Machine Embroidery Retreat

Oh my—we had an exhausting day! We started at 9 AM, and some people were wrapping up 12 hours later! YES—everyone was brain dead, but I think everyone learned a ton, and that's what it was all about! I thought I had hit the wall, but then most of us sat around and chatted for another hour or so, and it was all very nice! 

It's always a challenge when you invite a group of people, most of whom don't know each other, and hope it all works out. But everyone has a common interest—they want to learn and they love machine embroidery. It's been amazing and I thank everyone who came!!! 

I said I wouldn't do another one, but we had fun. Could I be persuaded?! 

Ten people are in the workshop, and three of them have NEVER touched machine embroidery in their lives! Never—they did amazing! They have taken to machine embroidery like ducks to water, and that's why they couldn't stop last night! 

Here's what the room looks like. That's the left side of the room. 

Machine embroidery retreat

The embroidery machines on the right side of the room. We had some big guns at this workshop! I'll let you see what they made in a bit. 

Machine embroidery retreat

I grew up on a farm out west, but our yard ALWAYS looked so junky. There was stuff hanging around, but I'm always amazed at how neat and tidy this yard is. There's not a SINGLE piece of garbage - it's neat as a pin and looks fantastic. It's a beautiful property and we love it here! 

The yard at Springhouse Retreat 

Before the chaos, I went for a walk. I didn't make my daily quota, but that's OK. I probably should have gone out in the afternoon, but everyone was working and I wanted to be here for the group. 

Beautiful morning for a walk

I used my Zoom feature to take this picture. Now that Samsung has changed how the zoom works, it's fun and easy to use. It's not that I need a button to do it, but not having to use two hands is amazing! 

The birds were out in full force

And here's the slow, lazy creek. Last time I was here, it was completely frozen over. 

The lazy creek

OK --- this is pretty cool. Have you seen these tiny little appliqué scissors? I love them, and I might just have to get a pair! Apparently, they are a hot item and keep selling out. 

Mini appliqué scissors

Here's the first of three projects that they worked on. We had a little oopsie on the tenth one, but all is good. That person got the most creative fix award of the retreat, as she reworked it. I haven't seen it yet, but I hear she was able to save it. 

The cardholder project

And then we worked on this mug rug! Oh my gosh --- they are adorable and I LOVE all of them. What's amazing is that all the colors differ from the original and look equally impressive!! They have done a great job with the first two projects. One of these isn't quite finished; it has a small issue, but it can be fixed! 

The mug rug at the workshop

I had a bonus project for them that kept them busy late in the evening, but most people finished it or are close to finishing it. I need to check on the status today and will take a picture. They pretty much look the same because I brought the fabric for them, so I don't want to get them mixed up! 

I got some work done on cleaning up my long-arm files! Oh boy—I think there are a few that I never downloaded, which is just silly. And I found TWO duplicates. Good grief—you think I would check to see what I already own before buying more? Some websites are good at identifying what you already own, but this one isn't as sophisticated. 

Today, we have brand new stuff to learn with machine embroidery! Everyone is still sleeping, so I have plenty of time to myself in the morning, and we have to be out of the house by late afternoon. There's a lot to pack up, but I try to pack up as I go. I'll move some stuff to the car this morning, but since I'm the last person to leave, it doesn't really matter. 

Do you realize that I've written blog posts for QUILTsocial for over 10 years? Let's say that I wrote five posts every two months. Plus, there have been many times when I've written an extra week or two during a year. I would say there are close to 400 blog posts there! I already have lists of some of the ones I use frequently for my classes: machine embroidery, stabilizers, appliqué, etc. 

Plus I reviewed many Husqvarna Viking branded sewing machine in those blog posts. 

There have been many projects, so I'm going to try to share some of them. Here's the first one. It's a journal cover. Actually, I spent several days on journal covers. 

My embellished journal cover 

Day One: Gathering supplies

Day Two: Making the base (background) of the cover

Day Three: Searching for embroidery designs (you do NOT need an embroidery machine to make the cover) 

Day Four: Using some cool sewing decorative stitches

Day Five: Adding piping and finishing up

Check it out—there is loads of cool information in those posts. You do NOT need to make your journal cover look like mine. Use it as inspiration to create something that you want. What's your favorite color? What embellishments do you have hanging around? What presser feet? What type of sewing/embroidery machine? These make amazing gifts and can be personalized!!! Go for it, and if you make something, send me a photo. 

Here are a couple of other posts about journal covers. These ones are sewing only. 

Day One: Tutorial for a journal cover - custom fit to your journal

Day Two: Collage on a journal cover

Day Three: More ideas to dress up a journal cover

That will give you plenty of ideas, and these journal covers can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make them. Now that summer is around the corner, why not involve a grandchild and have them create or help embellish or at least pick a theme for their journal cover. 

Well, that's it for me today! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!