reflections on Squam (June 2011)

as you may know, last week i was off to New Hampshire for one of my most anticipated events of the year: Squam Art Workshops. this one got off to a bit of a rocky start. you can’t really tell what’s going on in that photo above, so let me explain: i took that photo from inside Jill‘s van, where she and i were knitting on the highway, at about 70 mph. and yes, Jill was knitting in the driver’s seat, but never fear, because the van, with us inside, was on top of a flat bed tow truck, being towed back homeward an hour into our journey. that’s our friend Carisa waving at us from inside the truck. i’ll spare you the rest of the details, but at long last we did arrive at Squam before dinner!

and once you’re here, your worries and cares quickly dissolve…

this was my second June SAW, the one for fiber and textile arts. in other words, my people! last year i didn’t know a single soul there before i arrived, but this year, there were familiar smiling faces everywhere. that’s sweet Natalie with her blue embroidered boots, and my beloved Megan in one of her many handknit sweaters.

it did seem like this session flew by even quicker than last time. i always wish it could last longer, and yet, the excitement and overstimulation of teaching 4 classes (and then doing the fair) render me completely worn out by the end of it… i came home with a froggy voice, but a completely inspired mind. and in september i’ll go back for the one where i get to relax a little and actually TAKE a class or two.

the radiant Denny made this dress herself and then “Cal Patched it”, which is the new term for crocheting around the neckline…

i always love inspecting the projects on the “gallery” table in the dining hall, where everyone shows what they did in class.

i hadn’t seen my buddy AmyLou in three long years. so glad we had a chance to catch up, though we could probably use a few more weeks! and i am certain that more people were running around in *hodge podge* clothes than ever before in one place. i did a terrible job of documenting this, but hopefully there is evidence over in the flickr pool…

much to my thrill and surprise, Ysolda had drafted a pattern and made her own Kathy dress from my book!

Lizzy’s “Champion Ribbons” class seemed to be a hit…

it was so fun having Jill there this time, after telling her all about it since last year. we both did great saturday evening at the Squam Art Fair too; everyone there is so supportive!