A Shepherd's Bush Retreat

Last weekend I had a wonderful time in Downers Grove, Illinois at the "Weekend with Shepherd's Bush"! My friend, Jan and I attended the two day workshop and spent the night at the hotel where it was hosted.

We registered early Saturday morning and received a great goodie bag...
I love the little travel "ort" box and Shepherd's Bush tape measure. My favorite was the Little Gem scissors - I've been admiring them online.

We saw lots of old friends on the way to class. We found some seats and started to settle in when someone asked if there was a seat at our table. It was our dear friend, Kim!!!! What a lovely surprise! We were speechless! We had been away together in Galena just a few short weeks ago and she never mentioned that she would be taking the class with us! She wanted to surprise us and surprise us she did!!!


About 50 people attended the workshop, which worked out great. It was fun to meet other stitchers, and we still were able to have one on one time to ask Tina and Teri questions.

Ou first project was "My Land" with Tina. (I forgot to take a photo of the finished piece.)
I just love the colors on this piece. The specialty stitches are a lot of fun. Jan and I worked on it after dinner and this is how far I got...




Aren't the specialty stitches pretty?

Late in the day, we received a surprise - a quick make it take it project with Teri. This darling beaded scissor fob for our new Little Gem scissors! How fun!

On our lunch hour, Jan, Kim and I grabbed a quick Chicago style hot dog at Portillo's where Kim introduced me to the Cake Shake. Everyone in Chicago adores Portillo's chocolate cakes, but I never knew they had a cake shake... A thick chocolate shake with bits of chocolate cake and frosting, too. Yum!!! Good thing I don't live or work too close to a Portillos :)

After lunch, we went over to Tomorrow's Heirlooms shop. I had never been there before and my oh my did I have fun! We shopped quickly, but I found lots of wonderful items that I just couldn't live without. If you are in the Chicago area, be sure to stop by. I'm sure that you won't leave empty handed.

On Sunday, we had class with TeriThis sweet little pincushion! More beautiful colors! Here is how far mine came along...

Tina and Teri were such delightful and informative teachers.

Look at the fun specialty stitches in the flag...

The women of Tomorrow's Heirlooms were delightful hosts and had a lovely Shepherd's Bush Shop set up in a suite in the hotel. I think we all fueled the economy for the weekend - to the best of our ability!

Here we all are - me, Tina, Jan, Teri, and Kim.

I think that a good time was had by all!

I hate to admit, but I haven't had a moment to pick up the projects since the class. I've been preparing my April TDIPT offerings and creating a birthday gift for a special someone (hi mom :-) ) I hope to pick them back up this week and will keep you posted on my progress.

Blessings, Patti