Vacation

I can't say I have ever taken a vacation just for the fun of it. Normally we go see family, or such. Oh we do the occasional weekend. But 5 days of being treated to good food, wonderful scenery and great conversations made my trip to Maine exceptional.

Michele Maks of Mainly Crochet invited me to come stitch by the sea after convention. Promised me a lobster dinner. Now who in their right mind could say NO to that.

It was wonderful. I got to wiggle my toes in the Atlantic ocean, Eat ice cream while watching sail boats come and go in Camden Harbor, see the awesome view from Camden Hill, walk the Giants steps, eat more ice cream in a flower garden, wander a secluded cove.

Then there was the fabulous food. If Michele ever decided to quit the crochet world. she would make an awesome chef. We had our lobster as promised and I can now say I have ravaged a whole lobster on my own. Then there was crochet talk, photo shoots, picture taking and my hook was happily creating when ever I got the chance.

Loved all the beautiful green.

and would love to visit Maine again.

Of course Michele's dog Mika made a point to make sure I wasn't too dog deprived without Pippie.

 

 

 

 

 

Convention

Well I have been home a few days now and my mind and body are beginning to slide back into my normal routines.

Not that anything is normal these days, but more on that in another post.

I had a grand time at convention. Enjoying what I like best about the whole thing. Talking, sharing and rubbing elbows with fellow crochet addicts.

I was very pleased with how I did in the design contest.

I finally took a 1st place in the Thread division. So I get to cross an item off my bucket list.

 

My skirt took a 2nd in the Fashion Division which of course thrilled me.

My Riviera Shawlette got an honorable mention. But when I posted it to my CrochetNBeads page on facebook it took off like a house on fire. over 24,500 looks, That was just mind blowing.

So the reactions to all my pieces have left me with a warm glow.

To be honest I was a little disappointed with the banquet. Being the 20th anniversary. I expected a celebration program. There wasn't much to be honest. Just a short program and the fashion show, Which felt a little rushed this year. I hated the half hour standing in the hall waiting to get in once they opened the door. It would have been much nicer to have set my things down at my table then wandered and visited. As was we just moved the line in a bit closer and we paid for that privilege.

I took 2 classes. One with Mary Beth Temple on Independent pattern publication to see if she had some ideas I hadn't thought of. She did and I will have to give some thought on how to incorporate them into my business.

The second was my fun class. Free Form with Margaret Hubert. She is such a dear and it was so fun to take her class. I made me a little needle case instead of the bag as I know me and a purse would sit in a drawer. The needle case will go in my work bag and I will think of the fun I had creating it every time I use it. 

Next year will be San Diego. Which was a surprise as it was my understanding the west coast just doesn't draw enough people. There will also most likely not be a design contest either. Oh well the ideas that are brewing for it will have a little more time to mature this time.

Then I had the fun and privilege of heading to Maine with Michele Maks for 5 days. I will share that experience tomorrow.  Lets just say my camera got a work out. Loved the green......