I'm BAAAAACK -- from CATS!!
Tia Mary-remove nekoluvr to reply
Well, Janet and I made it back safe and sort of sound -- sort of. I
attempted to fly across the cross walk between the Convention Center and the
hotel after the dinner on Friday night. Guess what?? I CAN NOT fly <VBS>. I
think I sprained my last 2 fingers on the right hand -- fortunately, I didn't
let it hamper my stitching :-))) just slowed it down a tad!! Of course,
landing on my Needlework tote managed to pretty much save my left side. Right
side didn't fare so well as I landed on the right hand and right mammary!!
Now THAT hurts and that particular portion of my anatomy is glorious shades of
black and boob -- oh sorry -- that should be black and blue :-)))!!!
For anyone interested, The Sangoma didn't win a thing but then there wasn't
really anything to win!!! NO JUDGING!!! Now THAT really disappointed moi! I
paid $5 to put her on disp;lay so that people could look at her funny!!!! I
don't need to pay people to look at my work. I don't need to put my work on
display just to makemyself feel like I have accomplished something!!! I *DID*
want an opportunity to win a big basket of stitching goodies like Heather won
last year and the year before!!! Nope -- not to be!!! So be forwarned -- if
you enter something in competition, the only competition is which piece the
general public likes. The piece that won was a 1 over 1 piece of Rainbow Row
in Charleston. A very nice piece but I personallly think there were other
things that required more skill and were more impressive. There were 2 crewel
pieces -- from kits IIRC. There was an exquisitely tatted collar and cuffs
that was to die for. A thomas Kincaid done over 1 and it was beautiful! But
the most impressive piece, IMHO, was EarthDancer on 28 ct linen done by a
THIRTEEN YEAR OLD young lady!!!!! It was superb!! The only thing that would
have made it bettr would be if she had done the face over 1. IIRC, this was
her first piece on evenweave and she nailed it -- a truly LOVELY piece of
needlework and every bit as deserving (if not more) than the piece that
won!!!!!!!
I knew The Sangoma wouldn't do well with the general public -- she's
wayyyyyy too far outside the box of most people's comfort level. It was rather
amusing to see little lusters of people poised in front of her with their heads
tilted to one side, then the other side, then backing up and coming forward
again :-))). Most people didn't know what to make of her I am sure -- LOL! If
there had been a Teacher's Award, I might have won that as I had several
teachers stop me and tell me how much they like the piece. Now THAT is praise
IMHO and THAT made my day :-))). Professional Designers who stitch and teach
approved of my "outside the box" efforts and that's true praise IMHO. I STILL
would like to have had a real competition so I had a shot at winning a BIG,
Huge, Obscenely, Gloriously full basket of needlework goodies but it was not to
be!! Oh Well -- I have the Sangoma and the rest of those people have squat
:-)))))))))))!!!!!
Classes were great and I LOVED the over-dying floss class -- wayyyyyy cool
and I want to do more of it. HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who might be even a
wee bit interested in making their own over dyed floss. We had 20 skiens of
white and pale colored Anchor cotton floss and I managed to get some really
pretty combinations. I will try to post some pics once my "parts" heal up
some.
I must thank whoever it was that recommended I take a class from Carmen W.
-- I don't remember her last name and don't have my show guide here to look it
up :-(((. She IS a great teacher, loads of fun and I learned some really neat
new stitches from her. Quality kit materials of course and excellent written
instructions.
Now -- if I could remember the name of the classes I took it would help. I
will have to post a more detailed over view and critique of the classes I took.
I only remember the name of a few of them!!! It's the pain -- my R hand is
swollen up real nice right now -- LOL!
OK -- what else??? I took Martha Schmidt's "Unpublished Insertion Stitches"
class and again learned soooooooooo much wonderful stuff. She never ceases to
amaze me with the wonderful unusual things she has to share with us! Class
wasn't long enough but then this *was* the first CATS of the year and some of
the bugs still need to be ironed out :-).
