November 2020 Meeting

Our President called the Zoom meeting together and welcomed everyone.   We had 13 members attending this meeting.

First up, a thank you to Caryl C. for coordinating not only the meetings but creating the slide shows for us to enjoy and then uploading them to Facebook.   Thank you Caryl for your efforts!

Next up, a thank you to BJ for hosting and teaching a gold work class this past fall.   Members who signed up donned their masks met at BJ's on two different Saturdays to work on this project.   It was a great introduction to gold work for some and for others it was a good session to get some pointers and learn proper technique.     Below is one of the two choices.   The other was not a silhouette, had two wings and was completed with gold work and red.   

Business Meeting

Teaching Opportunity - At last month's meeting Joan informed members that she would put Lamplighter's name for the opportunity of winning a Zoom class with a teacher.   Unfortunately for Lamplighter's,  the Brandywine Chapter was awarded the class.    Maybe next year.......

2021 Challenge - The new challenge for 2021 will be EGA 2021.   Members are encouraged to stitch any EGA project.   This could be a Group Correspondence Course (GCC).   It could be Christmas in July project never finished.   It could be any class pieces demonstrated at a meeting.    There are many free smaller and medium projects and instructions on the EGA website.  The EGA Facebook page has a monthly SAL project.  Once you have finished an EGA project you will share during Show 'n Tell of a meeting.   Points will be given for each submission and the member with the most points at the end of the year will received a $25 gift card to the store of their choice.  Stitched smalls must be finished, larger items do not need to be framed.

Group Correspondence Course (GCC)  -  The selection is "Shimmering Dreams" and can be seen in the most recent Region Newsletter.  The cost is $59.   The deadline for sign-up is January 15, 2021.   The class will start sometime in March.  You can see the project under the Education/Group Correspondence Classes on the EGA website.  

Programming -

January -  TBD - Feelers have been put out and we are awaiting confirmation.

February - Zoom Presentation from the Smithsonian about First Lady Gowns.

March - Sampler discussion hosted by Pat L.

Programming Ideas - If you have an idea for a meeting please let Joan, Linda or Marian know.  If you are interesting in hosting a presentation, please let Linda know.

Items of interest -

• On December 13th, The Greenwich Christmas Tour will be hosting a free online event. Information is below:

Sponsored by the  Cumberland County Historical Society

Online Event, Sunday at 12 PM EST       Price: Free

This year, we will be bringing “Christmas in Greenwich” to you! We hope you will join us on Sunday, December 13, 2020 from the comfort of your home with hot cocoa and marshmallows in hand. As you tour and learn the histories of a variety of homes in Greenwich, you will meet the homeowners who care for the houses and who brought to light the houses’ histories. 

The event will be available to view on our YouTube Channel. To access our YouTube Channel search, “Cumberland County Historical Society NJ” in the search bar at the top of YouTube.com.

• On December 18th the Philly Pops will be performing a free online concert.   Go to the Philly Pops website for more information.
• January 10th On Masterpiece Theater will air the seven-part series based on James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small.  The highly-anticipated series will air January 10th to February 21, 2021 on Masterpiece on PBS

For this evening's program, members shared various Christmas ornaments they have made.

Please visit our Facebook page to see the Show 'N Tell from this month's meeting.

September 2020 ZOOM Meeting

That's right, you can't keep a bunch of needleworkers down.   We know how to compensate and do work arounds.    When it was time to start our meetings again, we found we were still without a meeting place due to the pandemic.    So what else could we do but start having  ZOOM Meetings.  

It was great to 'see' everyone. A big THANK YOU to Caryl C. for setting up the meetings.  

Via ZOOM, we had a short business meeting.  

• Treasurer's Report was read 
• We have not reserved a room for our meeting space for this year as yet.   We will continue to use the Church and will be back on their schedule once they re-open their facilities.   We should get a credit for the nights that were paid in advance that we did not use.
• Gold Work Class - the first of two classes will be on Saturday, September 26th at the home of BJ S.  There is enough room to socially distance from others and masks will be worn.   Those participating should bring a bagged lunch and a drink.   If the weather is nice, bring a lane chair to  sit and eat outside.   October 17th was discussed as a tentative date for the second class.  
• Library Tree - No decision was made regarding our participation in decorating the Christmas Tree at the Woodstown Library this year.
• Regional Information - Marian shared they will be holding a ZOOM Meeting on October 17th which we can participate in.   I believe I read it could be limited to 100 viewers.  Marian will have more information at our next monthly meeting.
• The Gettysburg Seminar is still scheduled for May 14, 15 and 16, 2021.
• Woodlawn - Thank you to Pat Y. for picking up all the pieces that were submitted the Woodlawn Show this year.  
• Programs - Linda W. shared what is on the schedule for the next few months.
• October - Caryl C. will demonstrate how to assemble the Terri Bey Lotus Box.   Patterns are available from Terri's website.   The PDF patterns are between $8 to $12.   The design needs to be stitched twice - an inside and a matching outside. If you haven't completed the pre-stitch, it is time to tackle this project.
• November - Stacy S. will reach out to Susan Gonzales to reschedule her at a later date for the felt work class she was to teach at our November meeting.
• December - Ideas were shared about how to handle the Holiday Exchange.   A decision will be made at the October Meeting.
• January to June - No plans have been made for any meeting after the first of the year.  

