Shepherd's Retreat, Day 1

Before I get to today's post, I see that Shepherd's Bush has updated their blog with photos from the retreat. I recommend you click there (on my sidebar) to see some photos of the projects, as well as the teachers. Charland is so cool! Even though I didn't get to take her class this time.

So on Thursday, we arrived earlier than we had planned, and we were worried that we’d have to sit in the lobby while we waited for our room. But no, our room was ready—and it’s a room with a balcony! I was so excited. n fact, I’m sitting here on the lounge chair on the balcony while I type this. It’s very pleasant, with a nice breeze—cooler than Salt Lake City. And there’s a really nice view. There is also a less-nice view, but I have chosen not to look that way.

Day 1 always starts with registration and a small project. Today’s project was a memory book. We were given a book, some papers, some cutouts, some charms, some ribbon, and some thread, and then allowed to use our imagination. This year, because we were so on-time, we got a good seat. Sometimes I don’t have much imagination, and I should take my time, get ideas, and think about it—but I just jumped in anyway. Here is my partially completed book:

There were so many cute ideas and it’s always fun to see other people’s creativity.

For dinner, Nancy and I went to Chez Betty, which we’ve both wanted to try for some time. I had rack of lamb for the first time in my life, which I enjoyed. We both thought it was pretty good. The warm spinach salad, and the “everything” bread were spectacular, the rest of the meal less so, although still very good. We didn’t have time to eat dessert, so we ordered lemon tarts to go. We hoped they would travel well.

We made it back just in time for “Shared Stitches,” which is where all of the designers at the retreat contribute a part of the kit. Shepherd’s Bush did the pattern, which is an adorable lopsided heart. The front has a vine and the back has the names of all of the teachers, as well as some friendship words. Charland Gavin did the charm, which was also a heart. We were given the choice of putting it on the project or a bracelet, and so mine is on my bracelet and I will show a picture later. R&R Reproductions did the fabric--30-ct French Vanilla, and Merry Cox did the finishing. Charland explained in detail how charms are made—it’s about 14 steps, she said. And in fact, we then got the bracelet to go with the charm we received, as well as future charms that we were promised.

Afterwards we were too stuffed and tired to eat our desserts, and so we went to bed.