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.