Perks of being a retreat hostess

Being a hostess at a Needlework Retreat has it's perks.  Although it requires lots of behind the scenes work and being at the ready to take care of any issues that may pop up, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting many new stitchers.  I also loved seeing familiar faces, people I have met at previous needlework retreats and events.  I even had 2 good friends attend the Victoria Sampler retreat and loved chatting with them when I could.  What I didn't expect, gifts from some of these lovely ladies.  The first surprise was from Belinda, our very talented instructor/designer.  She made this lovely quilted journal cover and I LOVE it.  The best part about it is that she personalized it with my name.  I very rarely have had personalized items because my name is spelled unusually and you just can't find it on anything.  Belinda, it means more to me than you know.  Thank you.  I took two pics, the first is a picture of the foofing.  It was packaged so nicely I didn't want to unwrap it and the second pic is the journal.  Aren't the colors gorgeous.  I am truly lucky.

Next,  a couple of return guests gifted me with more treasures.  Pam of Confessions of a Southern Stitcher gave me this lovely gift.  She had it beautifully wrapped with lovely fall leaves.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  The lighting gave every picture I took this yellow hue.  I think it has something to do with the energy saving bulbs but all my evening pics were terrible. Inside this lovely wrapping was the most beautiful sewing book.  It had a lovely fall theme stitched on the front, gorgeous coordinating fabric, and inside blew me away: thread holders, ruler, marking pins and a spot to hold needles.  Pam, you are so incredibly talented and I thank you for this wonderful treasure.

The next goodies came from Teresa of Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches.  Have you ever met someone who thinks of everyone!!  That is Teresa.  She brought gifts for EVERYONE!  Don't know how she fit it all into her luggage along with enough clothes for a 2 week visit to the east coast but she did it.  She gave me this wonderful bag of goodies along with 4 boxes of See's Candies for my boys.  She is sooooo very thoughtful.
Inside my bag of goodies I found yummy California goodies, a tissue pack holder and a wonderful stitched pocket to hold a small treasure.  Right now it is being used as a chapstick holder.  LOVE it!

We had four lovely Aussies on the retreat and they gifted me with a poem and little Koala clip.  Too Cute! Thank you girls.

Another return guest, Donna and her daughter Stephanie gifted me with this lovely DMC thread box.  Donna ordered it from England.  It is just lovely.  It was also filled with DMC floss.  She was worried I didn't have enough floss for my stitching (LOL) Donna and I met at last October's retreat and I have a special fondness for her.  She is someone who I connected with right away and I hope to be lifelong friends.

Next is a beautiful scarf that Elizabeth gifted me with.  I love the colors and was totally blown away that she would gift me with something so lovely.  Elizabeth brought LOTS of fun and laughter to our retreat and knows how to keep the party rocking.  Thanks for the lovely gift and wonderful laughs. 

The one thing I have learned about the stitching community is that all of these ladies are extremely talented beyond stitching, and they all love to share.  I have met many generous woman who have boundless creativity.  Thank you for sharing your talents with me.  Happy Stitching!