Friday, March 19, 2010

The premier of "Fruit of the Vine"

Greetings from Excelsior Springs, Missouri! I'm here to teach at a retreat for the Heartland Stitch Counters Society.

The stitchers are now beginning to arrive. In a few hours we'll gather for Meet and Greet, a time to renew acquaintances and also to stitch a bit. Tonight I'll be handing them their linen and charts for Fruit of the Vine so that those who want can mount their linen on scroll bars.

Below is a photo of Kathleen, one of the organizers of this retreat. Look at the marvelous sign the group had made.
This is the outside of the conference center. The class will be in the room with all the windows. As you can see from the photos, the conference center is situated on a lake.

The weather was quite lovely when I arrived, but the temperature has been steadily dropping during the day, and it is now quite blustery. Snow is expected to arrive overnight. Predictions vary dramatically from a couple of inches to a foot!! I think everyone here has had enough of the wintry weather--doesn't Mother Nature know that tomorrow is the first day of spring??

Look at the lovely flowers that they gave me. At least it will look like spring in my room even if it doesn't outside!

I hope to share some more photos over the weekend. I know that we all are going to have a wonderful time! In fact, we'll have "plenty" of good times and stitching--afterall, the theme for this year's retreat is "Plenty".

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing and good luck! I look forward to hearing more from you!

Margaret said...

Have a great time, Ellen! Good luck with your class premier. I know it's a pretty piece!

Roberta said...

Have fun teaching, Ellen. Looks like a great place for a retreat!!

The flowers are lovely.

Nancy said...

Beautiful flowers! Have fun at the retreat Ellen! How fun to be next to the lake.

Sandra said...

That is interesting that the ladies haven't done any pre stitching before the class. I love Fruit of the Vine and am hoping this will be the design that Fobbles choose next year and that I'll be able to attend. Gorgeous flowers for you, how thoughtful. Look forward to hearing all about the class and maybe some WIP photos?

Sherri said...

What a great place for a stitching retreat! Enjoy your class and your spring flowers.

KsMaryLou said...

the retreat was fantastic! ellen is such a wonerful teacher and her new design is absolutely gorgeous.

Ellen said...

Thanks everyone.

Mary Lou, thanks for the very kind words. The goup at the retreat was certainly wonderful.

I'm just sorry that you weren't able to stitch because of your hand.

Unknown said...

Ellen...thank you, thank you, thank you! Why, you ask?? Well, in 1996-1997, my family was stationed at Leavenworth, Kansas, and I was lucky enough to meet Kathleen and join the Heartland Stitcher's Society. It was one of the happiest stitching times of my life! Kathleen and the LNS hosted the group, and we met in the community center along the river in downtown Leavenworth (breathtaking views). It was my first stitching group, and I loved every minute of my time with them; they were the greatest group of ladies!!!

Kathleen was/is quite the designer herself...and even designed the name tags we wore, and I believe, the pin. She was such a patient and encouraging lady and really helped me grow in my stitching and designing. When you mentioned the group name, I thought it sounded familiar, but you threw me with the location. Kathleen's picture assured me that I had remembered correctly...LOL! So...THANK YOU for bringing back such sweet memories...and, although she may not remember me, if/when you speak with Kathleen, please share greetings from Terri Hall (actually, I was Troyer then)!

BTW, lest I forget to tell you...I love, love, love Fruit of the Vine! You are such a gifted lady yourself!

HAPPY STITCHIN'
Terri

Ellen said...

Sandra, My classes are stitching classes versus finishing classes. This project has 28 different stitches and most of them are on the needleroll that we did in class. The class hour or so of class is spent on assembly. During that time I demonstrate the different aspects of assembling the project. This project has 25 pages of directions plus the cover.

Sorry, Terri, that you weren't able to make it to the retreat this year. I think a good time was had by all.


I'm still enjoying the lovely flowers a week later.