Notions: Lula-fied

A Lula view

Twelve words that describe an unforgettable retreat experience (in no meaningful order): tears, jokes, risks, nudges, ideas, new friends, new skills, amazing food, energy.

Even more than all the cool swag stuffed into in my cool new tote, these are the treasures I received from the recent Find Your Lula retreat held in Park City, Utah. Amanda Herring of The Quilted Fish is the force of q-nature behind this unusual retreat, which is all about nurturing creativity. We were a motley lot at this inaugural Lula, including online and brick-and-mortar quilt shop owners, fabric and pattern designers, needles-for-hire and a couple of writers. But our objective was similar: take our creativity (or creativity-based business) to the next level.

Our agenda included a great balance of challenge and pampering, “hard” and “soft” subjects, time for reflection and thought—and loud, raucous conversation. (Never again will I hear the phrase “small change” or see large groups of women dining with one man without thinking of Lula! #youhadtobethere)

We covered a lotta ground: aromatherapy to enhance creativity, how physical (and mental) stretching can loosen what holds you back, better digital photography, Illustrator 101. Personal/business coach Lyn Christian turned us inside out, as we explored our core values and whether we were living and working according to them. And we even made stuff, including some needle-turn appliqué and a cool “kitchen sink necklace.”

Charms, chains and other goodies for our Kitchen Sink Necklace

Even the kit for our needleturn applique project (taught by Cori Blunt of Chitter Chatter Designs) was cute!

Lula-ite Kim McAllister finds a moment of Illustrator triumph! Doug of Dougster Designs taught the classes.

Becky Vandenberg helps me practice my photo skills (can you say diverging lines?).

To sharpen your focus and planning skills, buy stock in sticky notes. (Well, there's a little more to it than just that.)

This retreat came at a good/bad time, personally. I love GenQ and our team, but after a whacked-busy summer, my tank was edging toward empty. I needed a virtual brain vitamin (or magic fairy dust) to push us to a new level as we settle into bimonthly production. However, diverting four days of work time this freakin’ close to Fall Market–and in the middle of final work on the November-December issue–was a big darned thing to ask of my colleagues.

But go I did, and rejuvenated I am. Which is the whole point of any retreat. Make your New Year’s Resolution now: Find a retreat or away experience that suits your needs and desires as a sewist, quilter or creative person.

“Put your own mask on before assisting others,” right?