On Sunday morning, I flew to Long Beach, California for an event hosted by Eternity Quilt Events. Headquartered at the Embassy Suites South in Garden Grove – two miles from Disneyland – the teaching faculty for my session were Sherri McConnell, Chelsi Stratton and Liza Taylor. There was an optional day trip to Disneyland before another retreat session began featuring a different set of instructors, Camille Roskelley among them. Over 100 participants showed up for my session – 1/3 came solo (like me) and 1/3 stayed for BOTH sessions.

I had a fabulous time. Diane Erickson certainly packs a lot of value into her retreats and a portion of her profit is returned to nearby communities to support children’s initiatives. National instructors, machine rental, kits, most meals, snacks, chocolate (of course), swag and a lot of fun activities were included in the retreat fee. Hotel and transportation were separate. No car rental was necessary this trip, which was a nice change. Ride Yellow handled my airport transfers and I was able to walk everywhere else or take the Garden Grove trolley service.

Eternity Quilt Events has two major events scheduled for 2027 – an Alaskan Cruise and a sewcation on Maui. Attendees were actually given first dibs at signing up for the Maui event. I declined because I’m not into cruises and the Hawaii trip was way out of my budget. I did mention that I’d definitely consider returning for a future event held on the mainland. Seattle, San Diego and returning to Garden Grove were mentioned as possibilities for 2028. I’ll keep an eye out.

Other west coast events recommended by several attendees: Garden of Quilts (Lehi, Utah), Shabby Fabrics retreats (Northern Idaho), Road to California, and the Sisters Quilt Show (Oregon).

What did I like best about the retreat? (1) the retro LGB airport and (2) connecting with other attendees from the southeast who were also attending the same retreat. I’ll cross paths with one of them again in January at the Myrtle Beach Quilt Party.