Come Retreat with Me; Michael Nardi of Bryn Mawr Quilts

Hello, my name is Michael Nardi of Bryn Mawr Quilts. Like most people my sewing journey started when I was 7 years old. My grandmother put a needle in my hand and began to teach me everything she knew about sewing by hand. I learned how to sew by hand using my coloring books. She would tear out a page and make me sew in the lines practicing stitch length. Throughout the years I have worn many different hats, trying to find my place in this wondrous world. 13 years ago I was lost. I was starting over for the first time in my life, having lost everything (talk about a complete failure of my life). I was laying in bed crying and trying to figure out what I wanted to do during what at the time felt like the darkest moment in my life. I was surfing YouTube when I discovered Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Company! It was her ultimate quilt binding video. You know that moment in your life where God just puts someone in your path to make things click for you? Well she was my moment! The crying instantly stop and 2 hours later, video after video, I had a plan. The next day I went to Joann Fabrics on Elston Ave in Chicago IL. to sign up for a learn to sew class. At this point I had never used a sewing machine in my life! I went one to take more classes and quilting became my whole world! I was so successful that my mentor Marilyn Baker who was the Education Director hired me me as her Assistant Education Director only 8 months into my training. She taught me everything I know when it comes to using a sewing machine. Thanks to Jenny Doan and Marilyn Baker, two of the strongest women I know brought me out of my darkness. I owe my journey to them! 13 years later I'm a pattern writer, I have been published and continuing to be published for my quilt pattern, and I'm a successful quilt instructor. Who knew that an Italian boy from the South-side of Chicago would end up where I am? I thank God everyday for shining his light on me through this amazing craft. Someone asked me once why quilting and I said, "Because through quilting I found myself again."

Schedule for the week:

• Monday – Early Bird Arrival for those who wish to come the night before the event, set up, shopping, open sew. Breakfast is included Tuesday morning for Early Bird arrivals.
• Tuesday – Check-in, set up, shopping, open sew (lunch on your own), and Scavenger Hunt (dinner is included).
• Wednesday – Breakfast, break for lunch and resume class after lunch, open sewing, dinner.
• Thursday – Breakfast, break for lunch and resume class after lunch, open sewing, dinner, Show ‘N Tell.
• Friday – Farewell breakfast and checkout is at noon.

What to Expect From MSQC:

Sleeping Rooms - All rooms are upstairs and are shared - there are no private rooms available and a chair lift is available for assistance. There are two ADA rooms available upon request.

Meals - Dinner will be served on Tuesday evening. A continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday morning, enjoy a hot "farewell" breakfast before you check out and get on the road! Of course, for you early birds Monday evening, a continental breakfast will be served Tuesday morning.

Snacks - We set out a snack table - because sewing definitely makes us all snack-y. We provide light snacks for the group but if there is something particular you crave, feel free to bring it.

Sewing Table Seating - We do have assigned seating for the well-lit 4' sewing tables (personal sewing lamps are optional). If you are traveling with a friend or friends and would like to sit together - no problem! Please just indicate this on your registration form with the names of the people you wish to sit by. We also provide cutting/ironing tables, and power strips and small side tables.

Sewing Machines - As we have said above, you are welcome to bring your own sewing machine (don't forget all your cords)!! But if you want to travel light, you can absolutely use one of our machines at a cost of $75 for the duration of the retreat. If you do need to reserve a machine, please indicate this and select the payment option on your registration form.

We know things happen, but if for some reason you need to cancel after you have booked your reservation, please let us know as soon as possible. The retreat is only fully refundable 60 days in advance of the start date. In the event that you are past the 60-day notice and are unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to someone else or move to another retreat at a later date.

If you need to cancel or have further questions, please email us at [email protected] or call us at (816) 265-1812.

Our project for this retreat will be my pattern Connecting Ribbons Quilt. The pattern will be provided for you.

The quilt below was designed using the antique block, Late Bloomer. I have provided yardage requirements below. If you would like a more organized scrappy look, you can use pre-cuts. The background and accent fabrics remain the same. Pre-cuts are listed after the quilt supply list.

• Supplies:
• 1.5 yd Focus fabric (Fabric A - Block 2)
• 2.5 yd background fabric (Fabric B, F)
• 1.25 yd accent fabric (Fabric C, H, J)
• 2.5 yd black (accent fabric #2 and borders) (Fabric D)
• 1.5 yd Fabric #2 (Fabric A - Block 1)

You may substitute 1 Layer Cake, 1 Jelly Roll, 4 Charm Packs or 1 FQB (at least 12 FQ).

• Backing: 4.5 yd vertical seam or 2.25 yd of a 108" backing
• Binding: 1 yd

Michael is offering some pre-cutting instructions if you would like to do some cutting before the workshop. This is not required cutting.

Pre Workshop Cutting Instructions:

• Fabric A - Block 1: Cut 13, 5" squares. Sub cut diagonally corner to corner in one direction.
• Fabric A - Block 2: Cut 12, 5" squares. Sub cut diagonally corner to corner in one direction.
• Fabric B - Cut 22, 2" strips WOF.
• Fabric C - Cut 11, 1.5" strips WOF.
• Fabric D - Cut 100, 3" squares. Sub-cut diagonally corner to corner in one direction.
• Fabric E - Cut 104, 2 7/8" squares. Draw a line on the wrong sides of the fabric diagonally corner to corner in one direction.
• Fabric E1 - Cut 96, 2 7/8" squares. Draw a line on the wrong sides of the fabric, diagonally corner to corner in one direction.
• Fabric F - Cut 100, 2.5" squares
• Fabric G - Cut 4, 2" strips WOF.
• Fabric G1 - Cut 4, 2" strips WOF.
• Fabric H - Cut 8, 1.5" strips WOF.
• Fabric I - Cut 1, 1.5" strip WOF.
• Fabric I1 - Cut 1, 1.5" strip WOF.
• Fabric J - Cut 4, 2" strips WOF.

Host or Publisher Missouri Star Retreats