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...