Retreat Goodies and TUSAL

I just didn't know what to expect when I signed up for the Retreat.  I have been to another Retreat many years ago where we had projects they provided and some lessons they taught.  Before that, I had gone to the Love of Needlework Show and taken classes there.  Those by the way were awesome.  It was too bad when they stopped.  I took a great needleroll class from Lori Birmingham.  I also learned how to do some silk ribbon work and I tried tatting.  I could never get the hang of that.  Brilliant thought ****betcha Youtube****

Moving right along.  We received a project bag with a Victorian Sampler kit Wisconsin,  JBW Designs Garden Wisdom, Needlepoint Silks (the same colors as my first dresser scarf), a magnet pad, a package of little nail files and a green mouse.  The silks and the mouse seemed like kismet to me as did the Lizzie Kate snippet.  

I had just seen this on another blog...can't remember which one but, thought this was really cute.  "I should get that one."  Wouldn't you know it was in my project bag.  I really was meant to be at this retreat.  The other Lizzie Kate in the pic above was the prize I won on Saturday night with the Hurricane Name that Tune.  I got the piano version of New York State of Mind.  Once I figured out I had to stand up to get picked, I did okay.  I was also a little dense with the theme.  Eventually I caught on to that one too.  Duh!

 Kendra had a little store open in another smaller conference room.  She had brought a few things that I have been considering adding to my stash.  I really love this Shepherd's Bush Eden's Lament Pin Cushion.  The saying around the edge is, "A girl, a snake, a rosy bite, a boy, a leaf, a hasty flight."  It is springy, so it will be fun to do after the holidays in the dark of winter.

 I saw another Retreater working on this and fell in love with the saying and the colors of the thread, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love," Mother Theresa

 Finally, one of my more recent favorite designers.  I really had only become familar with her about a year ago and have become quite a fan.  I love the birds and the little houses.

Another fun thing was I met a fellow blogger.  Melanie, see her blog HERE.  She is the Queen of Mirabilia.  A very impressive amount of stitching pieces.  I probably do as much stitching in one year what she does on one piece!

Lest I forget, today is also TUSAL day.  I thought rather than showing my accumulation thus far, I would show my ORTS I saved from the retreat.  Don't they look elegant on the Lennox butter dish?

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  I love the comments you all send.  It really makes my day.
Hope you are having a good week.  Today, the sun was finally shining after the gloomy, wet and yes snowy weather we have been having.
Keep on Stitching.
Monica