I hope you will be able to join in the fun one day. Hugs, Lynda

Jennifer Keltner, Editor of American Patchwork and Quilting was the guest speaker for opening night at PMW. She is a delightfully funny speaker who had lots of wonderful ideas to share. Her quilt show presentation included old quilts and new quilts...something for everyone to enjoy.

I taught three classes at the retreat. This is the first project....a sewing box everyone painted, distressed, and waxed. They made a quilt block for the top, along with a two decker pin cushion.

Here is a picture of the class. front row from L to R - Nancy, owner of The Hen House Quilt shop, Patty, me, Donna and Sharon. Back row L to R - Kathi, Barb, Nancy and Lorna

I don't know how many camera's were sitting on ready for a picture of all of us..but at one point I decided perhaps just to make it a little different we should all turn around...lol I don't think Sharon got word down at her end! There were two give aways in the color class. I can't remember if anyone took pictures of the winners....but Donna won a bag to hold thread and Lorna won a pin keep. They were made to match the block on the top of their boxes.

The color class was held at the shop. We had all day to play with tons of bolts of fabrics. Of course, everyone went home with some to add to their stash.....duh! This table runner was given away in this class. Jeri from Plano, Texas went home with it. Everyone signed it as a memento.

A picture of the color class. L to R - Julie Wardell, Liz Stanis, me, Jeri Wolfe, seated - Lin Evans and Kerry Green

This table rug or small wall hanging was the third project. It started out being a partridge in a pear tree.......but somewhere along the line the partridge flew away and another bird arrived...the piece is called TWO PAIRS. I'll let you figure that out.

Cathy Hansen and Cheryl Knapp had my full attention in this class. Cathy and I first met 4 years ago when Rita started PMW...This was Cheryl's first time to PMW......but she's coming back!

You can see it's not all work and no play for anyone there. By the fourth day, everyone gets just a little silly and everything becomes funny. We managed to hold it together until the class was over.

Cheryl told me she saved the best class for last..........just kidding everyone! She did tell me that she had a blast and hoped to return next year. A friend was to come with her, but couldn't make it and she was determined to come have fun anyway........good choice Cheryl!

Barb sitting at the sewing machine got her block quilted for the top of her box. Of course, we all stood around giving encouragement.

Edie and I think this show should be called the Edie show or the Lynda show as we both were seen taking one picture after another of each other. Somtimes at the same time. If I remember correctly, Edie told me that pictures of this event will be posted on Pickledish.com I hope you'll check it out.

After opening ceremonies, a lot of us go out to eat together. Here is Edie taking my picture. Sitting next to her is Cherie Ralston, Lynn Hagmier, Renee Plains and Maggie Bonanomi with her back to us.

After the last classes are put to bed Saturday afternoon, everyone gathers at the quilt shop for one last chance to see each other, enjoy pizza, purchase any last minute things you forgot and say the good-bye! Here's a picture of Sue Spargo at the party. The good-bye's are always the hardest, but we hold on to the memories we have and make promises to return next year.

Lyn and I had a chance to chat just before the opening ceremonies began. It was a delightful evening of seeing old friends and meeting new people.

It's very hard to say this with a straight face, but we do "teach" at primitives! lol

One of the hardest things about the last day is always saying good bye. Rita and her gals always make these 4 days very special for all of us that attend. A gracious host, and a good friend, Rita is one of the best!