Saturday was a full day!!! Shopping, shopping, shopping,
shopping! Everyone was up and raring to go to see what there was for sale.
The retreat participants who make handmade items set up "booths" after lunch. We have so many talented people!!
Sisters, Christina and Nancy, make beautiful fused glass items. They started with buttons but have expanded their line to household items, such as cheese trays. They also make beautiful pins, pendants, and shawl pins. I had to buy a shawl pin -- or two! So pretty!
Becky makes the cutest stitch markers and row counters and Sandy makes beautiful jewelry and shawl pins. They displayed their items together. I bought one of Becky's counters last year. A very cool design. This year, I bought one of Becky's copper shawl pins.
I must add that Becky is an extraordinary knitter and has worn the neatest sweaters all weekend. The one she has on in this picture is no exception. The retreat is GREAT -- you get to see so many handknits worn and wrapped and carried. Fun and inspiring!
Mary was also back again this year selling her gorgeous earrings. She also brought a few of her watercolors and her friend's tie-dyed garments for us to see. I LOVE LOVE Mary's earrings and wear one pair of another almost everyday. She makes them using heavy watercolor paper. She paints the paper and sometimes adds beads, bits of fiber or grasses. She has a fantastic eye for color.
Mary Jane, former owner of Unraveled in Richmond, brought tons of yarn that she had left over from the shop. There was quite a retail frenzy at her table! It was like a blue light special. The sight reminded me of the booth at STITCHES East that had that huge bin of yarn that people were standing around the outside and some had even gotten in amongst the yarn. There were some fantastic deals to be had. I hated missing them but I know I have enough 'happy' at home!
I set up my soap display and forgot to take a single picture! I filled the shelves with my handmade soaps, jars of cream lotion, lip butters, stitch markers, wine glass ID rings, and scissor fobs. My display was in the lobby of the conference room building so every person who entered was greeted with the delightful fragrance of handmade soap.
Also set up in the lobby with me -- my father, Fred. Daddy's baskets are beautiful! They are so well made. This year, he had something new to offer the knitters - a yarn cone caddy. You can see them in the picture to the right - the wooden things with the handles stacked at his feet. I bought one of these about 25 years ago. He improved the design and made these for the retreat. They can also be used for a lazy Kate.
All weekend, finished objects were displayed for people to look at and fondle. I ask that everyone try to bring at least one piece and label it with the name of the pattern and the yarn they used. It is very motivating to see all the gorgeous finished things. There were several shawls displayed that I added to my "to-do" list.
A group of knitters got together for an impromtu Lace Knitting 101 (or should that be Lace Knitting SOS???) discussion. Lots of helpful tips for knitting lace were shared. Lace knitting is so addicting. It forces you to calm way down and concentrate. Here I am showing one of my lace shawls that's almost completed. Just need to do a few more rows!!!!!!
We have such a wonderful view from the conference room. I could sit and look at this water forever! Although, the weather has been very cold, each day has been sunny and bright. Perfect weather for a winter retreat. I do wish we could have at least had a few flakes fall. We could've all sat inside all snuggly in our handknits with drinking our Bunkhouse Hot Chocolate (made by Nancy) loaded with our homemade marshmallows (made by Issy) and watched the snow fall. Oh well, we can imagine!
After supper last night, we had the Knitter's Gift Exchange and the Nametag Challenge. Both were fun!
For the gift swap, I won Timmie's gift - a ditty bag made out of a fabric that pictured knitting chickens! and some stitch markers. Too cute!!! Here's Lindy opening her gift. The other gifts included scarf kits, a felted hat, knitting notions, etc.
The nametags were super cute and very clever. We called on people not participating in this to vote. It was close but Mr. Q.T. Sheep won!
Here he is in all his splendor - definitely dressed for the occasion! Becky made him and I think he's just the cutest thing! I love his little coat! I named him Mr. Q.T. Sheep (Q.T.=cutie) - I'm not sure what she's named him. If you want to make one, look for the link in yesterday's post.
Last night, the knitting continued. Here's my view from the end of one of the tables.
A fun time!
More later!
Robin....thanks for everything. A wonderful weekend again. All your work is surely appreciated.
QT Sheep went home with a new friend for both him and me...he MUST come back next year with a new sweater and name!!
Posted by: Becky | January 19, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Robin - thank you for making this a wonderful weekend. Knitting and good friends are the best!
Posted by: Christina | January 18, 2009 at 11:04 PM
What a wonderful weekend. Fabulous pictures and I wish I could have climbed into the computer and been there. Such treats!
Posted by: Rusty M. | January 18, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Thanks for all the pictures, almost feels like I was there. Your father's baskets are wonderful...I might need one of those!
Posted by: Gina | January 18, 2009 at 02:57 PM