When my favorite needlework store and my favorite shop in the whole wide world closed in 2005, the girls could just not accept not gathering with each other as they had done for years.
So. . . they put their heads together and came up with the idea of having a reunion. Several times a year (between four and five) the girls gather together and do all the fun things they did at Homespun.
The public library has a large meeting room with a kitchen and space can be reserved.
There is always an air of excitement.
The room is often filled with ooohhh's and aahh's and squeals as a beautifully finished piece of needlework, or a quilt, a hooked rug or a needle punch is shared.
Ideas abound with talk of designs and linen choices and fiber colors are discussed. I am always amazed at the creativity and skill in the finished projects.
For me, the Gathering is so much more. This group of women has known each other for years and have shared the good and not so good of their lives: marriages/divorces, births/deaths, loss of a job and new jobs, travels, antics of their four legged fur children and embarrassing moments.
Delicious food and recipe sharing abounds. The room is filled with laughter sometimes tears, hugs and words of encouragement. AppleJack says it's the best therapy. The group is well traveled and knowledgeable of current and world events but find discussing retreats, and upcoming markets and designs much more productive.
Gathering Reunions--let the good times roll!
