December 2017 Meeting

We had a nice Holiday Meeting complete with delicious cookies, a holiday exchange and a kit for an ornament.

Library  - a group meet on the first Friday of December.  After lunch together, they went to the Woodstown Library where they decorated the tree with stitched ornaments.   Photos were taken and a selection will be shared with NeedleArts Magazine.   Charlotte will also include the photos in the next newsletter.

We will ask Charlotte to be sure to include reminders to check both our Blog and our FaceBook page for updates.

Ambrosia Honey - President Joan T. asked if there was any interest from members to work on this as a stitch-a-long.   Kits are available from Half Moon Handworks.   This piece is currently being featured on EGA's FB page.  The design appears in four parts in four consecutive NeedleArts Magazines.

Room Rent Reminder - Reminder to members - donations accepted each month to help cover the costs of the rental fee for our monthly meetings.

Fabric and Fibers Donations - Marian will be collecting donations of fibers and fabrics that are being collected for women in need.   Marian will deliver these goods to the regional meeting in March.

Stash Sales - We received our first check from the sale of stash items on eBay.   Pat L. handed over a check for $260.72.   I think this amount surprised some!   This was for the first of three lots that we have put up for auction.  Thank you Pat L. for handling this.

Programs - In January and February, we will work on a petite embroidery project.   It is called a gingerbread heart.   Kits complete with instructions, fabric, floss and finishing supplies will cost $3.   Embroidery instructions will be in January and finishing will be done in February.   Linda W. will teach us.  Please bring a 6-inch embroidery hoop to the meeting.

In September and October will be work on the Christmas Tree in the NeedleArts Magazine that is currently part of the EGA Stitch-a-long on FaceBook.   Kits will be provided at a cost yet to be determined.   Cost will be under $10.









Nativity Open House - Lamplighter Member Pat Y. will host her annual open house.   She has countless stitched nativity scenes and pieces.   December 17th from 1:30 to 4:30.    Refer to your member's list for her address.

Regional News - Regional has asked for our input on a Region Sponsored Seminar in 2020. They are gauging interest to help make their decision to host the two to three day event in the spring of 2020 in the Hershey PA area.    By a show of hands, the majority agreed they would be interested in attending.  2020 will be here before we know it.

Executive Meeting - The Executive Committee will hold a meeting on January 24th at 7 pm at Marian's home.  All members are welcomed to attend.

Show 'n Tell 

Member Verna M. shared some old pieces from stitcher Debbie P.   Blackwood, crewel, whitework...these were all stitched in the 70's and 80's.

The birth sampler below was stitched for a friend who's child passed away as an infant.

Fragrance in the Garden stitched by Pat L. and Marian S.   Class pieces from National Seminar last year.

Stitched by Marian S.

 Robin T. stitched this Shepherd's Bush stocking for her grandson.   She hopes to do the finishing by Christmas Eve.

 Robin T. made this cherry pie pin cushion.   It is nestled in a mason jar lid.

 Deb N. stitched this piece for her kitchen.

 Here is a close up of Eleanor Parr stitched by Pat L.

She plans to mount it as a frame for a mirror for her grand daughter.   Won't that look pretty?

Holiday Exchange - this year's theme was a biscournu or pin cushion.  Look at the pretties!

We were all gifted with the complete kit to make this little holiday ornament.  The pattern comes with three versions:   "Behold", "rejoice", and "Gloria"

Next meeting - January 11th

November 2017 Meeting

Wow Wee!  We had a record number in attendance at this month's meeting.   It was so great to see so many stitcher's coming out to our meeting.

