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.

February 2022 Lamplighters EGA Meeting

We were lucky enough to meet in person again in February.   And fortunately for those who were not able to attend in person, Caryl C. set up her webcam and we had two members join us via Zoom.

Joan welcomed everyone.

Treasurer's Report -  Our balance was provided, all bills are paid and she is working in completion of the National Reports.  She will schedule an audit of the Treasurer's books later in the spring.

Membership - The potential new member has decided she will not be joining at this time.   She does not drive at night.

By-Laws - Pat L. made the necessary edits, and has resubmitted the By-Laws for review by National.   We are awaiting their return and will then distribute them to membership.

Show and Tell  - 

Cookie Exchange from Hands on Design, by Caryl C.

January and February monthly bouquets from Jeannette Douglas, by Caryl C.

Snowman, by Linda W.

Lotus Box, by Marian S.

 

Strawberry, by Marian S.

Program  - Caryl C. provided instructions as well as a copy of a powerpoint for the Herringbones and Holes project.   She reviewed the 4 bands that we should work on before the March Meeting.

Upcoming Programs

March - Instructions for the last five rows of Herringbone and Holes

April - Covered Dish Dinner and Pin Cushion Parade.   Bring your completed flower pot pin cushion.

May - Wool Applique workshop with Susan Gonzales.   Detailed to be determined

June - Blackwork flag needlebook.   This was originally scheduled for June of 2020.

July - Christmas in July - Linda W. is looking for teachers.

January 2022 Meeting

We were at it again in January 2022, using ZOOM for just this month.   As much as ZOOM annoys some, we are so fortunate that we can sit in the warm comfort of our homes and still meet, exchange ideas, have the fellowship and the joy of needlework.   By meeting via Zoom, our rental fee for the canceled meeting with cover September 2022 rental expense.

Joan welcomed everyone.   She thanked all who took part in taking the tree down at the Woodstown Library.   Katie C. has all the unclaimed ornaments.   Please see Katie if you didn't get your ornaments back.   

At our December meeting, members all received a NeedleArts tote bag.   Included in the bag was a small class flower pot.   This is for our April Pin Cushion parade.   Members were asked to create a pin cushion using the flower pot and bring to the April meeting.  If you were not at the December Meeting, please follow up with Joan.  

Treasurer Caryl C. reported that she is completing all the reports necessary for National.   Upcoming, she will be looking for someone to review the Treasurers books and audit the entries and documents.

Membership Chair, Robin T. reported we have a potential new member.   The stitcher does not do ZOOM so she said she will wait until we meet in person to attend.

Christmas in July - Linda W. is looking for three teachers for Christmas in July.    If you are interested, please let Linda know.   She also has a file of project ideas for Christmas in July for anyone who is interested in teaching.   It is scheduled for July 16th at the Wenonah Church (same location as last year).

By-Laws - Pat L. has received comments back from National on our by-laws updates.   The corrections were formatting issues which Pat has changed and will be re-submitting.

Woodlawn - Pat Y. will again be taking items to Woodlawn for display.   You must register on-line in advance with Woodlawn and provide Pat with a copy of your paperwork.   In addition to the Woodlawn fee, Pat is asking for $5 for gas and tolls to take the items down and pick them up after the event.

2021 Challenge - Our 2021 Challenge was to complete an EGA project.   It could be a class project, a petite project, a GCC piece, or a Christmas in July project.   We had 12 stitchers participate, completing 78 EGA projects.    For each project completed, the stitcher had their name entered into a drawing.    Pat Y. name was chosen and she received a $25 VISA gift card.   Well done stitchers!

2022 Challenge - For 2022 we will be participating in the Jeannette Douglas Bouquet of the Month.   Jeannette is offered the monthly patterns free on her site.   A new one comes out the first of each month.   There can be stitched as one sampler, stitched individually as ornaments or small pin pillows, stitched on banding, etc.   Using your stash of fabric and fibers, stitch as many as you want.   For each month a member stitches, their named will be entered into a drawing in January 2023.  Stitchers should bring their stitched monthly piece to a meeting to get credit for completion.   The pieces do not have to be fully "finished", just the stitching needs to be completed.   Caryl will include links in the newsletter.

February Meeting - Caryl C. will be instructing an EGA SAL called Herringbone and Holes.  28 count is recommended but you can use any count fabric.  You will need approximately an 8 by 10 piece of fabric, perle cotton #5 and #12 and a color floss of your choice.  The pattern is a free pattern on the EGA website.   It is also on our Facebook page.   Caryl will also provide information in the next meeting notice.    For the February meeting, rows 1 to 4 will be assigned to complete by the March meeting.

April - April is our covered dish dinner.  We will be also having our Pin Cushion Parade.

Next Meeting - February 12, 2022, in person.  

December 2021

Lamplighter News - 

• We received another check from Fireside for eBay sales.  We do have other items that have been collected for auction in the next few months.   Please remember to bring in any stash you no longer want and we will set aside for our next trip to Fireside.  

• Reading recommendation--"The Dressmakers of Auschwitz" by Lucy Adlington. More information can be found about the author on her website (www.lucyadlington.com) and through her organization (www.historywardrobe.com).

• On January 7, we will be taking down the display at the Woodstown Library. We will gathering at the Diner at 12:00 noon and then will proceed to the library.

• If you have any ideas for a 2022 challenge, reach out to Joan T. with your suggestions.

• In 2023, we will be completing a project using techniques for working with overdyed threads. You will need to find some Watercolors thread and we suggest two skeins because you may need more when trying to plan out how the colors will change. You will also need some coordinating colors for the center of the design.

• Start thinking about Woodlawn--coming up in March 2022.  Pat Y. has again volunteered to take our pieces to the exhibit.

Upcoming Meetings

January 2022 - Zoom Meeting  We will review plans of the coming year.   The 2021 Challenge winner will be chosen.  Our 2022 challenge will be announced.   

February 2022 - Caryl C. will teach an EGA pattern called Herringbone and Holes.   It is a small (9 bands) band sampler and 28 count cashel is available to use.

March 2022 - Caryl C. will complete the Herringbone and Holes class.

April - Covered dish dinner.   Pin Cushion parade.   Bring in your completed flower pot pin cushion.

May - Sue Gonzales Wool Works

June - Blackwork flag EGA project

July - Christmas in July - more details to follow

This month's program -

We had a great gathering  for our annual Christmas exchange. Thank you to all who brought something to exchange and brought goodies to share. We always have a nice selection of Christmas treats and it was great to be able to do this again. 

Look at these great exchange pieces!

We were also gifted with EGA canvas bags with other stitching goodies inside on behalf of the guild. It was a nice holiday surprise.  

Show and Tell 

There was a vast variety of patterns, techniques, large and small items stitched by members.   We are a productive group!