May 2024 Meeting

President Joan T called our meeting to order.   She spoke about our Anniversary Celebration to everyone at the meeting as some present were not at our celebration dinner.   

This meeting was our Annual Business Meeting and Joan called for Committee Reports. 

Recording Secretary - Pat L shared  minutes from the previous meeting via email prior to the meeting.   There were  no additions or corrections so the minutes were accepted as presented.   

Treasurer - Caryl C distributed a recap of the finances for the year.    She reivewed and elaborated on entries as necessary and answered any questions.  

Membership - Robin T reported membership is currently at 39 member.  Robin has been in communication with Tonya Parks, EGA National Membership, for updates and clarification when needed.  She has received her first print out for members who renewed in April.      A current membership roster will be sent with the May Meeting follow-up email.

Regional Updates - Marian attended the Regional Seminar.   

- The National Seminar in Atlanta, GA will be August 14 - 18, 2024.   The in-person classes are full.   There are openings for the virtual class/es.   More information will follow on the National Meeting in Gettysburg in September 2025.  

- Camp Stitch-a-lot is scheduled for September 19 - 22, 2024 in Painted Post, New York (near Corning, NY)

- Camp WannaStitch is scheduled for January 16 - 20, 2025 in Ocean City, MD

- Regional Meetings will be via Zoom for 2025.  This format will eliminate class days and THAP workshops.    

- Continue to check your emails from Regional and National for virtual lectures that are offered.

Education - Linda W distributed a survey for members to indicate what types of classes, etc. they would be interested in having presented, if they had suggestions and if any would like to lead a class.

Outreach - Patti N will now Chair the Outreach Committee.   Come on stitchers, we woul love to see each member stitch one or two hearts.    What a great showing that would be.

 

Sunshines Committee - BJ  has been in the hospital and a card will be sent.

Contracts - Continue to work on completing your “Contract” projects.   These ‘contracts’ are with yourself as you make a ‘p[ledge’ to complete a project by the end of 2024.  New Contracts can be filled out if you complete the contracts already submitted.   See Pat L.

Publicity - Robin continues to update the Facebook page following each meeting as well as the Lamplighters Blog.   Meeting follow up newsletters are shared with Regional Director, Donne Pence.   Donna recently complimented Lamplighters on all our beautiful stitching we have posted.   Robin reminded everyone to check out the EGA’s Instagram page as well as World Embroidery page.  Robin is also working on an article to submit to NeedleArts anbout our 50th  Anniversary celebration.

Stitch in Public Day - This was discussed but no formal date and time was set.  Members were encouraged to stitch in public in their small groups and to take pictures that we can send to NeedleArts.

Tonight’s program

Linda reviewed the next steps in the blackwork bookmark.   She helped anyone who needed some guidance on one of the bands.  Linda also went over how to do the nun stitch edging once the blackwork is completed.  Linda had a book with alphabets for anyone who needs to find a blackwork letter for the center square.  Caryl also recommended a website for free albabets.  

 Marian already finsihed hers.   She used Kreinik for her initial.  

Show ‘n Tell

Wool appliqué candle mat by Robin T.

Betsy’s Tart from Plum Street, stitched by Robin T.

April, May and June from A Year of Celebration by Hands on Design stitched by Robin T.

Cheerful bell pull stitched by Deb N.

Lamplighter’s needlebook and Anniversary Thimble case by Marian S.

Ribbon embroidery, Lamplighter’s Needlebook and Anniversary Thimble Case by Linda W.

Top view of Linda’s ribbon embroidery

Sweet little sampler stitched by new member Diana T.

Upcoming - Christmas in July

Upcoming - Salem County Fair

Next meting June 13, 7 pm

April 2024 Anniversary Meeting

We were treated to a lovely dinner meeting at the Blue Plate in Mullica Hill to celebrate our 50th Anniversary as an Embroiderer’s Guild of American Member.    Our Chapter was actually official on February 13, 1974.  

A milestone like this cannot be successful without the organization, planning and leg work of the Officers and others who helped.   A BIG thank you to all who helped plan and organize the event.  Not only do the current members need to be thanked but all the members, over the years, that have helped to make this a viable, enjoyable, educational gathering of fellow stitchers.  

For those that were able to attend, we enjoyed a lovely get together.   We dined at the Blue Plate in Mullica Hill and the meal was fabulous.   

After our meal, President Joan T. shared the history of Lamplighters from their receiving a charter, to choosing a name and all the good things between February 1974 and present day.   Members shared memories.

 

Did you know that “Lamplighter’s” was chosen because the Chapter wanted to shed light on needlework and to show the way for others who wanted to learn needlework?   Seems like a pretty good name and pretty great mission statement.

    Our Historian, Lynn B., brought in scrapbooks of early newspaper articles, clippings, events,  etc. with Lamplighters featured.  

We were also treated to a display of Lamplighter projects over the years.

We had dessert of course.  A scrumptious white chocolate raspberry cake.   Yum!

