Retreat - Part I

So as not to overwhelm the senses I will share my snaps of 

the Rug Hooking Retreat in Alfred,  Maine over two posts.

Our adventure began with two stops planned at Attic Heirlooms in Damariscotta and Camp Wool in Kennebunk.

Attic Heirlooms was a lovely shop in the quaint little town of Damariscotta. Wish I remember the name of the shop girl who cut my wool. She was so helpful and made me feel good as a novice that she is still learning new things after 40 years of hooking. I found two perfect pieces of mauve wool to use on my rescued ship. :)

We hit the road on route to Camp Wool....

We were thrilled to make this stop too.  

Can't I just tell you I fell in love with this shop, LeAnn Hodgson and her husband Mark. What a delightful pair! LeAnn was so helpful in sharing tips for finishing. I was just tickled to pick up a new frame...I was ready to put away my training wheels.

I settled right into this lovely with no trouble at all. Of course we bought WOOL! :) Even came back on Saturday to buy some more WOOL! Hehehe.

We met many sweet and interesting ladies and a gentleman at the retreat. There were several instructors and shop owners among the group that were there to get their hook on too.  There were a few ladies that were a little less than sociable and one instructor I was not too impressed by...but so many more that were fabulous! My GF and I were the only newbies this time. I made my way around early on Friday to get to know some of the ladies and several took to making sure we were having a good experience.

I do want to mention one of the instructors as I was impressed by her genuine kindness and spirit. First, let me note I GOT NO IDEA who any of these peeps are. I am just working the room getting to know the ladies and seeing their work; introducing myself, you know. I didn't learn that this person was an instructor until Sunday morning... I was just in-tuned to her demeanor when she was visiting with the other hookers and how she commented on their work.  I had admired the rug she was working on Friday night; a "ballroom" sized rug!!  HUGE in my eyes. What's not to admire. (I did not ask to take pictures in the smaller room of hookers... Just a feeling I got in the room). I wish I had asked her as it was so beautiful. She was making to go in the main room of their camp. How cozy that will be. Well, I was like a kid when the art teacher comes around and tells you how nice your work looks. She popped over to check out the hound dogs eye I was working on; I was humbled by her compliment and encouragement. It meant a lot to me as I was surrounded by sooooo many talented and creative folks. Thank you Martha Beals for making my day!!

I was very pleased with my progress I made at the retreat.

 And dang if I forgot to get my GF progress on her Moose rug. 

Just love her moon on that piece.

The wool she is using for the marsh...

 I did get a nice shot of Mary's progress on her Stone Bridge of Acadia. She just amazes me with her astonishing work. She is not a painter or much of a drawer...her words not mine.

But she sure can paint with her wool. I'll let you see for yourself.  I shared a picture of her wonderful mountain lake scenic rug last year from the Ellsworth Hook In in January.

I will close with the small showcase of finished work that was on display.

Next post will be of some of the fabulous works in progress that several hookers were so kind to allow me to snap pics of.  I am sure to always ask permission and will not take a picture if anyone prefers that I not.