Before leaving our 2021 Fall Retreat at Laurelville, this little guy scurried into the Meeting House and inspired the best idea. He had so much fun seeing us laugh and create, he hoped that it would happen again soon.  And how could we say no to such a cute face?  So naturally, we created a BRAND NEW Quiltapalooza Winter Groundhog Retreat that was held for the first time in January of 2022.  Our now annual Winter Retreat is perfect timing for Whistler.  He gets to spend time with us before heading to see his famous family member up north, that makes his annual prediction on the arrival of spring. 

How did he get his name?
Our new buddy had made AQR his new home, but he didn't have a name.  So, we ask our quilt family for help to find the perfect name to go with his adorable little face.  Submissions were submitted below and each and every name was taken into consideration, but the one that won the heart of our furry little groundhog, was Whistler!  Thank you to Sandy for the suggestion and Congratulations on receiving $25 gift card to AQR!

Lambie is our always happy, looking for a good time lady of Spring.  She can usually be found hanging out in the sewing area at retreat watching all of the projects getting completed.  Lambie joined our retreat team and attended her first retreat in Spring of 2023.  She fell in love with our guests and chrishes her photos from the photo booth that year.  In fact, she even has them on display in her living room.  

When Lambie isn't grazing on the tables at our Spring Retreat, she enjoys her free time reading a book or doing her had quilting projects.  She likes her quiet time.  

 

Franny joined AQR's retreat team in 2024 after visiting our quilt shop when she flew into the area for a friend’s wedding.  Yes, lovely Lion (who attend the 2023 retreat) stepped back to his safari to allow his friend Franny to join our Retreat Team! She fell in love with the Laurel Highland area, our shop and the idea of escaping the Florida heat to join us in a summer celebration of sewing.   Our Summer Quiltapalooza® Retreat is the first retreat to change themes each year and she loves weighing in on what that theme will be.   

In her free time, Franny loves to travel.  Her passport is nearly full, her wings are on the frequent flyer list and she has found it easy to adapt, no matter the weather.  Even in her travels, Franny is thinking of us at AQR and brings back ideas to help us determine each years new Summer Quiltapalooza® Retreat Theme.   

If you are lucky, you may even see her in the shop just hanging out with our other Quiltapalooza® Mascot friends.  If you see them, take a pic and post it on social media!  Don’t forget to tag us!

 

Foxy is full of fun and just our right fabulous!  She joined our retreat team in 2022 with the addition of our Take 2 Fall Retreat.


AQR's Retreat History Facts:  AQR Hosted our first Fall Quiltapalooza® Retreat in September of 2018 that was open to our Quilty Pleasures Quilt Club® Members.  We continued this tradition until October of 2021 when we moved moved our retreat its current, larger facility at the Laurelville in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  This allowed us to open our Fall Quiltapalooza® Retreats to all of our quilt friends.

In the Fall of 2022 and because of the growing popularity, we added our Fall Quiltapalooza® Take 2 Retreat.  Take 2 piggybacks our first retreat offering and is the same format as the first retreat except that it has different dates.  Guests are welcome (and do) attend both retreats back to back.  

Meet Tyler! Named after a retreat guest that encouraged us to finally host a New Year's Quiltapalooza, this little guy knows how to party!

In Tyler's free time, he enjoys sleeping and cool weather.