Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Stitchville's Spring Fling - Part I

Remember the Carly Simon song "Anticipation"? Last week at this time I had that song constantly running through my head. I could hardly wait for Friday; the countdown clock on my blog kept telling me that the time was getting closer and closer, but Friday couldn't come soon enough. And then -- Friday was here!

My BFF's, Joan and Chris, joined me for the weekend extravaganza. We headed over to the other side of town early on Friday so that we could meet up with Judy and Barb (our northern friends) for some lunch and then for shopping at Stitchville. We arrived at the Oak Ridge Conference Center in time to meet and greet other excited stitchers anticipating the start of our weekend retreat. This is a fabulous location with comfortable rooms, delicious meals, and a well-lit, comfortable classroom.



At 3pm the fun began! After checking in for the retreat we claimed our spot for the weekend at one of the tables in the classroom. Check out how pretty the tables were decorated!



Joan, Chris, and I were joined by Lavonne and Joyce (I have two new stitching friends!) It was great fun to again see some of the returning stitchers who were at last year's retreat (the Wisconsin "cheesehead" stitchers - you know who you are!) and to also meet new stitching friends. In all, I think there were about 30 - 35 stitchers at this retreat, many from MN, but others who traveled from ND, WI, IA, VA, FL, GA, ME - hope I didn't miss anyone!

Our guest at this retreat was Jeanette Douglas. What a thrill to have her here with us for this retreat! She is one of the most down-to-earth, genuine, friendly designers I have ever met.


We had a little project to work on Friday night -- Jeanette designed this little Sweet Tulip design just for us. It was small enough that it could be stitched up in a couple of hours. Deb from Stitchville was then ready to frame it up for us in the Olde Colonial frame that had been provided with the kit. Isn't it cute?

Here's the model:


And here's my finish (can you believe that it was finished before I headed to bed on Friday night?)


Here's an entire "patch" of finished tulips!


Well, I have more to share, but I think I am going to savor this for a few more days. Check back tomorrow for Part II!

17 comments:

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

What fun! I love the "patch" of tulips ;)

Yvonne..... said...

I know you had a great time! Love the tulips! Please let me know with Stitchville has another retreat. I haven't been to their shop in about 10 years and going to one of their fabulous retreats would be a good reason for a road trip - LOL!

Laura said...

It looks like so much fun!!!!!! Can't wait to follow along. I think stitching weekends are right up there with Christmas!!!

Von said...

How nice to have a project that finishes up so quickly! Can't wait for more on the retreat. :)

Gabi said...

LOVE those tulips. So cute. Great to hear that the retreat was so much fun.

valerie said...

Looks like a fun time! Jeanette is so friendly! Love the welcome project and the "field" of tulips!

Katrina said...

Sounds like great fun Cathy, the little tuplip design is so pretty. I look forward to reading Part II of your retreat :)

Karen said...

Sounds like a great time!

Margaret said...

Oh wow! It looks like a good time! I love the little design -- and how wonderful that you could stitch it up in an evening and have it framed for you like that! I've never met Jeanette Douglas. She sounds wonderful!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Love the sweet tulip project. It all sounds like wonderful fun. Glad you enjoyed your retreat.

Anonymous said...

You certainly can tell a wonderful time was had by all. Love the group picture of the tulips. That sure is something to be proud of.

JOLENE said...

I bet you had a wonderful time! I love the tulip design and the colors are beautiful. Smiles....

Delusional Knitter said...

Wow sounds like a fabulous weekend! Love the little tulip design.

Katrina said...

Gorgeous, love your Tulip piece!!!! Looks like such a fun weekend :-).

Lynn said...

Those are sweet little tulips!
It's nice to have something finished to take home as a reminder of your great weekend.
I've met Jeannette at one of our retreats and I agree, she's really down to earth and friendly.

Bekca said...

The tulips are just lovely and it sounds like you had a great time. Can't wait for part 2!

Michele said...

sounds like you all had so much fun! Love the Tulip design! and all the finished tulips are grand!