Just returned from a wonderful weekend in Excelsior Springs, MO , where the Heartland Stitch Camp held their 20th and last gathering. It was bittersweet, but they definitely went out with a bang!!!!! This is the third year it was held at The Elms Resort and Spa which has been newly renovated and as you can see, Spring seemed to be FINALLY in the air!!
I had left Wisconsin, driving thru wind, rain and sleet to get there, and the "change in season " by the time I arrived was unbelievable !!!!
This time I got to come as a guest and just "play and stitch" all weekend. We all had such a good time catching up, sharing stories and showing off projects.......and of course, a few tears, as soon as anyone would mention this being the last camp.....but for the most part it was a truly joyful weekend!!!
Mary and Barb from Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty, MO, set up a wonderful boutique and when we weren't stitching , visiting, or eating, we were shopping!!!!! Who could ask for more ??
These are some of the pieces that were brought for "show and tell".............................
......................each one better than the next............
..........and the next................................
..................and the next!!!!!!!
The rest of these pictures are peeks at the camp projects from the past 20 years................
As usual, the weekend went way too fast............and before I knew it, I was making my way back to Wisconsin, where it's still trying to hold on to winter.........RATS!!!!!!!
My sweet Johnny did have a few daffodils that had managed to poke their heads up in the woods around the house , picked and waiting for me , because he was afraid they might freeze overnight...........and just those few "bright yellow faces" brought the promise of spring into the house......finally!!
Thanks again to all of the wonderful women of Heartland Stitch Camp, for letting me share your final gathering......it truly was a soul soothing weekend!!!
FYI.......I just talked to Jeanne Horton from The Country Sampler in Spring Green, WI............I will be teaching a pair of projects for her "Grande Olde Flag Gathering" there this June........and she mentioned that although the event is filled, she would be willing to fit in a few more people who are interested in the cross stitch only portion of the weekend.
Contact her shop or website for details (sgcountrysampler.com)
I'm back from teaching for the fabulous Stitchville USA Spring Fling weekend, and I do believe I can say a fun time was had by ALL !!!!!!!
Anyone who knows Deb Clarke would not be surprised to hear that she put together an outstanding stitching retreat, "class act" that she is........and made sure everyone felt pampered and relaxed, beginning with the delivery of scented candles and treats to each room.........special stitching bags at registration, special presents at each stitcher's spot in the classroom.....a bouquet of fresh tulips on my table in the front of the class, .........and on, and on, and on!!!!
The retreat is held each year at a wonderful conference center in Chaska, MN and includes all meals, which are prepared by gourmet chefs and presented in a style worthy of a 5 star restaurant !!!
Friday started at around 4Pm and was supposed to be just a settling in period but every one was eager to start so we dove in!!!
The Friday evening project was a small stitch book which they had been assigned prestitching and much to my amazement , a good 90% of them had finished !!!!
They started in on painting their boxes and worked in shifts.
We took a break at 6PM for dinner (prime rib and seared scallops , perfectly prepared) and and then continued stitching and working on their books until close to 10PM.
Saturday, we finished up the stitch book and I do mean FINISHED. Most of the ladies were able to mount all the stitched sections and even finished the fobs. I was really impressed !!!!
The we got started on the main project ......"Springtime of Youth"
I was equally impressed with the amount of work that was accomplished in Saturday's session as well.......these are some serious stitchers !!!!!!!! Which was not to say that they weren't all chatting and laughing the entire time.
There were tables in the back with models...some of mine, some from the shop, and some from the ladies in class.
Pat, shared her finished "Abigail Colby's Work Basket"
and all it's accessories !!!! from Primitive Traditions.
It was truly awe inspiring !!!!! I have my basket and charts sitting about 2ft away......maybe this will be the next project I tackle????
Saturday night was a trip to the "shop"........OMG.........this was my first time and I literally was speechless......it was hard to even know where to look !! I would definitely recommend a visit if you find yourself in the area .....or even if you don't.....believe me, it's worth the trip!!
Sunday, we all poised for a group picture , which was a hilarious undertaking in itself !!!!!
All in all it was a fabulous weekend and I was sad to leave all these wonderful , crazy spirits I really felt a kindred connection to. We shared a lot of laughter, a few tears, some tall tales, and most of all a true love of stitching !
Thank you Deb and Deb for creating such a delightful experience for us all !!!!!
