for 3 days of sewing in a great facility.  We had so much fun; we’re doing it again next year for 4 days!  Lucky for me, the way the economy is I’m pleased to say that the quilters are still doing what they love and are keeping me busy.  Thank you! 

Below is a brief idea of events happening through the end of this year ….

* Some of the spring/summer retreats may have openings or might possibly have some cancellations …. Always call or check my website for a listing of what’s opened or close.  Can you believe a retreat where we stay at a house right on the ocean?  Yes, it’s a winner …. Southern CA never looked so good!

* June – retreat in Mt. Shasta …. Big news is the quilting cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage.  I’ve done this one before and it’s a winner.  If you’ve ever wanted to go, please join us, we’d love to have you

* July – first off it’s the grandsons birthday, a big 3 years old on the 3rd!  Have to go celebrate for a few days then off to BJ’s Quilt Festival in Bend, OR.  …. find me at the 4th Annual Retreat in Brookings, OR, in fact we’re having two sessions … yippee! Great classes, merriment, weather, all in all just a good time! …. Down to the LA area for a guild …. Off to see my friends in Shady Cove, OR …. Look for me at Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, PA as well.  I’ve got some great classes scheduled and Missy does a wonderful job with this conference.  I hope to see some of you then

* August –retreats in Mt. Shasta and Trinidad, CA …. Classes in and around and a vacation for me.

* September – 12th Annual Retreat in Mammoth Lakes, CA., what a great place and great quilters …. The big news for this month is the quilting cruise to the Baltic Capitals in Europe.  This is a 2 week cruise, can hardly wait!  And just to add to the festivities, we’re doing a pre cruise event in London for 3 days.  I’ve never been to Europe, so I’m excited to say the least. I’m learning what I can about the different capitals we’ll be seeing.  Of course I’ll be teaching at the ‘sea days’ … have new patterns that I designed just for this occasion

* October – classes and guilds in and around the western states …. 3 more of my retreats …. Going back to Tillamook, OR for the annual quilt camp (love those ladies) …. Come see me at Houston’s Quilt Festival, I’ll be teaching 5 days, hope to see you there!

* November – my last retreat for the year …. Off to Tyler, TX and then off to Hunstville, AL.  Watch me; I might come home with some sort of an accent.  

* December you’ll find me doing paperwork (ick) and hopefully spending time with the family, friends and sewing.  Resting for the busy 2010 schedule (teaching at Road to CA in January)

Some quickie items:

* Effective with this mailing, Ashland retreats will be dropped until I can find another venue …. So keep an eye on the retreats page of the website.  Always check out the website at www.letsquilt.com and see what’s happening.  Dave has done a great job maintaining the new website …. He’s my man!

* Still offering Project Bags for you (they’re really cute)…. Sizes run 17x17, 13x13, 8 x 10 and 6x8 … they all have gussets so you can put more items in them.  I have to say, I’m my own best customer.

* Items I’m carrying …. Bendable Bright Light™ (a must), rulers and tools I request in my workbooks (Angler™, Precision Trimmer 6™, Bias Square™, both sizes of Eleanor Burns Flying Geese Rulers™, 30 Something Square Up Ruler™) and so many other items.  My website will have everything listed

On a personal note, some family updates:

* Dave is busy with his own company as well as mine.  If you call us, more than likely you’ll be talking with him.  He loves the cruises and becomes the social director for our group.  And yes, he does go up and babysit for Blake every so often …. Sometimes I don’t make it, but I get daily phone calls from ‘the boys’ to know what’s happening

* Our children are good …. Cheri has felt the crunch of the economy like so many others, but her positive outlook will keep her going.  She tries to go up to see her nephew whenever she can.  Blake’s parents are good …. Jim is loving his residency (like’s that surgery thing) is finding that sleep sometimes never comes and life still goes on …. He’s just shortly ending 2nd year residency.  He’ll be a great doctor when this is all said and done AND of course he couldn’t do all of this without a wonderful wife …. Courtney has done a wonderful job keeping the family together, being a loving wife and mother.  My hats go off to her!

* I can’t not mention my mom …. It’s been 10 months since she’s passed away and I still miss her today.  She was a great mom, kept the family and many of you quilters entertained for many years with her antics and stories.  

* As for me, the health is good, could be a little thinner, but hey I’m happy and things look good.  I love what I do and all of you make me a better person and quilter.  I love designing new patterns and I’m amazed at what I’ve been coming up with … traditional quilts of course, but some have been in the WOW category.  Yea for me!!!  Finally, I had the privilege of being nominated for Teacher of the Year by "The Professional Quilter" ….. I don’t know who or how many nominated me, but just the fact I was and they considered me is amazing.  So whoever did this for and to me, my sincere thanks.  I don’t know who will win, but already I feel I am the winner!

Again, look over your calendar and see if there isn’t a retreat you’d like to come to.  My retreats are all about you!  I want to give you the excuse to get away, pamper yourself, sew to your hearts content and be with other quilters who understand your passion.  I know I’m just one of many offering retreats, but you know I’ll always do my best to make it fun and memorable.  Thank you for all your support no matter where I travel.  You make me love my job and you continue to amaze me at the support you offer.  You are always appreciated and never taken for granted …. Thank You!!!

Happy Quilting and Enjoy!!

Linda