Stitch Gathering 2014.....and a giveaway

Hiya, I think it is time for a little Stitch Gathering sum-up.......wonderful!  I don't really need to say much more (except, of course, I will!).  I had the most wonderful bunch of 12 ladies who all finished their Café Aprons - so many different looks from one simple little pattern, and a few clever customisations along the way.  What a way to make me happy! 

If you hang on to the end of the post there's a wee giveaway to share some of the fun from the day.

Our lunchtime entertainment consisted of viewing all the very talented ticket bag decorations, some were truly stunning.  Then we had the fun of finding our swap partners, I hope Sally likes hers. I was exceedingly lucky to be given Jo's.  Isn't it clever (it really gives you an idea of Jo's rather eclectic and bright taste and her range of skills spanning pretty much the whole crafting spectrum)?  Katie was determined that I should highlight her two favourite parts.  Can you tell?

Here's me (on the right) with Jo, admiring the bag she gave me

There was also a pretty mindblowing Show and Tell session - just so much talent.  I couldn't resist adding this photo which shows just how impressed (and shocked) Jo was at the skill, and time, that had gone into making this bundle of red and white blocks. 

I joined in the Patchwork Doggie class in the afternoon......helping out a little to get a few people started and then I was able to do some sewing of my own, which was a great way to unwind after my class.  We were all hand sewing so there was plenty of time for chatting - in amongst the occasional naughty word as something was sewn on the wrong way round (I'm referring to myself here!).  I still have a bit more to do to finish mine but it won't take too long and I plan to give it to Islay.

It was lovely to see so many faces from last year and meet some great new people too.  (And fab to catch up with Sarah who I met at the Fat Quarterly Retreat last summer).

We all received fabulous goody bags.  Many thanks to the following sponsors:
Aurifil (thread), Nairns (biscuits), Pilot (Frixion pen), Coats (Millward needles and Coats thread), Dashwood (fabric FQ), Love Patchwork and Quilting (magazine), DMC (embroidery thread), Very Berry Fabric (Liberty Tana Lawn scrap pack), Groves and Banks (embroidery scissors), Liberty (tote bag, which I forgot to photograph, sorry, and fabric), Blend Fabric (2 fabric panels), Robert Kaufman (5FQ bunble), myBearpaw (DMC perle cotton number 8 and packet of beads)

Having had such a great day I thought it would be good to share some of the happiness........so to win the goodies below just leave me a comment!  Open to everyone, wherever you are and whether it is your first visit or you're a regular here.......and I'll probably sneak in some edible goodies too.....anyone not like chocolate?!  Good luck!