April 2026 Meeting

We had a brief Business Meeting so we could get to today’s program.   New members were acknowledged.  Minutes of the prior meeting approved.  Treasurer’s Report provided.

Programs Updates.

The Spring Guild Retreat will be later this month at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD.   It is always a good time with friends old and new.  Registration for the event has closed.  Make sure you sign up in time for the next retreat - Fall Retreat, November 13, 14 and 15, 2026.

Update on the Violets & Verses SAL.   For those who ordered the chart only, the charts have been mailed by Jennifer directly to the stitcher.   For those who ordered the kits, they will be mailed next week directly to each stitcher.   Thank you to Carol P who has created a SAL schedule for the piece.

Conservation - Conservation Chair, Marnie B, has sent out 19 applications for the 2026 conservation fund.  

Today’s Program

We welcomed Merry Susan Schreck of Prim Peacock Samplers to the meeting.   Merry Susan is well versed in all things Shaker.   One has to look for context of what was going on in the world, the who and the where.   So who were the Shakers.    They are a Christian Group - the United Society of Christian belief, founded in England in 1750.    One of their prinicples is a pledge of celebacy after joining the group which contributes to the fact that today there are only 3 remaining Shakers.   They only grow by converts and there is only one remaining active community.   At their peak, there were 20 communities with each having hundreds are members.

Founded by Ann Lee many were formerly Quakers and many were illiterate factory workers.   In 1774 Ann Lee has a vision to travel to the colonies.   She created an American movement.   There motto was “Hand to work, hearts to God”.  As a convert, you surrender all your possessions and property.  The community provided everything to the members.  Housing, food, clothing, jobs, community and worship.  Every member had a job that fit their skills and all lived and worked in a somewhat communal manner.  They were a pacifist group and believed in the equality of sexes and the races.  They were very progressive for the time and adapted to modern technology at every opportunity.   Often by their own inventions and refinements of existing technology.   They had indoor plumbing before the White House did.   They were also the first group to package seeds for farmers and gardens.  The reputation of te quality of their furniture still stands today.

The characteristics of a Shaker Sampler were beauty from simplicity.  Their main focus was marking samplers.  Samplers had minimal borders and orderly had motifs.  

In the 1850, with the decline of male members, the woman had to rethink how to fund the commodity.   They created Fancy Goods - Shaker sewing boxes were created.   If you purchased one, you had a lifetime Dartmouth on the icing and return it for replacement.   Shaker boxes today have no connection with the Shakers group itself but do replicate the style and workmanship.   

Poplarware was another craft the worked on and sold.   They were expert weavers and using for New England Poplar which is a very straight tree.    (I will insert later a photo of Poplarware)

Thank you Merry Susan for a lively, informative discussion!   

Here is a local possiblity for stitchers.   Tess’ Bake Shoppe in West Chester has a “craft night” the first Tuesday of each month.   If you live in the area, stop on by!

Next meeting:   May 9 in person and Zoom.  Guest speaker:   Theresa Venette of Shakespeare’s Peddler

32 were present in person

32 participated via zoom

March 2026 Meeting

 

For our March Meeting  we were treated to a Needlework Press Patriotic Project.    The kit was a pre-order.  However, we bought extra and they are still available.   (Pop a message on our Facebook page and someone will get back to you.)    Kits were mailed or handed out at the meeting.   The meeting was devoted to the assembly of the book and the stitching did not have to be completed prior the meeting.  Fabric, mat board, ribbon and the insert were provided.

But let me go back to  the cover ‘business’ first.   President Eve C welcomed all.  The normal reports were given, upcoming program schedule was reviewed and announcements.

Treasurer’s Report was given.  Balances available in the general fund was provided as well as the balances for each of the two conservation funds.

Upcoming programs - As a reminder, our “tentative” calendar for 2026 is posted under Files on our Facebook page.   “Tentative” because we all know things are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.

For April, we will welcome Merry Susan Shreck of Prim Peacock Samplers.   She will be talking on Shaker Samplers and Fancy Goods.

Spring Retreat - Our Spring Retreat will be at Salty Yarns April 17 - 19, 2026.   Effective with this retreat, there is a $50 non-refundable deposits.  Deadline for sign-ups is Saturday, March 21, 2026.

For May, Theresa Venette of Shakespeare’s Peddler will be our guest speaker.  

Fall Retreat - Our Fall Retreat will be at Salty Yarns the same weekend as our November Guild Meeting.   November 13th, 14th and 15th.  Barbara Hutson will join the meeting for a sampler presentation.   There will be a hybrid option for those not attending the retreat.

Other News:   We encourage members to bring non-perishable food items to the in-person meetings to add to the Church’s Food Bank.   Remote members, we encourage you to donate at your local food bank.

