I took Blossom Collector along with me, and did manage to get quite a bit done on her:
Now she just needs her legs, some "swirls" and beads; it shouldn't take too long, but a new model came in just before the retreat so I'm going to work on that for a while. Happily, it's a relatively small pattern, so I'm hoping it will only take three or four weeks to complete.
Nora has designed a new Mirabilia free pattern, which will be released by Wichelt at some point in the future. As a retreat attendee, I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy, along with the silks and beads needed for it:
I'm thinking I'll stitch her up after I finish Blossom, unless the new Mira being released in four days calls to me to start it first. I also have now received all three parts of the Wherefore Art Thou design, as well as the over-dyed threads...I will never live long enough to stitch all the Miras that I want to!
I won a door prize as well, a cute little bobbin needle minder and a pretty needle threader:
As in previous years, Nora brought along some paintings, which were sold by silent auction. Here are the ones I came home with:
The two on the right are from an awesome "series" she did in which she used old newspaper advertisements that her mother drew in the 1970s, then painted over and around them; I absolutely love them!
Here's a picture of the amazing group of women (and Kenny!!) who attended this year (Nora is in black in the front bottom center):
I'm already looking forward to next year's retreat, where the theme is going to be Alice in Wonderland.
Now it's time to catch up on some sleep, get some chores done around the house and then get to work on the model. Hope everyone has a great stitchy week!
What a lovely way to meet like-minded people. You must have had a great time. And so nice to have come home with some goodies too! What is it now...? 360 days and counting!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great retreat! I would have loved to have seen 166 finishes on display. How inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYour artwork is really something to treasure. I really like the sketch of the girl wearing the fur hat - it has so much personality captured in it.
Great progress on Blossom.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great retreat.
Can't wait to see the new Mira design.
Marilyn
It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. I really love her artwork. I especially love the one on the right. It looks like red riding hood wearing a wolf cap
ReplyDeleteThe retreat looks like a lot of fun! My heart skipped a beat when you said Alice in Wonderland, I think a Queen of Hearts inspired lady would be awesome from Nora! Great progress on Blossom too :)
ReplyDeleteWow thanks for the beautiful reportage
ReplyDeleteI also adore Nora and Mirabilia.
I'm very happy to hear that you had a great meeting. Your stitch is very very great. I look forward to see the new Mirabilia design.
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful new pieces looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awesome! Great finds and excellent wins.
ReplyDeleteThis must have been a fantastic retreat with great people and a great designer. Isn't it wonderful when you can talk with fellow stitchers whoa have the same likes?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great retreat. Would love to attend one year.
ReplyDeleteIt was my first Mirabilia retreat and I had so much fun. I can't wait until next year.
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