Seasons of Creativity

Well, if the last post was a somewhat relaxing retreat, then this one is readying for the race. Educational Art 101 we finished up our four seasons of a tree.  Same tree and same owl but different seasons! And we are entering our busy season.  Youngest grandchild, Jolina (7) stayed for a week of seasonal projects. We worked on a project for each one on her list.  Simple mug rugs which I should have cut bigger as they are more like coasters.  We can improve the prototype next year.  My novelty fabric stash gave each recipient a personalized 'rug'! Then we were off to Compassionate Quilters whose project was squares for touch quilts. Next day we were off for lunch at the Friendship Centre where she impressed all the seniors with her finger knitting skills.  This is like spool knitting but makes a flat 4 stitch rather than the 4 stitch rope.  Still makes a hot pad when sewn together!  So we work on regular crochet in our 'spare'...

There is a hope that I can return to my regularly scheduled life after a rather exciting and busy fall. The All Thumbs Quilting Retreat was the responsibility of fellow quilter Carol and myself.  We went for a fun and relaxing program.    Carol did an exceptional job of getting the goody bags filled and making the prize table alluring. I was in charge of decor and  a fun project/game.  And of course food and snacks were plentiful with many contributors! We host up to 24 in a large hall with lots of room and a full kitchen.  The theme was the Fall Harvest and the main goal was to work away on our own projects, enjoy one another's company and have fun.  I had remembered seeing cookies in a jar at one craft fair and thought that could translate into personal fabric challenges.  My least favourite research topic is recipes but I pulled out my chef's cookbooks and found all kinds of ideas for soups.  Before she returned to her...