Monday, October 13, 2008

Boxwood & Berries Gathering

What an incredible, wonderful weekend! Spring Green, Wisconsin is located in Central Southern Wisconsin in a lovely valley. The Wisconsin River runs through it. Spring Green is home to Taliesin, home of Frank Lloyd Wright and his school. The autumn colors were at their peak and it was lovely to behold.

Spring Green is also home to my absolute favorite quilt/cross stitch/wool/home decor shop - Country Sampler. The Second Story is where our classes were held and where I stayed with five other kindred spirits. Four days and three nights spent working on fantastic projects created by two extremely talented designers. What more could a person ask for? Great food and shopping? we had that too :) Jeanne, owner of Country Sampler, thinks of every detail including an inspiring trunk show.
It was delightful to hear Maggie describe the inspiration for her projects.
Our projects for the gathering were just incredible. We started with Maggie Bonanomi's 1835 Bed cover - the largest project that I have ever attempted. It will definitely take me quite some time to complete. This is in Maggie's stellar first book - "With these hands". Maggie's second project was also from her book - a reproduction puzzle ball. (It's on the far right.) I have always wanted an antique one, but couldn't afford the ones that I found. I'm so thrilled to create my own. This is also in progress, but not completed... yet.

Stacy Nash also brought phenomenal projects - an exclusive Country Sampler 1883 Sewing Roll, matching peacock pinkeep and a surprise companion peacock scissor pouch. (Isn't her little sewing box sweet as well?) It was so fun to see her aging and distressing techniques in person. We all learned so much!The best surprise was Stacy's debut book - A Simply Early Christmas.

Wow! I'm going to be busy trying to make all my favorite pieces from Maggie and Stacys' books!
Each and every person at the gathering was so caring and fun. The fellowship of kindred spirits from across the states was uplifting. Thank you Jeanne, Maggie, Stacy and all the ladies for such an inspirational gathering.

All I can say is WOW! Can you tell that I am still on cloud nine?

"Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." -Romans 14:19

"Trust in the Lord forever, for in Lord God you have an everlasting rock." - Isaiah 26:4

Blessings, Patti

10 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness Patti! So THAT's where you've been, lol! What a spectacular trip! I would have loved it!

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  2. Your needlecraft is beautiful...
    I sooo luv your works!
    When you have a moment to visit, I'm passing along a blogger award to you.

    Happy Autumn!
    Barb
    Village Folk Art

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  3. Wonderfully beautiful pictures at the beginning of your post! Thank you for sharing

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  4. wonderful
    need I say I love Stacy
    Love your banner too!!

    deena

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  5. Welcome back Patti! It looks as if you had a wonderful time!.....and where you in any of the photos? :)
    Can't wait to see all of your new projects in the works.

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  6. Guess which one is me in the group photo ;-)
    Blessings, Patti

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  7. It is hard to describe in words, what experiences like these does for one's heart and soul!
    Can't wait to see your new creations!

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  8. I live close to Taliesin West.

    I am celebrating my 100th post.
    Please stop by and enter my giveaway.

    Laura

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  9. wow what a treat that must have been to have a class with both Maggie and Stacy. Gorgeous works by both and always in awe of their talent. Thank you for sharing all this great pics. What fun you all must have had.

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  10. What an awesome time - from the look on each face in this group of ladies, I can tell you had a wonderful refreshing time - full of fun and laughter and love! ♥

    And what a gorgeous scenery on the way - I love all the fall colors!

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