Stitching in the Mountains: A 2023 retreat recap & a 2024 special announcement

I promised a big, long post about the first Stitching in the Mountains Retreat, but to be honest, I don’t know where to start. How to encapsulate a weekend of new meetings, reunions with old friends, shared fun, friendship & creativity?

Lisa from Paddock Lane Designs (and my collaborator in running the retreat) arrived early with her team of fabulous helpers, who were underway prepping goody bags and setting up Lisa’s fabulous shop full of her beautiful hand-dyed fabric, her unique designs and all kinds of stitchy goodies. My sister Sarah (my indispensable helper and support) and I arrived soon after, and I was overcome with the beauty of Glenella, the historic home where we held the retreat.

Margaret and Rowan, our kind hosts, were very accommodating in letting us arrive early and set up, ready to invite our guests. Goody bags were piling up on the settees as I looked around at all the comfy armchairs, the well-lit stitching room out back, the decks both front and back, and the beautiful garden – all wonderful places to gather, chat and stitch.

Before we knew it, attendees started to arrive – and it was a delight to welcome everyone, to set them up and thank them all so much for coming. I’m especially proud of those who hadn’t been to a stitching retreat before and were a little shy – I know how hard that is myself! But I’m confident that within minutes, they realised they were among friends.

And what friends! A kinder, more generous, more creative group of people I couldn’t imagine. I’m humbled by my small part in bringing them all together. We stitched, laughed and learnt from each other – with classes by Lisa and me, and not to mention all the things I learnt from attendees – the wealth of knowledge and experience was remarkable.

Some highlights included the trips down to Govetts Leap, an incredible lookout, where the beauty of the Blue Mountains is on full display. Sarah took a few trips down there for people who came in by train, so they could appreciate the beauty as well. Lisa’s bingo was a big hit – with points for all sorts of challenges! And her retreat design, based on Glenella, was divine.

As Glenella is nestled right in Blackheath, this allowed for lots of expeditions for nourishment – my fav local cafe ran out of gluten-free bread, it was so popular (I’ll have to warn them next time!). I’m told the local hamburger place was great, as was the Mexican restaurant nearby. Many brought their own food so they could sit and stitch to their hearts content.

I so enjoyed speaking with every single person – including many old friends, including Shona from Flossanthology, and Alison – a dear friend who I got to meet in person for the first time. My aunt Lyn joined us and wowed everyone with her incredible textile art, and I managed to nab on of Tessa’s last (and stunning) project bags available from Patchwork Plus two doors down (visit her on Insta @quilt_therapy85).

The 24-hr stitching room was well utilised – with night-owls up till all hours, and early-birds like me enjoying the morning quiet. As more people arrived for the day, the buzz of happy stitchers grew, and people found their favourite spots – by the tree growing right up through the upstairs deck, on the front porch in the white wicker chairs, in a comfy leather armchair with light perched at just the right angle.

It was a pleasure to give a small talk on antique samplers too – and to show some of my collection. It’s a true joy for me to help people understand the tremendous history and tradition of stitching in which we form a part. And to see everyone’s incredible work – in so many different styles – was truly inspiring. And we raised money too (see the previous post) – gave out generously donated prizes and then had to say goodbye.

While every retreat is fun, I do think this one is something special – a big thank you to everyone who attended. I’m also happy to announce the next Stitching in the Mountains Retreat will be in June 2024 (Friday June 14 to Sunday June 16). Please click HERE to fill out the Expressions of Interest form – we would absolutely love to see you. And this one will be Winter in the Mountains – think roaring fires, foggy mornings and warm company! Oh, and shh… there may be an another, more Summery announcement coming soon too!