No win for Wes....

Wes did not win a raffle basket at the SAGA Chicago Retreat this past weekend, but never the less he had a wonderful time at the banquet and was pleased for everyone who did win. There were 36 baskets, so lots of chances to win.

 

Wes also enjoyed meeting lots of friends who had come to the retreat. So many that we had to take two photos to get them all in!

 

 

Hope everyone made it home safely and Wes hopes he will see some of you again really soon in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Double Tree Hotel and Conference Center

This is where the SAGA Chicago Retreat is being held (details at www.smocking.org).

Here are some facts about the hotel and how to get there.

Address:
9599 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois, 60077-1314, USA
TEL: +1-847-679-7000
FAX: +1-847-679-0904

Directions to the hotel:

From North: I-94 East, exit Old Orchard road. Turn East onto Old Orchard Rd. Travel 4 blocks and turn south onto Skokie Blvd. The hotel is on the southeast corner of Skokie Blvd. and Golf Rd.

From South: I-90/I-94 (Eden's Expressway) west to Old Orchard Rd. Exit east and travel 4 blocks to Skokie Blvd. Turn right and travel 4 blocks to the intersection of Golf Road and Skokie Blvd.

From East: Sheridan Road to Howard St. turn left, Howard Street to Skokie Blvd. turn right. Continue down Skokie Blvd. until you reach Golf Rd. Located at the Southeast corner of Skokie Blvd. and Golf Rd.

From West: Exit I-294 North (to Milwaukee). Exit Dempster-East, to Potter Rd.,-turn left to Golf Rd.-turn right. Approx. 8 mi. to Skokie Blvd.-turn right. The DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago North-Shore is at the intersection of Golf Rd. and Skokie Blvd.

The taxi from O’Hare International Airport is approximately $30 one way.

All rooms in the hotel have complimentary WiFi, a mini refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.

Breakfast is included in the SAGA package.

The Westfield Old Orchard shopping Mall is directly across the street from the hotel.

The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle to Skokie/Swift train to downtown Chicago.

Are you ready for the Chicago Retreat?

So you are off to the SAGA Chicago Retreat and you are ready to pack. What to take?

Clothes- An essential, but what you pack, well that is up to you. It can be a little hard to regulate the temperature in the larger hotel spaces, so bring a wrap or sweater just in case. Don't forget something nice to wear for dinner Saturday night. It is always fun to dress up a little and you want to look good when you collect your raffles prize(s)!

Shoes- Again, your choice, but something comfortable as you usually walk quite a bit around the hotel and you might want to visit the nearby mall for some shopping therapy!

The most important things are for your classes and things to make life easier at the Retreat!
So here is a list that you might find useful:

Basic Sewing Supplies
Special class requirements (any pre-class homework?)
Artisan Card
Address labels for your raffle tickets
Kit Fees-cash or cheques made payable to the teacher
Notebook
Pens and pencils
Name tag holder
Tote Bag

If you are taking a machine class:
Sewing Machine- with foot pedal; power cords; presser feet; bobbins etc.
Cart to help transport the machine

If your chapter or you personally are donating a raffle prize, don't forget to bring it!

Did you make something for the Smock Across America Contest? It has to have WHITE in it for the Chicago Retreat. Don't forget to pack it!