Now that I’m back home after 5 days at Seminar, I thought I’d summarize my thoughts on the overall experience since this was really my first full Seminar experience.  I had attended a one-day workshop in Philadelphia and had some time to check out the Exhibition and shop but didn’t get to any of the evening activities.  Taking a 4-day class is a bit draining as well as hard on the back, especially for someone who doesn’t sit still for long periods of time.  I did try to get up every 30 minutes or so even though it wasn’t break time and I waited until the teacher was done talking, but I don’t think she appreciated my need to be up and moving regularly.  I know some women use heating pads and footstools; however, I just need to get up and move – my work colleagues used to quickly learn I finished most meetings within 45 minutes because I’d be up and about at that point!  I do sit near the back but maybe I should think about being in the last row!

I picked my class because I loved the design and I still love it.  I’m really glad I realized I had to baste the sections after the first day so I could fully appreciate working on the piece.  Unfortunately, I’m about 2 months behind on the stocking I’m doing to be completed by Thanksgiving and am at least 2 months if not 3 on my Stitch of the Month!  I’m working on figuring out how I can work on all 3 as I am eager to work on Puzzle Pieces!  I got out of the class what I’d hoped in terms of learning how to overlay stitches and the different effects you can get.  I’d hoped to be a little further along in what I completed, but I wouldn’t even be this far if I hadn’t spent the time basting, so I’m happy with how much I got done!

I should have come in earlier in the day on Friday so I could have done more exploration of the Chicago area.  I did get to run or walk every day and did a lot of exploring.  However, there is so much to do such as the museums, river, and lake that I just didn’t get to.  I found Jewels Osco on Saturday at lunch and bought stuff for breakfasts, lunches, and cocktails since we had a refrigerator.  While I did get my tea every day at Starbucks and stopped a few days at Corner Bakery for lunch, it was a great savings that I could spend on needlepoint supplies!  Most restaurants I went to for dinner were fabulous – there were a few I would not recommend!

I didn’t get nearly enough time to go through the Exhibition or to review the classes for next year.  I have a list of about 10 classes I’d like to take, which we all know is not possible!  I also didn’t take enough time to look at the Opportunity Baskets or Book Store.  I’m glad I went to the Teachers Expo and spoke to most, if not all, of the teachers about their programs.  I had fun doing the Silent Auction, but probably could have spent more time and will do so in the future.  Expo was just so overwhelming for me that I have to think about how to deal with that in the future.  The store was okay, although I think the one in Philadelphia had a lot more canvases, charts, fibers, and tools.  I did buy a few things I needed, but they didn’t have several other items I needed and would have bought.  I didn’t have time to just browse in the store.

My roommate was great.  Our schedules and interests matched very well and we were not dependent on each other either.  I was definitely lucky in this regard!  And our room with a small view of the lake and fireworks was outstanding.

Being back home is  a let down and I’m exhausted!  I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight.  I look forward to hearing from those still experiencing Seminar 2014!

Happy Stitching,

Diane