We here you go, some cross stitch actually mixed in with this post. First and foremost, there are not enough superlatives to say about Jennifer and Merry Susan. They are the consummate retreat hosts. Run, don’t walk, if you even have the chance to go to one of their retreats. By far, the best out there. Every turn and every detail makes the event one cohesive stitchers dream. They also like to keep their retreat size to 30 or under which makes it a much more intimate gathering. From the location, to the well thought out main project and all the little complementary projects, it is a win-win.
All that aside, they both are so knowledgeable about the Shaker history. They are so very sweet, lovely ladies. So much so that you feel like you are with long time friends. And that goes for everyone who attends. No clique type attendance. Jennifer and Merry Susan always have a great ice breaker game that has everyone getting up and mingling and meeting the other stitchers with promises of ‘gifts’ for those who complete the task. In reality, we all get gifts. And we all get door prizes each day. And the patterns and smalls just keep on coming. But enough, here’s some pix.
First up, the Shaker tray with the pattern and cording is the main project. One set of fibers and one large piece of linen to use for all the projects helps make them all match and create a perfect set.
After the ohs and ahs for the Shaker tray, we settling into our first project of the event. A perforated paper needle book. This is the actual building we were stitching in every day. We had the option of which pattern to put on the front, I have chosen but not completed the house.
Every project is complete with everything needed for finishing.
Saturday morning had many of us out of our comfort zone for sure with needle weaving.
Merry Susan explained how to create our ‘loom’ using Aida and stretcher bars and away we went. We used 1 skein of Straw Silk 0260 Toasted Almond, 1/2 skein of Paprika 0930, and No. 8 perle cotton. I did not get all my weaving done because before you knew it, it was time for the next event or project.
In between class timewere power point presentations on Shaker life. It was very interesting and a nice break from the lesson time. Can you guess that Jennifer was a school teacher? It comes through in how she plans the progression of the classes as well as her great instruction. Never any pressure.
We all received a wooden Shaker House which we conditioned and then stained. We inserted a screw in the bottom and tied a length of yarn to it to make use of the many Shaker pegs around the room while our conditioner and stain dried.
We were gifted a pair of Bohin scissors to put in our finished houses. And yes, one afternoon we made our own waxers. Ever the enablers, Jennifer and Merry Susan shared all the info on the things used to create the waxers like a special wax melting crock pot. We will now be able to all make our own waxers as retreat gifts if we so desire.
Of course any sewing tray is not complete without an Ort Jar. Again a teaching moment. We learned to make buttons with our needlework and attach to the lid of the jar which becomes a needle minder.
I have always wanted to do a tape measure cover and now I know how. So EZ PZ.
Because we received a fat 8th of linen and all the projects need to be laid out on the same fabric, it was not the place for me to try to do the calculations and lay it all out so I did not start any of the projects other than the perforated paper and the weaving.
Merry Susan shared one of her patterns and gifted it to us complete with linen and thread. This is only a teaser of the pattern. I am really enjoying the wealth of small samplers that are now available. This one is going on my WIPGO list for next year. Merry Susan’s patterns can be found at Prim Peacock Samplers. Jennifer’s patterns can be found at Violet’s & Verses.
And the gifts we got throughout the event.
And a ton of retreat gifts from other stitchers as well.
More prizes and treats from Jennifer and Merry Susan
Project roll and fall decor are a couple of my door prize wins.
It was a great group of ladies. Some we knew from the prior Shaker Retreat we attended previously and some new friends.
I cannot stress enough that if you like samplers and enjoy history, run to the computer and sign up as soon as you are aware there is a retreat with these ladies. Next up, they will be in Conway, Arkansas in April for a Scottish Sampler. Check out Jennifer’s Violets & Verses FB page.
Thanks for traveling with me again. Next post will be my normal stitching post. I hope to find time to finish up Quebec and my October cruise posts soon. When I do, since I plan to insert it chronologically in my feed, I will put a notice up in a post to let you know it has been done.
Keep on stitching!
