Two weekends ago DH and I rode the motorcycle 950 miles round trip to a motorcycle event in Pigeon Forge, TN. It was my turn to "give back" since I've dragged him to many a craft/quilt/stitching event over the many years we've been together. A good time was had by all. Yes, I even managed to hit a stitch shop! I can sniff out a stitch shop no matter where I'm at dontcha know. Check out the gear! It was raining when I went in and it had stopped when I came out.
Happy shopper!
Fabric Wall
Charts and things!
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The fourth was our in-between weekend. We did the usual trip prep stuff that weekend...laundry, shopping, grass mowing, etc. Nothing too exciting. We both went in different directions last weekend...he to another motorcycle event and me to Russellville! Okay, now we are caught up.
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The main reason I'm checking in today is to do my annual Russellville recap. The past weekend was our reunion. I promised the "Queen Bee" I would share the love with all of you as well, so I know she's waiting for this. Waves to the Queen Bee and the rest of the retreat bees who are reading. Wish y'all would comment once in a while...ahem, just sayin'!
I started the morning on Thursday meeting the peeps at our friend, Patti's house. We took the ferry across the river to get to the highway. I absolutely love that ferry! The peeps get tickled at me when I get a excited about it. I never tire of riding across the Ohio on it.
Here's my attempt at a front seat selfie. It looks like the camera flipped where we were sitting. I really wasn't driving. I was the passenger seat navigator.
We drove as far as Louisville for our first stop. We always like to pay our friends at The Finishing Touch a visit when we find ourselves down that way. Here's a look at the outside and a few from the inside in case you are curious.
Oh yes, and there was stash to be had. Here's what I couldn't live without. My peep, Linda spied the "Pin Money" kit and I kinda lost my mind. I couldn't live without that one. I also love this year's JCS Halloween issue. There are several things in there I really like this time. The fabric and the floss are for one of them! Of course I couldn't leave the Drawn Thread chart behind either.
After we enhanced the stash and boosted the economy, we went to lunch on the suggestion to go up the street to Caffe Classico. It's a cute little local restaurant with a decidedly Italian I leaning. Of course they had me at "Vespa" when I saw this parked in the corner of the dining room. Oh yeah! I want one of these so very badly. Someday!
After our sustenance, we piled back into the car and kicked it on down to Russellville. It's an easy drive straight down route 65. Of course it seemed as though every bridge in Louisville had construction going on which made for a tricky drive through the city but we made it through unscathed. Whew!
Once in Russellville we checked into the hotel and did our annual peep gift exchange. I alluded to my "super secret" gifts I was making in my last TUSAL post. Now I can share what they were!
Design: Shaded Spools Fobs
Designer: Inspired by Faye
Fabric: 40ct. 18th Century Brown
Floss: various DMC colors
Started: 6/18/15
Finished: 7/6/15
Completed: 7/6/15
Here's what I made for the peeps. I took my inspiration from a post that Carolina Stitcher did a couple years ago. Our peep, Marsha won the cutie Faye made. These are pretty close. I like how they turned out. Mine doesn't have an initial on it because Hobby Lobby was out of the letter "L." I matched the spool colors to the scissor colors. I think they turned out nice! I'll show you what I made for the main gift exchange next time.
From E.
From L.
From P.
Here's what I received. My peeps know me so very well. I love everything so much. You girls are the best peeps anyone could ask for...seriously! Never underestimate how much we need our peeps.
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On that beautiful note, I think I'll leave you for today. I promise to come back and share the group project, show and tell, and of course, all the amazing gifts that were exchanged. I can hardly wait! Stay tuned!
More next time,
The Inspired Stitcher
13 comments:
Looks like a fantastic time!
Lisa, what precious little gifties you made for your friends!!
I'm so envious of your opportunities to stash shop in real live stitching spots. They've more or less gone the way of the dinosaur down here....and it makes me sad!
Glad your summer has been so much fin.
It was so fun that you went to PF Tenn. We vacation there every summer just up the hill from Dixie Darlin. Wish I had known you were going - I would have told you all our favorite places to eat. There is a nice quilt shop or two in the vicinity as well. I love Dixie Darlin and have been shopping there for over 20 years. I'm sure you knew that Cindy the owner is the creator of Foxwood Crossings - those cute sled designs among other things. One thing I like about her shop is that she almost always has all the supplies to make whatever models she has on display. She also stocks a lot of aida which makes it easy for my mom to also get in on the stash enhancement and we usually ditch the guys one afternoon and go and spend a couple of hours with Tina and Cindy if she is around. Love all the stash you got and oh my - the Russelville report is wonderful. Love the exchange gifts - you are so lucky to have a close group of friends like this to retreat with. Happy almost Friday - Mel
Hi Lisa, Looks like a great trip to the retreat. Great stash and gifts! Looking forward to the rest of the story. Enjoy.
Judy heartland stticher
Dixie looks like a great shop.
Love your gear! :)
Can't wait to see the show and tell and exchange gifts.
Marilyn
You are really packing in the fun! We had a Vespa for years.
Looks like you've had several fun filled outings lately. Missed seeing you at the last QCSG stitch-in.
What fun fobs you created for your friends, Lisa, and what fun goodies you received. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Russellville recap when you post it. Enjoy your weekend!
Robin in Virginia
Fun fun times! I can't imagine riding 960 miles on a motorcycle. You are one brave lady! Love the exchange gifts! What you made for everyone is wonderful, and what you received is great too! Loved seeing Dixie Darlin too!
First off, I had a twinge when you said you rode 950 miles on a bike! Ouch!! And two shop visits in one blog post... wow! Great stuff! The gifts you made for your buddies are gorgeous!! I spotted Patty first thing! And... I can never remember her buddy's name (in the glasses)... meet them at Myrtle Beach for PALS when I attend. The gifts you received are also gorgeous and thoughtful! I look forward to the next installment... Hugs!
Oh what FUN Lisa!!!! And, your fob gifties turned out just perfect!!!! Thanks for even mentioning me as the designer~ you guys seem to have the most fun in your travels.... I always look forwards to your posts!!
Oh I love these posts!! Your trip to Pigeon Forge looks great, but the retreat is what I love to read about. Adore your gifts that you made for your friends :)
Happy you had a blast with friends, hubby and survived the long bike ride. Beautiful fob gifts you made and lovely new stash (oh yes I took my time looking at those photos). Fun gifts exchanged. love Annette
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