Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Stitching Jubilee

The Stitching Jubilee in Lancaster, PA, was an absolute blast last week! Kathy and I made it Wed. evening. It was a dream poring through PTP's fabrics and spending time at Gitta's. Then off to all that we could get to - spent much time with HDF fibers the first day. There was a Mosh pit of threads that were tangled, which Kathy dubbed the Floss pit..LOL. Whatever you could stuff in a small bag was yours for $4.00. Deal of the century - I must have at least 30 threads or more in one bag, though they have to be untangled.

This is the Believe fabric painting class with Catherine Jordan. It was fabulous - we learned how to paint these beautiful landscapes (with little or no artistic ability, I might add) and then stitch the trees, etc.

My progress so far... haven't stitched too much on it yet; specialty stitches go a little slower. The paints are permanent, washable, and so soft. You can't tell the fabric has paint on it; but one restriction is the paints can't be ironed.

I also took Make it-Take it classes and hung out half a day at the Brenda Kocher Designs booth. They were all so sweet and helpful.
Deb from Half Moon Handwerks taught several designs and needle/shuttle tatting/bobbin lacing.

Mary Bluge from A. Fox Original taught Swedish Huck-Weaving, which is really cool and very fast. Since my SIL is Swedish, I hope to do a little for him. Deb also has all the Threadworx, which is where I spent a lot of time. And if you like unusual and beautiful needlepoint and specialty stitches, check out Brenda's site - gorgeous.

Mary's Huckweaving....I only have the first line, so I'll show mine later.
I could go on and on about all of the booths. The hosts/hostesses were all truly so welcoming and flexible.
Suffice to say that I went into the mart all three days and found plenty to see and do--and buy. :)
Both Kathy and I bought this kit for Pat Hartman's Secret Garden, as we had to leave before the class began. Isn't it lovely?

I met several people in my online groups/blogs and some new friends, too.

Friday evening I spent a little while with Nancy M. and her friends. Such a fun group of girls! We went to eat at an authentic Amish restaurant and I viewed all their masterpieces. And they really had some beautiful needlework! Here is Nancy with her Tuscany Town Mandala framed. Stunning, isn't it?

and Nancy and me...
Then back to the stitching lounge to talk, laugh, and stitch.

My partner-in-crime, Kathy...

Kathy, me, and my LMD of 2muchXS, Anita...

Kathy, Anita, Judy, Debbie, and Teresa...

I also met Queen Vikki, but don't have a picture yet (hint, hint, Vikki...LOL)
Seeing as it poured rain the entire three days we were there and longer, it was good we spent our time inside. I hate rain -yes, I know we need it- and love sun, so it was a pleasant way to spend three gloomy days! Until next year...

Zentangle has an update - now through pt. 7.

Hope to finish this one pretty soon.
All in all, a fabulous time and hope to repeat it next year!

37 comments:

Paula H said...

Carolyn, I'm so glad to see that you put up a picture from the fabric painting class! It's just lovely (even if I'm still not convinced that I'd be able to do it lol)

I'm so glad you came to dinner with us on Friday - it was great fun and I enjoyed every minute!

Paula

Tracey said...

Looks like so much fun! And what a deal on the tangled floss! I'm glad you had fun. :)

Alice said...

Carolyn, you are so dynamic and full of fun!!! That fabric painting can look stunning with ribbon embroidery too. Its something I still want learn to do in my lifetime but I cannot find the ribbon here where I am, out in the sticks!! Great stuff I learned on your blog today and cool photos.
Alice

Emily in NC said...

So much to comment on, that fabric painting looks like so much fun as does that needlepoint kit you got.

Meari said...

Everyone looks like they were having a great time! Thanks for sharing your trip.

Mel said...

Wow to the painting one... that is sooo cool!

Sounds like a fantastic time!

Nancy M said...

You know how to take advantage of the vendors much more than I do!!! I was just browsing, you were learning cool stuff! That fabric painting looks cool. I really couldn't picture what you were talking about!!! Wish I could have seen your
Zentangle in person. It was great meeting you too! Have fun at the next retreat.....you lucky dog! Oh yeah....how did Montana handle you being away????

Janaina said...

OMG!!!!! I'm thrilled just with the pics, imagine the real deal!
Must be incredible to be able to spend some time with those girls we only meet online! =)

Marion said...

