Mystic, CT 2006 Fun Report!
On Friday night I presented everyone with a surprise! I designed a needlebook for them, which I call “Welcome Winter.” I wanted to capture one of the things I love most about winter, and that is extra time spent inside stitching -- especially during snow storms!
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Here’s a picture of the inside. The felt tree is used to hold needles.
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The generous folks at Weeks Dye Works donated WDW Holly for this project. It was a perfect match! Thank you so much!
Liz & Donna are very rapid stitchers. Donna had her Welcome Winter started and Liz had hers almost completely by the end of the retreat! Wow, I would love to be able to stitch that fast!
Saturday passed merrily as Betsy guided us through the stitching of our ornaments as listened to music. Betsy asked us to share about some of our own Christmas customs and that was interesting. Some of our family traditions were handed down from many generations and even from other countries, while some traditions came about in later years. In between stitching, shopping, talking, laughing, and eating, we had more door prizes!
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Here’s Kathy with a door prize from Lavender Wings
That evening we had a Christmas Ornament Exchange! That was fun! All those who participated stitched an ornament and gift wrapped it. We then drew numbers and one by one selected an ornament. There were many ooo’s and ah’s as each one was revealed. I have the one I received hanging in my office!
Kathy’s husband Bruce is also a stitcher. He has come to a few retreats with her, but tends to hole up in his hotel room stitching away while watching football on the tv. He has joined us at meals and for stash enhancement, but this year he also joined us at our traditional Show ‘nTell and brought some of his stitching to show us! Wow! He’s pretty amazing! These pieces he is showing are quite complex with numerous specialty stitches and even hardanger! We were quite impressed.
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Cyndi with her masterpiece
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Admiring each other’s work
When I think back on this retreat I think it was the most relaxing one ever. The pace of Betsy’s class, the beautiful music, the stories of Christmas customs, and the stitchers themselves made it a really wonderful experience. It was wonderful to have this time together before the rush of the holiday season. I’m already looking forward to next year when Thea Dueck of The Victoria Sampler will be our instructor!
See you at a retreat soon!
Sue
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Yes I was so sorry for the retreat to end too. I had a really good time. Betsy is truly an Angel. I love the project. I enjoyed listening to the music and learning more about Christmas customs and lore. I am so glad that I attended this retreat. I have finished my 2 ornaments also. I just have to "Finish" them up!
Our surprise was wonderful, Sue!! Donna and I were talking on the ferry over to CT about a needle book. I don't have one and when I got it at the retreat I was so happy, I was about to cry! I am going to finish my needle book tonight! I will send you a picture of it.=)
I can't wait until the next retreat that I am attending. I love seeing old friends and making new ones.
Until our stitches meet again! Stitchin' Witch, Liz
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Every time I think you couldn't possibly improve what you do with Stitcher's Hideaway, I go to another retreat and it is even more wonderful than the last one. You manage just the right level of activities and downtime, stash enhancement, and camaraderie. The group of us who have become regulars have become friends and there are always new friends to be made. And then of course there is the food--fabulous as always. (Note to self--always pack the roomy jeans for this event--I'll need them by the end of the event.) Thank you so much and keep up the good work! Hugs, Peggy
Sue, I can’t tell you how much fun I had this weekend in Mystic. Everything a stitcher could want – all in one place. A fabulous teacher, beautiful sampler, and a great group of stitchers – just to name a few! Thank you for all of your hard work to put this all together. Crossing in Friendship, Linda Bessette
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Thanks for organizing another great retreat. I think this was the “funnest” one yet. I love the project and really enjoyed learning about all the Christmas traditions from around the world. I can’t imagine the amount of work it took Betsy to do all the research! The food was wonderful as well, but the best was the stash enhancement and all the fellow stitchers that were there. I am looking forward to February in Mystic again. I’ve informed my Husband that these are no longer considered optional weekend retreats. They are required events. Thank you for making this happen. ~ Joanne
Hi Sue, I miss you too, I can't wait till next time! I came home with so many goodies and 2 completed ornaments now I just have to do the finishing. I hit the mother load with the Christmas gift from Betsy, WOW!! Thanks Betsy. Enjoy your holidays! See ya’ soon! Donna
As usual, you are the perfect hostess. Thanks for the Mystic Hideaway. That is truly your calling. Luv Ya, Grace
I wanted to thank you for all your work on the retreat. It was amazing fun! ~ Alda
The Michigan contingent had a great time in Mystic. I agree, it was very relaxing and peaceful and once again, as always, Betsy's teaching was very interesting. We enjoyed our extra day of sight seeing before heading home too.
I did not see Betsy scheduled on any of the upcoming Stitcher's Hideaway events. Please let me know if she will be as there are more loyal followers that are interested now that we've come back from Mystic with our great report.
Hope to see you again too. ~ Janet
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As usual, we had a wonderful time at your retreat! You always do a great job with everything (including the food!). Garry and Winston hung around Mystic while I got to meet and learn from Betsy. I agree that the pace of the class was perfect, and Betsy presented Christmas information delightfully while we stitched away. Garry and I had the privilege of driving Betsy home so we got to know her a little better. She is a special and fascinating lady. I look forward to taking another of her classes which I found challenging but not impossible for a beginner to complete! Thanks for another great retreat. ~ Marianne
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