I took the "Smocked Baby Bonnet" class -- again don't remember the teachers
name but will post that info later. A lovely young woman whom I don't
remember from other CATS events -- that's not surprising! Anyone even remotely
interested in learning smocking should SERIOUSLY consider this class -- it is a
MUST for you! Again, superb kit materials and wonderful teaching.
My last class was the "Baskets of Blessings" -- it had KITTY CATS in the
design of course :-)))))! Teacher was Margaret Lee Rigiel (not sure about that
spelling). I am starting to sound like a broken record but it was a superb
class, great instructions and kit materials. A few mistakes on the handouts
but those were taken care of. Margaret is a hoot and we had a great time in
her class. Best of all was I got to be the Kitten for the calss with kitties
:-))).
I took another MITI (Make It Take It) from Sandra Murray -- a little beaded
ribbon bag! It was wonderful and *really* a super value at only $12.00!!! You
get the personalized instruction from the teacher AND the kit with everything
you need! Those MITI classes are wayyyy too good a deal and you guys going to
other CATS venues really need to look into taking one or two or a dozen of
them!!!!!
The hotel was a tad pricey but there was a FREE "cooked to order" breakfast
and an early evening "Managers Party" (with munchies and free drinks) every
day. That goes a LOOOOOONG way towards off setting the cost of the room! The
stuff offered at the evening soire was enough for a light evening meal so if
you had a good lunch, you wouldn't have needed to buy any dinner!!! That's
basically a room and TWO free meals for somehting on the order of $150 per day
for TWO people! Pretty good value IMHO! the staff was unbelievably
accommodating and courteous and polite almost to a fault! I WILL be more than
happy to stay there next year and again I highly recommend it to everyone! OH
-- there was also a corridor from the hotel across the street to the convention
center so that you didn't have to go outside if you didn't want to -- VERY
convenient!!!
I got to see Puddin, her mom Louise & a friend again this year and Anelle
Colvin too :-))). I met Norm and Alda and at least half a dozen other lurkers
that I didn't know but who knew moi! Isn't THAT unusual, that they would
recognize me?!?!? LOLOL! Everyone was soooooo nice and it was just a super
time. I am seriously going to start harassing DH about maybe going up to
Hershey for a long weekend. Maybe only taking one class and doing the dinner
again. I'll have to see about that. Just think of all the other peope I could
meet!!!!!
Well, I think I have waxed poetic quite long enough. I need to lay down and
rest and get some ice on my poor hand and *other* parts! I'll post more about
the classes and teachers -- specific info -- later. It was a great time but it
IS good to be home again. Ciaomeow >^;;^<
.
PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^<
Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their
WHISKERS!!
Nothing is complete without a few cat hairs!
Visit my albums @ http://www.picturetrail.com Username is tiamary (no caps,
no spaces)
Meridel Abrams
message news:20020428172338...@mb-mn.aol.com...
> H Guys,
> For anyone interested, The Sangoma didn't win a thing but then there wasn't
> really anything to win!!! NO JUDGING!!! Now THAT really disappointed moi! I
> paid $5 to put her on disp;lay so that people could look at her funny!!!!
Welcome back Tia Mary -- I am sure your Sangoma would have taken the top prize
in other years -- just from hearing you talk about it here on rctn.
> I
> don't need to pay people to look at my work. I don't need to put my work on
> display just to makemyself feel like I have accomplished something!!! I *DID*
> want an opportunity to win a big basket of stitching goodies like Heather won
> last year and the year before!!! Nope -- not to be!!!
Save it for another year -- or another show --
>So be forwarned -- if
> you enter something in competition, the only competition is which piece the
> general public likes. The piece that won was a 1 over 1 piece of Rainbow Row
> in Charleston. A very nice piece but I personallly think there were other
> things that required more skill and were more impressive. There were 2 crewel
> pieces -- from kits IIRC. There was an exquisitely tatted collar and cuffs
> that was to die for. A thomas Kincaid done over 1 and it was beautiful! But
> the most impressive piece, IMHO, was EarthDancer on 28 ct linen done by a
> THIRTEEN YEAR OLD young lady!!!!! It was superb!!