WOW!!! What I would have given to
go to something like that!! AND I see swedish weaving!!!!
I love the fabric painting!!
Such fun!!! Lucky you!
Take care
Marion

Cindy's Stitching said...

You look like you had so much fun. Love the pictures and the painting on fabric and then stitching is amazing. Maybe next year I can make the trip, I live in NY. Cindy

Donna said...

Love that fabric painting. It has been so long since I went to one of those events. I will have to go next time! Glad you had a great time.

Faye said...

Sounds like you had a blast!! I am envious of all your time to travel and attend these stitch events!~ Glad you can do that b/c I love hearing your stories and seeing you phots..those smiles say it all!~ Faye

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

IT looks like so much fun! :)

Jinger said...

The fabric painting class sounds fun and fascinating! I can't wait to see more of your piece.

It looks like you had such a wonderful time with your friends!

Your friend's Mandala piece is gorgeous!

Caroline said...

Oooo - my retreat is this weekend coming up, now I am really excited!! That mandala is amazing - thanks for the pic. Zentangle is coming along nicely, keep up the good work!

Caroline said...

Oh, and I really liked the fabric painting/embroidery as well! (You had a lot of info in this post... LOL)

5 Foot Runt said...

It looks as though everyone had a wonderful time and so glad for you all. I faint with delight over some of the things you picked up. Enjoy them much!

Anonymous said...

WOW Caroline! It looks like you had such a good time!
The painted fabric is awesome! I can't wait to see it in person!

DUSTY said...

Carolyn, sounds ;like you had a great time. the fabric painting is lovely and sounds interesting.I love the needlepoint piece that you picked up. I will have to look for that one. Gorgeous. The Mandala is Stunning !!! I didn't realize they were that big. Your Zentangle is stunning!!!!! I am sure you can't wait to get it finished. Thanks for sharing all your good times and pictures. I will havee to try to get to the retreat one these days. Take care, Dusty

Katrien said...

Everything looks great. How wonderful you were able to meet some online friends.

Kathy A. said...

Wow, that was some trip! Loved all the work you showed.
Hand painted fabrics WOW.
Love the swedish weaving examples.
Oh my all that tangled floss - what a job that will be.
Love your Zentangle. Looked at it but way too late to join now. Congrats on a beautiful job.
and where is your HAED? LOL

Gabi said...

Ohhh...I'm SO jealous...lol. What a terrific weekend. The pictures are all wonderful.
Love the handpainted fabric. The pictures of you and the other stitchers are GREAT. Love the picture of you and Nancy especially. And yes, you're right. Her Tuscany is fantastic.
Your Zentangle loos awesome too.

Terry said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Love all the goodies and finishes that everyone showed.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing with us. You got a great deal on the tangled thread. I like your fabric painting. You will do a great job. I really need to do one of those shows.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Sounds like a blast! Glad you were able to go and enjoy it - then share with us. No artistic talent - yeah, right!! It looks like a neat way to design your own fabric for many projects! So much variety there to enjoy. Your Z is coming along beautifully!

Sharon said...

What fun! your projects are looking beautiful.

Parsley said...

Wow. I'm so impressed!

Wendy said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time at the stitching retreat!! Love the fabric painting!!

Your stitching looks so great!! Nice work!

Anonymous said...

Im so jealous!! I so wanted to go but we just had way too much going on. Hopefully next year I will be able to get there.

Shannon :)

Kathy said...

It sounds like you all had an awesome time. I wish I could have been there. Maybe next year. Of course my bank account isn't sorry. :)

The fabric painting is gorgeous and looks like a lot of fun. But then the whole weekend looked like. Rain or not.

Ruth said...

Wow! I love it all, but I covet your Believe class. That's stunning.

Congrats on your adventure :)

Anonymous said...

Nancy's Tuscany Town Mandala is the most beautiful cross stitch finish I have ever seen!

I love the painted fabric.

Shelley said...

Sounds like you had a ton of fun!! Really wish I can go to one of these.

StitchinKat said...

"Partner in crime"? More like "stash aquisition"! Love the pictures, and I am gonna steal the one of the two of us for my blog!
We had a blast folks...more people need to come along next year!

Brigitte said...

What a great time you all had.

Rene la Frog said...

Sounds like you had a great time.

Dani - tkdchick said...

Wow looks like you had a great time... dose this replace the old CATS show? Gitta's went? Wow all the way from Toronto. I had heard they were not attending the Creativ Festival, so that's where they were!