Greetings from the West Coast of Canada I greeted Miriam at the Vancouver International Airport and was so pleased to have sunny weather for her 4 day visit on the mainland, then continued good weather for our trip to the Victoria Conference. We managed to visit Lenka at one of her busiest times preparing for a truly inspiring high-end jewellry show in Vancouver. On travelling to Victoria on the ferry a lot of interest was received from other world travelers as we busily worked, me on my Bucks edging and Miriam on her tatting.
We had caught an earlier boat than expected and unfortunately missed travelling with some of the other lacemakers, however, we took full advantage and lunched in Sidney by the water before heading on a lovely slow drive around some of the more scenic routes to Victoria. After a few small detours around the campus at Victoria University we easily found the registration office and moved into our 4 bedroom cluster with Mimi and Marjorie from the U.S. Of course, we had a bowl of M&Ms on the table - great fun and sharing. On registration we were presented with a hand-made bag of goodies together with our very special unique name-tag organized by Irene Whitham. These were very special as they were made by many of the Victoria and Vancouver Lower Mainland lacemakers. It was of particular pleasure to me when Margaret Merner recognized her creation on my nametag. The Abbey Hill Lacemakers are all to be congratulated for their organization of goodies and tags. Kathy Kazatkin and Irene Whitham were also busily working on the registrations. Thanks to US ladies who made the beautiful heart pin cushions for us to take home. The Conference was extremely well-organized, the accommodation was great and I can't believe how many little treats we received. Every day we received something. Kudos to the Victoria ladies who worked so hard and had such a successful Conference. I had a wonderful time looking at everybody's work during class time break. Miriam and I both enjoyed our braids and chords and amulet purse so much. It was fun and we clicked through about 7 projects in 2 and 1/2 days. Barbara Birke and Shirley Berlin were great instructors and came prepared with lots of materials for us to mix, max and use. I didn't meet one person who was unhappy with the classes. Everybody seemed to getting what they needed from the instructors. Oh that Binche and Flanders with Sally Schoenberg was marvelous. Some of the work being done was a definite eye opener for me and I look forward to the day that I feel accomplished enough to try it. The Bucks with Julie Nicholls was of huge interest to me and I only wished I could have taken two courses. Everyone in Josee Poupart's "Leave and Tallies" commented on the fine finishing points they had learned. Adele of our Richmond Area Lacemakers Group took Esther Perry's 's Graavenmoer and was still happily working away on it at our meeting last Sunday. We also had a great lesson on the pronunciation which I definitely needed. Cathy Belleville's book on Chrysanthemum seemed to be selling out everywhere and Dianna Steven's commented on the success of sales and the work of her students and seemed very happy with the Conference. Margaret Merner gave a marvelous presentation called the Canadiana Costume Museum Trunk Show. After the presentation we were able to get close-up and look at so many wonderful old pieces. Hopefully Margaret can give us a little summary over the internet on some of the pieces that she has helped to collect. The closing BC Clubs Annual Lace Luncheon held in scenic Cadboro Bay and hosted by the Denman Island and District group was beautifully served.....hmmmm so good....Salmon, carved meat, beautiful salads (some with fresh shrimp), condiments, plates of different cakes, etc. etc. It was very yummy! Again, more treats and door prizes. The only downside was the fact that I stupidly managed to lock myself out of my car twice in two days. The first time we were rescued by a charming gentleman with wire hanger in hand (donated by Janet) and the second time I relented and called the Automobile Association. I'm good now for another 20 years - hopefully. It is heartwarming to know that chivalry is still alive! A big thanks needs to go to Bev Walker, Esther Perry, Margaret Merner and all the many other volunteers on this conference. They did a great job? After spending a couple of more days in Victoria (where I found all my beads for my next wire project)....me with some dear school and work friends, and Miriam with Janet Goodacre...we joined up again in Victoria and traveled back on the ferry to Vancouver with more beautiful weather and a smooth sailing. What can I say, it couldn't have been better and I was sad to send Miriam off as my husband and I enjoyed her company immensely. I hope Miriam writes about her encounters with Otters on her return home - they are such playful animals and she was really smitten. My apologies if this has been a long letter but considering my lack of participation lately I thought you wouldn't mind. I am sure I have missed something but perhaps someone else can fill in the missing details. Regards, Maureen Tweedly Richmond, B.C. (near the Vancouver International Airport) West Coast of Canada. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED]