>The only thing that would
> have made it bettr would be if she had done the face over 1. IIRC, this was
> her first piece on evenweave and she nailed it -- a truly LOVELY piece of
> needlework and every bit as deserving (if not more) than the piece that
> won!!!!!!!
nice to hear about the 13 year old entry -- I love hearing about childrens'
stitching.
> I knew The Sangoma wouldn't do well with the general public -- she's
> wayyyyyy too far outside the box of most people's comfort level. It was
rather
> amusing to see little lusters of people poised in front of her with their
heads
> tilted to one side, then the other side, then backing up and coming forward
> again :-))). Most people didn't know what to make of her I am sure -- LOL!
If
> there had been a Teacher's Award, I might have won that as I had several
> teachers stop me and tell me how much they like the piece. Now THAT is praise
> IMHO and THAT made my day :-))).
Yes, that is *praise* Tia Mary when the teachers stop and comment it. Save
your piece for another year or show, perhaps you'll be able to enter it again
... and win!
I understand about the *comfort* levels -- my own personal tastes never seem to
match up with the *majority* even with things like fabric choice. Doing what
you enjoy and doing that good of a job of it is what counts.
> Professional Designers who stitch and teach
> approved of my "outside the box" efforts and that's true praise IMHO. I STILL
> would like to have had a real competition so I had a shot at winning a BIG,
> Huge, Obscenely, Gloriously full basket of needlework goodies but it was not
to
> be!! Oh Well -- I have the Sangoma and the rest of those people have squat
> :-)))))))))))!!!!!
HA! ... If they would have had an auction, I would have made a point of
outbidding everyone and turning the prize over to you! <g> I hate it that CATS
has taken these types of *administrative* directions this year (but that is a
whole 'nuther subject I don't think anyone cares to hear right now) ...
Glad to hear you had a good time. I am heading off for the Stitcher's Retreat
in Ohio next month and look forward to some *relaxation* as well as a good time
stitching.
Meri Abrams
indy...@aabbccdd.com
Janet Walker
I agree that my favorite class was the dying of floss. Maybe next
year there will be one on dying fabric. It was loads of fun. My
only suggestion for improvement would be to have more colors and
more space. It was a tad crowded trying to get the floss into the
dying pots. I'm going to stitch a small band sampler with my floss
(and maybe some of Tia Mary's if she'll let me have some) (her's
turned out better than mine). Maybe I'll even enter it next year in
the showcase - just for fun not to win.
Mary and I met some great people. We especially enjoyed two women
who are married to brothers - I don't think that makes them
sisters'-in-law, does it? Anyway, hi to Chris and Annette (they're
going to be new to RCTN thanks to Tia Mary).
The hotel was terrific. The staff was so professional and polite!
I would definitely go back there.
There weren't as many vendors as I would have liked but I understand
there are going to be around 48 at Hershey!! I worked part-time at
the Gripit booth selling magazine subscriptions (Stitcher's World)
and helping Gripit out. Their booth was always crowded!
My next favorite class was the Stoney Creek Christmas piece. Their
classes are pricey but you get SO much for your money!! The piece
is really beautiful! I also took the Sampler 2002 which is also
lovely. I have the 2000 (stitched - believe it or not!) and the
2001 (still inside the silver box). They are so lovely that I would
like to complete them all and hang together as a grouping.
There were some great new teachers there - I especially enjoyed
Julie Norton. She does exquisite hardanger. She even taught me her
secret to a perfect picot. Prior to this, I just omitted them from
my pieces. Now I think I'll give it a try. I bought a book from
the Stoney Creek booth with a hardanger table runner by Julie that
is to die for!!
