M1P2 2010


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Stitcher’s Hideaway Fun Reports!

What’s a Stitcher’s Hideaway Retreat all about? Read our Fun Reports and find out!

Mystic One
2010 Fun Report Continued

After the Christmas Ornament Exchange, we had Show ‘n Tell. What a talented group of ladies! What a great assortment! Here’s a sampling....

That night Belinda gave each of us a special gift! Wow!! She made these snowflakes, in many different designs, on her amazing sewing machine. What a sweetie!

Of course, I had some gifties for Belinda, too -- including these lovely and stylish frog socks! hehe.

What fun we all had! Read on to hear what attendees had to say and to enjoy some more pictures of our time together.

Sue

I have been meaning to send an email telling you what a good time Tracy and I had. Since it was our first retreat, we weren’t' sure what to expect, but you far out did anything we could come up with. The people were so nice, the teacher was great, our supplies for the class were great and plus we got a goody bag and saw Santa. What more could a girl want. Tracy and I already decided we are coming next year and cannot wait. Hugs and stitches ~ Pat podziomek

The Fall Mystic Retreats are sort of a combination of the best Autumn events. Getting our projects reminds me of the excitement of the first day of school and getting new books and supplies; of meeting old and new friends and finding out how everyone's Summer was. We have the chance to wear some Halloween finery while being busy as the elves preparing special Christmas keepsakes for those we love. Why, we can even enjoy a sneak preview of Thanksgiving Dinner! How blessed we are to share such a special time together. Thank you Sue and Belinda for providing us with the "stuff" that dreams are made of. ~ Mary R.

Mary with doorprize from Stitchy Kitty.

Ok since this is my 8th Mystic Retreat and my 10th overall. Just like wine they get better with age! Awesome is all I can say. Melinda is wonderful. It was a pleasure to meet the designer. Since I am not a newbie to specialty stitches I was able to get 2 ornaments done from this retreat. Melinda's finishing techniques were wonderful. I can't wait to make more now! Food was wonderful as well as the company. It was great to meet new friends and see old friends we have meet thru your Stitcher's Hideaways! Can't wait to attend my next Mystic in 2011! Until our stitches meet again. Stitchin Witch ~ Liz Loper

Had a great time as usual. Sue, you did a wonderful job!! Thanks!! 4-5 of us coming to Feb retreat!! ~ Donna

      Thank you for a wonderful weekend. This was my first trip to Stitcher's Hideaway and will not be my last! I so enjoyed the entire atmosphere, so relaxed and comfortable.  Belinda and project were great - I never usually finish anything in class, however, this time I not only finished one ornament but was able to start another one, which is now finished. And the presents - I do not think I have ever attended a class where I was provided with so much - THANK YOU!
     Having organized events myself I know how much time and effort events like this take. Your organization is amazing - especially having all my meals on my name tag - what a novel idea.
     Thank you does not truly express my feelings for the event - I will be back!   ~ Nancy P

Nancy with doorprize from Jeannette Douglas Designs

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the wonderful Stitcher's Retreat. I just got home (well, maybe about an hour ago) and had to let you know how much I enjoyed the weekend. I am a "first-timer" and I am definitely hoping that life's demands allow me to attend other Retreats in the future.
     First, you couldn't have asked for better weather. Although we were indoors, the fall colors and bright sunshine provided sufficient motivation to get up and walk outside during breaks, and before/after class. Just what I needed to keep the mind focused on the stitching!
      Second, Belinda was an excellent teacher! Her presentation of the class materials in the binder was jaw-dropping awesome. Her sunny personality and stories, and of course her absolutely wonderful class design, made the weekend just fly by. I have been stitching for more than 40 years and I can't tell you how happy I am to FINALLY learn how to make an ornament that doesn't look like a 3-year-old's attempt at crafts (who am I kidding, most 3-year-olds could probably do a better job of it). The time spent on finishing was well worth the price of admission. The project package and the give-aways just added value to the experience.
      Third, the giveaways were incredible. The designers who contributed are to be commended for their support of this retreat. And your presentation - from the lovely holiday bags that greeted us on arrival to the bags in which the door prizes were wrapped - showed your amazing attention to detail and obvious love for this hobby of ours.
      Fourth, the shop was just fabulous. What a great opportunity to add to my stash (LOL). Chris's Collection did a great job in a limited space to tempt us with even more treats.
     Fifth, the food was also amazing. Mystic Market Catering did a great job - too bad there just wasn't enough for everyone (NOT).
     Last, but by no means, least, the other attendees were some of the nicest people to meet (how could they not be since they were fellow stitchers). I had a grand time chatting with most of them and then seeing their work both on the class pieces and during the Show-and-Tell. What truly accomplished women! The ornament exchange was a lot of fun and provided a wonderful souvenir of the weekend.
     I was also able to take in the two needlework exhibits at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford (Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art and Family) and at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme (With Needle & Brush: Schoolgirl Embroidery from the Connecticut River Valley). Both of those visits were well worth the side trips on my way to Mystic from New Jersey. The beautiful works on display inspired me all weekend and I realized what a wonderful hobby we have - that we are bridging the years with our simple needles and threads.
     Thank you again. I hope to see you at the Retreat next year. Stay well.
     Linda M., NJ

Amy & Gayle

You are right-what a fun time we had. I loved Belinda's project and I was thrilled to actually finish it during the Hideaway! Her finishing tips and techniques were awesome. I learn something new at every Stitcher's Hideaway.
I love the silk floss kit from Kreinik I received as a prize. I opened it and started the sampler as soon as I got home. Thanks you for all the work you do organizing the Hideaways. Looking forward to the next retreat keeps me going through the daily grind!
Linda Edmundson

Linda at left with door prize from Kreinik.

Mystic was wonderful this year; well, it is every year, but you know what I mean! Belinda was a delightful teacher and so organized. Her techniques were such fun to learn and her tips were amazing. We all know so much more now than when we got there. That beading technique is such an impressive-looking finish.
The food was delicious as usual and the ornament exchange was such fun. Decorating the Christmas tree each year is a trip down "Mystic memory lane". There are some very talented stitchers who kindly bring their finishes to share with all of us and it's always fun to see what others are stitching. BTW, your box is such a treasure and so much more so with all your special treasures in it.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and a special hug to your dad.
~ Marilyn

Thank you so much for organizing the Mystic Retreat! My Mom and I had an incredible experience! Good food, wonderful stitching and fabulous fellowship equals an A+ in my book! Hope Mystic II was a successful for you and Belinda! Thank you again! Happy Stitching, Robin B.

Robin with a doorprize from Morning Glory Needleworks