A Weekend in Portland

I ventured up to the Pacific Northwest last weekend to join the Fiberly Train for a weekend in Portland.  This is a fabulous group of women, some of whom have managed to meet regularly, although alas not I as I missed the last two years, women who enjoy talking about sewing and fashion, and who enjoy each other's company and just generally having a good time together. 

Some of the Women I had met previously: Ann, Patti, Liana, Jan, and Nancy.  Rosie and Georgene were new this year. Shams and Margy joined the group last year in New Mexico, and I had hoped to meet them then, but alas I was still flat on my back.  I was thrilled to meet them this year as they both write blogs that are continual sources of inspiration.

Margy may be a source of inspiration to all of us, as I don't believe I am the only one who would claim her as a role model for our older selves.  As to saying "I'd like to be like Margy when I grow up", well I think Margy would tell us that she isn't "grown up" yet, and in fact I think she said as much, if not in those exact words.  That may be the secret, of course, not growing up, and just honoring and accepting yourself and your interests.  Oddly enough, writing this reminds me of something my late mother in law told me a few years before she passed away:  "the older I get the younger I become". Of course she was lost in the haze of dementia at the time, but wisdom often finds its way to us under many guises. Regardless of the source, it is advice worth remembering.

Anyway, both Shams and Margy may have pushed me over the edge and given me the motivation and energy to finally finish unpacking the sewing room and starting to sew again.  For the moment however, I am still merely alternating between my knitting and needlepoint.  But I have dreams, and plans.

Top photo by Ann Steeves of Gorgeous Fabrics.  All other photos mine.