Paul's graduation parade

Congratulations to our oldest boy Paul on his Navy graduation.  Next week he is off to Sydney for about 6 months to begin his career training.  Then he is off to see the world.

Handy Hussif

Finally finished the Handy Hussif, now I just have to let the holes in my fingertips heal up to start the next project.

A small job to do

We've just received 16 huge boxes of the latest range of knitting yarn.  Now we just have to re-arrange the wool section to make room for it all.  As usual, I've ordered way too much.

Day 4 - Do we have to go home?

Well after almost 4 days with great food, great weather, great company, it sadly came to an end. We all had to go home and do our real jobs.  Mine is raising 5 boys aged 14, 18, 18, 18, & 20, 1 husband, 2 cats and Crash the Boxer.  I can't really call the shop a job, it's more like a retreat.

Here's what we did Sunday.  A little more applique using one of Sue's basket templates.

Shop Owner retreat Day 3

Had another wonderful day stitching and learning new techniques.

Today we worked on the 6 pointed star, followed by needle turn applique, then some reverse applique

Day 1 & 2 of our Shop owners retreat

Thursday & Friday Sue showed us how easily her apple core shapes went together.

followed by the clamshells.  This one when finished will be a mini quilt.

Keep your eyes open for the "handy Hussif" bag that I plan on completing this week

My first retreat

WOW, What a wonderful 4 day weekend I've just had at Sue Daley's Patchwork with Busy Fingers shop owners retreat. http://www.busyfingerspatchwork.com/
I've had the opportunity to meet some wonderful ladies from other patchwork stores around the country, and enjoyed a few amazing days of English paper piecing, American Piecing, applique, and various other forms of stitching. 
We managed to put our stitch down for just a little while to enjoy the wonderful meals prepared for us by Shannon & Greg

After returning home just after midnight, and having fallen into bed exhausted, I'm refreshed and full of inspiration with a mind overflowing with interesting ideas.  I only hope I can get even a few projects finished.