Christmas in July 2022

We enjoyed a fun Saturday and three great Christmas ornament projects.   We had 16 stitchers join us for the day.    

First up was a No-Sew quilted Christmas Ball.   Each stitcher received a zip-lock bag of 40 2 1/2 square coordinating fabrics, styrofoam ball, pins and trims.  Caryl C. and Robin T. tag-teamed the instructions.   

Lots of color combinations! And a completed project for several by the end of the class.

Next up, Linda W. taught a little Snowman needle book.   Complete with instructions, linen and Ginny Thompson Flower Threads.   Linda got the kits from Ginny's daughter, Meg Shinall.   Linda reviewed the steps to complete the Nun Stitch which is used in this project. 

 

A sweet little needle book totally doable in an evening!


After a break for lunch and various goodies brought in by the stitchers, we returned to work on the third ornament of the day.   Pat Y. led the class for completing a Christmas tree with a variety of stitches.

We started with the Nun Stitch to create the sleeve for the hanger which was including in the kit.    The kits included a variety of colors and fibers as well as a gold star for the top of the tree.

Pat demonstrated the Insertion Stitch, as seen below.   Pat's finished ornament showed the use of a variety of stitches to choose from to complete the rows.   This again is an ornament that when finished will offer a variety of looks based on the stitcher.   Another complete in one evening project!

 

Pat also shared a Christmas Band Sampler pattern.   Again, a good place to select stitches to use in your tree ornament.

A good day of stitching and such a nice day to spend with fellow stitchers. 

June 2022 Meeting

Joan welcomed all to the meeting.

We are continuing with the Jeannette Douglas Designs Challenge - the mini bouquets available on her website.   Stitch one, stitch two, stitch them all!  For each one you stitch, your name will be entered into a prize drawing in January 2023.  

• Christmas in July - July 16th - same location as last year.   Caryl will provide directions closer to the date
• Continue with the monthly Jeannette Douglas mini bouquets each month.
• Salem County Fair - sign up sheet for dates and times to man the Lamplighters Table at the fair was available.    More information will follow as the date nears.   The Salem County Fair is also looking for volunteers to judge the needlework submissions.
• National Meeting will be in August
• Membership - Caryl has mailed the necessary paperwork and payments for renewing memberships.
• Royal School of Needlework Summer School - Virtual classes are available.   Visit the Royal School of Needlework website  
• Regional Meeting - The meeting will be in Mt. Laurel in October.   There will be a take-home project.  Pat Y. will attend and bring the project back for members to do at a meeting.
• Lightning Rounds - Individuals can sign up these classes.   Enroll for the current  after June 6 and before August 31, 2022.  Costs and supplies vary by class.

Remember - if you have any suggestions for a meeting, for a challenge project, or a speaker, please talk to Linda W. so she can work out the details.

Above, Joan T.'s Jeannette Douglas Challenge - 6 mouths done!

Below, some wool work pieces from the May class and trunk show from Susan Gonzales Designs.  

Herringbone and Holes bell pull by Katie K.

Scattered Seeds design stitched and finished by Caryl C.   Mounted on a mini cake stand from Hobby Lobby.

Also from Caryl C. some Brenda Gervais and Needlework Press Designs

Caryl's challenge pieces completed as mini pillows.

Two tulips, one stitched by Pat L. and the other by Linda W.

Blackwork pin cushion cushion stitched by Linda W.

Sweetheart Tree stitched by Barbara G.

Brenda Gervais' Winter Rose Manor, stitched by Barbara G.

Next up - Christmas in July, July 16, 2022

 

May 2022 Meeting

 Joan welcomed everyone to our May Meeting.   We had 18 present including 3 guests.  Guests were introduced.   One of the guests in attendance was Vickie LoPiccolo Jannett of Needlework Press.   She was in the area for a two day class she will be teaching for DVHSG - Delaware Valley Historic Sampler Guild.

We had a short business meeting.

Treasurer's Report was shared.   We received an additional $168 from Fireside sales.

Membership - Robin reported we had 24 members for 2021-22.  Two will not be renewing due to health issues.   To date, 17 have renewed.   Forms have been sent via US Mail to those who do not have email accounts.  