Annoouncements

• Thank you to Linda W. for handling the display at the Gloucester County Library.  The Library was impressed and we have been invited to 'fill' the display case again in the future.   Pictures were taken and will be sent to NeedleArts for Community Outreach
• Christmas Tree Trimming - Members who wish to participate will be meeting at the Woodstown Dinner at noon on December 1st.   After lunch, they will go to the Library to decorate the  Christmas  Tree and display case with their stitched ornaments.  
• Email - Members should have received an email from EGA Regional containing a survey.   There are a few brief questions regarding interest and what you would like to see offered at the Regional Meeting in 2020.   Please take the few minutes to reply.  
• Regional Meeting - The National recently received the first installation of an endowment.  The proceeds will be dedicated to updating the website and computers as well as a new marketing campaign.  The next Regional Meeting is scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2018.
• National Challenge and Fundraiser - National is sponsoring a fundraiser called "Bling Bra".    You decorate a bra with anything you want but your cannot use glue.  The cost is $5 to enter and the limits are as endless as your imagination.   Marion will take any entries to the next Regional Meeting in April.  
• Camp WannaStitch - January 2018, Clarion Hotel, OCMD.    They are close to reaching their 174 capacity.  They will be collecting small cross stitch kits to share in disaster areas.
• Needlepoint Event at Winterthur in March.   There will be classes and lectures.
• Royal School of Needlework - The RSN will be teaching a one week class in July in Lexington, Ky.  Registration for class opens January 15, 2018.   There will be two identical one week sessions.  This is no class or piece information yet.
• Donations - Donations are accepted at each meeting for our "Room Rental" fund.  Joan brought a small that she will set out at each meeting for donations.  
• Fireside - Pat L. reported our first stash items will be going for sale next week.
• NeedleArts Magazine - We are looking for any interest in completing the Ambrosia Honey featured in the NeedleArts Magazine.   Half Moon Hand Workes is offering kits at three levels.   Complete kits, Canvas, Threads and Beads or just Threads and Beads.

Programs

• December  - Annual Holiday Exchange.   The theme this year is a pin cushion or biscournu. Refreshments will be served.    Karen K. will also teach an ornament class.

Show and Tell

 Stitched by Lynn B. - Autumn at Sinking Springs, by Linda Myers

Stitched by Lynn B. - Earth Rise

 Stitched by Pat Y.

Above and below, also by Pat Y.

Stitched by new member, Stacy S.

Also stitched by Stacy S., a Sue Hillis Design.   This is from the recent Jamboree at Salty Yarns in OCMD

This is Caryl C.'s version from the same event.

 Above, the spool is also a finish by Caryl C. from Jamboree.

Stacy S. and Robin T.'s Hands On Design finishes from a retreat by Stitch by Stitch, Cape May, NJ

Lighthouses by Carol C.

Chocolate! by Linda W.

Needle Rolls by Linda W.

Deb N.'s finish of a Christmas in July ornament.

Stitched by Marion, A Winter's Tale, a Tony Mineri design

Frame weight from Regional by Marion S.

 Also by Marion S., from Just Another Button Company

 Next meeting, 2nd Thursday of December.

October 2017 Meeting

Announcments and Discussions

We covered a few items before we started out SAL class.  

Treasurer, Caryl C. will provide an updated Treasurer's Report once all the Christmas in July expenses have been submitted and calculated.

Thank you to Linda W. for making the necessary arrangements to make our display happen at the Gloucester County Library.   Linda collected pieces from members and then set up the display.   The  display will remain in place for the month of October.   Please be sure to stop by and see the display.   You can also check it out on our Facebook page for Linda's photos of the display.

Dues - The discounted dues for annual dues for senior members will be discontinued effective May 2018.  This decision was made after a discussion and review of dues fees other EGA Chapters charge.

We will also start a "Free Will Offering" jar that will be totally volunteer.  The money will be dedicated towards our meeting site rental!   It was suggested you throw in your loose change.   While all donations would be appreciated, our Treasurer may have other thoughts on wrapping all those coins!

Decorating the Library for Christmas - We will again be decorating a tree at the Woodstown Library.   Those interested in helping with the tree trimming will meet for lunch at noon on Friday, December 1st at the Woodstown Diner.   After lunch, a quick hop across the street for decorating.  If you can't participate on December 1st and have items for the tree, please bring them to the November monthly meeting.

Katie K. has revised membership and mailing lists available.   Please see her at the next meeting if you need one.

On November 11th, Lamplighters is co-sponsoring a seminar with Doug Krenik of Krenik Threads.   In conjunction with Delaware Valley Historic Sampler Guild (DVHSG)  the Brandywiners EGA Chapter, we will host a morning with Mr. Krenik.   This should be an interesting and an informative seminar.   He will be bringing countless completed pieces for display.  A selection of prepackaged Krenik fibers are available for pre-order.  It is a collection of 32 spools of a variety of Krenik fibers, free patterns, and more.   It is a $200 value package and is available for $75 for seminar attendees.    Contact Caryl C. if you are interested in ordering the fibers.  She will forward the order form to you.     The event will be at the Wilmington Sheraton South located at 365 Airport Road, Wilmington.   The Sheraton is located right off Interstate 95 in the Newport, Delaware area.  Please feel free to tell your friends and have them join us!  Non-members of DVHSG, Brandywiners and Lamplighters can attend by paying a $25 fee.   That will also provide them a one-year membership to DVHSG.