Those who attended were treated for some goodies in an especially made project bag with a “Lamplighters” tag on it.    (Sorry couldn’t get a clear close up)

 

A 50th Anniversary Thimble Kit from Noteworthy Needle, a 50th Anniversary needlebook kit (with help from Knoxville Chapter EGA for their initial design), a black and gold “50” scissors fob and some candies that didn’t stick around long enough to be photographed!

A group shot of those who attended the dinner.    A few last minute cancellations, sorry to say.   

On a good note, stitchers we are growing!   We have 37 members with some rumblings from a few directions that some others are considering joining.    

Remember your dues are now paid on the EGA website.   All those up for renewal in May should have received their email notification.  Follow the directions and it is EZ PZ to do.

Again, thank you to all who attended and to all that made it possible.

Next meeting, May 9th.    Assignment is to complete Rows 1 to 5 on the Blackwood bookmark from the March Meeting.    Meeting starts a 7, doors with open at 6:45.   

March 2024 Meeting

For our March meeting we welcomed three new members.    Julie P., Diana T., and Marian C..   Joan welcomed them and each told us a little it about themselves and their stitching journey.   These stitchers joined our other new 2024 members Karin W. and Ann C..  We are 36 members strong and growing!

- President Joan Tierno shared the 2024 President’s Challenge.   She has challenged member to create a name tag in celebration of our 50th Anniversary.   She shared handouts of ideas and a gold thread for inspiration.

- Our Anniversary Dinner was discussed.  In lieu of an April Meeting, we will be meeting at the Blue Plate in Mullica Hill at 6 pm for dinner.    Reservations MUST be made as soon as possible as the final count is due March 29th.

- Membership - Reminder that ALL renewals are now done electronically.   You will receive an email from National in late April with instructions for renewal.   Members who joined PRIOR to January 1, 2024, will have the annual renewal date of May 31st.  Newer members will renew on the one year anniversary of their enrollment.  Dues will no longer be pro-rating based on the time of year you enroll.   Rather, your renewal will be one date from the date of your enrollment.  

- Upcoming Programs

Linda reminded everyone to check out their most recent issue of NeedleArts for Lightening Rounds and Group Correspondence Courses offered as well as the free charts that are available at EGAUSA.org

April Meeting - Anniversary Dinner - No regular meeting

May Meeting - Completion of the Blackwork Bookmark

June Meeting - Learning Bullion Knots

Christmas in July -  Spend a day with fellow stitchers and have instructions on 3 different Christmas Ornaments.    The event is all day (9 to 3) on Saturday, July 20th.   Guests are welcomed.    Attendees should bring their own lunch and beverages and are welcomed to bring some snacks to share.  We meet at a church in Wenonah - details will follow closer to the event.   Sign ups and payment due by the June meeting.  25 maximum  $20 per person.   

Gloucester County Library - Linda is coordinating a display for the library in honor of our 50th Anniversary.  Linda would like EACH Lamplighters to offer one piece for display.   More details will follow.

Tonight’s program

Linda lead us in stitching a blackwork bookmark.   This is a Petite Project from the EGAUSA.org site.  Our assignment is to stitch Rows 1 to 5 before the May meeting.   We will learn about the center motif and initial and finishing at the May meeting.

 

Websites of interest 

Finishing instructions. The Twisted Stitcher/Vonna Pfeffer

Blackwork - Wikipedia.

         Blackwork - Blackwork Journey 

Chantelle’s finishing items

 

Show and Tell

Perforated paper  and smalls by Linda W. A Kirdy Biggs Design.

 

Ellen Chester Design - larger spool, by Stacy S.  Smaller spool also by Stacy S.

Hey Pumpkin from Fat Quarter Shop by Robin T.  

Ukrainian Bookmark from Spring 2023 EGA Meeting, Robin T. 

Hearts for Hospice, Red, white and blue by Patti N.

Pink hearts by Katie C. 

Barnwood Buttons from Rosewood Manor, stitched by Robin T. 

Schwam Embroidery pillow from Knoxville EGA Correspondence Course, by Pat L.

2024 Anniversary Heart from Heart in Hand, stitched and finished by Caryl C. 

Katie C. wanted to learn to stitch plaid but wasn’t interested in doing the spider we did.   Instead she used waste canvas and stitched a heart on a sweatshirt.   Great idea Katie! 

 Lamplighters Class project from EGA, Over-dyed Spools, by Robin T.

Canvas piece from a Group Correspondence Course with a Texas EGA, stitched by Stacy S. 

Reindeer Games by Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle and Thread, stitched by  Caryl C.

Beautifully beaded necklace by Marian S. 

Plum Street, Christmas in the Colonies by Caryl C. 

Three Mill Hill Ornaments by Deb N.

Two Easter smalls by Carol E. from Shannon Christine Designs.

And there were more but they don’t seem to be on my camera roll! 

Next meeting - Anniversary Dinner, April 11, 6 pm, The Blue Plate.