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FROM OUR NEXT RD Newport Beach--EGA National
Ann Geddie and I flew out early Saturday morning (we had to be at the airport around 5-5:30)--and, as an aside, flying was not the major hassle we had feared. You do need to arrive at the airport a couple of hours before your flight and you do need to show picture ID at each step of the way, but the lines were not burdensome and the security personnel were unfailingly polite. Neither of us carried our stitching paraphernalia on the plane, but everything we needed for a week of stitching went into the bags we checked and all arrived safely. I understand that Jeanette had to prove that there was water in her bottle of water (by taking a drink), and there were National Guardsmen stationed at every airport, but flying is probably the safest way to go at this point in time. The hotel was vast and we definitely got our exercise walking back and forth to our room, but it had a lovely, large, and well-lit room for the Exhibit and plenty of space for the book store and boutique. Ruth Kerns always does a phenomenal job with her bookstore and this was no exception (I managed to snag a copy of "Lady Evelyn's Collection" which I have coveted for a long time). I thought the selection in the boutique was a little sparse--or maybe I have enough stuff already! The Exhibit shows all the pieces that are going to be taught at the next year's Seminar, and our selection brought raves. I heard more than one person mention that they were definitely planning a Hilton Head jaunt in the future. Be sure to watch for the March mailing of NeedleArts and the Seminar Brochure--the classes for next year are phenomenal. In addition, pieces from every educational venue EGA offers are displayed, from correspondence courses to Fiber Forum. It makes a big difference to see some of these projects "in the flesh" and makes it much harder to turn down any of the many course offerings made available through EGA. The region hosting the seminar also mounted an exhibit of their members' work--something we may want to consider doing as well. Our Carolinas members can definitely show our stitching skills off! The opening banquet was the usual--speeches and awards and door prizes. At the opening banquet, members from each region sit together. We didn't have a large Carolinas contingent, but we had a fun one! Classes started bright and early Monday morning and ran through the week. At break time, it was fun to look in other classrooms to see the other projects made available. It was also fun to see other people from around the country. Many of us have made close friendships with other EGA members. We may only see each other at seminars, but email, snail mail, and the telephone keep us in contact throughout the year. For example, I'm in a group that communicates regularly by email, and we always have a breakfast together on Fridays during Seminar week--and we get together throughout the week to go places, eat out, and hang out. There are events going on in the evenings throughout the week: On Monday, we voted for the new Executive Board at the National Meeting and got to meet the members of the National Board of Directors. On Tuesday, we have Merchandise Night. WHAT an EXPERIENCE!!! Imagine a needlework bazaar with things you're likely to never see anywhere else--and every single person attending the seminar was there. Together. It is a madhouse, and that is putting it mildly. There were beads, and crewel supplies, and chart packs, and discontinued kits from teachers and designers, and threads of all descriptions, and antique needlework tools, and books, and --well, you get the picture. Carolinas did well with our lamp luggers and linen luggers--unfortunately, our Seminar 2002 shirts did not arrive in time. (They came later, and we all wore them Friday.) Thursday night is Teachers' Showcase, an opportunity to see projects offered by different teachers around the country. One of our own Carolinas Region members had her vest on display with Jan Walters, who teaches Ukrainian Whitework. Cissy and I had been out to dinner with a friend, so we only had a brief amount of time to breeze through before we had to go to a meeting but there are a lot of talented teachers available for hire throughout the country. The Education Department also has information available at the same time, with representatives from each committee there to provide information on EGA's educational opportunities. Friday night was the closing banquet, with farewells to all and the invitation to the upcoming seminar. We also had a speaker who discussed the way clothing has evolved through the ages--many of the items of clothing found in archaeological digs are reflected in costume and clothing of today. Then it was back to the room to pack up and get ready to leave. Seminars are always too short and the time passes too quickly. If you've never been to a National Seminar, remember that the Carolinas are hosting in 2002. Maybe you have too many projects and don't want another class--a national seminar takes a lot of willing hands to work and we can use all the volunteers we can get! It's well worth it to have access to the events through the week and to spend time with others who understand our passion and obsession with stitching. So, see you in Hilton Head in 2002! Ann
This page was last revised on 9/05/01.
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