Lamplighters Chapter of EGA

After a long hot summer, we all enjoyed getting back together to talk about our stitching. We had one guest at our meeting. This was one of our semi-annual Business Meetings. Our President welcomed everyone and started the meeting.

Minutes - The Recording Secretary provided the minutes to all the members via email prior to the meeting. Having no edits or corrections, the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report - The Treasurer provided the Annual Report of the Finances also via email prior to the meeting. Caryl shared we have no outstanding bills at this time noting the room rental for the 2026-2027 year has been paid in full with the exception of the room rental for Christmas in July.

Membership - It was reported that we currently have 30 active members. Robin cannot see the status of plural members on the website, which we have two. Emails were sent to anyone who left their name at our booth at the Salem County Fair. There were three. Robin will reach out, individually, to any members who have not rejoined with a reminder.

Regional - EGA will be hosting their first Regional Virtual Stitching event to take place in February 2027. Registration opens September 22. Make sure you read your MAR (Mid-Atlantic Region) emails for all the Regional news.

Book Drive - National is planning a book sale of needle work books. If you have any needle work related books and would like to donate check out the National website at EGSUAS.org. Regional will be collecting any donations at Camp WannaStitch.

Donna Pence, former MAR Director, will not become EGA’s National Secretary.

THaP - Regional will again for teaching a Take Home a Project (THaP) class at Camp WannaStitch. It will be a stocking. One member of the Chapter takes the class and returns to teach it to the Chapter. Let Joan know if you might be interested in taking/teaching the stocking class.

Newsletter - Robin continues to send the Newsletter and said she tries to get it out within a week of the meeting. Meeting announcements are sent 5 to 7 days prior to the meetings. Robin touches base with Joan and Linda prior to sending a meeting announcement in case they have something that needs to be shared.

Publicity - Following the meeting, Robin posts monthly photos of our Show ‘n Tell on our Facebook page. Pictures are also posted about any events we have - such as Christmas in July or our Annual Covered Dish Dinner. Robin also updates our blog with meetings recap and Show ‘n Tell photos on a monthly basis.

Outreach - Barbara G reported on our table at the Salem County Fair. She thanked everyone who manned the Lamplighter’s table at the Fair. There was much interest and people were excited to see our stitching. Next year we need to have a better showing of our work. Kudo’s to all the ribbon winners at the Fair.

The Griscom ladies brought in several baby blankets which will be donated to a local hospital for the stillborn babies.

Food Pantry - WIth so many friends and neighbors suffer wing from food insecurity it is even more important we do what we can to yelp. These bring no-perishable food and toiletry items to donate at the next meeting.

Programming - Linda did a great job planning 2026 and 2027. Linda shared that this is her last year organizing programs for Lamplighters. She has a file full of ideas and is willing to share and help the next person. Two people or even a Committee could take this role on. Please consider taking on the position and perhaps shadowing Linda for the remainder of the year.

For 2026 - 2027

September - Business Meeting

October - Making a quilted name tag/Stacy will teach it. Bring any and all your existing names tags for all to see.

November - Florentine Stitching/Bargello

December - Learning the darning stitch - Looking for a teacher for this

January - Discussion on different hoops, stands, lights, magnifiers

February - Shading Stitches taught by Joan

March - TBD

April - Covered Dish Dinner

May - Petite Project - Needle Nanny

June - Making Dorset Buttons, Becky G

Nominating Committee - Nominations will be announced in May with elections in June. We need volunteers for the Committee. President, Secretary and Treasury are up for election this year. Joan is stepping down.

Motion to adjpunr the meeting. Moved and devices.

Show and Tell Lots of stitching and lots of finishing over the summer! Great job stitchers!!

Crayon and embroidery piece

Suzannah Braughan Sampler

Beautiful wool work heart

Older Christmas in July, Bundle up Birdie

Christmas in Williamburg Biscournu from a previous year’s Christmas in July

Delft blue pattern nine patch

Peony

Beautiful fall wool banner

Quilted Ginger from Hands On Design Quilted Gingers

Eileen Bennett band sampler

From the Heart

Advent banner. You use a needle minder to mark the date

All three Christmas in July pieces

Beautiful Christmas time piece by Gwynne G

Two Christmas in July Ornaments by Joan T

Pumpkins from Glendon Place stitched by Gwynne G

Amy Mitten pillow stitched by Becky G.

Look at these cute chicks from SatSumma Street by Becky G

They had fun sayings on their bottoms.

Catherine Jordan piece stitched by Linda W

Caryl C’s Christmas in July piece decorated with antique underwear buttons!

Stars and Stripes class piece by Gwynne G. Grace from Chantelle 141

Biscournu and Scissors fob by Linda W.

Christmas in July piece

Winter Cometh, from Summer House Stitche Workes

Liberty Inn from Chessie & Me

Enjoy the Stitch from Hands on Design

Side by side on different fabric and with personal tweeks

Upcoming -

Camp WannaStitch, January 14 - 18, 2027, in Ocean City, MD - Registration is now open.

17 in person at the meeting

3 attending via Zoom

Next Meeting - October 8th

President Joan T welcomed everyone. She shared information about the Regional Seminar in Fairfax, Virginia in July 2027. Registration opens for classes July 10, 2026. There will also be four different virtual classes available. The virtual option is a great opportunity for those who cannot travel to Virginia.

Barbara G spoke about the Salem County Fair table that Lamplighters will man. She is looking for additional volunteers and recirculated the sign-up sheet. She will be contacting those who signed up and set a schedule. She encouraged members to put their work in the fair. Once the website is open for the Salem County Fair, it is easier to pre-register online than in person.

The America’s Tapestry will be having an opening ceremony June 19 at the Muscarelle Museum at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. It will be on display at William and Mary until early September. It will then move to Seton Hill, near Pittsburgh, PA. Check out their website for more information. Below is a picture of the Delaware Tapestry which many Lamplighter’s worked on.

Christmas in July will be July 18th. An email will be sent with directions, location, etc. in the week’s prior.

Camp Stitch-a-lot in Painted Post, NY, September 2026, registration is still open.

Online Opportunies

Stephanie Webb of Lindy Stitches will be holding another virtual retreat in July. These are another great and inexpensive way see to new designs, meet other stitchers and take a class without having the expense of travel and hotel. You can do it in the comfort of your PJ’s in your own stitchy chair. Check her website out.

Hobby House may also soon be offering virtual attendance for classes. Stay tuned.

Acorns & Threads in Oregon is another store that offers virtual attendance at retreats and class.

Former member, Patti N reached out and invited members to Stitch in Public at two local events. There were be no charge as stitchers are considered demonstrators. Patti’s contact information is in the member newsletters.

Continued thanks to Pat L for carting the charts and needlework notions to every meeting for sale. She reported to me that she is receiving enough in donations each month to cover the room rental fee.

Tonight’s program was to continue to work on the Stars and Stripes canvas piece. A few members have their piece fully finished.

Members did not disappoint with the patriotic parade of finishes that they brought to the meeting. All shapes and sizes and techniques! A group hip hooray for our members!