2009 has been a wonderful year on both a personal and professional level. I had the irreplaceable opportunity to spend more quality time with my family and fabulous grandson, Sam this year and in September I saw my family increase with the addition of my daughter in-law, Christa. In addition to these exciting personal moments, I also had the chance to present several trunk shows and lectures in the Washington metropolitan area and teach classes at The Sewing Workshop in San Francisco, Sew Vogue in Evanston, and ASG in Houston.

My favorite way to teach is to offer multiple day workshops in venues that allow us to unpack, set up a workstation, and leave our toys out overnight. Settling into the space and not worrying about packing and carting everything back and forth each day provides the best of all teaching experiences. So, to start off 2010 (wow, can you believe it?), I want to tell you about three workshops for sewing enthusiasts that allow us to do just that.

On February 26, 27, and 28, 2010 I will be teaching a Creative Garment Workshop at a visually beautiful shop in Alexandria, Virginia. Artistic Artifacts Annex is located at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue, 703-823-0202. Great shop, great owner, and a wonderful opportunity.

My friend, Mac Berg, of Vogue Fabrics fame, and I will be offering our second annual Sew Vogue Retreat inside Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, IL. This is a small, intimate retreat held not just at the fabric store, but inside the fabric store! We are locked in after store hours until midnight with lots of space, food, drink, and uninterrupted precious time to satisfy our creative selves. What could be better than to be with fellow sewing enthusiasts working on a garment and sharing what you love with others? In addition, you receive guidance from two instructors who are willing to assist and reflect on all the reasons we sew and need to share the experience with others. This is an opportunity not to be missed! One Garment Many Different Approaches, Vogue Fabrics, Evanston, IL http://www.myvoguefabrics.com, March 11-14, 2010.

In April, I will be back at one of my favorite places to unpack, The Sewing Workshop. I will be offering a Creative Garment Workshop on April 22-24, 2010 at the very unique sewing school at 2010 Balboa Avenue, San Francisco, CA http://www.thesewingworkshop.com.

I hope you will be able to join me for some of these exciting events. Wishing you happy holidays and a beautiful 2010 filled with peace, love, health and all good things.

Nancy

nancy@contemporarysashiko.com