Caryl C. will be posting the slideshow of members finished projects to our Facebook page.

Just a reminder to send to Caryl C. any Show and Tell items before the Monday prior our scheduled meeting for her to incorporate in the slide show during the meeting.

Watch for your email with the link for the next meeting that will come from Caryl C. three or four days before the next meeting.   

March 2020 Meeting

Joan welcomed all as well as guest, Beth D. from Claymont, DE.   

Congratulations to our Woodlawn Winners

• Pat Lerch—1^st place for Beadwork
• Marian Smith—1^st and 2^nd place for Canvaswork/Multi-Stitch 
• Stacy Stinson—1^st place for Counted Thread

Aren't we lucky to be in such good company.  Congratulations ladies and keep up the great work.  Woodlawn will be closed the rest of the month due to the current pandemic.    More information may be available at their website regarding re-opening and extending the exhibit.  

Our new Challenge Number was drawn.   The number to be our focus piece is #2.   

Joan shared a concern regarding spam emails and a warning form EGA.  Apparently guilds have received email requested to send money that are fraudulent.   Good rule of thumb is if it is nothing you requested. deleted it.   And if any emails from any source say 'your account if frozen' NEVER click the link.  Exit your email and go directly to the website for that account and check your status.  

On a much happier note, Lamplighters EGA was featured in the Guild Spotlight section of "Country Stitchers" recent floss tube segment. Following the link below for the video.   It is about an hour long BUT you can fast forward to 25 minutes and 55 seconds to where we are featured.   (https://youtu.be/QUzYEJF_yUo) It is a really nice promotion for our guild!

Also the Nittany Valley EGA will be hosting Diane Herrmann for a class on "Walking the Water's Edge" in State College PA on May 16th.   

Mark your calendar! 

Who: Diane Herrmann 
What: Walking the Water’s Edge 
When: Saturday, May16, 2020 from 9:30 to 4:30 
Where: Videon Central at 2171 Sandy Drive, State College, PA 

Cost:  In speaking to members of this chapter at Camp WannaStitch this past January the price is in the $105 range.   They used the Joan Masterson Grant to help with the costs. 
  

Our April Meeting will be the THIRD Thursday, not the SECOND Thursday. The April Meeting is our Annual Covered Dish Dinner.   Please consider we will have three to four guests at the meeting when you are planning your covered dish.  The meeting will start at 6 pm.   The guest will lead us in a small project.   You will need to bring small scissors and a sharp needle.   

Regional Baskets - Marian will have tickets for sale at the April Meeting.   To see for the Baskets that will be auctioned at the Regional Meeting is Gettysburg in April check out your recent MARS Newsletter.   Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.   

In May, we will work on a variegated thread project.   In May, it is also Membership Renewal time.   Annual Dues is $46.   Robin will provide Caryl a 'coupon' to include in the next newsletter.

In June, we will have hold our elections.   The Nominating Committee reported that they have talked with three of the four officers who each plan to continue in their current office.   The Committee will contact the last of the four officers to confirm she plans to continue as well.  The names need to be confirmed by the April Meeting.

Also in June, we will work on the blackwork flag project.   Sign-ups for the blackwork flag are due by the April Meeting.  You will supply your own threads; the guild will provide the fabric.

Christmas in July sign-up is due by the May Meeting.   Christmas is July will be Saturday, July 18th.  

November - In November, Caryl will instruct us on completing a lotus box.   Marian shared five potential patterns from Terri Bey.   Her patterns are pdf downloads and range in price from $10 to $16.    Stitching should be completed by November so you can participate in the November Program (https://www.terribayneedleworkdesigns.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html)  

For the meeting, Joan led the group on a Shamrock Heart project.  The fabric, pattern and DMC Etoille fiber were provided.   Seasonally appropriate, quick and easy!  Hope to see several finished at the April Meeting.

Show and Tell, aka the Linda Stacy Show this month.

The first several pictures are finishes from Stacy S.    Both ladies have been on a roll!

This canvas work tray was stitched by our guest, Beth

This is Caryl's completed Chicken Scratch from our February Meeting

 Linda W's Chicken Scratch

Linda W stitched and finished these the bag and fob from Ferm Ridge.

Linda also finished this ornament.

Please watch your email for announcements about our April Meeting.   