I miss some of the old teachers who either aren't teaching any more,
not teaching this year, or have retired - Suzanne Miller, Linda
Barry, Dawn Lewis, Maureen Appleton. I'm sure there are others that
I've omitted.
All in all, it was a great experience. In addition to learing how
to do picots, I learned how to do a Palestrina (sp) knot. I just
couldn't make them look right, so I substituted smyrna crosses
instead. Isn't it great to learn new things?! (Thanks Margaret!!!)
The attendance in classes was much improved over previous years but
the mall needs more shoppers. Do any of ya'll out there have any
suggestions on how to get stitchers to attend? I, for one, don't
want to see the shows die out from lack of participation.
Janet Walker (who usually isn't quite so verbose in her posts) :-)
www.stitchworld.com
P.S. The Stitcher's Rally was really fun, too. Since it's a new
event, I wasn't sure about it but give it a try!!
Meridel Abrams
news:aahsrj$v5m$1...@slb1.atl.mindspring.net...
> Ok, we had a GREAT time!!
>
> not teaching this year, or have retired - Suzanne Miller, Linda
> Barry, Dawn Lewis, Maureen Appleton. I'm sure there are others that
> I've omitted.
I always enjoyed Linda Barry too? Do you know if she is still the traveling
stitcher she always was? I loved to hear how she would pack up her stitching
for travel. I think I have the right Linda here. She and Dawn Lewis do the
needlework trip to London. But I thought Dawn Lewis was doing some of the CATS
shows this year. Her site at www.needleworkantiques.com says she was supposed
to have been in Charleston this year, did she cancel? I loved her teaching
technique and the energy she put into each class!
Meri Abrams
indy...@aabbccdd.com
Janet Walker
:-(
"Meridel Abrams" <indy...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:EQ_y8.51705$Rw2.4...@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
Meridel Abrams
> She was there but with a booth only. She didn't teach any classes.
> :-(
Too sad ... she is a wonderful teacher. Such energy! I love the times she
would get up in front of the class and *dance* out a stitch!
LOL, but then I am one who particulary enjoys a raucous classroom (sitting quiet
for too long doesn't work for me especially when I am enjoying the class)
funny how that is, I am basically shy and not all that outgoing by nature. I
guess I figure I don't travel all that way and pay all that money just to sit
and be quiet --- I can do that at home. Though I do understand some teachers
and students prefer a quiet classroom -- I really try to sit there and *obey* if
I sign up for one of those classes.
Maybe she and Linda will teach next year ... good to see her back in the
teaching arena more often.
Meri Abrams
indy...@aabbccdd.com
ter...@pacbell.net
I hope you're feeling better by now. I know what it's like, having taken 2
bad falls in 2000. Oweee!
Tobie
--
In Rotation: "Millenium-Peace on Earth" by Ellen Maurer-Stroh (CCS);
Clowns (NP); Ocean Princess (CCS) by James Himsworth; Tallit Bag (NP) by
Lee; Crocheted baby afghan; Name Michael (NP)
Finished in 2002: NP Shoe by Sharon G
"Tia Mary-remove nekoluvr to reply " <catwo...@aol.comnekoluvr> wrote in
message news:20020428172338...@mb-mn.aol.com...
Kerry Manly
"> For anyone interested, The Sangoma didn't win a thing but then there
wasn't
> really anything to win!!! NO JUDGING!!! Now THAT really disappointed
moi!
I agree with you! I was in awe of you Sangoma. The mounting is probably
one of the most creative I have ever seen. I think you were up against a
biased home crowd. I too thought there were more than enough technically
challenging, creative and expertly done pieces. I really liked the beaded
choker with the picture of the wolf. Just something a little different that
I never saw.
But, you have our votes and I loved your piece.
Kerri
Tia Mary
> I agree with you! I was in awe of you Sangoma. The mounting is probably
> one of the most creative I have ever seen.
