Captain’s Log: Astoria Quilt Retreat Recap
March 6th - 9th, 2025 — what a voyage it was! Our third annual quilt retreat at the Astoria Crest Motel was a whirlwind of stitches, snacks, and seafaring camaraderie.
Thursday, the ship set sail early as Sara and Debbie arrived to transform our gathering space—stocking the snack station, setting up the prize table, goodie bags, and the ever-beloved FREE table. One by one, our crew of quilters docked, claiming seats, unpacking machines, and digging through their goodie bags like kids on Christmas morning. Sandwiches, snacks, and a pint or two carried us through the first day of sewing and settling in.
Friday brought a flurry of fabric play. Some voyagers went ashore for sushi, while two lucky sailors ventured into town and snagged a vintage sewing machine from a local boatmaker. Dinner that evening was a grand feast at the Bridgewater Bistro—live music, fresh fish, pasta, and the warmth of good company. Then it was back to the community room for more late-night sewing, soundtracked by our shared playlist and belly laughs.
Saturday hit full speed with a day of dedicated sewing and, of course, our much-anticipated games. Left Right Center with fat quarters brought plenty of cheers and groans, and the Swap the Tote game where treasures exchanged hands. The evening turned into a raucous adventure when Sara Flynn led a mini improv sewing lecture, immediately followed by Stitch and Switch, a live sewing game alongside a screening of The Goonies. Scraps flew like cannon fire, and by the end of the night, we had crafted a baby quilt and a twin-sized charity quilt. Some brave souls even took a dip in the motel jacuzzi before returning to their machines.
Sunday came too soon. We spent the morning squeezing in last-minute stitches, exchanging hugs, and reluctantly packing up. Everyone left with new quilted treasures, armfuls of goodie bag loot, and hearts full of memories made with incredible quilt friends.
Until next year's voyage, my friends — may your bobbins stay full, your seams straight, and your hearts inspired.