Bayfield Coin Purse Classes

Each class is special. It always amazes me how quickly I seem to fall in love with each rug hooking group that I visit.....and my trip to Bayfield was no exception. The fun started early, with a special invitation to join the group for their annual Christmas dinner (complete with yummy turkey and cranberry sauce!) and a silent auction of items from the groups library of books and magazines (I happily came home with several back issues of the Wool Street Journal).

After the first day of class, Marg (my hostess with the mostess) and I headed over to the open house at Patti Armstrong's in the evening. I already knew that Patti was a very talented rug hooker, but I had no idea that she was so talented in such a variety of other arts and crafts. Here are a few of her creations that I just couldn't resist.....and the more difficult decision - of deciding what will live with me and what will be gifted - remains. For now, I will just enjoy looking at them perched in my living room.....


It was great to see the students putting their own designs on the canvas....and putting their own ideas into a few of my designs. There are definitely some new twists in these CPs....

Diane's Dippers....

Marjorie's own design....

Cathy's Hoot....

Clair's own design....

Nancy's own design...

Linda's Bully....

Carla's God's Eye....

Kim's Klimt....

Teresa's Hooters....

Sherry's Hooters....

Nancy's own design...

Margie's own design...

Unfortunately two people had to leave early and I remembered to take pictures only after they had left....but they, too, had hooked some pretty nice coin purses. Thanks to all of the ladies who participated in the workshop....and a special thanks to Marjorie for organizing everything, and to Marg for taking such good care of me.

The drive home today was perfectly fine -- much better than what ended up being a very snowy start on Thursday. Winter is coming.....even if the snow from last week has already melted.

P.S. Here is a really good tip that I learned this weekend....if you're having trouble grabbing your needle when hand-sewing....take a piece of wide rubber band (like those that come free with your broccoli), and use that to help you grip it. An easy, free, and useful trick from Marg.

Day 5 + 6: Reeth and Grinton

Yesterday was a busy day in class. I ended up staying late and chatting with the ladies, and enjoying a little G+T (thanks again, Brenda!). I was so busy that I didn't have time to take a single photo, until I realized that was the case. So here is the lone photo from yesterday - taken in the classroom...

And here are all of the finished projects. The ladies did a wonderful job, and were so lovely to have in class. I really enjoyed myself this weekend. Wonderful place, wonderful people, good food, gorgeous views. Really great.

I've taken individual shots of all of them and will post then later, when I have more spare time. Sorry the snap is a little blurry....I didn't realize until I'd uploaded it....
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As promised here are the two auction acquisitions. This lovely proddy mat is intended to be sat upon. It was created by Sue Gilmartin.....and I love it. The colours, mix of all different fabrics, not to mention the technique itself, is so typical of this area. It will be a great keepsake, and it's so bright and lovely and comfortable — I know that I will be using it a lot when I get home.


I also happily succeeded in bidding on this great book. I thought it seemed familiar at the time, but I couldn't quite figure out from where. Last night, I was catching up on a few blogs, when I realized that I had seen Sue Dove's work before on Deanne's blog. It sure is a small world!

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Thanks to Irene for sending me the following photos she took during our class. Maybe I will have to hire her to accompany me to all of my future classes -- I almost always forget to take many photos.....

Belleville coin purses

Purses in the foreground: Judy's Klimt, Sue's Godseye, Barbara's Tweets

I drove through rain, sleet, slush, snow, and big fluffy flakes.....to finally arrive home yesterday at suppertime. Luckily I got an early start on my trip -- those Belleville girls are speedy -- and had my wits about me for the drive home.

It was a wonderful weekend....and another reminder about how much and why I enjoy teaching. They are a great group of ladies and it felt a little bit like old home week, since I had met many of them before. I had another great visit with Christine, a terrific hostess and cook (and she is a new blogger – if you haven't already checked it out, just click on her name for a link), and a great get together at Glenn's place on Saturday night with yummy pizza from Paulo's and wonderful salads and desserts made by the ladies. Proof again that you never go hungry when hookers are near! :-D

All of this talk of food is making me hungry for supper....but I had better post some pictures first of the rest of the fabulous finished coin purses....

Tina's own creation

Tina's Hoot

Jane's Free

Glenn's Flutterby

back of Cindy's Hoot

Debra's own creation

Gloria's Bloom

Joan's Leave

Carol's Bully

Mary Anne's own creation

Christine's own creation

Liz's Fleurs

Campbellford coin purses

Jill so kindly sent me pictures of the coin purses completed by her group....and they've been practically burning a hole in my inbox, waiting to get posted. So without further adieu, here are the beauties.....

Liz's own design

Marg's Heaven

Mina's Bully

Joan's own design

Beth's Bully

Kim's Poppy in progress

Jill's God's Eye

Elaine's Hooters in progress

Patti's Poppy

Tammy's own design

Beth's Klimt

Janis' Weft

Once again, I am amazed at how different each one is from the last. It's so wonderful to see people put their own twist on things. Making it yours is really where it's at! :-D