alternative stitch

just a little shout out for squam - registration for the fall session (which is held sep 10-14) closes this friday. i'm honored to be teaching there again this year - in the treehouse sewing studio, with bundles of old clothing ready to be made magical again with some imagination and cheer! 

i was so nervous last year to share this workshop for the first time - i don't consider myself to be an expert or 'teacher'...and i look at other teachers who really seem to have their stuff together!! with like degrees and training and actual skillful knowledge!! i felt inferior. and then i set up all my baskets of fun things in this gorgeous space...breathing deep...waiting for my group of sewers to arrive...and they were the lovliest, friendliest most creative bunch of women - it felt like some friends coming together to have a craft day. and i realised that i don't have to be an 'expert', but that i can just hold the space and share my love for creating and allow things to just unfold - and we can all just learn and get inspired from each other! 

this is my 4th year of going to squam - the first year i nervously went with my little rack of skirts to sell at the art fair - unaware of the fact that i'd be meeting my tribe and slowly finding my creative groove after a third baby and a third overseas move and being in a dark place as a result. each session after that first one i went to vend at the fair - seeing the same friendly faces each time, meeting new ones and feeling braver and stronger each time i put my creations out there to sell (it can be scary). finally i was able to save up and attend a session which was so delicious...and then to be invited to hold a class there - well, i was and am beyond honored. i'm really looking forward to a new group of alternative stitchers, the walk through the woods to the dining hall to eat food i have not prepared myself, sleeping in a cozy cabin and just the *fill-me-up* feeling that hangs out at squam !

if you are at all able to attend, i highly recommend it! and if you are withing a coupla-hour-drive from the squam lakes region of NH, definitely come to the fair on the saturday night and squeeze in some squam vibes!

xo

(photos taken last year by kaitlyn bouchard)

Comments

[Georgia]

I've said it before...you are living my life! Enjoy it Em, you are indeed with your tribe and that's such a great thing.

[Andi]

Hi Emily. I am excited to meet you at Squam! I just got online to check out the class and your blog again. How sweet that Squam has become a lovely, anchoring place for you. I am driving in from Ohio and will bring a stash of goodies with me. I am EAGER to learn from you as the winter sewing season nears. I'm a mixed media/ clay person right now, however. Summer joy <3...

[Linda]

Beautiful words. I feel inspired to fill myself up.