Monday, April 26, 2010

Spring Fling Retreat - Part II

Thank you for your visit and your kind comments! I realized after publishing that last post that I failed to post the middle section of finishes. Here it is for you to enjoy.




"Spring's Promise" on the left again, next to it, a box finish "Trix or Treat" from the book of the same name. Behind it is "Autumn Bouquet" and in front on the right is "Quaker Garden" another Loose Feathers design.

Now on to part two of the retreat....

After the stitchers got settled in at their tables the guests of honor arrived. If you ever have the opportunity to take a class from Barb and Alma of Blackbird Designs - just do it! They are amazing ladies - so friendly and personable. They brought all kinds of treasures with them.








Please, click on the photos to enlarge them. You will likely recognize many of these stitched items from their books, primarily from Honeysuckle Manor.

Barb and Alma talked about "Cross Stitch Beyond Framing" and referred to many of the items they brought with, how and where they got their inspiration for the piece and some thoughts on finishing. They also shared many funny, personal stores which made you love them even more!

Here's a picture of Alma holding the Anniversaries of the Heart series stitched on one piece of linen. (Yes, we got a sneak peak at the next release, #4.)



Barb brought along the original "Honeysuckle Manor", stitched by Louisa Bell which was the inspiration for Barb's "Hannah Lovina Joslin's Honeysuckle Manor." What a treasure! (Alma is holding "Hannah Lovina" but it is blocked by a stitching lamp!)



Here's a great picture of Barb and Alma. Barb must have been telling a really funny story!




It was such an enjoyable evening; so fun to here all of their stories. But the evening had to end because they had a really exciting project in store for us on Saturday...to be continued...

21 comments:

Margaret said...

I so agree, Barb and Alma are wonderful teachers! I tried to see that sneak peek of the 4th Anniversaries of the Heart. Looks like it's nice! No house though?? Thanks so much for sharing your retreat with us!

Marie said...

Wow, I would love to be able to attend a retreat with Barb and Alma...Lucky you!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

What a great time you must have had! Love their displays - how beautiful - thanks for sharing!!!

Katrina said...

I've taken a few classes with Barb and Alma, aren't they just the best, sweetest ladies? Your retreat looks like so much fun and thanks for the sneak peek at house number four :-).

Jeanne said...

It looks like a great time! I would love to take a class from them -either quilting or stitching either one! Thanks for sharing the great photos with us.

Melissa said...

What fun you must've had, Cathy! Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos and stories!

Siobhán said...

Cathy, thanks for sharing the photos!! It looks like a fabulous time.

Lynn said...

I would love to take a class with Barb and Alma! It looks like you've had a wonderful time.

Jennifer said...

Wow lucky you! What beautiful pictures. I just received the valentine anniveraries of the heart and the Christmas book for my stash. It is great to have these patterns. I love their work.

Giovanna said...

Ooooh, I'm so envious.... thanks for sharing the lovely pics!

Michelle said...

Wow - lucky you! What fun that must have been. Thanks for all the great photos - their stuff is so drool-worthy!

Laurie in Iowa said...

I'm really enjoying your report and snaps from your fabulous weekend with Barb and Alma. TFS

Kim said...

Thank you your pictures are wonderful! I was just wondering do you know why there is such a big gap between house 2 and 3? Thanks -

mainely stitching said...

This is one event I'm going to regret missing out on for a LONG time to come. Thanks for sharing all the great photos!

Karen said...

Looks wonderful...I can't imagine seeing all of those wonderful finished items! So glad you had fun.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you had a good time at the retreat, thanks for sharing your thoughts and pictures.
I hardly ever comment, but I want you to know I enjoy your blog!

Sandra said...

I'm just loving your posts about the retreat, I would think I had died and gone to heaven if I had been there. Such amazing stuff from Barb and Alma, makes you want to sit and stitch 24 hours a day.

Jan said...

Such a fun time you had at Retreat, Cathy! I haven't taken a class with Barb and Alma, but I do know they are both so warm, loving and fun that it must have been a blast!! Thanks for sharing!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I'm so happy for you Cathy...although I'll tell you what I told Joan on her blog post....

I knew I would be and your (and her) pictures of the event clinch it...I'm jealous. Completely. Totally.

But in a really good and happy way for the both of you!

Lelia said...

Oh my! What great pix : ) Thx for sharing --- and the Strawberry piece (from previous post) is really a neat design.

Cannot wait to see your stitching!!! and your new stash haul!!!

come on, don't hold out

Maria said...

Cathy, thanks for sharing the photos!! i'm italian stitcher and i can only to dream this event ;)
ciao Maria