September 2023 Meeting

This was the first meeting following our summer break.   President Joan T. called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.   Twenty-four were present which included three guests.  The guests  were introduced and shared a little bit about themselves.  

This meeting was one of our bi-annual Business Meetings and Committee reports were shared.

Secretary’s Minutes from the last Business Meeting were shared via email prior to the meeting.  Having no edits or additions, the minutes were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report was provide by Treasurer Caryl C.   She provided a hand-out showing our year-to-date finances and happily reported we are in great financial shape with no outstanding invoices/paymments due.   We do have 6 to 8 boxes of charts and supplies that were taken to Fireside Stitchery for eBay sales in April or May of 2023 which, once sold, will be an additional amount for our treasury.

Membership Chair reported we currently have 32 members.    All necessary Regional and National paperwork has been filed.   Nancy Class has been provided the updated  member list for Newsletter mailings.  Robin T. reached out to 26 people who showed interest in Lamplighters when at our booth at the  Salem County Fair in August.    Meeting notice was sent prior to the meeting with hard copies to members without email accounts.

President reminded all present about sign-up for Camp WannaStitch in Ocean City, Maryland in January 2024.     Information was in a recent Regional Newsletter.

Member, Karolin R., attended and provided feedback for the early September stitching retreat in Painted Pony, New York. She said it was a good time and would definitely attend again.

Program Coordinator, Linda W. outlined the tentative schedule of programs through May 2024.

    - September - Blackwork on Magnolia Leaf, THAP, no cost

    - October 12 - Stitching Plaids, free EGA Spider pattern, $12 kit or supply your own materials

    - November 9 - Stitching Plaids continued, instructions for fully finishing the spider

    - December 7 - We will be making floss drops - bring in old Christmas cards for us to use.  We will be playing Left-Right-Center so bring 6 skeins of floss to use as your ‘chips’ for the game.   Cookies and goodies will be shared.

    - January 11 - GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY YEAR 2024.   Introduction of the Anniversary Year Activities.   Linda W. will lead a discussion on various cotton threads

    - February 8 - Guest Speaker, Cathy Fichera, “Primitive Rug Hooking”

    - March 14 -  Blackwork Bookmark, petite project.   Supply your own linen (5 x 12, 28 count) and floss or kit available at approximately $4.

    - April 11 - GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY DINNER - Details to be announced.   No regular meeting

    - May 9 - Anniversary Thimble Case, Janis Note, cost in the $20 range; more details to follow

    - June 13 - Making bouillon flowers taught by member Carol E.  More details to follow.     

Publicity - Robin T. reported that following each meeting she updates the Lamplighter’s Blog and posts Show ‘N Tell on the Lamplighter’s Facebook page.  Robin is now doing the meeting follow up newsletter and meeting notices and will make sure Donna Pence is copied.  

Outreach - Pat L. was not at the meeting to report.

Joan T. announced the names and offered congratulations to all the ribbon winners from the Salem County Fair.

Program - Linda W. spoke on the benefits of EGA Membership.   Using the NeedleArts Magazine, she paged through reviewing section by section of the magazine explaining the features.

Marian taught a class called Blackwork on Nature’s Palette.   It was blackwork using a Magnolia leaf instead of Aida, linen or canvas.    This was a THAP project.   The Guild provided the leaves, the gold thread, pattern, map pin for punching holes and the ladybug.   Marian walked us through the directions.   How’s that for thinking outside of the box!

Member Christine Flowers attended the National Seminar event in Boston.   She spoke about the two classes she attended while there.  She also shared information on the virtual exhibit, Through the Needle’s Eye.  Below is a photo of the postcard she had.

Show ‘n Tell was shared.

Christmas in July ornament, Linda W.

Our 2023 Rhodes Rage SAL, Linda W.

Australian design through Cyber-Pointers, stitched by Linda W.

Feather-tree from our January 2023 meeting, stitched and finished by BJ S.

Joy, stitched and finished by BJ S.

Christmas in July 2022 ornament, stitched and finished by BJ S.

From Little House Needleworks, patriotic pillow, stitched by Barbara G.

Christmas in July tree ornament, stitched and finished by Linda W.

Three seasonal rounds, Gather Round,  from Hands on Design, stitched and finished by Joan T.

David McCastle needlepoint design, stitched by Joan T.

Christmas sleigh ornaments and snowman, Joan T.

Victoria Sampler Haunted House, stitched and finished by Joan T.

Christmas in July quadrille with beaded accents, stitched and finished by Carol W.

Above the Mill Hill kit stitched by Carol E.  She stitched it a second time, below, using silk ribbons for flowers.

Carol W. stitched this Japanese design of the hanging baskets.

An array of bookmarks by Jan S.