Thanks to you for the wonderful compliment AND thanks to
the whole group for the great ideas! Not sure if I could have come up
with all of that if I hand' gotten some great ideas from everyone here
:-)))!
>I think you were up against a
> biased home crowd. I too thought there were more than enough technically
> challenging, creative and expertly done pieces. I really liked the beaded
> choker with the picture of the wolf. Just something a little different that
> I never saw..........
Weren't the beaded entries just lucious?? I need to
tell you all that beading isn't all *that* difficult. It looks really
complicated but you follow a pattern just like anything else! Of
course, if you have kitties who like to hop in your lap while you have
the bead try sitting there, well, it does make for some interesting
language -- LOL!
How did you like the EarthDancer by the young 13 y.o. girl?
Wasn't it just lovely? I talked with her several times and learned
that she has been stitching for only 4 years! That young woman has
the gift and I told her she had better keep learning new stuff -- we
need people like her!!! I also told her that her next goal should be
to do another MLI but to do the face and hands over 1. She got a
little bug eyed at the thought but I assured her she could do it with
a little practice!!!! I'm such a terrible old braod to put thoughts
like that into a young girls head -- LOLOL! CiaoMeow >^;;^<
.
PAX, TIA MARY >^;;^<
Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about
their WHISKERS!
NOTHING is complete without a few cat hairs -- which are the best
decorative fibers!
Carmen Wyant
It sounds like everyone had a great time, as did I BUT Sandra & I have
decided that we need to put a curfew on ourselves or we'll be dead
from exhaustion before the year is out. Staying up talking to each
other till the wee hours of the morning, then getting up to teach
early classes is going to kill us.
We also missed a connection in Salt Lake due to strong headwinds out
of Cincinnati. Fortunately our delay was only from 11:00 AM to 2:45
PM. And losing my Mother in the Salt Lake airport didn't help my state
of mind any either. Luckily I found her again before our flight out.
She wasn't too sure that I wouldn't have left without her!
I too thought the venue setup was great. Those rooms could easily
hold 4 people, with room for 2 more. With some creative bathroom
scheduling, it could work.
There seemed to be a higher level of interest on the part of
attendees for taking classes where they could learn a new technique,
which can only benefit everyone. The MITI were very well attended,
with several totally full. Sandras MITI classes went very well, as
did Julie Norton's Hardanger ones. I had great fun in my classes &
will follow up on the suggestion of a doodle cloth for the With Each
Stitch class. I did hand out doodles for the Shaker Roll class & it
went very well.
I think that the comments from those entering pieces in the showcase
will be noted & they may at some point go back to judging (I hope they
do anyway). Tia Mary's piece was just fantastic! If anyone ever gets
the chance to view it in person-it is not to be missed. There were
just so many wonderful pieces on display. Chelly had entered my
Spring needleroll done on a gorgeous spring green that I thought
really made it so much prettier than just the plain white I did it on.
This is why I love to view the showcase--to see stitchers take the
design & make it their own, either by changing fabric or adapting
stitches. Anyway, this is getting too long, so will only add that it
was great to meet all of you & hope to see you again next year--if not
sooner--say in Hershey.
Carmen Wyant/Columbine Designs
Dannielle Beitzell
money that way! ;-)
I wish I would have had connections to the stitching world like this when I
started stitching at that age. Maybe my life would be much different than
it is now!!!
--
Dannielle from NY
http://www.frontiernet.net/~beitzell/dannielle/index.htm
WIP's: Dimensions: Rose Drama
Cross My Heart - I Thee Wed: For Richer or For Poorer and
Love Like Springtime
Daisy Kingdom: Raggedy Ann and Andy, Snowman with
Trees, Minnie Moose, Heaven & Nature Jumper,
Christmas Toile Tree Skirt, HoHoHo Vest.
"Tia Mary" <CatWo...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:cd97e4d0.02043...@posting.google.com...