More about the new arrival in another post as it was bought just in time for (ie the day before...) the Stitch Gathering which was brilliant - Jo Avery and co did such a good job.
The day started with tea and coffee and a nametag swap where we all had to hunt down the person we had made it for. This is the nametag I made for the swap.
Because I left buying a new sewing machine to the very last minute I had to make the tag in haste the night before (like writing homework essays for school class outside the classroom door.) It was my first stab at using a free motion foot too, so it doesn't look anything like as professional as the beauty that Nikki made for my MIL (sadly no pic) or the lovely one made for me by Marilyn who makes quilts and bags from recycled materials on a 40-year old sewing machine,
As well as the name tags, there were fabric tickets for the Gathering which each holder embellished for handing in - a genius idea. This was the result which is being made into a quilt to display next year.
There was a fascinating variety of styles, and they were all beautiful.
The gathering was so well organised, and had views like this of Arthur's Seat and the Castle.
There was also a phenomenally generous goodie bag:
thanks to the Sponsors - Ali at Very Berry Fabrics, Aurifil, Beechwood Quilting, Groves, Pilot, Robert Kaufmann, Coats, Liberty, the Button Company, Webfabrics. It even contained biscuits from Nairns to fill in the gaps around the good lunch which was laid out in the classroom so that people could continue to chat.
There was a really friendly atmosphere, making for a great day spent sewing in good company. I took classes in crazy patchwork with Sheila Donnachie and in jelly roll quiltmaking with Fiona Calvert, who were both lovely, and came home with two new WIPs.
Back to reality and before finishing the SG WIPs I have to get back to the projects I was working on before my last sewing machine broke and that's going to be a bit difficult because I have lost my sewing train of thought on them. Does that happen to you?
fab goodie bag, and it sounds like the whole event was great. Can't wait to hear more about it!
ReplyDeletefab goodie bag, and it sounds like the whole event was great. Can't wait to hear more about it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great time was had by all, I am sure you will get your sewing train back on track soon. Enjoy playing with your new machine :)
ReplyDeleteSounds fun! Those name tags are cute. Congrats on your baby! :) she probably will require all of your time... For a while. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun gathering. Sounds like you had a great time. The nametag you made is beautiful You did a great job. Congratulations on your new machine. Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteYour name tag looks great and the retreat sounds wonderful! I'm glad that you got to go and had such a good time :)
ReplyDeleteOh gosh that sounds like fun - I am sure you will get your sewing mojo back in no time! I love your name tag, and look forward to seeing all the lovely new things you will be making on your new machine.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like lots of fun!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Chatherine, Many congrates on the new sewing machine! And what a wonderful day of sewing etc. in Edinburgh! So many clever ideas for the day's program, swaping name tags, baskets of goodies, block display what fun! Yes, I often lose my sewing- train-of-thought! lol. Sometimes I can just put a project on the dsign wall and it refreshes my memory and sometimes I just have to make up something new. Have fun with the new machine!!!! cheers, CW
ReplyDeleteso glad that the SG was such a hit. Looking forward to hearing all about your new machine x
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a fabulous day - and great goody bag too!
ReplyDeletethanks for the fantastic write up Catherine and it was so good to properly meet you! Can you link this post up to the linky thing I am doing on my most recent blog post please? And your new post which I am just about to read! Thanks x
ReplyDeleteLovely post, and your photos are brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post - SG looks amazing! Have fun with your new addition!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to meet you at SG and I love my name tag, it's hanging up in my sewing room :)
ReplyDelete