My day began with an early morning walk with Elizabeth and Debbie...we took an hour long walk in the area - we walked to the La Salette Shrine up the Shrine hill to the statues representing the Apparition and had quite a view from the top - the Shakers called this scenic area "Chosen Vale". The blue waters of Lake Mascoma, the birch, pine, and maple trees, and the surrounding hills and mountains are a breathtaking sight...and seeing it first thing in the morning with a light fog was a great way to start the day!
After our power walk and getting cleaned up, I headed down to breakfast and met up with Bree, Elizabeth, Angela, Debbie, and Vicky. We decided to make a trip to ABC Stitch Therapy first, then head to Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor, NH. Our trip to ABC lasted a bit longer than anticipated, as there was so much eye candy to peruse...we were there for almost three hours (and this was knowing we would return for shopping and a tea party during the event). I picked up a couple things - some specialty pins (my favorite - Puntini Puntini), the limited Liberty Hill "Halloween Night Scissor Block", and a Homespun Elegance "Bird Pincushion Box".
With six people, we decided we needed to take two cars to Keepsake Quilting - after a comedy of errors and several wrong turns, we finally made our way to Center Harbor....it was a long, but scenic drive...and I was so thrilled everyone humored me, so I could visit this quilting mecca. After a quick bite to eat, I couldn't wait to get shopping...after all, this shop was on my bucket list and we were short on time. The manager was kind enough to let me take some photographs, just as long as I did not photograph their quilts....and the staff was quite helpful with all my questions and purchases. There was a fabulous Halloween display when you entered the shop...and rows and rows of fabric - I was in heaven...and again I found some stash I will have to ship home...but what's new?!...
I could have stayed quite a bit longer, but it was getting late and we still had to drive back to the Dwelling House in time for the tour and reception...luckily Bree is a fabulous driver with a great sense of direction and she got me back quickly and safely (thanks again Bree!). When we arrived back at the Enfield Shaker Museum, all of the attendees for the retreat had arrived and I got to see many long distance friends...I knew Sue, Ruth, and Patty would be there and I was excited to see their smiling faces! We got a short tour of the Enfield Museum, then headed to the reception for a lovely meet and greet, followed by some late night stitching.
Saturday and Sunday were jam packed with needlework, laughter, and fun. I spent most the days teaching and working with the students...and of course I stayed up late and giggled! I thoroughly enjoyed the first retreat and was excited to see many of the attendees finished a piece in the project....a handful even finished their Shaker chair.
This morning it was time to say goodbye to the first group...now that they are all a part of my needlework family, I hope to see each individual again soon! To those in attendance - thank you - it was truly my pleasure to have you in class....I appreciate all the kind words, support, and hospitality you showed me and hope our paths will cross again soon...hugs to you all....
So now, I am off to bed - Nataly is taking me on a scenic tour tomorrow before the evening events (so I will take lots more photographs)...I can't wait to meet the second group of attendees - it is going to be a great, fun-filled week!
You have such sumptuous needlecraft shops in America. London just doesn't compare, nor has shops of that size. I think that I'd have died and gone to heaven if I found myself in that shop, and that goes for the patchwork shop too!
ReplyDeleteohhhhh wow such eye candy and that's not just the shops which are fabulous ... which we had such a selection over here .... glad you are having a great time .... not jealous much heheheh love mouse xxxx
ReplyDeleteThe shops really look like a needlecrafters paradise! I wish we had shops like these over here.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of the surrounding area.
Eveline.
Thanks for the guided tour - it sounds like a fabulous time was had by all.
ReplyDeletewow..very lovely pictures..such a beautiful place to visit and the needlecraft shop are just so mouth watering..i wish too that if we have one like this here..
ReplyDeleteglad you are having lovely time..hugs xx
Visiting those shops would be like a little piece of heaven! We have nothing like them here. I've enjoyed your pics and I can see that you've been having a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous time you are having! What glorious pictures you took during your power walk! Glad you were able to get to Keepsake Quilting! Enjoy the next group of retreaters!
ReplyDeleteRobin
What a great time! Thanks for sharing the pictures of the shops. I'm thinking I'm going to have to add both of them to my "bucket list!"
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to take a trip up there before christmas, never knew about the abc stitching store, definitely a stop, I will have to make.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Isn't Keepsake Quilts fun? I can't believe you did all that shopping in one day with a convoy no less!
ReplyDelete