Tolsona Lake Lodge Quilters Retreat
Michelle Heaton with the quilt top she completed during the recent quilters retreat. Photo by Cynthia Curtis
February 17, 2023
Cynthia Curtis - Quilter
Michelle Heaton got to change hats recently. She shed her role as hostess and owner of the Tolsona Lake Lodge to join her friends at her sewing machine for what has become an annual event. The fourth Tolsona Lake Lodge Quilters Retreat was held February 8 – 12. This quilters retreat has become a particular favorite with Valdez quilters. It only takes 2 hours to get to the Tolsona Lake Lodge from Valdez, so it is one of the closest retreats for local quilters.
Phyllis Johnson, who owns a convenience store and gas station in Valdez, says she has been quilting since the ‘70s. “I love to get away from the demands of work, to enjoy private time, to do something with friends that we love to do.”
Phyllis Johnson and her bargello quilt top. Photo by Cynthia Curtis
Carmen Howser, formerly of Valdez and now living in Missouri, has been quilting since she was 10. She says that she loves the peace and tranquility she finds at the lodge among other quilters and enjoys seeing old friends.
Doreen Hodges began quilting seriously once she retired as librarian for the City of Valdez. “It is quiet and relaxing, a laid-back atmosphere, and I feel very safe, she said, “And the rooms are nice and warm!”
Janai Comer, who encouraged Michelle to hold this winter’s retreat, is a sales representative for several fabric companies and makes a monthly circuit throughout Alaska visiting quilt fabric stores from Fairbanks to the Kenai Peninsula. She is a mentor to a lot of quilters. Michelle has been quilting since 1996, taught by her mother. She also ran her own quilt store for a brief time in Glennallen several years ago. One of her quilts hangs on the wall in the cardiac unit of the Alaska Native Regional Hospital. She and her recently deceased husband Bruce ran the Tolsona Lake Lodge for three years. She is continuing on with their successful hospitality business. I suggested that she use the slower winter months to host a quilters retreat.
Doreen Hodges at her machine, with Carmen Howser in the background. Photo by Cynthia Curtis
I have been a faithful attendee at Michelle’s retreats. I am always inspired by the creative work of the gals who come to the retreat. I flew up from my current home in northeast Washington state to be with my friend Michelle.
“It was just wonderful to just sit down and sew with these dear ladies,” said Michelle. Her normal responsibilities of running the lodge and restaurant were lightened by help from her friend and local caterer, Kareena Best.
Kareena is particularly well known by the fishing and camping folks for the Lunch Sack, her summer business providing sack lunches during the seasonal fishing and hunting season. The quilters especially noted the excellent meals and homemade desserts that Kareena provided, including angel food cake with fresh raspberry compote.
The quilters have already gotten Michelle to commit to hosting the next retreat, come this October. They hope that they can convince her to slow down and join them once again at her sewing machine.