I made a list and checked it not only twice but ten times. This is how my August started, and then I took a long flight to Portland, Maine. After a small hiccup (extra 5-hour delay) at the Philadelphia airport, I finally arrived at the Medomak camp in the evening on August 8th. I am glad that I was able to meet Sandra at the airport and travel together from there to the camp. AGOS provided this safe and encouraging setting for creative souls and I quickly immersed myself in this Slow Stitching Retreat community. We stitched together and made lots of bakjwi (bat figures representing happiness) and dumpling mobiles. As many of you already know, I love sharing my passion and enjoy learning from others. Thanks to all of you who made my trip memorable! I hope to see you again sometime soon!
After the retreat, I visited my dear friend who moved from the Bay Area to Boston last year and spent a good time eating, laughing, and visiting places. Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and New England Quilt Museum were places I really enjoyed.
I sent my group participation piece to Korea last week. I am going to be a part of this exhibit that I have wanted to join since 2019. The exhibit will be at my alma mater with other quilters who went to the same school. Each participant will show a piece of work and one puzzle piece. This is my piece, and others will make their own style pieces. We were given the same dimension of a puzzle piece and 30+ pieces will make a whole quilt to be shown at the exhibit. I am looking forward to seeing the whole piece. I will update you in the October newsletter!
추석, Chuseok, the harvest festival is September 10th this year. Koreans travel to their hometown to visit families and ancestors' graveyards to pay respect and offer the ritual, Charye (차례) with freshly harvested crops and fruits. I used to make songpyeon with my daughter to celebrate this holiday. Songpyeon is a small half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with beans, sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts. When steaming the songpyeon, layers of pine needles are added to add delightful fragrances. Koreans say that if you can make beautifully shaped songpyeon, you will meet a good spouse or give birth to a beautiful baby.
Happy Chuseok!
Korea textile Tour -New 2023 tour dates will be announced later this year. If you want to be on the waitlist, email me. If you are already on the list, you will get an announcement email in December 2022. Covid-19 vaccines are required to sign up for the tour. Stay well!