PS  Beth enjoyed our meeting and plans to join our EGA Chapter!

February 2020 Meeting

This blogger was not at the February Meeting.   Thank you Thank you Thank you to Secretary/Treasurer Caryl for taking notes and forwarding them to everyone.

• Our February challenge piece is project #1. Please remember to post pictures of your starting point and progress each month on Facebook.   And bring your piece to Show and Tell at our March meeting!
• One of this month's Show and Tell pieces is a freebie from Lila's Studio.  Find it here on her website (https://www.lilastudio.net/cross-stitch-designs/) and see below for a finish of the pattern.
• Our March Meeting we will be stitching a Shamrock Heart.  The cost is $5 and the Guild will provide the fabric and fibers.  We will be using the new DMC Etoile, C699.  Feel free to bring some of your own fibers (maybe some Kreinik!) or you can stitch this in a single color floss.
• Our April Meeting will be the third Thursday of the month due to Holy Week activities at the parish hall.   We will have our covered dish dinner and a guest speaker.
• Our annual business meeting has been moved to May, since our President will be away in April. 
• At the Regional Seminar in Gettysburg in May there will be a basket raffle.  See your Regional Newsletter email for a complete list of the baskets.  The chances are $1 each or 6 for $5. There will also be a drawing for a quilt. Marian will have tickets for sale in March. Deadline for purchasing is the April meeting.  Lamplighters members will be in attendance at the seminar and will be able to bring back any winnings!
• The June project is a Blackwork Flag--the Guild will provide the fabric. You will need to bring some red, white and blue thread from you stash.
• Stacy shared a stitch-a-long that she is doing through Sassy Jack's Stitchery. It is Jeannette Douglas' Learning Stitches samplers.  Sassy Jack's is doing the project on banding (available from Sassy Jack's) and had YouTube tutorial lessons for each stitch.  You do have to purchase the pattern book but not necessarily from Sassy Jack's.   The actual course SAL is free. You can sign up on their website. (https://www.sassyjacksstitchery.com/product/learning-stitches-2020-online/)  

Our February meeting was a lesson/project on Chicken Scratch. Pat Lerch led us in this project and everyone got a good start on the project before leaving for the night. 

Thanks to Pat for organizing and leading the project! Please bring your finished pieces (or in progress) to the March meeting!!   Above are Joan T's finishes.




Show and Tell from the meeting.

 On the left, the Curious Needlebook, an EGA project from NeedleArts and Guild SAL.

Valentine cutie by Joan T.

 Pretty wintertime piece.  Below, awesome backing fabric.

Free pattern from Lila's Studio.     Se the link to her website above.

Helping Australia

I want to share information about a pattern from Hands Across the Sea.  The Jane Marshal 1857 Sampler.

It is a sweet sampler that you can stitch from stash.  The sampler is being offered as a PDF download for 10 pounds ($12 US), with the proceeds going to help two fire brigades in Australia.  I am told their original goal was $3,000 and to date they have raised almost $40,000!   The power of stitchers!   Please click on the link above to read more about the fundraiser and consider joining in stitching this sampler.

January 2020 Meeting

At our monthly meeting. President Joan T. and the other officers shared news from the Executive Board Meeting.

First, member Karen K. is recovering from a knee replacement.   Please remember her in your thoughts and feel free to send her a card.

Members met on January 3rd at the Woodstown Diner for lunch and then to visit the Woodstown Library to take the tree down that was decorated with stitched ornaments.

Monthly Challenge - We reviewed every one's progress on Challenge Project #2, our December number.   Marian completed the Kirty Biggs cube and the beaded candies down in round peyote.

KarenAnn challenged herself to finish some WIP's as her December challenge.

Look at Lynn B's progress on this white work and black work beauty. This will be a stunner when it is completed.

 

The new Challenge number for January is #4.

Nominating Committee - KarenAnn and Robin T. will serve on the Nominating Committee for the election of Officers.   The slate will be presented at the May meeting and elections will be held at the June meeting for all four offices.

Membership - Robin provided a list to the Executive Committee of ideas for increasing membership. Robin will compile the list and circulate to members for review and discussion at the next meeting.

Using the information from Joan T., Robin will submit Lamplighter's Info to Country Stitchers so Lamplighters can be featured on their floss tube segment when they showcase guilds.

Regional Newsletter - Are you getting your Regional Newsletter?   You should have received an email around December 12th.   Let Marian know if you are not receiving the email.    This edition of the newsletter contains a list of all the baskets to be auctioned at the Spring Seminar.   Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and are available from Joan and Marian.   Joan, Marian and Pat will be attending the seminar in Gettysburg and will be able to bring back any baskets won.

Registration is still open for the seminar in Gettysburg.   Enrollment ends January 18, 2020.

