So Much Going On

There is a wet studio...where folks are dying fabric, painting fabric and felting. The folks that are dying fabric are coming up with some brilliant colors...then there are some who are using a product called soy wax to draw on the fabric and then add color. The felters are creating big pieces of felt, some felt sculpture (faces and the like)...they are a really friendly bunch. Their bins of material are to "dye" for...roving of all colors and weaves. Stuff is hanging on the walls and the railings..it really looks neat. I am taking pictures but this computer will not allow uploaded pictures.

In the felt dyeing room ...there are big pots of hot water going and loads of white felt that is being turned into beautiful shades...many of them going from dark to light. The wall has pieces hanging all over the place. After drying they take the pieces over to these neat little cutters (I want one) where they run the felt through and it comes out in little "strings" ....perfect for embellishment on a quilt. I go around after supper picking up scraps off the floor. These little machines are very expensive and it seems that every rug hooker has one on their table.

Then there is the dance studio that has been turned int the sewing room and the hooking (rug) room...fabrics, yarns, and threads all over the place. Must have at least 25,000 dollars worth of sewing machines in this room...all kinds...the rug hookers have big stands set up where they have their pieces stretched so that they can hook. They can talk, sip on wine and all their stitches are the same. They even have their own magazines like we do ...a very interesting group of folks.

A local Janome dealer dropped off two Embellishers for folks to play with yesterday...she should have stayed and given lessons because by this morning both had broken needles. I changed them out but am not sure how long they will last....one lady was embellishing over her straight pins that was holding stuff down....when I tried to explain that you didn't do that...she said she had been doing that with her sewing machine for years and dismissed me as a no nothing.

Have been to two bead stores...Pam loves beads so I just go along to keep her company...and then come out with small little bags worth a lot of money...there are so many colors and sizes of beads and they add up so fast.

Have enjoyed learning and watching (rather spying) on the big name artist that are here...I try to act busy but know that they know my beady little eyes are watching everything that they do. They are so generous with their knowledge and their stuff...I think that has been the best part of the whole retreat.

Will check in tomorrow....we leave for home Monday morning...Pam has promised another bead shop on the way home....mind you it is only to help break up the trip. (grin)