Encouraging pieces Pat Young is making for her bazaar table.

Caryl stitch “A Little Bit Sampler, A Little Bit Rock and Roll” from Beth Twist of Heartstrings Samplery

Caryl also stitched this pattern from Witchy Stitcher in Canada on 40 ct crème brûlée.  It is a present for her sister who likes all things spooky.

From Scattered Seeds Samplers, Caryl stitched this in remembrance of her mom adding her mom’s initials 

And birth year, etc.

These three - I believe - are also Christmas in July finishes from Caryl C.

Three rabbits from La-D-Da were stitched and fully finished by BJ S.

More Christmas in July finishes, from BJ S.

A fall drum and a spring drum.   Each stitched and fully finished by BJ S.

Thank you stitchers for sharing all your great work and inspiring the rest of us with your lovely finishes.

Next meeting - October 12, 2023

Christmas in July 2023

 This year we had a ROOMFUL of participants.   Twenty-four members and guests attended the annual Christmas in July day of holiday stitching.

 

There were three holiday themed projects, taught by three members.  Participants come prepared with their normal sewing supplies, a willing attitude, a brown bagged lunch, beverage and some brought baked goods to share.

We meet at 8:30, chatted a bit and then at 9 a.m. we got started.    The first project was taught by Joan T.   It was a Snowman Quadrille ornament.

Some got farther than others but all were happy with the ornament and learning a new finishing technique.  I am sure we will see many of these completed at our September meeting.

Included in the pattern were several snowflake patterns and stitchers have the option to add snowflakes on opposites instead of stitching a snowmen on each side.   Joan gave clues on attaching the tassel and hanger and walked everyone through the finishing technique before closing out her class.

Next up, Robin had a more artsy crafty ornament.   

Trying to appeal to all skill levels, this snowman fit the bill for the less experienced stitcher.   The best thing about this project was most were able to go home with a completed ornament.  Many said they were thankful for a break from the eye strain of stitching.

After lunch Linda taught a small tree ornament.   

She provided backing fabric and ribbon if you wanted it.   She alsooffered suggestions such as stitching “Welcome” or your surname instead of Silent Night.

Members fuss with gluing on the carrot nose and the snowman earmuffs.

It was a fun day for all and great to see everyone in person during our regular meeting hiatus.  

                      

June 2023 Meeting

President Joan T. called the meeting to order and welcomed all.   Guest, Beverly A., was introduced.   Beverly is not only a former EGA member, she is a former Lamplighters member.   

Membership - Robin provided membership update.  She has coordinated with Caryl and renewals have been submitted to Regional and National.   We currently have 30 members.   Robin will reach out one more time to the three members from last you who have not yet renewed.  Members rosters have been emailed.   If necessary, a revised roster will be emailed in September and hard copies will be made available at the September meeting.  Nancy Class has been emailed a roster for her needs with emailing the notices she provides from Regional.  New cards have been issued and will be mailed to those not at the meeting.  New member packets were provided to Jan S. and Judy M.       Robin has also reviewed the information on the MAR Chapter website and verified the information listed is correct.

NeedleArts Magazine and other EGA notices - Joan urged members to read their Regional newsletters as well as the NeedleArts magazine.     There are opportunities for classes, seminars, etc. that could be of interest.  The Letter from the President in the front of the magazine will inform you of current happenings with in EGA.  The Monthly Profile features a needle artist and/or designer and gives you an in depth look at their biography and their talents.  There is a section that outlines projects with great photos and clear instructions to complete the featured projects.  There is also a section called “Regional Round-up” where different Chapters have various milestones for their Chapters recognized.   Of course there is a section Education where classes, opportunities and Group Correspondence Courses, “GCC”.   Much more that can be found in your quarterly NeedleArts Magazine.

In the June 2023 edition of NeedleArts the “One member, one vote” amendment to the by-laws was explained.   The voting of one vote per chapter has changed to one vote per member.  This now gives members-at-large the opportunity to vote.  Elections are upcoming.  The biographies for each candidate are available for your review.  Voting will start on July 17, 2023 and will be done entirely online.  To vote, log in to “EGAUSA.org“ and click on the “Members Only” tab to log in.  There will be a button that says “Vote Here” to be taken to the ballot. Voting will close on August 21, 2023.

The Regional Newsletter had further information on the weekend stitching retreat in Painted Post, NY.  

Outreach - We will be setting up an information table at the Salem County Fair again this August.   The dates of the fair of August 8 through August 12.   The table will be manned from 4 to 8 pm each afternoon.   Joan passed a sign-up sheet around.

Programming - Christmas in July is scheduled for July 15th at the same location as last year.   The cost is $20 and we are at capacity.  We will meet from 9 am to 3 pm and work on 3 Christmas ornaments.  Bring a bagged lunch and beverage and snack to share.   More information and address will be emailed to you closer to the event.   