Programs

Linda shared with the group her "Stitching Resolutions" for 2020 and encouraged others to participate.   Your resolution may be to stitch from stash, to try something new, try a new technique or stitch, organize your stash, complete WIP's, finish some pieces, etc.  Linda has created a journal listing her first, second and third choices for her 2020 stitch journey.   It was thought provoking and a clever way to give yourself incentive and to see your progress for the year.

February - Pat L. will teach members Chicken Scratch technique.  The guild will provide the fabric.   Members should bring red and white DMC (blanc not #5200) and a 5" or 6" hoop.

March - Joan will teach a St. Patrick's Sampler.  We will be using etoile fiber from DMC for part of the sampler.  Fabric and floss will be available for purchase at $5.

April - This is our Annual Covered Dish Dinner.   This will not be the normal 2nd Thursday of the month.   It will be the third Thursday in April.  We will have a guest crafter and 2 guests at the meeting.

May - Slate of Officers will be shared.   Discussion on the use of variegated threads.

June - Flag Stitch Class.  A work in reversible blackwork.   Members provide a DMC red and DMC blue and a DMC #12 perle cotton in white.

July - 3rd Saturday - Christmas in July.  Linda has three teachers lined up.

October - Susan Gonzales will return to teach us another wool project.

November - Caryl C. will teach a folded fabric Christmas Ball.

December - Holiday Exchange and refreshments.  This year's exchange should be a stitched ornament or a stitched small.

2021 - We will be assembling a Terri Bey Lotus Box.   There are several patterns available.   If you would like to learn how to assemble a lotus box, do your stitching in 2020 to be ready for Caryl's class in 2021.

Show and Tell

 Beautiful ornament from the Carol W. collection (lol), by Linda W.

 Linda W's Curious Needlebook, her ornament and a hardanger needlebook

 Karolin R's Ronald McDonald House Cross Stitch

 Joan's completed Curious Needlebook.

 Winter Wonderland Cardinal Drum from the Primitive Hare stitched by Caryl C.

 Part of Series 1 and 3 of the Chalkboard Ornaments, stitched and finished by Caryl C.    She's been busy.

Katie K's three shades of blue pillow, stitched and finished by Katie.

Malback Angel, stitched by Lynn B.

Next meeting:   February 13th

December 2019 Meeting

Our Business Meeting was brief as we were having our Annual Holiday Exchange and refreshments.

• New Challenge Number is #2
• We have been received a Thank You for the Holiday decorations at the Library.   January 3rd is the date to meet for lunch and to take the decorations down.
• December 15 - Pat Y. will have her annual Open House with all her stitched nativity scenes on display.
• January 8th - Executive Meeting - 7 pm at Marian S.'s home.
• January Meeting - Let's talk about your 2020 Stitching Resolutions.   What are your goals, ideas, projects you want to work on.
• January Meeting - We need three volunteers to act at the Nominating Committee for new officers.
• Seminar Sign-ups for Gettysburg are due by January 20th.
• Christmas in July - Linda is looking for someone to take over coordinating Christmas in July.   Please contact Linda is you have questions or are interested.    Pat Y. has volunteered to teach one class for the 2020 Christmas in July. Linda is also looking for two more teachers for 2020.
• Outreach - We discussed our outreach for the last quarter.   Katie taught a class at Friends Home; we had a display at the Gloucester Co. Library, Deb N. and Karolin R. are each stitching pieces for two different Ronald McDonald Houses in the South Jersey area; and we have our annual display at the Woodstown Library.  KarenAnn will make note for the report to the Regional Coordinator.

Show 'n Tell

Congratulations KarenAnn for a 2nd place in the state on her Red White and Blue EGA SAL

Heirloom Stitching Smalls stitched by Joan T.

Stand up finish on a cute pumpkin design, stitched by Linda W.

Felt stockings stitched by Linda W.


Victoria Sampler Gingerbread House, stitched and assembled by Joan T.

Above and below, ornament finished by KarenAnn

Above, Christmas in July ornament stitched by Deb N.

Christmas Stocking stitched by Deb N.

 Days 1, 2 and 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas Felt Ornaments, stitched by Robin T.

 More ornament finishes by KarenAnn

Above, Crowning Glory from Summer House Stitche Workes stitched by Caryl C.    At left, Caryl's coordinating scissors fob.

Caryl C.'s Pumpkin Pillow from Hands on Design

Second of a four part French kitchen series collaboration between Summer House and Hands on Design, stitched by Caryl C.

Challenge piece finished, Stitch Every Day from Hands On Design, stitched by Robin T.

Felt poinsettia from Sue Gonzales Designs, assembled by Robin T.

Joan T.'s beautiful work on a strawberry on 52 count silk gauze

2019 Holiday Exchange - This year's theme was a stitched ornament.

 There were a lot of very cute ornaments.  

Next meeting, Thursday, January 9th, 7:30 pm