Stitchville USA Spring Fling !!!!!!

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 !!!!!