Monday, November 10, 2014

A Retreating We Will Go

Heigh ho, the dairy-o, a retreating we will go!

It was off to Lake Junaluska, NC last Thursday for 4 days of stitchin', eating, talking and laughing!  If I had my druthers, I'd attend a retreat at least once a month.  There is nothing more fun than sharing some time with kindred spirits and letting the creative juices flow!

This was my 3rd time retreating with my EGA group and each time I get so inspired!  We have such a diverse group of creative people who do cross-stitch, needlepoint, knitting, crochet, quilting, beading . . . if you can do it with a needle they will create something!  They are so sharing in their knowledge and friendship and it is a joy to spend time with them.

Lake Junaluska is the perfect spot just an hour and a half drive from where I live.  Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina it is so pretty with the fall colors (or any time of the year for that matter).











I bring enough projects to stay busy for probably 3 or 4 months . . . always over estimating what I can accomplish . . . and that's okay . . . no harm in starting a number of different things or just working on one to completion.  No time or reason to get bored!

I did manage to almost complete a new design . . . didn't have the right color for the birds with me . . . finished it up last night when I got home.  I think it needs a companion pincushion now . . . don't you agree?

This is a dedicated busy bee kind of group . . . always amazing how much is accomplished with all the talking, laughing, eating and visiting that goes on.  And speaking of eating . . . how can I possibly have only gained one pound!  Does stitching burn that many calories!!!
 My table mates:



















Sometimes you just have to take a break . . . a little power nap may just be what's needed . . .

One of our members sadly moved away this year.  As long as she promised to come back for retreats and a few special events each year, we reluctantly let her go.  We presented her with a  couple of stitched goodies worked on by several members of the group (I stitched the pincushion). . . so she doesn't forget us!



We will miss you Mindy!



It was so much fun . . . and way too short!  I'm pushing for another one in the spring . . . who's with me?!


Ooops . . . almost forgot!  We found fabric heaven at Sister's Quilts in Maggie Valley!!!  If you love Moda Fabrics this is the place to go . . . great selection, great prices!!!  Call first to make sure she is open:
Sister's Quilts
1100 Evans Cove Road 
Maggie Valley, NC 28751
(828) 926-0296


A Stitching  We Will Go  ~*