Hi everyone, April 2026
Welcome to the fall 2026 newsletter and retreat schedule. This is Easter weekend and it came early this year it seems ..... thinking all that needs to be done before summer sets in. I'm sure you feel the same way, spring came early and I'm still trying to work in the yard or get my plans finalized for the summer doings. Good luck! The past six months or so has been busy as always. Traveling and teaching, trying to fit in more fun time with family and friends and keeping up with the business and housework. Some exciting things on the horizon for Linda Ballard & Co, so keep reading.
Since September, I've had numerous retreats, locations I use all the time but added a couple of new ones that turned out to be quite fun. I started going to Citrus Heights, CA using a quilt shop called Runs with Scissors. I enjoyed the quilt shop and the classroom is awesome! Lots of room and great lighting. The other new location I found was in my own back yard you might say ..... Redding. The Sewing Room has moved and she too has a wonderful classroom with space and lighting that we all love and want to have. Check out the retreat flyer to see what I will be offering at either one of these locations.
In addition to my retreats, I had the fun of going back to Reno for the retreat that s being sponsored by Marsha and Jen with my help. This will again be offered this coming September at the J Resort and Casino. This will be the 6th annual Rendezvous in Reno retreat. Sign ups are being taken right now, you're going to want to come ..... it's now been increased to 4 days!
Traveling .... I will be heading up to Newport, OR in October to visit with the local quilt guild presenting a lecture and workshop. I haven't been there in many years and look forward to being back. That's not an area I see often, will be fun to explore the area again. Then in January, I get to go back to Southern CA to revisit one of the guilds called Surfside Quilters Guild. I thoroughly enjoy going down to the southern part of CA ..... there are some great guilds down there. Other locations you will find me at are Harmony Ridge twice with a great group of quilters who like what I do (lucky me). I will be traveling twice to Fresno for 2 annual retreats (they are the best). Off to Shady Cove, OR to do an annual event with the guild known as Material Girls (pretty amazing group of ladies). And of course quilt shops and guilds sprinkled here and there along with my retreats. Look for me someplace and if you can join me!
Future cruises? This is my 17th cruise and I'm excited to offer you Alaska in 2027 The dates are departing May 7th from Seattle and returning on May 14th in Seattle sailing on RCCL refurbished Voyager of the Seas ship. The ports we will be visiting are Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria. We will have 2 1/2 sea days for quilting ..... I will offer you a new pattern .... a mystery quilt. More details to arrive in a brochure in the near future on my website. If you are interested, please contact my travel agent Janette at Avanti Travel 530-224-1400.
Personal items from the family ......
* Dave is my go to guy as you all know. He now wears the chauffeur hat for me, he s always willing to take me here and there for business or pleasure. Of course he's still working on my quilt books and love that he does it. If he stopped, you would not like to see how the workbooks would look with my hand drawings! As you see him, please thank him for taking care of me.
* Cheri is my girl .... always happy and full of life. She now has 5 little loves in her life .... yes, they were asked to dog sit for Sophie and ended up adding her to the family. Her and her bff are now in the process of looking for a new home ...... good luck to them.
* Jim and family are still in Bend OR. His practice is good, Courtney is staying busy being Elle's chauffeur. She has also found a love of riding horses ... you go girl! Elle (14 ) is an amazing musician .... she plays guitar, piano, cello and now the drums. I see a future for her in the music world?? Blake (19) is now a student at University of Utah studying Aerospace Engineering. Missing the family and friends but life is going well as a college student.
* Now for me ....Like many others, I had cataract surgery on both eyes. Every one says you'll see the world is brighter and they were right! My first day I saw the bathroom was so clean and white .... go figure, wasn t looking at fabric, outside or a quilt ..... the bath room! Did it help my reading/depth perception/driving , no but .... it is so much better. Driving isn't going to happen ..... reading the eye chart just isn't for me and thus there is no driving. Quilters, do not take your eye sight for granted, you will miss it when you don't have it.
So now you've heard my story both business and personally. Please read over the retreat schedule and see if there isn't just one or two places you d like to come to. Before I end, I wish to say Thank You for the support you give me throughout my ventures. There are so many out there now following in my footsteps, offering retreats. How lucky for you to have options, but ..... know I will always be happy and thankful for all of you. I do not take your support lightly. You are the best!
Enjoy!
linda@letsquilt.com
www.letsquilt.com