Please visit this post and related content here. My new site is housewrenstudio.com
Stitch Book pdf with step-by-step instructions, $9.95 on Etsy
Happily, I heard from Kaari that she found my stitch bag at the store and is sending it back to me. With everything going on that day, it's a wonder that's all I lost and I'm so lucky she found it! The scene at French General the day of the class was highly charged with excitement and energy. There were so many students and there is always so much to see in that shop.
Like a shadowbox, every shelf and wall is decorated with the things we love. Beads, buttons, fabric, trimmings, bibelots, antique French documents, vintage millinery and all the licensed goods Kaari has created. Debuting at CHA, Kaari's new line of products with EK Success is gorgeous! I wish I'd had more time to look, shop and play.
The packaging is clever and charming. The ribbon girls and the needlebook-style collections!
Okay. Yes, Pam and I taught our Sailor's Valentine class. We made heart-shaped pillows (like the sample in the opening shot) from linen, FG trims and my fabrics. I was thrilled to see that Gina came with my heart sampler all stitched up and ready to cut and use on her pillow!
As always, I learned so much from the students. Julie brought her finished Stitchbook from my Etsy shop. I loved the way she filled it with pages for everything a stitcher needs. So gratifying to see these designs worked and loved by another.
In the end, there was a little time for shopping as well as visiting with students, friends, Kaari and her amazing family. This summer I will be traveling to France with the French General team to teach during the textile week at the Chateau Getaway! I've never been to France, but if it's anything like the beautiful world inside French General, I know I'll love it.
Thank you, Kaari, French General, Pam and all the talented students. Such a lovely day!
Oh how I wish I could have joined you. It all looks so dreamy!
Posted by: Laurie | February 06, 2012 at 11:32 AM
This post was a overload of pretty!! Looks like a lovely time was had by everyone, and thank you for sharing all the photos... So glad to hear that your bag was found! A good beginning to a good week!
Monica Fullerton
Posted by: Monica Fullerton | February 06, 2012 at 01:27 PM
So glad your stitch bag is being returned to you. And oh, how you will love France. You'll come home with so much inspiration!
Posted by: Lorrie | February 06, 2012 at 02:28 PM
Hello Charlotte,
Your next teaching workshop in France sounds amazing!
Gabriela
Posted by: Gabriela | February 06, 2012 at 03:38 PM
Looks like fun, C!
Posted by: Tammy Gilley | February 06, 2012 at 03:49 PM
I am so glad you stitch bag was found! I'd be in tears if I lost mine, not because it is valuable, but because of the things inside, like my G. Gram's thimble. Your Sailor Hearts are beautiful. Oh, how I wish I could go shopping at French General! What a beautiful shop. Brush up on your French! xo
Posted by: Jeannie | February 06, 2012 at 05:30 PM
Hurray! So glad to hear your stitch bag was found Charlotte! WHEW! What a relief.
Do you know Gina's blog address by chance? She and her friend told me they have blogs and I meant to get their info and of course was too excited to remember anything. Everyone was so darling that I sat with, I could kick myself for not exchanging emails with everyone.
You lucky, wishing you tons of creative fun and inspiration in France!
Happy week to you,
Sally
Posted by: Sally | February 06, 2012 at 06:26 PM
It's all so beautiful. I would have loved to have gone! I'm so glad you got your bag back. I would have been in a panic!
Posted by: [email protected] | February 07, 2012 at 08:02 AM
Glad you found your bag :) Everything in the shop looks fantastic. How cute is that stitch book with the little birdie and straight pin holding section? Love it! The hearts all look fantastic, too :)
Posted by: carrie | February 07, 2012 at 01:18 PM
So happy that your stitch bag was found. Looks like you had a wonderful time - what a fun place to gather & stitch together. All these beautiful hearts make me want to get out my stitching goodies. Congrats on your upcoming trip to France! Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | February 07, 2012 at 03:26 PM
What a wonderful time it looks like you had... I'll bet it feels like being a kid in a candy store when you're at French General!
Posted by: Kelly | February 08, 2012 at 07:28 PM