Linda shared that the Board will be meeting to finalize a programming list for the 2023 -2024 Lamplighter’s year.  On the schedule so far is a ‘surprise’ project for September.   It will be at no cost.  

 For October and November members will work on the plaid spider.  The cost is $12 and sign-up closed at the June meeting.  October will be the stitching of the plaid and November will be assembling the spider.  The directions are on the EGA website.

Elections - Member Karolin R. provided the list of nominees for the office of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.   Nominations from the floor were called for and having none, a voice affirmation of the nominated officers was completed.
President - Joan T.
Vice President - Katie C.
Treasurer - Caryl C.
Secretary - Pat L.

Show ‘n Tell was shared.

Stitched by Pat Y.

Acorn Sampler, designed by Gay Ann Rogers and beautifully finished by Joan T.

Red sampler, stitched by BJ S.

Halloween drum stitched and finished by BJ S.

Linda W’s. Over-dyed spools

Linda W’s Ukrainian Bookmark

Mill Hill perforated paper flag, stitched and finished by Carol W.

Above, “stitcher” from Luminous Fiber Arts and below, “Goodbye Fall from Plum Street Samplers.   Both stitched by Robin T.

Upcoming - Christmas in July on July 15th

Next monthly meeting - September 14, 2023

May 2023 Meeting

 We had a great May Meeting.  Our scheduled program with Sue Gonzales Designs had to be canceled and will be rescheduled for a future meeting.

Joan T. welcomed all and started the Business Meeting portion.  

We had 21 members/guests in attendance!  New member, Judy M., was welcomed as well. 

The slate of officers for the new year was presented.

            President - Joan T.

            Vice President - Katie C.

            Secretary - Pat L.

            Treasurer - Caryl C.

• A proposal was made and approved to pay Caryl C. $50 for one half of the cost of her annual Zoom membership which she uses for our meetings.
• National is attempting to create online/electronic payments for dues.   This would not be effective until sometime 2024.  We are sure more information will be made available if National does make the move to electronic payments.
• Membership - May is renewal month for Membership.  Letters were sent to the membes who have not been attending regularly.   To date, 24 members have already renewed for 2023-24.  
• Chapter Banner - Members were asked to consider if Lamplighters should purchase a Chapter Banner.  It could be used a Stitch in Public Day, at the Salem County Fair, etc.   The cost is in the neighborhood of $80.   This will be discussed again in June.
• MAR Website - Robin checked the MAR website and the Lamplighter information is listed accurately.
• EGA is holding Sunday Stitch-ins.  It is a 2 hour virtual stitch-in via Zoom.   Watch your email for the dates and the link to participate.
• Christmas in July - 25 have signed up already.  We will meet from 9 to 3 at the Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in Wenohah, NJ on July 15th.   The day will consist of three teachers and three small holiday projects.   Bring a bagged lunch and dessert/goodies to share.
• New York State Retreat - This is a long weekend retreat to be held in Painted Post, NY, (approximately 4 1/2 hours from Salem County, NJ) The Retreat will run from September 7th thru September 10th/Thursday to Sunday.    Hotel rooms with 2 queen beds will cost $106 per night; Dormatory Rooms with 4 to a room will cost $80 per night.    The Retreat cost is $90 and will include all meals.   It is being organized by one of the members of the dissolved MER Region which is now included in the MAR Region.   More details will follow. 

• October - We will be working on a Petite Project - Spider Stitching - learning to stitch plaid.  Sign-up and payment is due by the June Meeting.   Instructions can be downloaded from the EGA National website.   
• Up-coming class - There will be a 2-day class at the Regional Meeting in Fredericksburg, VA.   Toni Gerdes will be teaching the “Monet Kimona” which is part of her Kimona Series.   Check out your Regional Newsletter for information.
• Camp WannaStitch - This is an annual MAR event held each January in Ocean City, MD.   The host hotel has changed hands and renovations have been done.   Coordinator Anne W. has been in contact with the hotel regarding January 2024.   The rates will be increased.   Anne would like those who attend this event on a regular basis to share their opinion with her regarding the price point they are comfortable with and if she should look into a different location for 2024.   

PROGRAM

         Our program for this meeting was to bring in your ‘unusual’ needlework tools and try to stump your fellow stitchers.   We had a variety of oddities and fun trying to figure out how they related to stitching.  

A butchers tray - used to corral you scissors, threads, etc. while stitching on the sofa

A salt shaker - used for putting in broken and worn needles

Luggage tags - used to label your project bags with name of your pattern

Large clip - Dollar Store clip used to secure excess fabric to hoop or q-snap

SHOW ‘N TELL

We certainly had a large amount in number and variety of projects shared.

