There are so many wonderful sources of inspiration in the Great Lakes region for artists of all kinds, including quilters. Woodlands, plains, coastal beaches with sand dunes, big cities and small towns, even a real mountain range in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Wouldn't it be wonderful to explore some of them together?

Nola and I have the pleasure of announcing the First Annual Great Lakes' States Quilt Retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana the weekend of October 9-12, 2008. There are spots for 10-15 people This is not limited to those who live in the Great Lakes' States, but anyone who would like to visit the region and be inspired by the natural and diverse beauty of the area.

We hope this will become an annual event. We plan to visit spots throughout Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Eastern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

We will be staying at the Farmstead on the outskirts of town for our first retreat. There will be an opportunity to visit the shops in town as well as Yoder's (for fabric!). We will have access to a confernce room for sewing, and that is where we need your help. Would you prefer to have a UFO outing to finish up some of those stubborn projects? Or to work on a quick project for Christmas?

Lodging would run about $75.00 to $80.00, excluding meals (and fabric, of course). It is possible to have meals added to the package. It would save time, instead of going out everyday. We could plan on eating out the day we explore this quaint Amish community.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Here are a couple of websites:
http://www.farmsteadinn.com
http://www.yoderdepartmentstore.com/
http://www.shipshewana.org/
http://www.shipshewana.com/attractions.php
http://www.shipshewana.com/shopping.php

NOTE: I am adding a list here of those who have commited to going. And I am including some info from Nola about pricing.
Nola
Meg
Mandy
Gerda
JudyK
Julia
Wendy
Char- depending on birth of new grandchild
my mom- depending on her health

One room will sleep 4, or 5 with a roll-away cot. The rooms are $109 per night plus $7.50 for the cot. We figured the prices on 15 people. We'd need 3 rooms for 3 nights - so $116.50 times 6 (3 rooms = $355.50 x 3 nights = $1066.50) - plus $75 for the conference room = $1,141.50. Divide that by 15 people = $70.60 each. This is before tax is added, and doesn't include meals. So actually we're probably looking at $125 to $150 per person - TOTAL PRICE (room, meals, tips, etc.) If we don't get 15 people, we can get by with fewer rooms (or maybe 3 rooms without the cot) and the price of course would be less.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ohiorose53,

What about snow?????

No snow in Indiana in October, Jennell. You're safe! LOL Only autumn trees in lovely colors. Are you interested? We would love to have you join us.

Meg - I might be interested in this and I've lived in Indiana 20 years in April and every year I say that I'm going up there. If I can get off work I'm coming!! Maybe Jacquie would like to come also. I'll e-mail her and see.
JudyK Columbus Indiana

Let me just add here that if you've never been to Yoder's Store at Shipshewana, you're in for a real treat!! I could spend hours in that place!!!

If this coming Fall is normal, the weather should be absolutely beautiful for the retreat. Might be a tad on the cool side, so pack a light jacket or sweatshirt or two. Bring your cameras as there should be lots to see. One word of caution tho' - for those of you who have never been around the Amish, please don't plan on taking picture of them - it's against the Amish religion to have pictures taken - something about "graven images", I believe.

Judy, I'm glad you're contacting Jacquie - I'd forgotten all about her being from Indiana!

Nola

Meg
count me in too but i dont need lodging. Iam about a 45 minute drive for here.... so you just have to let me know what time to be there and iam there baby.....and Yoders is wonderful. I have spent lots and lots of money there.. they are great people too......
Julia

Nola, We were always going to get together with you and we never did. Jacquie and I have met a few times and I think it would be so much fun. JudyK

Judy, I remember that! Maybe this time we'll all be able to meet! Did you get in touch with Jacquie? I dug around and finally found her email address, so maybe I'll drop her a note today.

For the time, my life has calmed down a bit, at least in dealing with my brother. But things are still topsy-turvy with hubby's job situation - but are looking a bit more hopeful.

I think an annual retreat will be so much fun. In order for me to attend, for now at least, they have to be within half a day's drive for me, in case there's an emergency situation that I have to get home for. That's one of the reasons we chose Shipshewana for this year - plus the fact that so many of the ladies are interested in the Amish way of life, plus the quaint shops at Shipshie!!

Nola

Hubby says I CAN COME!!! Now, when is our Thanksgiving? May need to cook that bird early. I'll be back later! Supper and the girls are calling meeeeeeee.

Gerda