Stitching by the Sea Retreat 2014

When I first decided to run a Retreat, I wasn't quite sure how it would go. I have run 3 successful 'Stitch in Spring' days, but a Retreat is a little different..... 2 days of stitching, no tutors or kits, sewing machines vs hand stitching, start / finish times, how many people, meals etc etc. I need not have worried as the weekend was a great success. It all started on Friday when Jodie and Hannah helped me to set up the Santos room at the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club. It is a wonderful big room which overlooks the picturesque Port Campbell bay. The bare room was transformed in about 3 1/2 hours to this.

Nine tables to seat the 38 ladies who would be arriving at 10am the following morning. After they collected there name tags the ladies checked out what was inside their pretty goody bags. Of course all Gum Valley Patchwork goody bags would not be complete without a yummy treat from GORGE Chocolates....this time it was a trio of chocolate frogs.

The urn was boiling and morning tea was ready. Hannah was kept busy in the pop up shop

while Russell, Emma and I were occupied making sure that roast was cooked for lunch and that there was enough dessert for everyone to enjoy.

The weather was overcast which meant the room was dull, (which was disappointing) but it did make for a wonderful rough sea with lots of waves.

The day finished at 6pm and while some ladies travelled home for the night, others took the opportunity to stay in Port Campbell and enjoy the lovely seaside town.

Sunday started 'bright' and early with me making the pavs for lunch and fresh scones for morning tea. The ladies started arriving a little before 9am, and it wasn't long before the machines were whirring and there was laughter in the room.

The skies were black and as the rain fell no-one seemed to mind......in fact the farmers in the room were quite happy! As a special treat I took along 'Elenor Jean' for a little outing.....only her second public viewing, and 'Prudence' tagged along just in case someone wanted to look at her.

There were some lucky draws.....some demonstrations......lunch.....afternoon tea......and before we knew it it was time to start packing up and saying our goodbyes.

It was just so lovely that ladies had travelled from near and far to spend two days stitching, talking, laughing, eating, while making new friendships and renewing past ones. My Auntie Gwen and her friend Laraine travelled from Melbourne, Granny Loz made the long trip from South Australia, Jenny &  Helen from Swan Hill, Cindy from Healesville plus many more......Melbourne, Geelong, Colac, Camperdown, Warrnambool and local ladies.

All of the ladies have put their names down on the EOI booking list for the 2015 'Stitching by the Sea'. Along with some extra names it looks like it is almost booked out for next year. If you are interested on going on a waiting list, please contact me asap. I will be releasing the date & details over the coming weeks, so keep following my blog.

Finally, I would like to thank Russell, Emma & Hannah for their incredible help over the two days......I would not have been able to do it without them. Special thanks to Vicki for making special gifts for all of the ladies to take home.....absolutely amazing.

Linda    :)

Comments

[Vicki Reed]

thank you Linda for a wonderful weekend of stitching talking and lots of lovely food to eat,I think everyone enjoyed themselves I know I did,thanks again Vicki

[Lorraine]

Thanks for the fantastic weekend Linda....everything was perfect....you and your fabulous family know how to throw a great retreat! I had an amazing time meting new people and catching up with others I have met previously.....arrived home safe and sound this afternoon - it's a bit of a drive, but so with it! Xx

[Janine Thow]

Thank you Linda for a fantastic weekend of 'Stitching by the Sea' with a fantastic bunch of ladies, having lots of fun, laughs and giggles. I even managed to do some sewing' It was lovely meeting new people and of course Russell, Emma & Hannah what can I say but the meals were scrumptious!, it's a credit to you all. The view out of the window looking into the Port Campbell Bay sure made a nice back drop.
Thanks again Janine Thow xxxx