Sewing Retreat 09

by erika on May 05, 2009

It's come and gone, and I feel somewhat recovered... Enough to write a recap! Here it is: THE SEWING RETREAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!!

I felt so spoiled to be there, as I actually had very little to do with the prep work leading up to our first ever sewing retreat... I was just like every other student, not knowing what the projects would be but trusting that the store wouldn't disappoint. And boy, we were right!

Registration was midafternoon at White Oaks and the spoiling began right away... We all (even me!) got a custom embroidered name tag/scissor holder, an engraved water bottle and a USB stick with embroidery designs on it, plus our tickets for the door prize draws that happened over the next few days. It didn't take long to get set up, and since we were all there, we got started on our first project right away, which was a bound and embroidered portfolio with multiple pockets inside. Everything was precut, so it was just Sew, sew, sew! Whizkid Doreen was the first to finish, inserted her (Sewing Machines Etcetera) pad of paper and pen, and held it up proudly saying, "Look I'm Done!" At which point she flipped it open and..... everything fell out. That's what happens when you sew the inside in upside down!

That was our first good laugh, with more to follow. On another project, one student said, "Hey, that looks pretty good!" Stitch in the Ditch with invisible thread does look pretty good. It looks even better when your machine isn't threaded!

So, between laughs and incredibly decadent meals, we sewed 6 projects in 2 and a half days: The portolio, wine glass toppers, a small table topper quilt, a painted t-shirt, a wine cooler bag, and a roll up picnic placemat. Whew! We all learned so much about our machines, specialty techniques and about how much fun it is to sew with 19 other enthusiasts. The giveaways kept coming too, with everyone getting something for a door prize. (I got an Ottobre magazine, and it was one I didn't have yet!)

Both guest educators donated their kit fees to the ALS Society of Ontario through the store. Doreen from Husqvarna Viking donated a beautiful quilt for auction, and a portion of the notions sales were also donated. Many thanks to everyone for their contributions and support. Together, we raised almost $1000!

A gallery of projects and faces will be up soon, so be sure to check back. We are already making plans for next year and we hope to see you there!

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