The day had finally arrived......Friday was set up day and I was up early, packed the ute and made the drive down to Port Campbell. I just managed to get unloaded before the rain came in again........it was quite pissistant. The bay was very dirty as the flood waters were pouring into the sea via Campbells Creek. On the Friday it was dirty out as far as the pier.

But by Saturday morning it was out as far as the point.......and it was as rough as rough......but so very pretty.
(Photo: Janine Thow)
After a very long Friday, (and little sleep on Friday night), the room was all set for the Saturday ladies to arrive.

The name badges were all laid out

Every lady received a hand made goody bag, with some lovely gifts inside.....yes I made 132.....and yes that meant 132 zips!

There was also a bag filled with the kits for the projects designed by our wonderful tutors Melissa Grant (One Day in May) and Anni Downs (Hatched and Patched). I forgot to take a photo of all of the projects together......but you can see the 'Bunny in the Blackberries' Pouch in this photo of Melissa's display.

and her Sweet Lilac Book Wrap in this photo.

It was so lovely to see the detail of Melissa's work up close and her display showed many examples of the dimensional additions in her projects.

Anni's display was full of her whimsical projects, which often incorporate the beautiful wool, hand dyed by her husband Pete.

Anni's projects included a folder cover with the option of adding some wool, along with a hand stitched pencil case.

The day always starts with a run down of what the projects are and some basic 'rules' for the day.

Everyone listens attentively.

and then it is all action stations........interrupted by lunch........and Show & Tell......Tammy's quilt top.....

and Julie's beautiful hexagon and applique quilt.

and some Lucky Draws....

Our usual little helper Georgia has been replaced by her sister Madeline.

It seemed the idea of a 2 1/2 year old toddler running around wasn't that appealing to her mother........lol! A four month old was much easier to amuse!

Both days seemed to go so quickly and before we knew it the weekend was over and it was time to pack it all up and head for home.
I was missing two of my regular workers over the Stitch in Spring weekend with Russell (the usual eye-candy.....lol!) being in Albury for the Rotax Nationals for Go-karts for 4 days and Hannah had bridesmaid duties at a Hens party weekend. I had other friends offer to help, and I would like to sincerely thank them for their work in helping to make the whole weekend a great success.
To my friend Jodie, who helped on Thursday (to unload the first load of goods.....timed to coincide with the afternoon milking.....lol), on Friday in setting up, on Saturday when she ran the pop-up shop for me, and also on Sunday morning. Then was there for pack -up. You are a real treasure Jodie!
To my daughter Emma, who helped on Friday in setting up, and on Saturday and Sunday in the kitchen and also a little stint in the Shop......and then for packing up.
To my friend Sharon, who helped with packing kits on Friday.
To my sister Cathryn, who helped with setting up on Friday afternoon, and working in the kitchen on Saturday and Sunday. Packing up on Sunday was made a lot quicker with her help and also that of Craig's.
To my friend Lyndell, who worked tirelessly in the kitchen over the whole weekend. I'm sure she could nearly do it with her eyes closed!
To Lenora's daughter Sharna, who helped out in the kitchen for the first time on Saturday and Sunday. She was a great help, although I don't think she will want to do dishes again for a while!
To my friend Tabatha, who always seems to get the job of vacuuming up all of those pesky threads off the carpet. Tabatha tells me that it helps to work off the Honeycomb Cheesecake that she had for dessert.
and to little Madeline.........she kept my spirits up, a smile on my face, and kept me company on my Monday morning sleep in.

And finally..........but certainly not least.....a huge thank you to Melissa and Anni for being our tutors this year. I have received many wonderful comments, messages, and emails about how much the day/s were enjoyed by the ladies who attended. Thank you!

So if you missed out on attending this year, write these dates down on your calendar now. The 2018 Stitch in Spring will be held on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September, with registrations opening at 9am on Monday 12th March 2018 (yes it is the Labour Day holiday Monday here in Victoria). I will announce who the tutors will be later in the year.
So there you have it.....my Stitch in Spring wrap-up blog post......I hope that have enjoyed reading about it.
Linda :)