Where is Celebration of Needlework Fall 2009?

I was visiting with Catherine Strickler (Indigo Rose), last week after she returned from Celebrations. From what she said, I gather that it has not yet been decided whether there will be a fall Celebrations next year, Louisville or otherwise.

It puts the designers in a bind since they also need to plan new projects and teaching pieces well in advance, and not knowing whether there will be a venue next year (or when it is decided, how soon they need to submit class and design information) means that they'll be putting their efforts into designs for other places unless they get the word in plenty of time.

Sorry that wasn't much help, but it's the straight scoop as we know it right now.

Nyssa At River's End

I know; and October 2008 conflicted with some national guild events as well as the more commercial events and popular retreats.

Kelly at Celebrations was just in my inbox and she did reply that it wasn't decided yet. A delayed decision doesn't bold well for our local hotels; October is almost as bad as the April/May derby season for convention conflicts.

I had my first class ever with Catherine Strickland at the recent Celebration of Needlework event and she was a blast. I am actually completing the class project and was blown away by the work in progress she had with her (tentatively titled "Acorn Smalls") -- she's not sure what 2009 event the "acorn smalls" will be for yet.

I do know our local shop (now defunct) originally had a hand in persuading the 2007 Celebrations to come here (and they had to book for 2008 event as well). Shopowner at market had been told the Mariott right across the street from our shop would have been booked 2007 and Celebration board switched to downtown instead without telling us before the booth deposit (grumble -- and event didn't even include any dowtown activities outside the show floor). I hope if we are bypassed in 2009 it will be because they want to be near a local shop, although we still have five within a 2 hour driving distance (one only 12 miles away from our now defunct Louisville shop) and several good needlepoint and yarn shops -- none of which, like the national EGA, participated or even put up fliers.

Good news is if they book for 2009 they will also have to book for 2010. (boy, remember how faraway 2010 used to seem ... I am hearing the Space Odyssey theme in background as I write).

They need to advertise a little bigger than all the other vendor ads buried at the back of publications they disappear into.

Well, you could come north and visit me and Bobbie and Margaret and Brat and.....

Cheryl

Would love too; but April/May are already completely booked for me!

While, not for April and May, I know the feeling of being completely booked.... ;) C

Per Silver Needle email letter, they haven't heard either about scheduling or continuation (is that a word?) of fall show.

February in Williamsburg is starting to look good although I usually only travel in the nastier winter months to someplace with a beach and 70 degree F and above weather (I do miss the great state of Virginia but not in February and probable icy weather/winds). Sort of driving distance for me with lots of relatives en route -- but then again the airline tickets to VA in February hover around the $100 round trip mark ...

Still holding out for news; I really did enjoy Celebration. Although it was at the worst possible budget time, this year I can plan better for.