I am fortunate to be included in a few quilting and stitching retreats that happen in the Spring and the Fall. This past weekend, I headed south to Round Top, New York (a very remote location on the edge of the Catskill Mountains), to Winter Clove Inn for a crafting retreat.
The main inn is pictured on the left. The dining room, and the private rooms are here - this is where we sleep and eat.
Across the street is another building with a large room where we set up to sew, stitch, knit, or craft.
Why pack up a year's worth of projects, sewing machines, stitching frames, power cords, and more to set up a crafting space that will all be packed up again in a few short days.
There are a few good reasons, I think:
- Fellowship. We all have our personal crafting spaces at home, but, for me anyway, that's usually focused alone time. At a retreat, you get to reconnect with folks you might only see in the retreat space
- Food. Who cares what it is, you don't have to plan it, cook it, or clean up after it. (It's usually pretty good, too!)
- Fun. Lots of laughs - this time we went bowling! The resort has a six-lane bowling alley only a few steps away from the make-shift craft room.
- Explore. Time for a walk? Or maybe a drive to the (sorta) local quilt or stitching shop? Perhaps a morning hot beverage break at a local cafe.
- Progress. With a little focus, you really can make a dent in those projects you packed.
- INSPIRATION. Thirty or so women, gathered together in one room, each working on their project of choice. If you don't find something that inspires, you're not doing it right.
For example, Sue is a rug-hooker. I'm not sure I'm destined to pick up this hobby along with the other things I enjoy, but it sure is inspiring to see her 8x10 foot rug coming to life. The color variations in the center motif alone are amazing!
As for me, I really enjoy counted cross stitch. While I'm a quilter above anything else, at this retreat in particular, I'm a stitcher. I've dabbled with many types of stitching, but I always seem to come back to cross stitch as my go-to.
I'm making this colorful stitch (bird-themed, of course) on 40-count linen (over two threads). I like working small - typical thread count is 28 count (over two threads). I don't know what it'll become when it's done, but for now, I'm enjoying the journey.
Do you like to get away for quilting or crafting retreats? Why do you enjoy them? . . . Do tell!
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
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