SEW-IN 2011 FUN

Each year I attend the Sew-In Retreat with my closest sewing buddies.  This was my 12th year of fun.  The Retreat is  held over 3 days Fri-Sun at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tempe, AZ.  This year we added Thursday and had a workshop with Patrick Lose. 
We take over the ballroom and sew, sew, sew!

We have 72 ladies who bring their sewing and embroidery machines, lots of fabric, thread, patterns and love of sewing.  We all work on our own projects, but share ideas, and tips. Review new patterns and designs.  AND loads of laughs!

The Hotel provides a free fully cooked breakfast and breakfast bar every morning. Also, they have a free "HAPPY HOUR."  Oh yeah!  The Hotel's Chef Steve is phenomenal.  He loves to create extra special lunches and dinners for us to enjoy.  He is so talented and the food is out of this world.  Needless to say we put on a few pounds during this weekend.

Pretty Vegetables

Each year we support a charity with some of the funds made on our RuMage table and from our raffles.  This year we chose to give to "One Dress at a Time"  this organization provides clothing to underpriviliged children.  Some people sewed dresses, some donated patterns, fabric or money. The ladies who run this organization work very hard all year.  It was fun to sew girl's clothes for a change.

We had 100 dresses donated at the Sew-In.

We also raise money for our charity and gifted items with a raffle each year.  Several of our attendees donate the items to be raffled.  This year our theme was "Anything Quilted."   The items included large quilts, table runners, placemats, purse/bags, wall hangings and much more.  We had over 30 items for the raffle.  More fun!

Patriotic Table Runner

Dragon Fly Placemats.

My sewing table buddies and I always have a toast picture each year.  This year we were joined by a few additional dummies.   Say Cheese!

Toast to another year!

We had a wonderful time - it always goes to fast.  Can't wait for next year!