Upcoming programs -

• June - Blackwork Flag project. cost $5
• Christmas in July - July 16th - same location as last year.   Caryl will provide directions closer to the date
• Continue with the monthly Jeannette Douglas mini bouquets each month.
• Tentative - the group was polled for interest in taking a turn setting at a table at the Salem County Fair.    More information will follow.   The Salem County Fair is also looking for volunteers to judge the needlework submissions.

Tonight's Program

Susan Gonzales Designs

Susan is a former Salem County resident, now living in New Castle County DE.   A studio at her home is currently under construction.   She is a fabulous designer of wool applique, punch needle and rug hooking.  Even better, she is a fantastic teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that each person participating is at ease and is able to finish their project.   She and her daughter circulated among those doing the project offering help as needed.  She answered everyone's questions and offered countless tips and techniques throughout the evening.   Definitely check out her website for the beautiful things she creates.  

Not only she is a fantastic teacher, she puts together a great kit.   For our class, she had all the pattern pieces and all the wool already cut out for us.   Below is Pat L.'s finished tulip pillow

April 2022 Meeting

President Joan T. welcomed all to our Annual Covered Dish Dinner.  This is always one of our most popular meetings.  We celebrated being 48 years only.  

Our 50th Anniversary will be in 2024.    Woodlawn has reached out to Lamplighters asking if we would like to submit for display (display only/not to be judged) items for their annual needlework show in 2024 for our 50th Anniversary.   This can be discuss in the fall when we return from summer break.   Also, we should put on our calendars a reminder for April 2023, to start preparations for a 2024 50th Anniversary Event.  (dinner?; group project; teacher; etc.)

It is amazing without even comparing notes with each other how we end up with a variety of main courses, sides, salads and desserts.   No one went away hungry from our covered dish dinner that's for sure.

Joan lead the Business Meeting

- The Standing Rules for Lamplighters EGA were circulated prior to the meeting via email.   All were asked to review and offer any edits or comments.  Approved by members present.

- Minutes of the previous Business Meeting were also shared for review, via email, prior to the meeting.

- Treasurer's Report was provided

- Membership - Membership renewals are underway.   Renewals are due by the May Meeting.   The cost is $46 per year.  Membership includes access to all Lamplighters Meetings; optional sign-up for Camp WannaStitch in OCMD; access to the National EGA website; Regional and National newsletters; and NeedleArts Quarterly Magazine.

- Regional Report - Marion shared that our revised By-Laws have been approved, counter-signed and returned to us.  

- Of interest - The Royal School of Needlework has curated an Encyclopedia of Stitches online.   The origin and history of each stitch is shared; diagrams; photos; and how-to videos are included.   Visiting the site is free.  It is called RSN Stitch Bank 

- Camp WannaStitch - January 14 - 15 - 16, 2023 - The Clarion has a new owner and new name.  Watch for notices in your Regional Newsletter regarding this 2023 event.

- Programming -

    May - Wool Applique program with Sue of Sue Gonzales Designs will be our May meeting.  Last date for sign-ups is tonight's meeting.  Cost is $15 and will include everything you need for the project.  She will also have a trunk show.  Linda will follow up with Sue regarding what payment methods she accepts. (Check/Cash/Credit Card)

    June - Blackwork flag - sign up sheet available.   Linda W. will provide instructions. Cost is $5.

   July - Christmas in July - Sign up sheet available.   The cost is $20 for three small holiday project kits and instructions.   The event will be from 9 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. in Wenonah (the same location as last year).  Please bring your lunch and beverage and dessert to share.

    As always, if you have a programming idea or there is a skill you want to try, share your thoughts with Linda.

- Publicity - Robin continues to update the blog after each month meeting.  Caryl or Robin also post photos on our Facebook page.   Robin periodically runs reminders in local newspaper calendars announcing our meetings and inviting new-combers.

- Outreach - KarenAnne discussed Christmas Stockings for soldiers.

- Sunshine & Cheer - Caryl had nothing to report.  

- Other - 

     BJ has scissors for sale.   She has three styles. They are $10 each.   There was a sign-up sheet available.   BJ will bring all orders to the June Meeting when she returns from Florida.  

     Karen K. is liquidating fabric from her shop.   Please email the count and color you may be interested in and she will bring to the following meeting.

