February, Friday 9th, (after work hours), Saturday 10th, & Sunday 11th

‘Aine nic Taillieur’s Manor (see below)

It’s that time of year again. This is our 21st year! Bring your latest project and join us for a weekend of fun and camaraderie.

As many of you know, ‘Aine has had a challenging year of health issues, is recovering well and wants to continue to provide space for our annual retreat. We may have to insist that she sit down more often. We can care for her this year instead of the other way around. There will be a cash jar on the table to help defray ‘Aine and Lenny’s out of pocket expenses for paper products, coffee, condiments and any other expenses incurred by having so many of us in their home. Please consider contributing.

A number of people have offered to teach just about anything you might like to learn, such as bobbin lace, kumihimo, tablet weaving, pick-up inkle weaving, netting, spinning, needle felting, felting, knitting, nalbinding, sprang, etc. We don’t normally schedule formal classes but contact me johannefishergate@gmail.com ahead of time so I can let people know if you want a particular class or for info on supplies you might need. Also contact me if there is something YOU would like to teach so I can let people know. ‘Aine has a huge sewing/craft room, so if you would like to bring your sewing machine and work on garb, there will be space. As people contact me with things they would like to learn, or to teach, I will be sending out updates.

Mistress Dorcas will also be there with her heraldic tools and books at your disposal. You can work up a new name, device or badge that weekend and hand the finished submissions to Dorcas to be mailed for registration.

We have a wonderful time sharing, visiting and getting to know each other better. If you do anything involving string, fiber or fiber techniques in any form, this is the place for you. If you have projects in the works for Kingdom A&S, bring them to work on. Lasair will have her merchant booth set up with a wealth of fiber goodies. Garren will be there with his beautiful inkle/tablet weaving looms and fiber tools for sale.

There are ample kitchen facilities and refrigeration. Bring your own snacks and drinks and something for the potluck on Saturday. We never coordinate it and it is always exceptional.

Garb is optional. Many of us spend the day in our pajamas. Many wear modern clothes. Wear what you are most comfortable in. There is no dress code

This part doesn’t apply to day trippers. There is space for sleeping but, due to fire codes, the space will be a bit more limited than in the past on a first reply, first served basis. However, Lasair has offered to provide crash space for the overflow. Many of you have been to Lasair’s house. We held Bobbin & Weaving there for three years after it outgrew my house. When requesting sleeping space, please copy me (johannefishergate@gmail.com) AND ‘Aine (annette.public@barkergang.us) so we can stay coordinated.

Unfortunately, a number of movies were misplaced the last few years and never showed up again, so the theater will not be open. Those of you who usually plan to sleep there will not be able to. I will send out a list of the people who have already replied to either ‘Aine or myself. Please respond if your plans have changed or if we somehow missed you. Some of us will be bunking in the huge, heated garage. Whichever place you sleep, you will need to bring your own sleeping gear. There are also motels close by. If anyone wants motel info, please let me know.

There will be plenty of table space and chairs, but if you want to be assured of comfort, bring your favorite portable chair.

For those of you with allergies, there are no indoor animals (unless you count the occasional bunnies who come as guests). If I have forgotten anything, which isn’t uncommon these days, just contact me.

The estate gate closes at midnight. If you will be arriving after that time, Friday night, please call to let us know.

Hope to see many of you there,

Johanne

Directions:

The Grain Valley exits are about 25 miles East of Kansas City.

The Address is 8415 South Corn, Oak Grove Mo. 64075-6202

The Phone Number for Johanne’s cell, 816-645-6460

The Phone Number for Aine’s cell, 816-223-9907

From I-70: Exit at the Grain Valley exit, Buckner Tarsney Road (about the 24.5 mile marker). Turn South and go about 3.5 miles. Then Turn left on to Nebgen (the right turn says Major). Go about one block then turn right (this will be Corn). Go about 1/2 mile. The driveway is on the left. White fence, numbers on the post You will not be able to see the house from the road.

From 50 Highway: Exit at the Grain Valley exit Buckner Tarsney Road (between the exits for Blue Springs and Oak Grove). Go North about 8.5 miles then turn right onto Nebgen (the left turn says Major). Go about one block then turn right (this will be Corn). Go about 1/2 mile. The driveway is on the left, white fence, numbers on the post. You will not be able to see the house from the road.