the squam report, perfect tetras and 2026 retreat registration

Note- pre registration for next year is open now- go straight to that or scroll to the bottom for more about my 2026 class (squam stitch book).

I’ve been teaching at the Squam Art Retreat in NH almost every year since 2012. This was the first time I attended as a camper. I don’t recreate, I don’t vacation, I came out of the womb with a couple side hustles. This was a new situation.

I did all the things.

That’s me (in my new/very old beloved army pants – major thrift score) by the lake with my friend Katy on picture day.

Summer camp is the perfect life situation for me. I like some structure, love being in the forest and responding to a bell for all meals is glorious.

I learned to machine embroider on a Bernina. The instruction was excellent and the machine is astounding. It was way less intimidating than expected. It also made me start thinking hard about embroidery – machine and hand.

And you know- one thing leads to another… Expect to see some hand embroidery templates soon. We’ll be test driving designs in Stitch Club and I’m bringing some to the French General Retreat in VT next week.

And I took Zine Magic with Tona Bell. You know I find tiny publishing and book form magic. Tona is a fantastic teacher and she opened up a whole new world of intriguing possibilities.

On Saturday I offered a 1 hour sew-along on (I can’t help myself). We made Tetra Charms. It was so much fun I might do it again next year. FYI if you want to make one used a fabric rectangle that is 3 inches by 1 and 5/8th inches and  find a tutorial here.

PS – the yellow bag above is made from the KZ Stevens Round Bottom Bag Pattern.

Another favorite camp tradition is running into the Sock’s cousins and their annual family photo.

And My friend Ginny’s perfect tiny ragdoll.

I have always undervalued breaks. I feel like things are slipping past me if I’m not pushing onward. The change of pace and place and thinking and the no pressure situation had an effect I can’t deny. Also people. I connected and reconnected with all sorts of interesting people. Since the retreat I’ve been super productive and had tons of new ideas.

I’m teaching next September and I’m excited about the class

We’ll be making a mini stitch book.  

What will your stitch book be?

Look for inspiration in the materials we’re working with (mountains of scrap fabric) our surroundings – the squam environment and experience and our imaginations. This is a playful and process driven day. The little book is a place to experiment and generate ideas, one thing leads to another if you let it.  Ann will share tools to get you moving creatively, generate ideas and access deeper parts of your imagination. What do you see? What do you hear and feel?  How can you translate your experience into stitch. 

Your work can be abstract, representational  or in the shimmering space between… 

In addition to fabric, shape templates, rubber stamps, buttons, lace  and other vintage notions will   be available to work with.

click here for squam registration

PS- I’m postponing some new shop items until I get back from teaching in VT (around 10/7)- look for an email then on all that and 2026 Calendar pre-orders and a long overdue daily painting sale – stay tuned!