Don't forget to check out the EGA's Facebook.   They are hosting Monthly SAL.   Free patterns are available on the EGA's Website.   These monthly SAL's are cute, seasonly little quick stitches.   This month a spider pin cushion.   (Sorry - unable to download the photo to post it here.   Please use the above link.)

For 2018, Linda is looking for teachers for a couple of meetings.   She has some ideas for classes but would greatly appreciate help with teaching.   Please let Linda W. know if you can help.

Also, in March of 2018, a beginning cross stitch class at the Red Bank Battlefield will be held from 10 to 12.   Karolin R. will find out more details and also see if it could be an opportunity for a Stitch in Public Day for Lamplighters!  More information will follow.  The date is March 17, 2018.

Show N Tell

BJ S. stitched this embroider's stitching pocket.   The pattern is from "a mon ami Pierre" called Reves de Brodeuse


Linda enjoyed the Christmas in July Gingerbread Man so much she stitched one for each grandchild.  She added buttons and charms to personalize them as printed their names are on each.

Caryl C. shared these two called "Sights to See" from Just Cross Stitch magazine.

Caryl also shared a recent birthday gift she received.  This antique sampler is an English Sampler stitched by Emma Maria Phillips, age 8, in 1827.   Yes!  Age 8!  Pre-TeeVee and video game days!

 Linda W. also shared more completions from Christmas in July.   I like the candy cane striped trim she finished the mug of hot chocolate with.   Perfect!

Stumpwork SAL

Joan led those participating through the next steps for the Christmas Rose name tag -

• Alphabets were provided (or use a computer), select one for your name.
• We couched the gold wire to the muslin.   
• Buttonhole stitches were added to cover and secure the wire.
• A quick row of stem stitches were completed just inside the wire.
• Long and short stitches were added to fill in the petal.
• Highlights with gold thread coming from the point of the inside of the flower petal towards the round end of the petal were added.
• Repeat 4 more times!

For the November meeting, we will assemble the completed name tag -

• All stems and leaves should be completed
• All berries should be completed
• All the petals should be completed
• Trace and stitch your name onto your name tag
• Bring your packet of threads and supplies provided with your kit

September 2017 Meeting

It was great to see everyone after our summer meeting break.   We all recently received the minutes from the Executive Committee Meeting and hope that you reviewed them.

Meeting

This was the first meeting for new President Joan T.  After welcoming everyone, Joan thanked outgoing President KarenAnne for her years of service and presented her with a 'thank you' gift.  KarenAnne checked her notes and she has been our President for 10 years.   Thank you KarenAnne for your dedication to Lamplighters and EGA!

Treasurer's Report
Our Treasurers Report was provided.   Caryl C. reviewed the report.   A new feature Caryl has added to the monthly report is to keep a tally of the programs we sponsor and their specific costs.   This will help us in the future  to determine pricing for programs and projects and if they are a good financial choice for Lamplighters.  Motion was made, all in favor of accepting the report.

Membership
Katie circulated the list of names and addresses as well as the list of email addresses.   Corrections were made and shared.   Katie will update her master lists for future handouts.  Caryl C. will include copies of the updated list with the Members Meeting Minutes.

Opportunity
As decided at the Executive Board Meeting, items brought for Opportunity and NOT bought by a member, need to be taken home by the person who brought them.   The EXCEPTION is any items that are to be forwarded to Fireside Stitchery.   REMEMBER - Fireside WILL NOT take any opened floss, any started projects, any free patterns.

Ooutreach
We have three community events upcoming.  First, Linda W. is collecting items for the Gloucester County Library Display.   Our needlework will be featured during the month of October.   Please contact Linda if you have an item you'd like to add to the display.  Even though it is October, your item does not need to be Fall or Halloween themed.