America’s Tapestry - Continued kudos to members Becky and Amy for their diligence on the Delaware’s America’s Tapestry.  They are working to meet the deadline of April 1st.

Chester County History Center will be hosting two classes in May.  The first class will be with Amy Mitten,via zoom. The second with Kathy Lesieur.  They will be May 13th and May 14th.   Registration has not yet opened.  

Thank you to Patrick for handling the distribution of her participation gifts tothose who logged their completed projects in the Guild’s Green Book.

Embroiderer’s Guild of America/EGA has a virtual lecture series.  Lectures are $5 for EGA members and $25 for non-members.  Check out their website at EGAUSA.org

Prizes were also awarded to those who shared their pieces in our Designer of the Year Showcase in January  

We are continuing our partnership with Floss and Flame in Dover, Delaware.   Member of the guild receive discounts on selected patterns.   Each month three patriotic patterns are featured on Floss and Flames website.   Scroll to the bottom of their website and use the DVHSG link.   The password is provided in your member newsletter.  Each month a small, medium and large chart anre chosen. You have the option to buy the pattern only or have it kitted.   Guild members receive a 15% statement on these and on in store purchases.

Don’t forget your secret stitcher.  Please let Susan H know if you have any issues or have moved.   Remember to post on the Facebook page a thank you and photos of gifts your receive.   If you do not have Facebook, forward pictures  to Susan and she will post on your behalf.   Since your Secret Stitcher is a “secret”, this is a way to send a Thank You as well as to let them know the package has been received..

DVHSG Merchandise - We are thinking of selling t-shirts, bags, etc. with the DVHSG logo.   This is still in the talking stage and we are asking for volunteers to research and manage this.

Auction - Many of you are away, we lost a long-time and original member of DVHSG last summer.   The family has generously donated many of her charts, kits and DVSHG projects for sale.  Their request is that all proceeds be dedicated to sampler conservations.   In order to open up sales to more than just  members who attend meetings to allow other stitchers the opportunity, we will start selling these on Facebook.  Our Facebook page stipulates ‘no sales’ allowed.  We are making an exception because all profits will benefit conservation.   In addition, since our group is open to sampler lovers and stitcher’s who are not guild members, we will have a broader pool of potential buyers and be able to get the best prices.   Many thanks to Caitlin B for coordinating this.

In our midst, The Old Man and the Bea was mentioning on Brenda and the Serial Stitcher's  flosstube.   This is the design company of member Susan H and her husband.

Floss and Flame is planning a weekend retreat in November.They are still working on the details for this first in-person retreat.   The date will be November 6 - 8.

Some of our Show and Tell for the day.

Next meeting - In person and Zoom - April 11, 2026   Merry Susan Schreck of Prim Peacock Samplers

February 2026 Meeting

President Eve welcomed everyone to the meeting.   She had any visitors and new members introduce themselves.

The meeting was turned  over to Program Chair, Stacy, to introduce our guest, Jennifer Richardson of Violets & Verses.

Jennifer shared her antique Susannah Baughan sampler with the group.   She knew she wanted to chart it as soon as she bought it.    First, she stitched it in the original colors which has a lot of greens in it.   She was able to use a ready made frame from Hobby Lobby to frame it.  Since the sampler was stitched in 1776, once she completed the original, she had the idea to stitch it again using red, white and blue.   She made minor changes to the colors and recharted the birds to be eagles on the red, white and blue chart.  

Jennifer did her research on the stitcher and found three possible Susannah Baughan’s, possibly with the last name spelled as “Vaughan”.    “B” and “V” could easily be interchanged in public records at that time.  All three were from Virginia.   At the time this would have been stitched, Virginia was the largest and most populated of the colonies.  Also, Virginia was a major center to the Revolution.  It was both an exciting time as well as a trying time.   Patrick Henry would have been in Virginia making his famous speech “Give me liberty or give me death!” at this time.      Needlework would have been very popular during the war.   Wives and mothers stitched in remembrance of husbands and sons away or even lost at war.   Spies!  Even spies stitched messages in needlework and hid information in their floss and stitching baskets.  

Jennifer had come to the conclusion that Suzannah “Susy” Tucker Vaughan is the stitcher.   She was a black woman.  Black women, even enslaved women, would have had access to linen and fiber at this time.   She was a resident of Henrico County, Virginia and would have been 61 in 1776.  She was the mother of Littlebury Vaughan who was fighting the the Revolution.   

The border on the sampler is a series alternating strawberries and what are possibly four leaf clovers.   It is a very symmetrical sampler/one half mirrors the other.  It is stitched mainly in regular cross stitch and features satin stitch, eyelets on the alphabet and some over one stitching.   The alphabet is done in all eyelets and has the “V” before the “U”.   The border has two stitched squares in the bottom corners.   Jennifer is not sure what they represent.   They could be presents, they could be regimental flags or they could also be religious symbols as there is a cross stitched in each square.   These stitches and the motifs are more indication that it was an older stitcher.

