Creative Camper Connie – Day 1

A day in the countryside in Texas at the serene Camp Allen feels like we’re all on a retreat, leaving behind all cares and worries of our regular routines. What an awesome place- I’m inspired to be creative just looking at the handmade quilts on all the walls, just everywhere.

As we sit down to  begin our day, realizing people for  29 states are here- even from Alaska and Canada  it feels so special to be apart of this. The funny thing is “camp”  brings  back so many memories for  me as a kid, I remember the total mindset switch from the usual routines…playtime.

As we’re beginning to get smocking my partner at  the table discovers her husband  is stuck in traffic in the city and her little one has been left at day care well beyond the pick up time and the next child is about to step off the school bus and Dad is nowhere near the house…. Panic at smocking table one! Didn’t I just say “leave all the cares and worries at home??”

Well we got over that, with Donna Marie’s guidance we actually did manage to get our selvages cut and lines drawn and the sewing begins! (Yes, Dad made it home, more later  on that one I’m sure when Mom gets back….)

Now luxurious samples are made, and we have an awesome way to be set apart from the norm- this smocking is an art and boy does it dress a panel- or where ever you want to use it…I’m impressed.

The added expense for those special clients will be worth every   penny.

Many of you who know me can agree I am a gadget junkie- I  just don’t know who comes up with these new presser feet, but I’m sure I’ll use the new ones- for sure, one day. Then the girl next to me reminds me, we’ll probably get these home and not even remember what they’re for! So now Jill- we need a DVD on all of the uses for each one- next show- ok??

 Joanna’ pelmet class was packed as well as the smocking session and the enthusiasm showed quickly as her DVD’s were selling like hotcakes.

Speaking of which- the food is great, but what an interesting conversation to hear in a restaurant as one person said-“Where else can you hear a discussion of soft cornice vs. hard cornice vs. pelmet  as we share fruit cobbler?”

Wish you were here! Maybe next year?

A few tips from the day   to share..

            Origami is not just for paper….

             Did you know you can use dryer sheets on your threads when hand sewing silk instead of wax? No residue or knotting and glides like a charm?

Connie Valente