Glennallen, AK -- The Tolsona Lake Lodge (TLL) quilters celebrated their fifth year together in November, stepping out of their regular lives for five days to hang out and create beauty.
In 2020 Cynthia Curtis, herself a quilter, encouraged her friend, fellow quilter, and TLL owner Michelle Heaton to host a retreat during the lodge’s slow times.
The gang of enthusiastic quilters who showed up this November included Carmen Houser from Missouri, Janai Comer and Phyllis Johnson from Valdez, Doreen Hodges from Anchorage, Marge Badger from Wasilla, Judy Shelton from Gulkana, Susan Smith from McCarthy, Clarissa Smith from Anchorage, and Cynthia from Washington state.
Michelle’s stepson Sean is now in charge of everything at the lodge. The TLL quilters were impressed by how well he had managed the lodge for the retreat earlier this year in February under Michelle’s direction. Michelle has since moved to Arizona.
Carmen Houser, one of the original quilters, wanted to present friendship quilts to both Michelle and Sean for all that they have done for the group.
“Michelle had graciously led our group for eight retreats to help us accomplish everything we as quilters needed,” she reminisced. “I thought it was appropriate to recognize her for the friendship and bonds that we built. And to also welcome Sean into the ‘new world.’”
Carmen didn’t think Sean knew a lot about quilting before the group descended upon him last February. “I think it was eye opening. Although he didn’t sew with us, he certainly hung with us, was cordial, and did a great job taking over from Michelle and making us feel welcome.”
Carmen invited everyone who had attended the last three retreats to send her two 12 ½” unfinished blocks. She received blocks from everyone, put them together and quilted the two finished products.
“I wanted them to have an Alaska flavor, so I put in a few blocks designed by [Alaskan artist, educator and fabric designer] Theresa Askone.”
Sean’s quilt was presented to him during the retreat.
“I was very surprised and touched by the quilt they gave me,” he said. “My little boys have already made it their own. I was very glad to see the ladies again. Each time they come up I learn something new.”
Michelle’s was mailed to her, and Carmen says that she was totally surprised and felt very honored.
Marge Badger of Wasilla, one of the original TLL quilters, says “This has a totally different atmosphere than other retreats I have been on. Tolsona is more intimate, and yet more open. People can wander through the lodge, sit at the bar while we are working. Local folks. It’s like being in a home group, a reunion as well as a quilt retreat.” Badger entertained the ladies with stories of quilting cruises, which she particularly enjoys.
Judy Shelton said of the retreat, “It invigorates me to be with other quilters. Gets me back into quilting projects, and when I see other people’s ideas, it stretches me.”
She took on a creative project while she was at the retreat. Michelle had left behind four large boxes of fabric scraps and unfinished blocks. Using a mix of scraps and Michelle’s unfinished blocks, she created an unusual eclectic quilt. She will donate it to the local Emergency Medical Services.
Michelle had also left behind her 14 foot long-arm quilting machine, hoping Sean could sell it for her.
Susan Smith was intrigued when she saw the long-arm machine set up in the bar. “It’s been 30 years since I’ve worked on a long-arm,” she said.
Although there were a few initial glitches, Sean and Susan were able to get the machine running. In fact, Susan took practice runs and quilted three small quilts on the machine. She also set it up so that others at the retreat could try it out. Cynthia was scheming how she could get the machine back to Washington! Everyone wished it were theirs, but where would they put it? That was the question.
This was Susan’s third retreat. “I am becoming a regular. Being here is a chance to get away from the regular grind and sit and concentrate on something you love with others who love it, too.”
Clarissa Smith was the newest member of the group.
“Cynthia’s invitation made me nervous and excited at the same time. I’d been curious about quilt retreats and wanted to go. But this would be my first time. I worried, would my 49-year-old Bernina work? What project could I do? How could I make use of my time and money?”
She picked up a kit from the Quilted Raven/Cabin Fever store in downtown Anchorage that she thought she could complete while at the retreat. It featured fireweed stalks.
“I was surprised at the focused dedication of the other seven quilters,’ she said, following the retreat. “Their setup, skills, supplies, and beautiful inspirational projects. But more than that, I was touched by each woman’s willingness to share tips, guidelines, tools and friendliness. It was a treat to get acquainted with each one.
“And then when we needed a break from sitting at our machines, Cynthia and I took long walks out to the Glenn and then back along the lake. Oh yes, it was an invigorating three degrees F!”
The quilters love the idea of two retreats a year and hope that Sean will support that plan. The next retreat is scheduled for April 2026.
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