By Patricia Belyea
LA VETA CO It’s not hard to choose what I liked best about teaching at the Estelle Center for Creative Arts: the people!
Nine kindred spirits gathered to learn about Inserted Curves. It was a great week as everyone embraced the counterintuitive challenges of my inventive piecing technique. There were breakthroughs, a few head-scratching moments, and just as importantly, lots of sharing and caring.
Take a look at the projects. The curves may catch your eye first, but linger on the backgrounds. Each participant spent a day thoughtfully composing those seemingly simple squares.
Our magical experience was shaped by a remarkable group of contributors, beginning with Jennifer Peterson. Jennifer, the founder of the retreat center, hosted a delectable Meet & Greet on Sunday evening. And one morning, she delighted us with her homemade Baked Oatmeal.
Chef Cheryl Bailey, alongside her husband Lance Freeman, kept us happily nourished with foods that were both healthy and refined, including her irresistible egg bites. Cheryl's warm smile and genuine enthusiasm contributed to our week of bliss.
One participant, Linda Chaé, owns a local company that produces organic skin and personal care products. A few of us toured her facility. Boy, were we impressed with Chaé Manufacturing, the products, and Linda!
Another influence was our unique surroundings. Within sight, the awe-inspiring Spanish Peaks rise to 13,631 feet, surrounded by rock dikes that radiate outward across the landscape. The quiet drama of the geologic wonders was a grounding backdrop to our creative endeavors.
Everyone’s quilting accomplishments, the generosity of the group, and the majesty of the land converged to create wonderful memories none of us will soon forget.
To visit The Estelle Center website +click here
To take a one-day Inserted Curves Zoom workshop in June 2026 with Patricia +click here
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ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria import vintage Japanese textiles, host in-person and online creative quilting experiences, and lead textile tours to Japan.
FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts
