What a weekend we have had at the 9th Stitch in Spring event. For me the planning and preparation started last November when I booked our tutors Leanne Knell from Petals & Patches and Amy Morgan from Amy Kallisa. From then on it was making sure that everything was ordered and received, not only for the kits and projects but also for the goodie bags......and that everything was made....130 goodie bags through to biscuits, slices and desserts. Everything was going to plan.....even the last of the threads arrived in time for me to finish kitting the packs on Wednesday. Then Leanne contacted me on Thursday morning to say that under her doctor's strict instructions she was unable to travel and teach at the Stitch in Spring, due to her being very unwell with the flu. We were all disappointed, no-one more so than Leanne herself, and although Leanne is a very sharing person, this was one thing that we all hoped that she wouldn't share with us all! Her lovely husband, Tim, made the trip down to Port Campbell to drop the projects, samples and patterns off so that we could all enjoy Leanne's beautiful work.
The set-up of the Surf Club went smoothly and it was all looking very pretty by early afternoon. The tables were set and ready for the Saturday ladies.

Table centres arranged

Kit and goodie bags done

which were filled with some nice little gifts for each of the ladies.

Amy and Leanne's work was on display

and the name tags laid out in anticipation for the rush.

Here are the projects that Amy and Leanne designed especially for the SIS ladies.

I was so busy on Saturday that I forgot to take any photos while the ladies worked on their stitching.....so here are some of the Sunday ladies busy at it.

There was no shortage of fun and laughter with Amy in the room

and she had us all in stitches!

There were certainly a lot of happy smiling faces around the room

and even a few silly ones.....lol!

And before we knew it the weekend was over and we were saying goodbye to everyone.
Huge thanks to a few very special people.....
Russell for helping me and putting up with me during all of the phases of organising this event. He worked in the kitchen all weekend and ran the dishwasher like a professional!

My sister Cathryn and my friend Lyndell (the photo bomber above.....lol!) who came along and worked in kitchen all weekend........thank you so very much. With the 'A team' in control, I never have to worry about what's happening in there.
To our lovely Hannah, who did a great job (as usual) in the shop for me and I know that she always has everything under control.

My wonderful friend Jodie for helping to set up on Friday, and with packing up on the Sunday afternoon. I honestly would be lost without your help.
To Tabatha for her prowess on the vacuum cleaner, and for delivering a car load of 'stuff' back to our home for us.
To the gorgeous Amy, for your expert tuition and for keeping us entertained and laughing the whole weekend. You are such a delight, and I'm sure that everyone will remember your pearls of wisdom........"if you don't have a messy behind then you haven't had a good time" !!!
To Leanne for designing 2 beautiful projects. We all send our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Take care, rest up and get better soon.
And finally to all of the ladies who attended, whether it be for the first time or the ninth time (or everything in between). Without your support I would not be able to run these events. I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves and hopefully you might want to come back for my special 10th Stitch in Spring in 2020 (despite some rumours that are circulating that this was the last SIS). I will let you all know the dates as soon as then venue is confirmed.
My attention has now turned to preparing for Quiltopia and Sydney next week, but more about that soon.
Linda :)