Great Lakes Stitchers Gathering 2023
Last weekend was the Great Lakes Stitchers Gathering in Port Huron, Michigan. The Port Huron Retreat Center was the PERFECT place to host this retreat. The views of Lake Huron were everywhere you looked and brought an additional aspect of peace to the event. Home-cooked meals were beyond delicious, and I am certain I gained a few pounds! As many of you know, I grew up in the Village of Clarkston north of Pontiac. Coming home to Michigan as the guest designer of the retreat was such a blessing! The host, Barb of Stitching with Grammy on social media, did a fantastic job on her first retreat and I look forward to her future events! I met so many new stitching friends and I am so proud of those who attended and were new to our cross-stitching community. It was wonderful to see those around them sharing their stitchy wisdom. At one time, we each learned from someone else. We had swag bags, raffle prizes and daily table goodies including two retreat pieces designed by me. The main retreat design was gifted on Saturday morning. It was inspired by many years growing up in a small town and traveling to the small towns of Michigan. This exclusive design, Main Street, will be released to the public at Nashville Needlework Market in March 2024. VENDORS - Can I just say they were amazing! A few of the vendors included Silver Creek Samplers, Farmhouse Flossies & Such, Souleful Creations, The Vintage Stitcher, Hometown Needleworks and, of course, Barb’s gorgeous hand made project bags! Take time to check out these talented artists. I could go on and on, but I will let the photographs speak for me! I am also including a picture of my aunt and uncle who reside in Port Huron. It made the trip extra special to be able to get together with some of my family. I am excited to share everything up close and personal on my next flosstube this coming Sunday! Finally, thank you from the bottom of my heart to my family for your help in preparing for this retreat. To Barb for your friendship and encouragement as I walk through this very new designer journey. AND to my dear friend, Jen, who thought it was a good idea to be my traveling companion. My part of this retreat was a success because of your huge help! We laughed until our bellies hurt. The best way to travel. Chrissy