Our 2022 Challenge was reviewed.   For this year, the Challenge is to stitch the free monthly flower baskets from Jeannette Douglas Designs.   The first of each month she puts up the new pattern on her website and on Facebook.  Stitch one, stitch several, stitch them all! Make small pillows, use a bell pull, use one large piece of fabric.  Use the called for colors or substitute with what you have in your stash.  For each monthly 'basket' you complete, you name will be entered into a drawing that will be pulled in January 2023.

 

Show and Tell - the work of our hands

Joan T.'s challenge piece

Stacy S.'s challenge piece

Pat L.'s challenge piece, stitched on banding

Joan's GAY ANN RODGERS canvas piece

Needle and Thread by Stacy S.

Herringbone and Holes by Katie K.

Canvas Candy Bowl - Linda W.

Ukranian White Work - Stitched by Linda W.

Last but not least, our April Meeting Challenge.   We were to bring on our various pin cushion to display.   Prizes were awarded for the oldest, the most, etc.   

In December we were each given a small clay pot and asked to design a pin cushion using the pot.   Here are the entries.  Flower pots to ice cream cones to a hen on a nest.    That's using your thinking cap stitchers!

Members who participating were:   Marian, Katie, Linda, Caryl. Stacy, Joan and Robin

Next Meeting - May - Wool Applique

March 2022 Meeting

President Joan welcomed everyone to the meeting.

By-Laws - the revised by-laws were distributed to the members prior to the meeting for their review.  A diversity statement as approved by National was included.   

Stacy S. made a motion to approve the revised By-Laws; seconded by Pat Y.; all in favor.   The By-Laws were accepted and approved as submitted.   They will be signed by President Joan T. and will be forwarded to Regional.  Once fully signed by Regional and National, a fully executed copy will be returned to Lamplighters.

We talked about stitching to support Ukraine.   There are a variety of designers offering free patterns as well as Ukranian designers that sell on Etsy.  

Treasurer's Report was provided.   Pat L. gave a check from Fireside to the Treasurer from eBay sales of items they have sold for Lamplighters.  

March's Program - Caryl review the next four/five rows of the Herringbone and Holes SAL we are working on.  

    Row 5 Pulled wave stitch in 12 perle cotton

    Row 6 Wrapped Herringbone stitch

    Row 7 Window Pane - - spaced four-sided stitch

    Row 8 Diagonal Double Back

    Row 9 Repeat of Row 1

Upcoming programs - 

April - April is our Annual Business Meeting/Covered Dish Dinner. It will be on the THIRD THURSDAY of April not the second Thursday of the month.   Our program for the evening will be Pin Cushion parade.   Members are urged to bring in their completed flower pot pin cushion as well as any other pin cushions in their collection.

May - May is Membership Renewal Month.   Membership is $46.   Forms will be available at the April Meeting.

We will also host Susan Gonzales again for a wool appliqué program.   The project will be a kit and the cost will be $15.   Sign ups by the April meeting.    Susan will also have a trunk show of her items.

June - Blackwork Flag needle book.   This is stitched in white #12 perle cotton and DMC red and blue.  

July - Christmas in July.   Linda is looking for three volunteers to teach.   Linda has a file full of ideas to choose from.   Teachers will be responsible for stitching the ornament in advance, ordering and kitting up the necessary supplies and 'teaching' the class.   Teachers will be reimbursed for expenses provide they complete the proper paperwork.

Show and Tell 

Holiday Quaker from Lila's Studio stitched by Pat L.

January and February of the Jeannette Douglas SAL, by Joan T.

January and February Jeannette Douglas Designs SAL by Caryl C.

Ackworth School design smalls, stitched by Marian S.

Christmas trees and reindeer from Glendon Place stitched by Pat L.

ANG SAL stitched by Linda W.

Ukrainian Whitework Pillow - Joan T.

Stitched by Linda W.

Winter Wonderland from The Primitive Hare, stitched by Robin T.

Goldwork Butterfly by Linda W.

Spool from Ellen Chester by Caryl C.

Thyme to Gather from Hands On Design stitched by Robin T.

Red February from Sassy Jack's stitched by Stacy S.

Terri Bey Lotus Box, stitched by Robin T.