Wednesday, July 27, 2011

What A Weekend!

Last weekend I took two classes with Shirley Paden,  I have been trying to get into the design class for over a year. Then I heard how wonderful her finishing class was and I had to have that too!  Classes were held at Crazy for Ewe in Leonardtown. A four hour round trip.  I treated myself and stayed overnight.  It was a good thing, too because the Friday class didn't end until 7 and then we went out to dinner.  My friend Annece decided to stay as well.  We shared a room and it was like our own pajama party!

Ellen,who owns Crazy for Ewe has written about the weekend here:  It was the first time I'd visited this shop and while I won't go often, I'll go back. It's a wonderful shop, lots of yarn at all price points, a wonderful welcoming staff and Ellen.  If it's true that shops reflect the personality of their owners, Ellen is someone I'd want for a friend.  The only downside is that it's so far away!

But back to Shirley.  Everything everyone has ever written about her is true.  She is a wonderful teacher.  There are some people who know how and what to do, but can't tell others how to do it.  No so with  Shirley.  Her designs have appeared in all the major knitting publications, she runs a successful hand knitting business, and she teaches all over the world.  She's warm, funny and has no ego.  When went to dinner after class on Friday and she was just another one of the girls. 

For me, the best thing about her classes was the handouts.  The older I get the more I need handouts.  There's so much information, that I can't retain it all.  Most teachers don't because they're afraid of others duplicating or using their info to teach or publish (or so I've been told).  Shirley's handouts are extensive and detailed.  They reflect her years of experience and will be great help as I work through the exercises in her book or as I finish both hand and machine knit garments. Her handouts are detailed and are indicative of her level of commitment to her students.  If you ever get a chance to take a class with her, jump at it.  You won't be disappointed.  The only advice I'd give is to be well rested.  She packs a lot of information into each class. 

I'm still cleaning, putting away and throwing away.  I've come to a conclusion.  I have enough.  Enough of everything.  I've taken classes, bought materials, machines and software.  But I'm not finishing things.  Yes, I have needlework ADD, but it's time to get busy.  I won't be making things just to use up stuff, but things I'd like to own and give. All the books and information and notes I have are just that until I use them.  It's time to go back to setting goals and working towards them.  First, I'll pick some low hanging fruit.  This next week, I'll finish the doll and African Scrap tops.  Just the tops.  I'd also like to get started on the valance for my window.  I'll keep you updated!



TTYL,

Melodye

7 comments:

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

Your putting a lot of irons into the pot...hope it doesn't boil over...

Beverly said...

I did the Ravelry DAL with Shirley and it was wonderful. I still haven't finished my sweater since I outgrew it before the first sleeve was finished but I do plan to complete it one day.

Good luck with whatever plan you come up with. I understand completely what you mean and have been working on the same things myself.

Lynne said...

Hi Melodye! It was great to share time at the Paden workshops with you (and dinner after, too). Did you notice that La Plata also has a really nice quilting shop? It's called Material Girls, and it's just a couple of blocks from Crazy for Ewe. Maybe you'll come visit us again sooner if it's a two-fer trip?
Looking forward to your next visit,
Best,
Lynne

Two Cables and a Frapp said...

Okay, I am feeling a bit envious about your class and p.j. party but I will get over it. That sounds like one of the best weekends ever! I do agree about the hand outs, hand outs are a good thing. You forgot to tell us where you guys ate and what you had ! I'm looking forward to seeing some of those projects are going to work on you multi-crafter you !

Ellen said...

Hey, Melodye - thanks for the lovely comments. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to meet you and share the Shirley Paden experience. I hope that you will come and visit Crazy for Ewe again soon. I look forward to seeing your beautiful design brought to life.

Fondly,
Ellen

Araignee said...

I had NO idea we had a LYS in Calvert County! I live just up the road and I am going to have to make sure I get myself on over to Crazy for Ewe as soon as I get finished paying for my daughter's wedding.

Sharon said...

That's the same page I'm on. I've taken enough classes, I've learned enough, it's time to set my house in order and be responsible for my own creativity.