Hi Everyone —

We had another great SOTM session today at Sue C’s.   Everyone is making great progress on Stars of the New Millennium by Toni Minieri.

Aren’t the various colorways magnificent?  The same star can look startlingly different from one to the next.

Of course, a few of us are working on the alternative “My Way” and some of us are still on “Razzle Dazzle” from two years ago!

We are already starting to discuss next year’s project!

Cheers, Rosie

Staying in Asheville for the eclipse the day following the end of the seminar seemed like a good plan, but after the banquet on the last night there were many distressing stories.  Our plan–Jill and myself–was to leave our hotel after breakfast for the hotel in downtown Asheville where we would spend Monday evening.  Then we would wander through the shops during the day and ending at the designated eclipse park in downtown Asheville.  When we were leaving the banquet, we were told that downtown Asheville would be closed on Monday.  Now what.  We postponed any decision until Monday.  There was nothing on the internet about shops closing so we left before nine expecting lots of traffic.  There was very little.  We got to the hotel, parked, sat in the lobby with a cup of coffee and layed out our walking route before setting forth.  Almost all the shops were open but there was virtually no foot traffic in these stores.  It seems that most people were staying away from the area.  About one we walked towards the Pack Park where the downtown event was being held.  As we walked we saw more and more people headed in the same direction.  The park is small and had a number of families set up on blankets. There was music as well as activities going on for the youngsters.  We found a place across the street with trees for shade and a low wall for sitting where we waited and watched.  At that time there were some clouds in the sky but it was easy to see the moon “eating” the sun using our eclipse glasses–thanks to the library for supplying them.  As the time for the maximum coverage approached, larger and larger clouds appeared and we were concerned that we would not be able to see it.  Watching constantly was difficult because you needed to crane your neck.  One diligent woman kept us all posted and shouted out when the sun was visible!  The clouds broke open for about a five minute window with the maximum coverage right in the middle of the window!  As we waited the sky got dark enough for the street lights to come on.  The maximum darkness was similar to the time right after sunset in Asheville where the coverage was 99%.  It was a great experience and fun enjoying it with friendly strangers appreciating the same event.

Yesterday, Sunday, was the last day at this year’s EGA seminar in Asheville, NC.    I had a second day of the Lily of the Lake with Gail Sirna.  I did as she asked us all and got rid of my  “tails”, some I finished and some I just tied off.  Tail free, we began today working on thenleft border which has several bands.  After lunch it was the right border. I really like the way they look.  The participants of this class were so cooperative and helpful to all–lending a battery operated light to someone who was not near an outlet, giving suggestions for how to count for placement of stitches, etc.  

There was so much hubbub about the eclipse which occurred today and the traffic that was around Asheville that many were anxious to get on the road last night and not wait for the morning.  Our class instruction ended before the afternoon break so several people skipped the banquet and got on the road.  I did stay and felt the dinner was tastier than the opening banquet.  The prize was the dessert which was a small chocolate teacup filled with berries and whipped cream.  I ate every bit of that cup!  The favor was wonderful!  On of the committee members made one for each of us!

You can see mine and Rosie’s with one open and one with the embroidered cover.  This is a favor that can be put to good use.  At the banquet it was announced that the only elevator in the Looking Glass building was not working!  By the time I was leaving this morning it was back in operation, but not when we returned to the room!  It was a good seminar although there facility issues, the classes offered were great as was the merchandise night and teachers’ showcase and both seeing friends and making new ones!

Sue

I could not post last night as the room is too dark with all lights on to take a photo.  You can see all the parts added during the day which give the border as well as the quills so much more character.  This is a piece that I can see myself completing.  Not only do I like it but the directions are clear and there is no “new” techniques to learn without guidance.  There is more to add in the borders as well as the quills and each adds more character to the design.

Today was day one of Lily of the Lake by Gail Sirna.  I like the picture and the threads used are beautiful.  Today we completed enough of each petal to understand the stitch and how it fits in the petal–some petals are repeated.  The stitches are designed to fit the shape of the leaf with minimal compensation.  Thank you, Gail!  You can see the reflection of several petals which is stitched with a single thread.  Tomorrow we will work on the borders.

Sue C.