Sunday, November 04, 2012

Inspired Needle Retreat 2012 - Part One




 The Inspired Needle retreat was the last weekend in October.   This is part one of my recap.  I should title it "On the Way."  On the way to the retreat we always stop in LaPorte, Indiana at House of Stitches.  You see, one cannot drive past a needlework shop if it is within 50 miles of your destination.  Even if you have more than enough stash to bring with you and you know full well that Cathy of Inspired Needle will have charts, thread and fabric for you to peruse and purchase at the retreat.  It is just a mandatory stop and that is all there is to it.

First thing I spied at House of Stitches was the darling arrangement with a bunch of tomato pin cushions under a cloche.  I want to recreate this at my house!  So cool!



This is what a trunk looks like when you have a bunch of stitchers on their way off for a weekend.  Pack up those Vera bags ladies!!!


 Here are Pat and Brenda conferring about linens and threads.  One of our favorite pastimes!
 Here are Jayne and I feeling giddy about being surrounded by stitchy goodness.

 This is Katrina and Karin.  Katrina flew out from Colorado for the weekend.  She and Karin have known each other for 12 years.  They have stitched together all over the world.  Very cool.  Also, you can see Joy cutting linen for us in the background.  She is such a sweetie!  She is also patient, kind and very helpful!  Thanks Joy! and Linda and Nancy!  You guys are the best!


Here is Kellie doing a conversion from silks to DMC.  She did it all on her own and made a great conversation for a new Drawn Thread chart.  

 Here is a cool project Karin picked up.

 Pat picked up a framed piece that she had the House of Stitches frame.  Gorgeous!!


 This is a shop model of a Prairie Moon piece that I think is so cool.
More on this later....but I became obsessed with stitching with wool during this weekend.  Stay tuned for Part 2.

17 comments:

Birdie said...

Oh I'm so there in spirit. Great photos and I love love love the VB bags in the car. :)

Happy stitching.

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Very fun!!!
Linda

Giovanna said...

Oh what fun! I love the picture of the trunk, and those of you ladies so obviously enjoying yourselves. Love the stitching too. Thanks for sharing.

Vickie said...

I too love the trunk picture. ;)

Anonymous said...

Be still my heart with the pictures of linens, threads, and stitching pals! Thank you for sharing your 'pit stop' with us! Love the trunk photo!

Robin in Virginia

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

That cloche was one thing that I thought was the COOLEST when I saw it too :) Just the next day! LOL!

Karin said...

Great recap Laura!! Too funny that pic of the trunk...didn't knew you took that one!! :-) Such a fun trip!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Loved the post and loved all those Vera bags.

Shari said...

oh how fun & to see 'my shop' in all those pix!!! thanks for sharing

Ranae said...

Fun, fun, fun

Barb said...

Looks like a wonderful shop!

Cathy said...

Love photos of retreats, and I love House of Stitches! I'm from Indiana, and when I visit I like to take a side trip to House of Stitches. A question about Pat's framed finish: Is the pattern "Easter Parade"? I've been looking for that everywhere!
Cathy

Siobhán said...

My mojo is finally returning and seeing this post gives me an extra shot of caffeine in that mojo. :) LOVED seeing the pics and the projects! I can't wait for part two. :)

BrendaS said...

Great post Laura! We had such a great time at HOS -- Stashing and obsessing:)))

teresa said...

nice post Miss Laura! I feel like I was there !

Penny said...

Can you help me with the name of the cross stitch pattern for the framed rabbit that Is Karin's?

Penny said...

Oops! The chart I was interested in was by Pat. Thanks!