FRIENDS! Oh how I’ve missed you! A couple of you sweeties have emailed me this week to make sure all is ok because it’s so, well, exciting, here on the blog (ah! crickets, crickets). I’m still here! April is insane. I’m getting ready for book launch (yesssss), prepping for quilt market, filming some fun new classes, wrapping up the school year with the kiddos, and trying to squeeze in a bit of sleep here and there…you know, priorities. :)
And what a treat this past weekend- 3 fabulous days in North Carolina with 60 of the most amazing women at the Sew South Retreat— an utter delight!!! EXACTLY what this Mamma needed (except for sleep! no sleep when open sew involves wine, music, and goes til midnight!).
Friends, friends, friends! Can you ever have too many sewing buddies? Most definitely not! These ladies were the real deal…sweet, smart, talented, oh so genuine and fun. I could have stayed and chatted all month!
Every time I leave Sew South (this was my 3rd year attending), I always come home feeling the same way- completely inspired by an amazing community of women, old friends and new. I wish I could have packed them all in my bag and taken them home with me, so they’re close at hand for impromptu sewing parties. Can we make that happen?
I had a blast sharing a bit about my quilting journey, and then teaching a fun curves a la applique technique as part of my Apple Blossom mini quilt workshop. So many yummy versions!!!! I was so impressed with how many folks finished their minis (or turned them into pillows). Ooh, I almost forgot- and a mini sneak peek trunk show with a few of my favorite projects from For Keeps (ships May 12…eeeeek!).
Ok, and can we talk about charity quilts for a sec? What a BRILLIANT little project we did. FreeSpirit Fabrics donated a slew of fabulous jelly rolls and the 60 of us ladies had a serious speed sewing competition to see which table could complete a strip quilt first. 15 minutes later and we had 15 gorgeous, colorful quilt tops ready to finish and send over to Quilt Lemonade– a project benefiting the community of La Limonada in Guatemala City, which is considered to be the largest urban slum area in Central America. In less time than it would have taken us to go grab a Starbucks, we stitched a special quilt for nearly every child in one of the community’s safe houses.
And the community building didn’t stop there! Oh no! Mr. James…our adorable bellhop. What a charmer. The first night, he was sweet enough to drive me to pick up meds for what felt like a developing sinus infection (my nemesis), and on the way we chatted. He wanted to know what we were all up to back in that noisy ballroom and I told him, why, sewing of course!!! His eyes lit up….he explained that he’s interested in fashion and would love to be able to create garments when the mood strikes him, as well as sew things for his kiddos. Well, his time had come- by the second night, our own Miss Heather Valentine of The Sewing Loft invited him on in, and sat him right down at her machine. Minutes later, amidst cheering and clapping, he’d sewn his very first pocket- proud to go show his wife. What a fun moment to witness!
So many great moments! Dear Miss Nancy finished her 2014 Sugar Block sampler right there at open sew! I was absolutely honored that she’d brought it to work on, and think she did an incredible job! Love ya Nanc!
Oh my goodness- the bags! Everyone had such amazing BAGS! And I was so pumped to come home with several. The ridiculously awesome organizer zip bag is the Sew Together Bag by Michelle of Sew Demented (best bag ever!)- made for me by my dear sweet friend Valerie. I adore it!
The little coin purse was a darling gift from sweet Jennifer for my bday…AHHHH! The bee knitting! My daughters are SO jealous. And lastly….that wallet- THE PERFECT WALLET- a fantastic design by Lindsey Rhodes. We all made these wallets and I never could quite pick a favorite- all so stinking cute! I was super pleased with how mine turned out (especially since I picked out my fabrics at 11pm, in the dark, the night before my flight! Yeah, I roll like that).
Well, thanks for stopping by to check out my Sew South highlights! Definitely a weekend to remember. But it’s good to be home. Ahhh, Legos, dog hair, and a carpools. Yup, it’s a good life.
XO
What a wonderful weekend you described so vividly! I am a little envious, because lately here the only sowing and chatting is with my kids in max ten minute blocks. There is always something to do that has priority. I pre-ordered your book and am still planning on making the Sugar blocks. Good to see them in a quilt! I miss the Sugar blocks, not because of making them, wich I did not het do… But because of the food for thought you gave me and I could apply to my everyday life. I know you had some comments about your Faith shining through, but I loved just that. It inspires me to be more bold about my religion too. In real life and on the internet and so far that felt good. Of course having a son who has his First Communion this weekend is quite a public affair. A lot of partypreparations are on my list for today, so I better get to it. Greetings from the Netherlands, Sandra
Sounds like a another great Sew South retreat! Sorry I missed it this year. Looking forward to your book arriving in my mail box in May Amy! Have fun with the book launch and at market!
That looks like such a fun time. Thank you for sharing the inspiring pictures and the story of it all.
Oh Amy! I was filled with a mixture of emotions as I read this. First wish I were there. Second, felt your joy and love for your craft, and just the fun of being with other quilters. What a bounty of projects for a good cause.those bags and purses!! And the bell boy what a hoot. Wish I could have seen his wife’s expression when he told her what he did. Hope you are feeling better.
It was so great to meet you! Such a fabulous weekend!
Amy, what a thrill to finally meet you face to face! Seeing you at the airport was a highlight of my trip! Sew South was fantastic, more than I ever imagined, and a much needed “pick me up” from everyday activities! I wish I could bottle the energy and talent in the room! Your story was inspiring and I can’t not wait to receive your book and start projects! The quilts are to be used, as you said, for picnics, parties, babies…whatever they are needed for and not just to cuddle up with! (Even though cuddling is a great way to spend an evening!). Your’re the best and a true sweetheart ! Let’s do it next year too! Enjoy your day, Cheers!
Finally, I’ve been waiting for your post. I think I would love to come and just be on the sidelines watching everyone. The sewing would be fun, but the atmosphere might be even better!
This looks like so much fun! Do you know if that wallet pattern is available? I couldn’t find it on Lindsey’s blog except that she sold finished wallets in the past.
Hi Amy, what a GREAT recap of the weekend! It was fun looking through your photos, they brought back great memories of such a fabulous weekend. I loved the picture of James, such a nice guy. I can’t wait for your book to come out!! :o)
Great to see your post. I’m glad you had such and amazing time. And a break as well from the ‘daily stuff’.
It sounds like another record breaking, fun SewSouth weekend. I missed out this year but hope to see you soon. Can’t wait to see your book.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Your description of Sew South just adds to my desire to participate in a such a gathering. I might just have to camp out on the Internet when tickets go on sale for next years gathering.
Amy ,so good to here from you again. Thanks for sharing all the pictures. We have a sewing/craft night at our church once a month on a Friday night. It is lots of fun.
Hi! Welcome back! We missed you! I have just one word for your trip…ENVY! Oh I’m sitting here committing that sin just right out in the open. What I wouldn’t give to go one year! But thanks for the links – I have some perfect sewing themed fabric from Pat Sloan just perfect for the bag. Can’t wait for the book and classes!
I’m so happy that I got to see you again! It was just the weekend I needed too. All the women were so kind and encouraging. At the end of the weekend I felt lifted and ready to tackle not only my crafty projects but motherhood in a new light. No one ever tells you how challenging teenage girls can be and even though I feel lucky to have two sweet, kind and loving daughters… Like Olivia’s Mom (in Ian Falconer’s books) says to her, sometimes they wear me out! Big hugs!
Haven’t heard from you in such a long time, hope everything is all right.