Our second community, Stitch in Public, the location and details are still being worked out.   The Library does not have a room available for us to use.   Linda will continue to search for a venue.  More info will follow.

Third, is our annual holiday display at the Woodstown Library.   We are on their calendar to again decorate the tree and display cases.   More information and the date will follow at future meetings.

Blog and Facebook
Not so many visitors to our blog yet....but we will keep at it.   Our Facebook page is seeing activity.   Some former members have left comments on our posts.   After each meeting, I do upload to FB the pictures of Show 'n Tell.

Regional 
Marion is our Regional Representative and will be attending the seminar in October.  She will be taking a class on finishing.   There were three choices:   a biscournu, a pin cushion or a frame weight. Prestitching was required and the class description says....'be prepared to finish"...whichever you chose to stitch.   Looking forward to see what Marion has to share after the seminar!

Dues
As a result of a decision at the Executive Board Meeting, the Senior Rate for dues will be eliminated. All memberships will be the same cost.  There was a discussion about the rate plural members should pay but no decision was made.

Events

Sampler package of Krenik threads available to pre-order.

Upcoming - We are co-sponsoring a Doug Krenik Seminar on November 11, 2017 at the Sheraton South, Wilmington DE.    Arranged by the Delaware Valley Historic Sampler Guide (DVHSG) and also sponsored by the Brandywiners EGA, Mr. Krenik will host a lecture on his company, his products and will share tips and secrets.   He will be bringing over 300 completed works to show the varied uses of Kreink floss.  He is offered a sampler kit of his products which includes floss, charts, samples.   The cost is $70 pre-paid.   Orders are due by October 28.   Orders to be mailed should add $7.95 to the price.  

As sponsors, members of DVHSG, Lamplighters and Brandywiners can attend at no cost.   Non-members can attend with an admission price  of $25 (cost of a membership) to DVHSG.

Fireside
Pat L. has made two deliveries to Fireside of items to be auctioned on eBay.   None of our items are actively on the auction site yet.   Hopefully we will get a nice check for our treasury once the items come up for auction.

Christmas in July
July 2018 is a bit away but we can tell you this much.  We will hold Christmas in July on either the 3rd or 4th Saturday of July.   Robin T. has two Gingerbread patterns left from last July's Christmas in July.   The kits are $6 each.   She will bring them to the monthly meetings until sold.

Gingerbread Guy and Gal are seen here with the two other Christmas in July 2017 projects.

Programs

For September-October-November, Joan T. will teach the Christmas Rose stump work ornament from the December 2016 NeedleArts Magazine.   Once completed, Joan will teach us how to turn the ornament into a name tag.  The kits were distributed.   Our assignment this month is to complete the stem stitching for the stems of the leaves.   Then we should do the fern stitch for the leaves.   All the directions are in NeedleArts.  If you have never done stump work, this is a great introductory project. This month's work can be complete in about an hour!  We should all be able to keep on schedule for October!

December Meeting will be our holiday exchange.   This year's theme is a biscournu or pin cushion.   If you wish to participate in the exchange, bring a stitched and wrapped biscournu or pin cushion  to the December meeting and be part of the fun! Bring a gift/get a gift!

January Meeting will be Show 'n Tell of your stitched Christmas ornaments.

Our Program Chair was absent but we were told she has a number of ideas in the works that she will share at the next meeting.

Show 'n Tell

"Sunflowers......" by Joan T.

"Rosito" by Joan T.

Several stitchers brought in their completed Christmas in July projects.

Stitched and finished by Caryl C.  This is part of the Prim Stitchers Society by
Dying to Stitch.  This is called the "Clustered Starts" from Blackbird Designs.   Nice job Caryl!

Deb N. has been busy with this scary due above.

Also from Deb N. the finish of a prior year's Christmas in July

Heart in a Box also by Deb N.

A Mill Hill holiday stitch by Deb N.

And last by not least by Deb N. the stitched cat mounted in the tart pan.  The pattern is
 from Plum Street Samplers and is mounted in a 4-inch tart pan.

Katie K. brought home a ribbon from this year's county fair.   Great job Katie!

Katie completed the Apple Challenge by stitching her apple on a sweatshirt.  

 If you are reading this and are in the South Jersey area, we'd love to have to attend a meeting.  Until next month.......keep on stitching.