Back from Annual Retreat

Yes I am back. I could have sent another week with these ladies but reality must rear it's ugly head and I have to come back to work. As always the time spent with this group is so inspiring. The talent and variety makes your head spin. I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked because I have been volunteered to be the activity coordinator. This means I am getting less time to stitch and just relax and look at all the projects but it also means I am having more and more fun with organizing fun games to get members to mingle and win prizes.

This year we had the annual crossword puzzle that had an awesome gift prize. And also a prize for the most creative guesses.

We also had a picture Scavenger hunt. There were 25 picture clues whoever got the most got a prize. And lastly we had 5 small plastic Easter eggs, we would hide them each of the 3 FULL days that we were at the retreat and when they were found each person was able to pick a JBW pattern with a floss inside and a hand-dyed fabric to stitch the pattern on. It was very fun but boy some of those ladies are very competitive....;-)

I was sewing project bags for a week before the retreat and I took those and a few other sewing projects with m to sell. I did quite well of the 20 I took I sold 12 along with 5 previous bags and 4 wallets.The 8 bags I have left I have added to my Etsy account. I will be making more and adding those and I will be accepting custom orders. I have 3 sizes 13X14, 15X16, and 19X16.

There were some amazing projects brought to display.

  I did not get as much stitched as I had planned. To much to see and appreciate, plus hand out prizes, and this year we organized a gift basket for our Retreat Coordinator. She organizes and schedules these retreat all on her own time without compensation so we collected gift certificates and other small gifts and organized them into 1 big presentation. Yes as the activity coordinator I was the 1 collecting it all to give as 1 large present. And I did not get a picture of the final gift but lets just say it was a fabulous collection. We were 33 participants this year with 3 that had to drop out last minute due to medical situations.

I did get sometime with several of my projects. Spring Village, a Nutcracker, and Death by Cross Stitch. I also worked on the 2004 Christmas Tree Counted Canvas pattern. I am going to continue with that until it is finished since I am so close to the end.

 

All in all it was an amazing time. Already planning for next year. How fast can 12 months go?????

Home from my retreat

Well it was 5 glorious days of stitching, laughing, learning and sharing. Once a year I put all my cares in a basket and indulge in the joy of being with like mined stitchers and crafters. These ladies are the best they bring projects to share and all of them love stitching as much as I do. Our organizer is a fantastic gal that works very hard to make our time at the Retreat Center the best time. This year we had 35 ladies that came together to share and enjoy.

The room is so open and bright just off to the right of this room is the dining room. The staff go out of their way to make the best dinners everyday. They make meals for all members even if that means a one off plate for those with allergies or other specialty request....ie vegetarian. Again large open space with a beautiful view and the patio is lovely.

Our rooms are just the basics, it is meant as retreat so no TV or other amenities. But this is not a problem as we all spend our days in the big room stitching or out walking the grounds or out shopping at the local fabric and stitching shops. There is also a Jo-ann's, Michael's and Hobby Lobby. These are all within 30 minutes of our location.  

 

This year one of the attendees gave a class on making what we all dubbed pinch pockets. They are small 3-sided pockets that when you pinch the corners open up so you can place a small item inside. 

 And of course we all brought finished items to share. Some bring a few of our yearly finishes and set them out for all to admire. 

And I was able to find time to put some work in on a few of my WIP's

I was not able to get any work done on my HAED but after I got home I did finish another page, that is 24 done and 25th started.

March Already!!!!/!?!

This year is going so fast. Already into March and I have no new starts because I want to finish off a few current works. I am going so slow because I am doing alot more sewing and crocheting this year. If only I was an Octopus and could do them all at the same time.

My Etsy store is set up and I have added more items but so far the interest is not there. Oh well I will wait and see if it picks up. These are early days with the store. I have 2 new handbags that are big enough to be used as project bags. And also a few more Threadcatchers.

My stitching is coming along pretty well Christmas Cottage by Dona Gelsinger charted by HAED I am very close to another page finish and that will complete the top 3 rows.

Death by Cross Stitch Sampler by Long Dog Sampler Designs is growing. The first 3 pages are complete and the top boarder is in place.

And I have a finish. This is a gift for a friend who organizes our annual stitching retreat. She loves owls and the quote is one I just love.

I am currently gathering supplies and projects for my annual stitching retreat. It is on the 22nd of this month. 5 full days of stitching, visiting with fellow stitchers, being feed the best food ever. And just enjoying myself and my craft. I may update before I leave if there is anything to report. But I will be sure to post when I get back.