Stitching Retreat

...Having photo problems - will try again later...

The retreat was in Little Switzerland, North Carolina at the Big Lynn Lodge this year.  This was only my second Camp Stitchaway, but what a wonderful setting it was - view was fantastic, accommodations were comfortable, staff members were over-the-top, the food was delicious, and of course, Peggy, Carol, Lorraine (LNS), and Meg (Flower Thread) are just the best!  If you don’t feel like family when you arrive, you will by the time you leave!  I didn’t go up until Friday this year, but will try to go on Thursday next year since it just wasn’t long enough!  It was nice, spring-like weather on Friday.

I have lots of photos of participants, but thought I'd share the most junior and senior.  There was Ms. Iris - a precious little lady dressed to the T (lots of us in our sweats or jeans or pjs at some point) who is 88 this year.  Then there was Bailey - the five-year-old granddaughter of the lodge owners - who was very much a part of the weekend; so much she didn't want to go to school on Friday!

We did a small match box project that allowed for toasted marshmallows when complete! 

There were certainly some awesome completions for Show and Tell!  Saturday we began our class project which was a beautiful Ladybug biscornu designed by Meg using the cobblestone stitch. Saturday evening we continued working on our projects and Nancy planned to “educate” the group on the art of yodeling … and your old lady, too!  It was hilarious fun.  There were nice drawings and gift bags and a special gift project from Sue Hillis. 

This year, I finished my project AT the retreat!  In addition to the herringbone stitch that was in the design, I added the date, Camp Stitchaway, and my initials to the back.  That center thread you see is for adding a tiny bead or button as well.

  Sunday morning as we made preparations to leave, got in a final few stitches, and said our fond farewells, atop the mountain it was quite foggy, rainy, and cold which did make it a LITTLE less sad to leave.  I believe arrangements have been made for next year, and I can hardly wait to sign up! 

Before I left for the retreat on Friday, I had Thursday off to do a bit of thrift store shopping.  There aren’t that many around, but I did get a few things.  I have a thing for hands, and this pretty white and pink one just struck my fancy!  I enjoy old coffee pots, too.  Sometimes I use them for simmering cider.  Pretty blue and green bottles are also hard for me to turn down.  Have you ever had a great pair of shoes that you wished you could just stretch a tiny bit?  Do you think these may work for that?  I have high hopes J.

April 1 is International Tatting Day.  Here's an article that shares more information about it.    

Thank you for visiting and leaving kind words for me.  I really do appreciate y’all.     

    Peace~Love~Joy
and Happy Stitching!

Charlene