Sunday, February 21, 2016

TEXAS - OKLAHOMA!

Blue Bonnet is another great memory!  My first class for the Pumpkin Spiced Tea was fun and we had a lot of productive stitching.  It is amazing how some people can just whiz through stuff and others take a little more time.  I think it might have something to do with focus and a mission - if you are determined to stitch you will do so and nothing is going to stop you; while if you are going to visit and enjoy the camaraderie and get to know new classmates on your journey you, too, will accomplish your goal.  In the end all is covered and a new project is well on its way.

My second class was very, very unusual.  Several of my students had to drop out at the last.  Never fear, your kits are on their way - LOL.  So we were down to 2.  Last minute, one could not come because she had strep  throat and spared us the exposure - thank you very, very much although we would loved having you there to play with us had you been well.  Anyway the student that was left brought a custom painted canvas from Kathryn Molineuax (sp?) and after we discussed the actual class piece, we had a ball playing with the stitch guide I had prepared for her.  She had gone thread shopping prior to the Retreat so was well armed and ready to go!  It was quite a treat to work together on some of the issues.

After teaching at Blue Bonnet for a week, I jumped (well not exactly but I did manage to board) on a plane and headed to Dallas where I got to sit for 3.5 hours before heading on to Oklahoma City.  Nice quiet time, though, and I did get quite a bit done.

Donna was johnny on the spot and waiting for my arrival.  She filled me in on details of where we were and where we were going - Lake Murray - an Oklahoma State Park.  First she dropped me off at my hostess' home - Doris.  What lovely, accommodating people I was hooked up with.  After they made sure I was settled, Doris and got to visit and I was able to stitch some while we chatted away like to ole friends.  She got me hooked right away because she had made me some lovely potato soup for dinner and salad - I opted to forgo the other veggie offerings so I could eat more soup - my favorite!

I had an extra day so Donna picked me up and took me to the National History Museum.  One of my students (Ellen!) will be green with envy.  Oh my gosh, dinosaurs and snakes and turtles and fossils and prehistoric stuff is everywhere.  It was quite an adventure!  Who would have thought that these humongous creatures' skeletons were on display out here.  I had to get a fossil or two as souvenirs.

Next morning we were off to Lake Murray.  Lake Murray facility is undergoing major renovation.  However, the class room is wonderfully bright during the day, perfect for classes.  The room was near the back where we had full view of the lake - even a walk around deck for breaks.  And it was quiet  so we could work without interruption.  They kept us fed well too.

I taught a two-day class here for the ANG Group - Crazy Needles Journey.


We did many traditional stitches for background foundations and then lots of embellishing.  We ruched, made ribbon roses, bouillon flowers, Japanese ribbon stitch leaves, double Pekingese bands, chevrons, oat bead flowers , added sequins, beads and ribbons and much more. But most of all, we had fun!  This is a lovely group and I would tell anyone to join them if given the opportunity to do so.

Tomorrow Doris will whisk me off to the airport bright and early - we leave at 4:30 am - and I head back to Kentucky.  But, not to let moss grow under my toes, I will be back on a plane bright and early
Wednesday morning heading to Houston for a fantastic week with my daughter and friends stitching at the Lone Star Chapter's annual Stitch Away.

In the meanwhile I am working feverishly on the threads for our next Online Class, the Thanksgiving Critters by Melissa Shirley and the Pillow Collage from the collection.




And . . . more exciting things are in store as I continue to audition and add new designs to my 2017 lineup.  Wait until you see them!  I am so excited!

I am so proud of some of my online students who have been very generously sharing pictures of their Work In Progress.  My buttons are bursting . . . . .keep up the good work!

So off to what tomorrow brings - remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

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