Shepherd's Retreat, Prologue: The Open House

As most of you know, I spent the past few days up in Park City, at Shepherd's Retreat, which happens once every two years, and which is totally fun. I couldn't figure out how to access the wi-fi at the hotel, so I wasn't able to post my blogs from there, but I did write some things down as they happened, and I'll post those as I'm able to. I also got some pictures, but the designers who did the kits, which are mostly exclusive to the retreat, don't really want them posted on the web, so I can't post the projects I got. At least not until I have some stitching of my own to show.

So last Wednesday, Nancy and I went up to the Shepherd’s Bush store in Ogden to our first ever Shepherd’s Retreat Open House. We were lured by the promise of a free gift, and of course all of the amazing things Shepherd’s Bush has for sale. When we arrived, we saw a long line of people, mostly women really, waiting to get in. We got in line, too; I felt like we were waiting to get into a really hot nightclub. A few passersby even stopped and asked what was going on, that we were waiting in line for.

After not too long, in we went. It was really crowded, and those who know me know that that is a situation I hate. But everyone was pleasant and friendly. I bought some fabrics for my Christmas Angels (from left, an unknown dark green, 28-ct; Antique Green, 28-ct; Barn Grey, 32-ct):

as well as a really cool Puffin Thread Separator. I’ve wanted one of these since they came out. It works by attaching weight to your thread and letting it untwist.

And here is the gift—Shepherd’s Bush always makes a cute button—a different one for each retreat. I feel like it’s my badge of honor, to finally have obtained one:

Or maybe it's my ticket into that exclusive nightclub.

Next, Day One.