ST 09 3

Sturbridge 2009 Fun Report

After a delicious dinner of many courses, we went back to the classroom for more fun! My friend Jen had created something very special for us -- Omiyage kits! She learned to make them from a book by Kumiko Sudo entitled “Omiyage - Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition.” Jen did all the machine sewing for us, which was great! We only needed to tack down parts of the assembly and then pull some cording through it to make the drawstring. Seeing it partially made helped everyone to understand how it was constructed so that they could make some more on their own. Below are some more bags that Jen brought in for Show n Tell.

That was a great start to our Show ‘n Tell time! And there was quite a bit to see! We saw some wonderful pieces and heard some great stories behind the projects, too!

What an AWESOME retreat we had!! It was just so much fun!!

Thank you, Sturbridge Stitchers and Thea, for sending me your photos and your comments! Thank you Thea for the wonderful design and all your many kindnesses!

Sue

I had a wonderful time at the 2009 Sturbridge retreat. Thea was awesome as always. I was really happy to have her again as a SH instructor. She took care of the newbies as well as the experienced stitchers. I couldn’t believe how many new people came to the retreat. I guess word gets around! I am thinking about doing some more hardanger on the side so I don't make any mistakes next time. But that is also a learning experience. The food at the Publick House was OMG! Deelish! I probably put on some weight! Thanks for letting me bring my family to enjoy the other festivities during the retreat. The dancing and the clothing demonstrations were really interesting. I learned things I didn't know about. My project is coming along. I will get it finished way before the next retreat!! =) I can't wait until my next retreat. Until our stitches meet again. ~ Liz, Stitchin' Witch

I had a blast. Thea is such an awesome teacher. She is so patient - and with the number of students she had to deal with it was pretty amazing how she had time for all of us. It was such an interesting location - the addition of the dancers and the clothing demonstrations really made this retreat stand out. Of course there never seemed to be enough time - as soon as we started really getting into things, it was time to go home! Thanks for another great retreat! ~ Liz M

As always we had a great time, you do such a wonderful job putting everything together, Thea is wonderful as always, the food was good. I will send you photos as soon as I download them. I haven't had much time to stitch, a little here and there. Have a happy 4th of July and talk to you soon. ~ Donna

First let me say a big thank you for a great retreat. I had a wonderful first time at Stitcher's Hideaway and I look forward to next year. You attended to every detail, kept things moving and made sure we all went home with lots of goodies and good memories. Thought I'd let you know that I finished stitching the sampler a few days ago. I have not framed it or made a bell pull yet - still thinking about that since it will be going in my kitchen. That is the fastest I have finished a project from a class - your hideaway is an inspiration!! This was my first time and I look forward to next year. Thanks again to you and all those involved in getting it together and of course - "Thanks to Thea". Happy Stitching, Katie

It was another GREAT STITCHER'S HIDEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for letting us be your Stash Shop. We enjoy seeing all the repeat stitchers and all the first timers. Look forward to seeing you in Mystic.
~ Chris & Pam, Chris’s Collection

It was a fantastic time at the retreat. It was so nice to see so many familiar faces and meet some new gals as well. As always, I had a wonderful time. Thea is wonderful and I love the project. I'm hoping to finish it up sooner than later. As always, the food was yum, yum, yummy. I managed to spend all my allotted cash at Chris' Collection and came home with some great items. Looking forward to Mystic. Thank you for all you do to make the retreats a wonderful experience. Hugs and happy stitching, Cynthia
NOTE: Cynthia’s granddaughter Emma Grace arrived on July 2^nd and weighed in at 9 lbs., 9 oz., and was 21 inches long. Congratulations, Cynthia!

I met so many wonderful women there. It was so uplifting being there with you and Thea and everyone. Take care! ~ Kathy

That was a fun retreat for me and my very first one too. I hope to go to another of your retreats another year soon. I can drive there so it makes the trip more fun. I can shop at various LNS’s along the way too … that’s more fun again. I loved Chris’s Collection of stash. She really knows what we like whether or not we need it … we’ll buy it anyway!! LOL, I did. Thanks for such a fun time. Gail (the one from Ontario!)

Thanks so much for all the work you put into your retreats. Your retreats are always so much fun and relaxing. I can't believe that I had the privilege to attend my 3rd class with Thea! Thea has so much patience and is so kind and encouraging to everyone! Love the design and I've already finished stitching the sampler. As usual the food was simply delicious and more than plentiful! Loved the presentation by Jean and Rebecca of Old Sturbridge Village. They always bring such interesting and beautiful pieces from their collection to share with all of us. And who can forget the OSV Dancers on Thursday night!" ~ Linda

I had a wonderful time, even as a newbie. I am already planning to attend next year. This will be a great annual "Mom's Retreat". I learned so much and met so many wonderful people. Thea is wonderful her patience is unmatched. My roomie was wonderful also, as much as you warned me, I had a wonderful time. The time did pass by so quickly, it is hard to believe I am home and back to the rat race. I will be sure to add extra time for sight seeing at the next retreat. I can't wait to see the upcoming retreat schedule for 2010.
I'm about 95% done. I really enjoyed the whole experience. I can't wait for the next one. You've inspired me to try to find so stitching friends in my area. It was really fun finding others to share my obsession.
Thank you again for all you do. ~ Valerie

