Sizzlin' Summer Retreat

Two weeks ago, duClay hosted it's first ever retreat.  We celebrated the sizzlin' days of summer because July in Florida is always sizzlin. We set up at the Inn on the Lakes which is nestled between two lakes (Lake Jackson and Little Lake Jackson) in Sebring.  

The views were tropical and lush even though outside temps were around 100 degrees during the day.

The Inn has a world class restaurant located on property, Chicanes, that was available for all three meals.  In other words, members could check into the hotel and never leave until the retreat was over if that is what they chose!  The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.

The weekend activities included a Pirates Booty game that was only possible due the following sponsors.   We cannot thank these businesses enough for their generosity.  Please do show our appreciation by shopping with them for your needlework needs.

Victorian Motto Sampler - best known for affordable hand dyed finishing supplies & hand-dyed floss
Avery Claire Needleworks - finishing service
Needlecraft Corner - full service shop
The Black Sheep - full service needlepoint and yarn shop
The Silver Needle- full service shop
The Attic Needlework- full service shop
Traditional Stitches - full service shop
The Inspired Needle - full service shop

Since our sponsors were so generous, we played Pirates Booty instead of drawing for door prizes.  Pirates Booty is similar to the game often played at Christmas parties where everyone is given a number, selects a gift (in this case a treasure) or steals a treasure that someone else has already opened.  After 3 steals, the treasure was retired and no longer up for grabs.  Which is a good thing since there was a LOT of stealing going on!

 

We also had a mid-year drawing for a gift card to Inspired Needle for the WIP Challenge.  Anyone who had finished a project this year that was on their Challenge list were entered.   Theresa R was the lucky winner!

 

This less than stellar photo shows the beautiful sunsets we were treated to from our stitching room.

Another activity was a beaded scissor fob taught by our very own Melody.

And of course, every duClay get together includes an amazing array of projects for show and tell!

Some activities need to be documented but not discussed - what happens at retreat stays at retreat!

A huge thank you to Melody for planning and executing the retreat!  Everyone had a great time and are looking forward to more to come.