November (c) rush, days one and two

This fall has been packed with travel.    So much so that I am breaking down my catch up over the next few posts….

I registered for the Prim Socity Stitchers Retreat about two years ago and then Covid happened and it was rescheduled several times.   Attendance numbers dropped but those of us who waited it out had a great time.  

But first, traveling to Asheville NC.  Wanting to make this a well rounded trip, we added extra days before and after the retreat.    We stopped in Richmond, Virginia on the way down to tour the Valentine Museum.  Also included was the Wickam House.  The museum was OK.   The current curated display was about what is was like to live in Richmond and their green spaces.  Kind of scratched our heads at why we were looking at a 2013 beautician's smock.   We waited to the 2:00 tour of the The Wickam House.   Attention to detail was missing here.   I do understand money constraints for non-profits but something simple like removing the stackable plastic chairs from the home’s foyer would go a long way to give visitors a more authentic feel.     

Lady’s sewing table.

The chandelier is not original to the house but it is from the time period.

The relief work above left is NOT plaster, it is painted with great detail to the shading and shadows that I had to look twice.  Molding like that at the top of the wall never ceases to amaze me.   Created in the 1800's by hand.

We were disappointed not to see the Richmond Theatre Fire Needlework Sampler by Sally Washington Clark, 1812. 

We headed south and stopped at none other than the fabulous Stasi B. of Bee-mused and Bee-Stitching.  Stasi and her husband couldn’t not have been better hosts.  We were treated like queens.  She cooked a great dinner, Cincinnati chili, which I never had before and had tasty macaroons for desert.   When we first arrived, we didn’t leave her entryway for probably 20 minutes as we oh'd and ah'd and drooled over her display of smalls.  There was lovely needlework everywhere. 

We had fluffy robes waiting for us in our rooms and a gift of thread drops waiting on our pillows.  Stasi is doing the thread drop exchange on Instagram which I had not heard of.  I’ve never used thread drops but I think I may start.   We checked out her craft room where she creates her awesome finishes and sat and chatted the evening away in her kitchen.   So nice to catch up which is something that often can’t be done when you are in class together.   Stasi also gifted me with these seeds.   They are some kind of lillies and are a creation of Thomas Jefferson.  I need to circle back to Stasi for the details.    

Here is one thing she did that I do want to copy.  

One small problem, I don't have any empty walls!

We headed out in the morning and found ourselves in Winston-Salem by noon.  We visited the Salem Gardens and Museum.   A pleasant unexpected surprise.  This gem is a like a miniature Williamsburg.   Colonial homes, colonial shops and the museum.  This was such a lucky find simply by asking Siri what was nearby of interest.  

 As we talked to the docent, one thing lead to another and the next thing you know she left and returned with  the Director of Textiles for the museum.  She walked us through the opened as well as many of the closed rooms of the museum.   We had to see at least 40 samplers.  It was awesome.   I think we may need a road trip back there for a longer visit.   Stacy S. was working it and managed preliminary discussions with the director to do a zoom meeting for our guild.  

Above and below are Berlin work

Below, this one was particularly beautiful, stitched in wool.

The variety of samplers in their collection was vast.

Leaving there we had a late lunch at the Willow Bistro and Bar just a few blocks away.    A definite place to stop for a delicious farm to table meal.

Stay tuned in the next few days for November (c) rush, days 3 and 4.