Arlene, thank you so much for once again putting on an absolutely fantastic retreat! I had such a wonderful time and it's the 2nd year I've brought my Mom and it has been great to spend that time with her and also with my friends (both new and old). I did not share this with you last year -- but when you granted my Mom a last minute spot she was just preparing to undergo breast cancer treatment. She had an amazing time and met new friends! She had never been to any sort of craft gathering! A few days after the retreat, she underwent her first chemo treatments. This past weekend I brought her back and she is now 100% cancer free. We reminisced on how we had seen her oncologist the day we traveled to NJ (we literally had our suitcases in the room with us) and now we are on the other side of it all. How quickly time passes.. Thank you so so much for hosting this now special space for her to come make, chat with, and meet new friends! It has also been special for me. I attended in 2019 --- met my now best friend (who will also be my maid of honor next year 2025 at my wedding!!) in person for the 1st time and we shared a room and stitched the nights away. We knew each other online from streaming cross stitching live on Twitch for over 2 years! I also got to meet 2 other NYC based stitchers and we now meet periodically for stitchy meetups in the city. I also have some pretty heavy social anxiety and as the years have passed at these retreats I find myself able to relax more, chat easier with people, and let my guard down. Maybe in the coming years I'll finally be someone who walks around to each table and introduces myself 😅 for now though I enjoy staying put and happily chatting with whoever floats over. Thanks again!! ❤❤❤
I wasn't at the retreat but so happy to hear of your donation to the animal shelter. Heard nothing but great things about your retreat and hope to attend next year
Thank you for doing this video! I was so sad I had to back out this year. It broke my heart! Praying a spot becomes available for me in 2025. So pleased to hear how much money was raised for the animals.
Your retreat sounds awesome. Congrats on raising the money for the shelter, I am sure you made a lot of kitties and doggies so happy. Have a great summer!
Arlene, thank you again for putting on such a wonderful retreat. This was my third time at your retreat, and I have to say, I don't remember hearing as much laughing in the room as I did this year! I love how laid back the retreat is. The bag and its contents were wonderful and thoughtful as always. Thank you for taking on such a huge task to bring us all together each year. It is much appreciated and loved! Congratulations on a job well done!! Take some well deserved rest, and enjoy your upcoming Grace Notes retreat!
Sounds like a wonderful retreat! You are a very creative and generous person. Still working on one of your lace patterns. Love it, but it is no joke! It keeps me busy. Cheers.
This was my 2nd year at the retreat and everything was amazing. Thank you for all the work you put into these. I am looking forward to the '324 The Sequel!'
Hi Arlene, enjoy your videos. I register for updates on stitch NJ. I want to know how often do they have this retreat ? Twice a year. Never been to a retreat but I feel more confident to.. take care
Arlene, thank you so much for once again putting on an absolutely fantastic retreat! I had such a wonderful time and it's the 2nd year I've brought my Mom and it has been great to spend that time with her and also with my friends (both new and old).
I did not share this with you last year -- but when you granted my Mom a last minute spot she was just preparing to undergo breast cancer treatment. She had an amazing time and met new friends! She had never been to any sort of craft gathering! A few days after the retreat, she underwent her first chemo treatments. This past weekend I brought her back and she is now 100% cancer free. We reminisced on how we had seen her oncologist the day we traveled to NJ (we literally had our suitcases in the room with us) and now we are on the other side of it all. How quickly time passes.. Thank you so so much for hosting this now special space for her to come make, chat with, and meet new friends!
It has also been special for me. I attended in 2019 --- met my now best friend (who will also be my maid of honor next year 2025 at my wedding!!) in person for the 1st time and we shared a room and stitched the nights away. We knew each other online from streaming cross stitching live on Twitch for over 2 years! I also got to meet 2 other NYC based stitchers and we now meet periodically for stitchy meetups in the city.
I also have some pretty heavy social anxiety and as the years have passed at these retreats I find myself able to relax more, chat easier with people, and let my guard down. Maybe in the coming years I'll finally be someone who walks around to each table and introduces myself 😅 for now though I enjoy staying put and happily chatting with whoever floats over.
Thanks again!! ❤❤❤
Just sent you an email ❤❤❤
I wasn't at the retreat but so happy to hear of your donation to the animal shelter. Heard nothing but great things about your retreat and hope to attend next year
Thank you for doing this video! I was so sad I had to back out this year. It broke my heart! Praying a spot becomes available for me in 2025.
So pleased to hear how much money was raised for the animals.
Your retreat sounds awesome. Congrats on raising the money for the shelter, I am sure you made a lot of kitties and doggies so happy. Have a great summer!
Yes, we certainly did make the shelter super happy!
Going to your retreat sounds so fun.hopefully go one day.
Everything sounded wonderful. One day I’ll get to come. Congratulations on your beautiful finish! Happy Creating!
Thanks so much!
Arlene, thank you again for putting on such a wonderful retreat. This was my third time at your retreat, and I have to say, I don't remember hearing as much laughing in the room as I did this year! I love how laid back the retreat is. The bag and its contents were wonderful and thoughtful as always. Thank you for taking on such a huge task to bring us all together each year. It is much appreciated and loved! Congratulations on a job well done!! Take some well deserved rest, and enjoy your upcoming Grace Notes retreat!
Thanks so much, Maureen - so glad you had a great time!
Sounds like a wonderful retreat! You are a very creative and generous person. Still working on one of your lace patterns. Love it, but it is no joke! It keeps me busy. Cheers.
Thanks so much!
This was my 2nd year at the retreat and everything was amazing. Thank you for all the work you put into these. I am looking forward to the '324 The Sequel!'
So glad you enjoyed your time at Stitch NJ this year!
Arlene!! Greetings from Dallas! It was so much fun hearing about your retreat! I hope to get to it one day. Thanks so much!
Yes, it would be great if you were able to come one year!
Thanks for the recap, glad the retreat was a success (as expected). Congrats on the big donation🎉🎉
Table #3052 for life 😅💕
Hi Arlene, enjoy your videos. I register for updates on stitch NJ. I want to know how often do they have this retreat ? Twice a year. Never been to a retreat but I feel more confident to.. take care
Glad you enjoy my videos! The "they" you refer to is just me :-) and I have this retreat once a year during the summer