My weekend at Nowra - Part one

Well, what can I say................ what a fabulous weekend it was at JukeJema's annual stitching retreat at Waterslea. Monday and Tuesday for me has been a blur, nearly lost my voice, suffering lock jaw from laughing, ran out of Tena Lady's and just starting to feel my wacky normal self again. LOLOLOL Janelle and I had a great trip down. A bit of drizzly rain here and there but overall a great run. Talked non stop. Not even the radio stood a chance!

We taught along side Annie Downs and the three of us have done this gig before so it was special to be able to do it again.

 

All the ladies who attended the retreat were particularly special. Great to see familiar faces and to have some new ones too. A gold star goes out to Shiree & Colleen who came all the way over from New Zealand. Hope you had a wonderful time girls, it was great to finally meet you :) So who was the Captain of this ship?? Well THE most gorgeous girl.....Kim and her second in charge THE most cheeky Carol...........! You never disappoint girls. You are amazing! Thankyou :) MWAH

Carol on the left...Kim on the right :)

 

Kim's mum, a lady who is wrapped in loveliness, every year makes all the amazing gifts that the ladies get in their gift bags, was once again THE winner of the hardest working stitcher there. Here we are.................snuggle snuggle.

 
 And here is just one of the gifts that Margaret stitched. I think about 70 of each and there was one gift representing each of the tutors so quick calculation.........de dum de dum.....210....YOWZA!   or there abouts.

 
How cute hey! I am going to give this to my sister Mel as I have one that I made from my copy of Janelle's book. And last but definitely not least for part one of my weekend show 'n' tell is my project.

 
OOOHHHH! Just had to sneak this in first........Where have I seen that chirpy little chap before??? Of course, my Woodland Magic quilt. He was made and presented on the goodie bags representing me. What a gentleman... :) 

All the ladies loved it and that's what it's all about. You always hope that your projects you design for retreats are going to be received well and it was. So here is "My keeper of all things lovely" which is a 2 piece set consisting of a block keeper and something a bit fancy shmancy. What I like to call a retreat seat.

 
This is such a versatile project. You have the nice soft pillow to keep your bottom happy and 3 side pockets that hang at each side for your sewing needs. Saddle bags I like to call them, & pretty good lookin' ones at that! hehe Threads, rotary cutter, scissors, glasses, the list goes on. You could have one in your sewing room, take it to the footy, on a picnic............anything goes!

This was inspired by a friend of mine while we were at this same retreat last year that I should design something that you could hang off your chair and keep all your bits in that you would normally have on the table. So think of how much more space you will have now ladies at your next retreat.

I just have to put some finishing touches to the pattern cover tonight and the pattern is ready for release to the shops. Now the block keeper speaks for itself. A sweet stitchery on the front of one of my garden girls with some fun easy piecing, measuring in at 14 inches square. Perfect for the next quilt or to keep your stitcheries safe and secure!

Now before I go I shall leave you with a pic of Sandy G's completed retreat seat from the weekend and I shall return in a few days with part two!

Sandy used batiks and it looks sensational! Isn't she gorgeous :)

 
I have heaps more to share and lots of show 'n' tell. That is just awesome so stayed tuned folks and I will see you in a couple of days!!

Happy days & Tena Lady's "in stitches"

               

Comments

[Wendy]

Love it! I definitely need one of these cushions for my annual retreat.

[SandyN]

It was a great weekend...hey. I LOVE going on retreat with you Nat... you are heaps of fun. I could be your personal assistance.. and bag carry lady.

I am making the retreat seat too... can't wait to finish it and put my big.... on it.

Sandyn

[Florence SCHNEIDER]

I like this cushion very much !!! how clever !
Florence

[karen]

Wow the whole thing looks great, that cushion is a fab idea & beautiful too
Karen :D

[pattif1947@sbcglobal.net]

Looks like you had a great time and your lovely project is beautiful.

[Amanda Begelhole]

Bahaha...Tena ladies in stitches. You crack me up! Love your new design, what a great idea!!!
You're so clever.
Manda xox

[Wendy Stevens]

I love it - when will it be available to buy?