The 2015 Spring Retreat Report (photo heavy)

As soon as the weather begins to break, all the ladies of my embroiderers' guild start to itch for retreat weekend.  It seems like this three day, semi-annual retreat is not only blessed from above but also a blessing to each and every one of us who are able to attend.  The fellowship, fun and creativity permeates the air like the perfume from the lilacs in bloom.  If you belong to a creative group that doesn't have a short retreat of some kind at least annually, you should consider starting one.  There is nothing like being with your own tribe for 48 or 50 straight hours to revive the spirit, especially after a long, cold winter.

Sometimes I go to retreat with only one project and a clear cut goal - Make.Progress.  This wasn't that kind of retreat.  I had project ADD and took at least eight projects to either work on, rip out and re-do, think about, or analyze with a focus group.  Here's a glimpse of what went on...

Japanese kogin ornament
Monthly education project from like 87 years ago
Total re-do.  Originally looked like I had stitched it in the dark with my left foot.  New and improved stitching put in.  Might finish it as a needlebook or fob.  Not sure.  Moved on...

Aztec stitch bookmark
Monthly education project from like 187 years ago
Re-read instructions, begged for friend to finish mine, got nowhere with her, had a glass of wine, worked six rows of woven bars, felt good about it, set aside for another day.

Hardanger cross bookmark (for sister)
Tried to clear cobwebs out of the brain and remember how to travel around the woven bars, thought I remembered, needleweaved for about 30 minutes, took out 30 minutes worth of needleweaving. Set aside.

Adam and Eve by Homespun Elegance (Snippets of Olde)
Called for a focus group discussion.  Evaluated where I went wrong with the colors. Tried to decide how to selectively rip and re-do in order to make skin less pink, serpent more green, sun brighter, grass lighter, etc.  Decided I really didn't want to spend all day frogging.  Set aside.

Tudor Rose luggage tag (3" round needlepoint)
Need to couch down gold outlining around petals and work light background stitches. Acknowledged those facts.  Set aside.

Granddaughter's jeans jacket
Finally decided on motif and basted the general outline for floral heart.

Granddaughter's felt fish mobile 
a.k.a. the God Complex fish, as in, LOOK AT THE FISH I HAVE CREATED! I DECLARE THEY ARE GOOD FISH!
selected color combos, cut out fish, fins, eyes, lips, stripes, etc.  Attached most elements.
Ready for stuffing, ribbon and assembly.


And just before we had to pack up and depart, I selected several special motifs for a nightmare-proof pillowcase (for me, not the grandbaby. that would be weird. trust me).  Stay tuned for more on the Extra Super Special pillowcase...

In non-stitchy related news, many participated in the first ever Hummingbird Aerobics class that was held on Saturday afternoon.  Ultimately the hummingbird was liberated and the liberators were jubilant.  Friend and fellow stitcher Zella celebrated her 82nd birthday.  There were no seam ripper incidents or injuries to report.  The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge welcomed Princess Charlotte into the world.  And finally, a three-year-old bay colt named American Pharoah (not Pharaoh), riden by Victor Espinoza, won the Kentucky Derby.

Until next time friends, STITCH HAPPY!

My 100th Post and a Run for the Roses

Wow, 100 posts!?! Now I have proof that I'm a blabbering idiot. I also want to point out that I have two more pieces of solid evidence that I'm "officially" on the slippery slope into senility. First, I totally forgot that it was Thursday night last night. Hello! Grey's?!!! That's what I thought. Luckily, TIVO caught it for me, whew! But wait, it gets worse. Today was the 1st of the month. Right? I work in a place where it is impossible to forget that it's the first of the month. I took "April" out of my cross stitch cork board and inserted "May" and NEVER, not ONCE did I think about rushing over to The Gift of Stitching to download the newest issue, like I have done every month for like EVER! Wonder where I put that ginko bilboa? So as long as we are examining my crazy, why don't you come with me on a little journey into Fantasyland...(cue the Disney springtime in the forest music)...

Tonight I will sleep like an angel, no weird dreams or hot flashes or neck cricks. Husband will sleep like a log, without sawing them. K9 will sleep soundly and will not smell like she has run free for two hours tonight and rolled in every pile of stink she could find.

I will awake slowly to the sound of birds singing and a bright and shining sun. As my senses linger between sleep and wake, I detect the aroma of my favorite latte from the kitchen. The steam is already rising from the shower.

After brunch, I pick out my Derby hat and dress, polish the silver julep cups and call in my winning wager. Only thing on the afternoon schedule is a manicure and pedicure before the call to the post.

Sunday will begin much the same with birds, a latte, and a steamy shower. Maybe another hat. Church, leisurely lunch with family, and an afternoon/evening full of stitching and finishing my favorite WIPs.

Okay. Not exactly, but I'm pretty sure there will be birds and an horse race!

Here's hoping you have a winning weekend!