Stitched by Pat Y.

Christmas Banner, stitched by Pat Y.

Needlepoint seat for an antique child’s chair, stitched by Barbara G.

Ukrainian bookmark, EGA project, stitched by Katie C.

Hands On Design, Gather, stitched and finished by Joan T.

Wool piece, Carrot Patch by Susan Gonzales Designs, stitched by Robin T.    Two bunny pillows, from Cherie Wheler Designs on Etsy, stitched by Robin T.

Ukrainian Bookmark, EGA program project, stitched by Barbara G.  

Cute as a button, this little Mill Hill bunny stitched by Debra N.

Scattered Seeds Sampling stitched by Caryl C. Who put it on a Target Jewelry box.

Little House Needleworks stitched by Gwynne G.

Tom Turkey from Cottage Garden Needleworks, stitched by Pat L.

Both Pat L. and Marian S. stitched this as part of a Group Correspondence Course.  English Summer

Beautiful fall piece, stitched by Marian S.

Red Sweater Christmas Ornament, from Lila’s Studio, stitched by Robin T.

Pat Y. Shared this tapestry that depicts South American women with a post battle ritual.

Next meeting, June 8

Stitch - in

April Meeting

President Joan T. welcomed everyone to our Annual Business Meeting/Covered Dish Dinner.  Our meeting time started one half hour earlier than usual to allow for everyone to enjoy the feast before us.   Somehow, without even trying, we always manage to have a great variety of main courses, sides and desserts.  

Minutes - the Minutes of the prior Business Meeting were distributed to members via email prior to the meeting.   There were no corrections suggested for the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report - the Treasurer’s Report was also email to members prior to the meeting.   A brief overview of the status of the account was discussed.   It was noted the Pat L. and Robin T. recently took 11 boxes of charts and stitching items to Fireside Stitchery in Malvern, PA.   Fireside Stitchery will sell the items on eBay and share the profits will Lamplighter’s.   We don’t expect this current batch of items to be online until mid to late summer 2023.  Everyone agreed these sales have been very beneficial for our Chapter.

Membership - Membership Chair reported 27 current members.   Annual Renewal of Membership is in May.  In order to process all the renewal applications and get the information to the Regional Offices by the end of May, Robin requested all membership renewals by turned in by the May meeting.   Robin will work with Caryl to process all the necessary paperwork with Regional and National.  Robin will send the necessary information, via US Mail, to members without email.

Regional Updates - Marian will be attending the Regional Meeting.  While there she will be taking a crewel class with teacher Judy Jeroy.   Marian will bring the project back to the Chapter to teach.  

Regional representatives are also taking a survey on the interest of a retreat in the Fall of 2023.  The location will be Painted Post, New York (Near Corning, NY). It will be from Thursday to Sunday.   All meals and lodging are included in the registration cost of $275.00.  More information will follow as plans are formalized.

Outreach - we discussed some options for an Outreach Project for next year.   Robin shared information on a recent project she participated in with the Chattanooga EGA Chapter.  She will follow up with them for more information.  Project options were discussed and possible recipient groups were also discussed for this group project.   More information on Outreach projects will be discussed at future meetings.

In other Outreach, we will again set up a table at the Salem County Fair in August.  More information and a schedule will be shared once determined.  

Meeting information - We were scheduled to have a class on punch needle in May.   Unfortunately the instructor is having some shoulder issues and has had to cancel.   She looks forward to rescheduling in 2024.  Instead for our May Meeting, members are being asked to bring in their favorite stitching tool to share with the group.  Bring something usual and have others try to figure out what it is and how you use it.

For June, we will have a stitch-in and discuss our plans for summer stitching.

Stitch in Public - Details need to be completed for a Stitch in Public Day at JoAnn Fabrics.

Joan spoke about classes that are available to any member that are offered at other Chapters.  Also, there are several petite projects that are going to be retired.   Visit the EGA website and save any you may like before they are gone.   Look for these projects as well as virtual lectures in your emails from Regional and National

Coming next year, we will celebrate our 50th Anniversary.  Plans are being made for some special projects and events.   We will dedicate each meeting from January 2024 though December  2024 celebrating our anniversary.   If you have any ideas or suggestions or would like to work on the committee to help with the event, please let Joan know. 

Show and Tell - It may have been small but it was mighty!    First up, this blue and white canvas piece by Stacy S.   This was a class with a Texas EGA Chapter.   Stacy had to join as a plural member to participate in the class.  

Pat L. completed the Ukrainian bookmark.

Stacy S. stitched this patriotic piece.   She finished using an unpainted star purchased from Target.  She used card-making paper to cover the front before attaching her stitched piece with double sided tape.

Next meeting - May 11th