Wild & Wooly Escape

This past weekend Mom and I attended the Wild & Wooly Escape 

in Shipshewana, Indiana.

This retreat has been going on for a few years, but this was the first year we attended.

Mary Blythe of Blythe Girl Designs was one of the featured teachers!

This was part of her display of current designs in her classroom.

So much eye candy! 😍

Mom and I each took a class with Mary.

Mom took this class

And I took this one.

Mary is a wonderful teacher and I highly recommend taking a class if you ever have the opportunity!

She is so generous in sharing her knowledge and in all the little extras.

Of course I couldn’t leave class without a few more of her delightful patterns

And her amazing book filled with great designs 

And a few of her favorite notions.

The retreat also featured “destash” tables.

I didn’t think to take pictures when they were chock full, but here is a pic from the last day.

Mom and I brought three large tote bags of items to sell and just about everything found new homes -

Providing lots of funds to restash LOL!

I was delighted to find this sweet kit on the destash tables 

Along with this darling pattern

And this amazing project bag made with Blackbird Designs fabrics 

Made by fellow attendee Monica.

Love it! ❤️

The Blue Gate Garden Inn had lovely areas for stitching both inside and out 

when you wanted to move around a bit.

This was my view when stitching outside one afternoon.

The retreat also had a show and tell one evening where each attendee could present a finish. 

Mine is on the left - Rebekah L. Smith’s Thistle Runner and Mom’s Koi Pond by Crane Designs. 

The finishes were all stunning! To see them all, be sure to visit 

the Wild and Wooly Escape page on Facebook.

There were vendors on site as well. 

I promised myself not to buy any wool as I have enough to vend myself lol,

But who could resist these tonal packs?!

Each and every attendee also received a door prize and mine could not have been more perfect!

A quilt book and kit based on Christmas at Marshall Field’s on State Street in Chicago. 

So many family memories have been made there starting with my grandparents taking me and your sister to The Walnut Room as children and my husband and I doing the same with our boys…

Of course you have to shop when in Shipshewana!

A visit to Yoder’s Department Store is required!

They have an amazing selection of cookie cutters and a few went home with me.

Along with this great fabric collection and two pairs of shoes - 

LOL they have it all!

I did a little antiquing and those water spout handles caught my eye.

Here are my tiny treasures.

The tiny red tin box was special and the ruler says “for the ladies work basket”.

I made some good progress on my class piece while there.

I had some delayed surgery on my foot two days after returning, but it’s given me an opportunity to slow down and think about how wonderful this retreat was! 

Mary and Lisa did a phenomenal job putting everything together - from the classes, to the vendors, to all the activities - it was just perfect! 

And Mom and I are signed up to return next year!

We can’t wait!

And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

~Micah 6:8

Blessings, Patti

"Exploring Folk Art With Wool Applique And More"

We were so thrilled that Rebekah's latest book was released while we were together at 

Country at Heart in Rock Falls, Illinois.

Exploring Folk Art with Wool Applique and More

This is a  special book for mom and I, as Rebekah and Kelsey asked us to be a part of it!

Mom and I had the opportunity to make one of the projects in the new book 

"All-in-one Basket" before the book came out!

Mom and I were both thrilled with each of the colorways we received - Rebekah and Kelsey know us well. :) And we were featured in the Gallery of Projects in the book!

It was truly a family affair

We weren't able to get together with Rebekah and Kelsey for a photo shoot

so my youngest son took the pictures and received a photo credit in the book :)

Here is Mom's finished basket cover - she used 

Valdani threads and a few beads.

and here is mine. I used Rustic Wool Moire Thread.

We are both thrilled with our baskets!

You can find the amazing basket for purchase here. It's wonderful!

I know that I have only focused on one project from the book, but this book is chock full with many wonderful projects and each project featured is done in wool applique and another needlework medium.

We saw all the models at the class at Country at Heart and there are so many that I want to create!

Thank you ever so much Rebekah and Kelsey from the bottom of our hearts!

It has meant so much to Mom and me to be able to share in this special book with you!

From one mother/daughter team to another Thank You! :)

I am off to spend some time with the Bittersweet Stitching Sisters, 

so you know that I will have a lot to share when I return :)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, 

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~Romans 15:13

Blessings, Patti

Winter Wool Applique from Years Past

This polar vortex has been rough!

We were without internet, tv and our landline for almost 48 hours!

You don't realize how much you rely on them until you can't use them ;)

This is a sweet Maggie Bonanomi design from several years ago - 

part of the Maggie Club with Country Sampler.  

I think that this was also a Maggie Club kit with the Country Sampler. 

I smile when I pull them out each winter.

I love the graphics of this pillow.

I have to share the sweet snowman that my sister-in-law, Joy made.

Thank you for your continued prayers as Joy continues her chemo treatment.

She always says that crafting is the best therapy and I agree! 

Joy's daughter (and my niece), Dana, made this great snowflake sign!

I love it! You should see the fabulous Christmas tree that she made, but I packed it away before I took a picture - darn! You will definitely see it next Christmas.

I've been working away on "Snowy Days" by Heart to Hand.

My #stitchfrommystash project for January.

I finished this block on my surprise *cold* day of from work.

Wind chills were at -55!

Now I am stitching my blocks together.

I know that tomorrow is February 1st, but I am so close that I want to finish this one up.

I have picked my February #stitchfrommystash projects, but they will have to wait for another day...

Lord, listen and answer me,

    for I am afflicted and needy.

Protect me, for I am faithful;

    My God, deliver your servant who trusts in you.

Have mercy on me Lord,

    for I call on you all day long.

~Psalm 86:1-3

Blessings, Patti