Stur 08 III

Sturbridge 2008 Fun Report

Jean & Rebecca from Old Sturbridge Village loved seeing Jackie’s creations -- and so did we!!!

After another five-course feast on Friday night, we waddled back into our classroom for some more stitching and Show ‘n Tell. Here’s a sampling of what we brought in to show each other.

It’s always fun to see what everyone else is working on, isn’t it? There are just SO many incredible designers!! In fact, one of the attendees, Denise from California, also designs! She has made some gorgeous needle point designs for her local guild and donated some as doorprizes at the retreat! Denise was also the stitcher that traveled the farthest, and so among other goodies she received a tote that said “Needlepoint Goddess” - LOL!

Speaking of designs!! I almost forgot! This little pillow is what I designed especially for this group of stitchers. The fabric came from some of Karen’s mother’s stash, and each person picked out a front and back fabric for their pillow.

I really wanted to do something special for Karen for giving so much to all of us at this retreat...but didn’t want it to be something she would need to stitch. I wanted her to have something to enjoy immediately! So what I did was pay a visit to an antique shop where I found a gorgeous piece of needlework. We all enjoyed looking at it and trying to figure out what techniques were used in it.

This was a very special time together for all the attendees. It happened to be a smaller group, which allowed us to get to know each other better. The project was outstanding, and so was our instructor. We learned so much! The doorprizes were phenomenal. The food was delicious. The location was perfect. The lecture by Jean & Rebecca was fascinating. We had a fantastic time!

I’ll close this report with some more pictures and some comments from attendees.

See you at a retreat soon!

Sue

Linda with Door prize from Nordic Needle

“You've done it again Sue! Another fun and relaxing retreat in Sturbridge. Jackie was wonderful, as usual, and her Buttons a Bounty project was such a fun design to stitch! The food was scrumptious and the company of the stitchers was great. It's always nice to see familiar faces as well as to meet new stitchers. The presentation by Rebecca from Old Sturbridge Village was very interesting and informative. Thanks to Chris and Pam for bringing all of the stitching goodies! Special thanks to Karen for sharing wonderful stitching projects with all of us from her Mom's stash. I'm sure her Mom would be happy to see that her projects went to stitchers who share her love of needlework.”
~ Linda, Maine

Paulawtih Door Prize from Legacy Designs

Teddy with Door Prize from Elizabeth’s Designs

Chris & Pam from Chris’s Collection

Mary, Jackie, Sue, Ivy, Denise

“Thanks for creating and planning the Stitcher’s Hideaway. I got some of “ME” back instead of being a wife and a mommy, which is part of my daily life. I sure needed the break!” ~ Ivy

Chris, Linda, Teddy, Cathy

Sharon stitchin’ and a grinnin’

Cyndi with Earth Threads Door Prize

Denise & Chris in coordinating outfits

Hi Sue!
     I just wanted you to know that I can't wait for the Mystic retreat next year. I attended the class in Sturbridge alone this year but came home with lots of new friends -- ones I can't wait to see next year in Mystic, CT. Again, you out did yourself. The door prizes where to die for, especially the stitching box. I was very lucky to have won the The Stitching Empress kit that one stitcher had donated. I can't wait to dive into that one. The other goodies where great. I especially want to thank you for the long distance doorprize. Who knew flying all the way from CA I would get such a nice doorprize for living in CA??? Loved the shirt and bags! Thank you.
        Now for the Sturbridge Publick House. What can I say about that!!?? Beautiful place, very relaxing and they make you feel like a Queen. The food is just wonderful. A girl could get used to that place very easily. Instructor Jackie was just wonderful. I really enjoyed working with her on her project. I finished the box and scissor fob and am just waiting for the cold weather here in CA to start the stitching of the main piece and put together. It is a beautiful piece. Thank you Jackie!!
      The lecture from The Old Sturbridge Village was just magnificent. Looking at all the pieces they brought was a sheer joy and treat. I felt privileged to have been able to view such pieces. Makes you hope someone takes interest in some of our stitching in the future. Looking at the quilt that was done in the 1800's was amazing. Very humbling.
       Thank you to Chris for the shoping as well. I found a few things to bring home and stitch.. much to my husband's dismay! It was the only place I went to shop for stitching. He couldn't believe that we had a shop right at the retreat. To my fellow stitchers, what a great group of fantastic stitchers!! Very talented and witty. I loved our time together. It’s hard to believe that in 2 days you can make friends for a lifetime. Keep in touch!!
      I finished out our time in New England with my Daughter Megan and friend Tabatha going to Salem and Boston. Megan got to help Sue set up the room for the retreat and was sworn to secrecy about the goodies and all. Darn! I really tried to get her to tattle but no go. Megan and I are going to try and go back to Sturbridge next summer.We have fallen in love with the area. I look forward to the next adventure.....Mystic, CT. I have always wanted to go there.
         Again Sue, thank you for everything!!
          ~ Denise, Berkeley, CA

Megan at Salem

The Hop into Bed nightshirt!

Jackie -- unafraid of the frogs!

Mary with Rosewood Manor Door Prize

“Why is it the time between our get togethers seems to drag, but our time on retreats is over in the blink of an eye?” ~ Mary

Jackie Strikes a Pose

Ah-h-h-h-h-h-h. Stitcher’s Heaven!

See you at the next retreat!

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