Sewing at the Beach 2011

This is SO MUCH FUN!!!!   I just wish you all could be here.  We are having a fabulous time Sewing at the Beach.   

It is freezing cold, rainy and windy, but that hasn’t dampened anyone’s  spirits.  The ladies are all just delightful, my classes have all gone very well and the vendors have some incredible things for sale.  I’ve caught up with old friends and made new ones, all who are as passionate about sewing as you and I.

all neutral kit

 

Tuesday was the lace crazy patch class and each square was beautiful, unique and interesting.  Before class, I was worried that the students might not appreciate the elderly laces, but the worry was unfounded. Without exception, the ladies looked past the few age spots on the laces and saw instead the needlework and laces used by our ancestors.  

Each student got a two-part kit, the first with neutral laces, embroideries and trims along with cotton batting, pima cotton backing and a batiste top to which to laces were attached.  The second kit included more laces, but some kits had a color theme and others consisted of more monotone pieces.   

This is what Nancy did with the brown kit. The collar is not in perfect condition, but she chose to leave it intact. Note the lace in the center of the collar neckline. Sharon brought almost 8 yards of this exquisit antique 8" lace insertion to share with the class

The colored kits came in blue, pink, yellow, green and brown. Here are a few of the almost finished block. 

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this class was the students’ willingness to share their own treasures with the class. Sharon’s lace which is centered in Nancy’s brown collar piece was one of the loveliest pieces I’ve ever seen.  Sharon just left it on the table for everyone to cut what they wanted.

Gracie brought several bolts of cluny which added a nice contrasting texture to the fine lace.  Again, it was put out for all to share.  What generous spirits these ladies have!

This is a very hectic time for the teachers, who  often begin their day in class at 7:30 a.m. and leave that class at 5:30 or 6 p.m., long after the students have left.  There is little time for the relaxed dining offerred at Cafe Amalfi overlooking the ocean.  Gracie, one of the best cooks and most gracious, loving ladies I know, invited my darling teacher roommate Terri  and me to join her for dinner.  Along with some other students we enjoyed a divine pasta dinner with wo sauces, fresh salad and Gracie’s famous cheesecake for dessert at the condo she had rented in the adjoining building.   It was an oasis in a long, exhausting but wonderful day.

I have lots more to tell and better pictures.  Unfortunately, I temporarily misplaced my camera and all these low resolution photos were taken with my phone. 

So there will be more later–like Hope Yoder with her button machine and goodies, Susan from All About Blanks and her gorgeous samples.  There is a fashion show which I will get some good snaps of and more info about the classes and other teachers.  I hope you all will come back for more.