Stitching tips for the stitches used:  using a laying tool for the satin stitches; get into a rhythm with the eyelets remembering to always be thinking one stitch ahead for placement of each stitch and to maintain the ‘eyelet, not to carry any threads across the center-back of the eyelet.   

This chart will be our Stitch-A-Long for 2026.   Member Carol P. will take the lead on a stitching schedule.   This SAL will start either in April or May.  Jennifer says the sampler is small enough that it can be finished by December.  The chart includes both color ways.   Available for purchase are options for chart only, chart and 36 count linen or chart, linen and thread.  It is charted with both Gentle Arts and Classic Colorworks fibers.  Jennifer includes her contact information on her charts and welcomes any contact for questions on stitching the sampler.  The deadline to order is February 21, 2026.  If you decide to order, please email Stacy so she can include you in the order in case your mail does not arrive by the 21st.

We thanked Jennifer for her wealth of sampler knowledge and these lovely sampler charts.

Eve resumed the Business portion of the meeting.   The minutes were provided via email to all members.  She called for questions and revisions, having none, the minutes were accepted as provided.

Treasurer’s Report - Robin outlined what was paid as well as received during January.  At this time, we have no outstanding invoices.   

Currently there are 208 paid members for 2026.   Members need to renew by the March meeting or they will be removed from our mailings and email lists.  The membership list will be revised following the March meeting and will be shared with all members in April.   When you receive your new member list, please review you personal information for accuracy.   

The website has been updated to reflect the new yearly dues amount and some word-smithing.

Effective with the Spring Retreat at Salty Yarns, there is a $50 non-refundable deposit.   Our retreat forms have been updated to include this going forward.  

Robin also wanted to note the generosity of many of our members who include a donation to the Conservation Fund each year when they renew their membership.      

Programs

February - Violets & Verses Sampler.  Sign-ups open until February 21st.   Please email Stacy when you sign up so you can be included in the order.  Checks are to be made payable to Violets & Verses.

March - Needlework Press Patriotic Booklet.   Vicki of Needlework Press has designed a chart for a patriotic mini book.   The meeting will be putting the book together.  The piece that will go on the front of the book.  Your stitching does not need to be stitched by the March meeting.  Linen and floss are to be provided by each stitcher.   The kit will include the booklet cover fabric, the mat boards, the insert and the chart featuring two options for stitching.  The chart is to be stitching over two on 36 count.  A picture of the chart has been posted to our Facebook page.  A picture of the floss choices and booklet fabric was posted to Facebook on February 15th.    This also has a deadline of February 21st.   Please email Stacy when you sign to so you can be include in the order.  A complete list of stitching and finishing items needed will be provided before the March meeting.    

April - Merry Susan Schreck of Prim Peacock Designs will be live at our meeting.   She will be bringing her collection of Shaker Smalls to discuss.

April Retreat - The Retreat will be at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD.   The cost is $120 and there is a $50 non-refundible deposit.  We will be playing Left-Right-Center so bring your sets of 3 items to the retreat.   More information will be shared closer to the event.   Sign up deadline is March 14th.  Checks are to be made payable to SALTY YARNS.

May - Theresa Vinette of Shakespeare’s Peddler will be our guest speaker.    There is no project associated with this meeting.  Theresa will be bringing a trunk show.

June - Katie Strachin will be our guest speaker.

July - Stash Nash will be our speaker and will share a patriotic small project.

August - Claudia Dutcher will discuss Bristol smalls.

September - Jackie duPlessis wool work motif sampler.   Pre-registration has been completed.

October - Garage Sale

November - Our meeting and our Fall Retreat will be on the same weekend, therefore, the meeting will be available in person at Salty Yarns or via Zoom.  Our guest will be Barbara Hutson from Queenstown Samplers.

December - Annual Holiday Exchange and Covered-dish luncheon.

Retreats - For the benefit of new members, Stacy explained how our retreats work and what is included in the price.  We no longer receive “goody bags” but do receive a store discount on items bought during the retreats. 

Floss and Flame - Don’t forget, when shopping in person, you will receive a 10% discount on your purchases at Floss and Flame.   They are also offering 3 patriotic patterns each month at discounted prices.  Ordering through her website using the DVHSG link, you will receive a 15% discount on the monthly featured charts.  You will have the option for charts, fibers and/or linen.  The new patterns will run meeting date to meeting date and be announced at our monthly meetings.   

