Swans and Zentangling

Well the birds are definitely sure its spring - the swans are back. Flocks flying overhead, their warbling sounds all night and hundreds (not yet thousands) on the open water in Long Point Bay and in the fields around.

In the foreground, a variety of ducks, the white in the middle ground, swans!

I spent the weekend at a lovely Country Inn overlooking Lake Huron, near Goderich: Brentwood on the Beach.

The Inn itself has lots of cosy sitting areas with comfy chairs, couches and fireplaces. The rooms have ensuite bathrooms (many with big spa tubs) and fireplaces. There is a pool, hot tub and sauna and a dining room looking over the lake. Of more interest to those of us that were there for the "Spring Fibre Fling", there was plenty of room to spread out and engage in our chosen activities.

Sitting on the beach, anxiously waiting for summer.

Our work area

with adjoining sitting area with lots of room to chat by the fire.

We were were a mixed group of hookers, quilters, knitters, felters with fibre being the "common thread". Usually we get together in our own little "sects" but there is a great benefit to "cross pollination" and  it was interesting as a hooker to be exposed to the quilters, their language, techniques, colour sense and creativity. One of the organizers, searching for an activity that would interest all of us, bought with her books and supplies for "Zentangling". This is an advanced form of doodling with many resources on line as well as the books to encourage covering the page with different doodles. Some of us got hooked. Some zentangled in our minds when we couldn't sleep.

A few of the books on Zentangling

One participant created this beautiful, large Zentangle that she may hook.

It was a very productive weekend ..........

Pam started working on the background of her autumn tree, in reverse hooking, as well
as knitting and teaching some knitting.

It helps to knit when the yarn is gorgeous.

Needle felting and Zentangle

Hand quilting

Machine quilting.

I worked some more on my Scottish Rug,

Finished the 3rd mat in my "owl study"

and learnt how to Croknit which is a combination of crochet and knitting.
It was an excellent weekend with good food (provided by Brentwood and snacks provided by us), good conversation, lovely surroundings and an excess of creativity.
Finally the obligatory kitten picture:

Sleeping between the pillows