WHAT A WEEKEND IT WAS...

I had such a great weekend from start to finish even though I wasn't quite as ready as I wanted to be. I went as is and had a ball. One of the highlights of my weekend retreat was meeting Kim from Millie's Mat quite by accident. As I entered Deane Fitzpatrick's studio, who do I see but Kim. We immediately recognized each others and we hugged and chatted for a while. It was such a pleasant surprise. I have to thank Sarah and Jackie for letting me tag along.

Deane was there and she took pictures of us and even mentioned us on her blog the next day. It was also the first time that I met Deane. She offered us some tea and chatted  a bit. Everyone was buying something except me. I was looking for some light blue mottled wool for my sky as I didn't get the chance to dye some before I left and I was on my way out the door when my eyes saw three large pieces on a shelf near the door.  I bought all three and spend over $40.   I was so happy, now I could hook some sky.

 This is Sarah, Deane, myself and Kim. I can't even remember what we were talking about, but look at that gorgeous yarn that Kim purchased.

Sarah, my daughter's friend and driver, myself, Jackie my talented artist daughter and my friend Kim. Kim's eyes are smiling but I can tell that she can't wait for those braces to come off. I love those beautiful eyes.

We had to get back on the road and try to make it to destination before the weather got too bad. We got snow, slush and wind and the temperature dropped to 1 degree Celsius on the last half hour of the drive and then we got rain.  We carried all our supplies and checked in and then went to eat before joining the Fiber artists in the common room.

Meet our host who organized the third Annual Maritimes Fiber Arts Retreat, Sharon Orpin and her husband Richard. We owe them a lot of thanks. They made sure that everything ran smoothly.

First order of business was to buy an apron for $18. in support of the retreat and to keep myself from being covered in wool dust.  Isn't it a beauty... I forgot to take a picture of it at the retreat.

An update of my Childhood Memories rug. I didn't get much done but tied my scene with the sky above the apple trees with  Deane Fitzpatrick's  wool.  My rug generated a lot of interest so I had to explain my process many, many times and didn't got done as much as I had expected. I did a lot of networking and met so many fine artists, made new friends.

My spinning daughter Jackie and her friend Sarah having a great time.

There were over 160 fiber artists registered for this three day event. There was an atmosphere of positive energy and as you can see a lots of smiles everywhere we looked.

I can't remember the name of this nice lady who shared my table but I was so grateful that she joined me. Take a look at her strip holder. This fancy gadget was a conversation piece and many stopped at our table to asked where she bought it. She bought it at an estate sale along with this unfinished rug which she was working on. She was doing a wonderful job. I love it. I'm gonna try to make my own strip holder with my husband's help. (some day)

These two ladies came all the way from Kitchner Ontario to join us. We exchange a lot of information and they have decided that they are coming back next year. I'm looking forward to see how they made out after a year. I hope that they have a safe trip back.

There were circles of spinners  as they did not required tables. They did a lot of spinning and laughing. So many different spinning wheels. This is only a portion of spinners.

This picture was taken on Sunday morning  and many had left already when I took this picture. As you can see by the divisor in the ceiling, they had 2 large rooms this year instead of one.  Many have registered already for next year.  The chairs were very comfortable.

There are ample room to get around and the lighting was the best. There are windows all around and plenty of lights over head. No need to bring a light.  The quilters and sewers are all along the wall where they have access to electrical outlets.

This lady is felting a polar bear and she did a fantastic job. Sorry that I cut out her head from the picture.

This is the amazing Doris  Eaton with her new book which is coming out on June 15 and can be ordered now from Amazon .com. They will also be available from book stores. I stupidly forgot the name of her book. But I'll look it up on the web.

I'll post more pictures tomorrow, there were lots and lots of beautiful prizes and awesome pieces being worked on.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Welcome to my 61st followers.  JB