We had a great time. I put Anne back on the plane to London this evening but she finished her sampler a couple of days ago and I took a picture of her with it before she left. I'm maybe 1/3 or a bit more done with mine -- I had some things I had to finish and I spent the weekend doing some complex finishing on a piece for her, but I'm off to stitch on my sampler a bit in a few mintues. Thanks again for a great retreat, it was lots of fun. Cheers, Robbin

I had so much fun again at Sturbridge Stitcher's Hideaway. Stitching with Thea is a treat; she is so encourageing and helpful. I've learned NOT to be afraid of cutting Hardanger and that is a major accomplishment. The arrangements you make at Sturbridge are great-I especially like the large windows in our classroom and the pecan cinnamon rolls served at each meal! I loved winning the subscription to Gift of Stitching Magazine. I have already downloaded 2 issues, with lots of projects bookmarked for the future. I will finish Sturbridge Kitchen Sampler first. I'm about half way there. Thank you for all your hard work in making the Hideaways so much fun. You are a great organizer! ~ Linda E.

Motorcycling/scootering is definitely the way to go to a stitching retreat! Despite a few raindrops, my trip was pretty awesome. Norm and I had a smooth trip home as well stopping to tour Westpoint and being awed by the beautiful scenery surrounding the academy!
In regards to Sturbridge, from the moment we first arrived and were able to attend a local "concert" on the green across the street from the Publick House to dancing with the OSV ladies and gents to shopping at Chris' Collection and Olde Colonial and then Show n Tell, it was one giant ice cream sundae with Thea as the cherry on top! Meeting new stitching friends is always a big plus and having a chance to meet them in such a super environment is even better. Thanks for organizing. I know it’s a lot of work but how nice to see it all come together! ~Betty Young

I enjoyed my Sturbridge Experience!!! I have never stitched on linen with out the line drawing design being stamped on it. It was a new learning curve for me, one that I enjoyed. Your hard work putting the retreat together made it a relaxing and enjoying time. All of the ladies acted as if they knew each other for years and were old friends instead of just meeting for a class. You were able to accomplish that feat by your organizational and hosting skills. My hat is off to you stitcher lady! Thank you, Mary Ellen

Just when you would think that your retreats couldn't be out done.....you did it!! All I can say is WOW!! I have more fun each one I attend. Where to start raving praises? Thea was just fantastic!!!! I think she was one of the best teachers I have had -- patient, pleasant, and a real treat to take a class with. This project is one of the best I have done. (I have almost all of it done - just have to finish the hardanger. Megan and I went to Old Sturbridge Village and bought some of the reproduction materials they have. will be stitching that on the sides like Thea did.)
     To the ladies I had the utmost pleasure meeting, thank you for all laughs and friendships-I plan to carry on for years to come! You are all a gem in the crown of life. I especially love Teddy's jokes at meals. Stitcher's are the best friends. They understand "I need some girl time and needle time!" I was thrilled that we had 2 stitching cousins from England and Canada visit us this year. WOW, and I thought traveling from little old California was far. I can't wait to see some of the new friends I meet at Sturbridge in Mystic this year. Thank you all for the wonderful laughter!
      Sue, again I thank you for all the time you put into this. You really do make each of us feel very welcome and special. To do this is a labor of love! You must really enjoy seeing our faces lit up with the door prizes and in the class room. The Publick House is one of my favorite places to visit now-3rd yr in a row. I just can't wait to see what you come up with each retreat!   Oh, and who can forget the Publick House-gosh the food alone!! Yum!!!
        The first night we had the OSV dancers demonstrate dancing in that period of time. It was so much fun to watch and learn that period of dancing. The costumes where just great. Then they went around asking for volunteers to dance. It was a lot of fun to see us try and dance. The music man was funny too. He added his comments in between dances, and we also got a music lesson. It was just a lot of fun!
        I can't leave out the Ladies from OSV and the lecture we got on how folks use to dress up for dances. Personally if I had to dress up with all that on...I think I would have never danced and died an old maid! The weight of one of those outfits! And on a hot humid night!! I always enjoy the lectures we get from the OSV ladies--history you don't get when you visit OSV-- so I feel fortunate that they come to chat with us. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for the dancing entertainment and lecture.
     LOVED the small bag we made. Can't wait to show that off!
     I can't wait for Mystic next! I have never been and look forward to sharing the time with my stitching buddy Judy. I also can't wait to see who we shall meet and the fun we shall have. Thanks Sue for again one of the best vacations I have had in a long time!
~ Sincerely, Denise

I had a FABULOUS time, once again, at this retreat! It was so much fun! And so nice to see so many new faces, as well as familiar ones. Thank you again for a wonderful time..........! I love the piece......am almost finished......loved Thea........loved you..........and of course....the food........wow! ~ Debby

Thank you, ladies, for these lovely pictures of me!!

See you at the next retreat!

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