Turning up to big hugs from Aneela and Pennie set the tone for the day.
I didn't get to see much of Henley-on-Thames, but the small people and dear husband happily passed the day in the sunshine, whilst I got stitchy.
There were few nerves, unlike Retreat, and I knew half the ladies and Kelly already, which all made for a relaxed, light-hearted day of learning and sewing.
We received our long awaited copies of Little Stitches, which Aneela duly signed for us all; she came to us, we didn't have to queue up and curtsey or anything!
It is the most beautiful and inspiring embroidery book I have ever seen, and I am not just saying that; full of the cutest projects and sketches and super-fantastic iron-on transfers of all the embroideries - I want to stitch them all now! Honestly, everyone needs this book!
OK, so I may have given Aneela the heads-up that I was in the market for a Sew Stitchy layer cake and one of her brilliant journals too, it would have been rude and disrespectful not to!
The plan was to complete the 'girl on a swing' embroidery as a cushion panel, but there may have been a bit too much chatting, eating and playing eye-spy to get that far, but we all made a good start, and apparently some people have already finished!
So I spent this afternoon with the family watching Hugo on DVD, (fantastic, by the way), stitching all my leaves. I am hoping to get my cushion finished this week, as soon as I have finished the last of the white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake that Pennie forced into my husband's hands before we left.
Thank you Aneela, you did great my friend, and thank you Pennie for the lovely grub; anyone needing catering in the Henley/London area, Thames Catering are the folks to ask. And to all the lovely ladies, thanks for the compaby, who wants to be the Stink-along mama? xxx
laughing my arse off at Ladies and Kelly. So accurate ;-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good time. I hear there was some spectacular cheesecake involved!
I am so glad it was a relaxing and fun day for you. I might have to order the book too.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely girl on a swing! I am loving all of these lovely stitcheries. Wish I could have gone - not least for Pennie's brownies!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great day - have had my eye on this book for some time as a gift but it might have to be for me.
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love your pink girl! I'm going to Aneela's class at Raystitch in November, I can't wait now!
ReplyDeleteI should be insulted at the 'ladies and Kelly' remark, but even I can't get the arse hen it's the truth ;-). Your embroidery looks fab xx
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a great time! Your stitching is looking great so far!
ReplyDeletesounds like a perfectly lovely way to spend the day!!
ReplyDeleteAll the stitcheries look so sweet together. I think I need a copy of Aneela's book too! Lucky you having a personally signed copy.
ReplyDeleteYea for lovely stitchy afternoons with friends - so glad you had a great day.
ReplyDeleteJust the ticket! Glad you had a lovely time :) The journals are totally fabulous! I bought 2, oops ;)Might have to get myself a copy of the book too :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good day....and lovely stitching!
ReplyDeleteYay there's nothing like a sew day. I can't wait to get a copy of the book. Love her journal too.
ReplyDeleteLadies and Kelly - brilliant. I ended up buying the FQ bundle and hadn't even planned to.
ReplyDeleteAll in all it was a great way to spend the day wasn't it?
Glad you enjoyed it, Hadley, obviously any bookings arising from this blog post will result in a discreet commission payment, possibly in the form of brownies!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll admit it. I'm jealous. But in a good way! Glad you had a great time and saw good friends.
ReplyDeleteThe Gris on swings look great, sorry to hear it isn't going well for Sis, love and prayers for you ll x x x
ReplyDeleteAww, glad you had a good day, lots of lovelies to bring home there :o)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a lovely day! Sewing with friends can be the best kind of therapy! Jxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day, good for you! Now I want that book!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great day - and I learned loads too!! You are another overachiever by nearly finishing yours too!! ;) I better catch up!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to relax a bit and have such a good day x
ReplyDeleteSounds fabulous, I'm so glad that you had a great day and I just love that little girl on the swing stitchery.
ReplyDeleteSew lovely indeed! What a great way to spend the afternoon!
ReplyDeleteAw! how nice for you to treat your readers to a view of my bottom, I'm surprised they didn't all run screaming for cover. Luckily your beautifully stitched little girly must have entranced them to stay. You are one talented stitchy lady my dear and such a treat to spend time with too, how lucky am I?
ReplyDeletexxx
Looks like lots of fun was had by all - your stitching looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your day was a hit! Hopefully it did your soul a bit of good.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the perfect kind of day! I just must have Aneela's book. Your WIPs are all adorable! And handwork is good for the soul. :-)
ReplyDeleteI didn't put it all together that you're Hadley of this blog! It was nice to meet you in person. I'm so jealous of your stitches - my dress does NOT look that good!
ReplyDeleteThose stitcheries are all so beautiful...you've all done a great job.
ReplyDelete(Sending you hugs BTW, you never said what was going on, but wanted to let you know I was thinking of you)
i am so so so glad you enjoyed yourself my dear! xo hope the thread is making your heart hurt a little less.
ReplyDeleteLove your sewing circle makes. What fun to get away for you
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