On the Road: Empty Spools 2016, Part 1

Where I teach varies from year to year. For many seasons now, however, there has been one consistent venue. Sometime between February and April I’ve been in Pacific Grove, California to teach at Empty Spools.

I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t already been said about Empty Spools, or Asilomar as it is often simply called, after the conference grounds on the Monterey Peninsula. Its reputation speaks for itself. It’s a true quilt retreat, in an idyllic location, featuring dozens of the best teachers from around the world. Its organizers Gayle Wells and Suzanne Cox really take care of every detail. There’s something for every kind of quilter at Asilomar.

I meet students from all over the country and around the world. I love renewing my friendships with the other teachers. It’s a short walk to the beach. Along the way I meet deer and birds and ground squirrels.

For the past few years I have taught two back-to-back, five-day sessions, twenty students to a class. That’s what I have this year as well. It can be tiring but somehow— maybe it’s the location, the camaraderie with colleagues, the brisk morning walks—somehow I manage to feel invigorated here.

For that’s where I am at the moment, just ending Session 1 and introducing Session 2. So you’ll forgive me if this week’s blog post is short. I’ll make it up to you later, I promise.