Chester County History Center - Marnie B.  shared that registration for the  Amy Mitten Class is now open.   The class is limited to 15.   There will be a discount on the registration to DVHSG members.   On Wednesday, 5/13, the class will run from 10 am to 5 pm, please bring a bagged lunch.   On Thursday, 5/14 Pinball Class with Kathy Lesieur has not opened registration yet.

Green Book - Remember to submit your list of completed 2025 projects to Patrick by February 28th.   A small gift to participants will be given out in March.

America’s Tapestry - Amy Gilley shared the status of Delaware Tapestry.   They are getting close to completion and hope to be able to appliqué all the ‘slips’ shortly.   Kudos to both Beth Gutin and Amy for this monumental undertaking.   Although I am sure they have enjoyed this endeavor I know they are looking forward to passing it on to Stephan Romero April 1st.

Show and Tell -

AWE Sampler from Hands Across the Sea, Loretta O’s Blessing Sampler

Blossoms and Berries by Catherine Theron, stitched by Sandy D. with NPI silks.  This was our November class.

Music Among the Trees from Samplers Not Forgotten, stitched by Sandy D on 

36 count Cappuccino from Fiber on a Whim

Upcoming - Penn Dry Goods Days at the Schwenkfelder History Center in Schwenksville, PA, in May.

DVHSG Merchandise - Stacy had shared the idea of selling DVHSG shirts, possible bags, etc, with our logo at a prior meeting.   She asked for volunteers to spearhead and handle this.  Please contact Stacy if you may be interested.  

Upcoming Auction - As may of you know, we lost a long-time member of DVHSG last summer.   The family of member Ann S. has generously donated many of her charts, kits and class pieces for DVHSG to sell.  Their only stipulation is that any proceeds from all sales go to our conservation fund.   We have thought long and hard for the best way to handle these sales so everyone has the opportunity to participate and not just those who attend meetings.   Although our Facebook page has the stipulation that ‘no sales’ allowed we will be making an exception in this case since it benefits our conservation efforts.    Using Facebook to auction these items we will be able to reach all Guild members and not just those who are in attendance at the monthly meeting.  In addition, since the group is open to all samplers lovers and stitchers, we will have a much larger audience and get the best prices for these items.    The final details are still being developed.   Complete instructions on how this ‘auction’ will work will be provided to all members in advance.  We anticipate there will be two to three items up for auction at open time.

There were 83 members online for this Zoom Meeting. 

Next meeting:    March 14, 2026

January 2026

We started off 2026 with a great meeting.   Jeannette Douglas of Jeannette Douglas Designs joined our meeting.   She was our Designer of the Year for 2025.  Members were encouraged to choose her patterns to stitch in 2025.   We had a great slide show featuring her designs.

Fall Posey by Linda D

Mini Floral Baskets, stitched by Ellen P

Love to Stitch Box by Diane H

Chubby Bird by Marnie B.

Christmas Box by Debbie B

Learning Stitches Sampler by Becky G

Spool by Amy G

Tiny Christmas Biscournu by Debbie B.    This won Debbie a prize at the Maryland State Fair.  Wahoo!

Chubby Squirrel

The back of Debbie’s pieces from the Garden Box.

Soar into Summer by Debbie B

A “Cubby” Collection by Jean T.

Take Time to Collect by Mary Rita

Chubby Sheep by Caryl C

With you, I’m Home stitched by Jean C

Take Time to Stitch Box by Mary Rita

My Story by Debbie.  Another award winner in the Maryland State Fair

Topiary Pin Pillow by Amy G

Acorn Tray by Caryl C

Garden Box by Marnie B

Scissors and Thread, Sew Together #3 by Debbie B

These are just of sampling of the wonderful pieces completed by our stitchers in 2025.

Next meeting - February 15 - Zoom only

November - December 2025 Meeting

Stitcher’s - We met via Zoom in November.   Following the short Business Meeting, those who had pre-registered for the Catherine Theron Class were re-directed to a separate Zoom link.   The remainder stayed online for a Stitcher-in.

For December - we held our Annual Holiday Luncheon.  Members brought covered dishes to share and the Guild provided sandwiches.  Before we enjoyed the goodies, we had our Holiday Exchange.   Participation is voluntary with the only requirements being your gift should be a sampler themed, small stitched piece.   The exchange piece must include the Guild initials, your initials and the year.   There is no advance sign up and last minute finishes often appear.    Bring a gift, get a gift.  What a bevy of beautiful stitched pieces.   We had 16 participate in person and 2 participate via Zoom (exchanging between themselves by mail)    

Feast your eyes on some of the exchange pieces.   Our stitchers are very talented.

Guild updates and coming programs

JANUARY meeting will be by Zoom.  We will be sharing all our Designer of the Year finishes.   For 2025, Jeannette Douglas was our designer of the year.  Please send pictures and details about your finishes to Susan H including the name of the pattern no later than Tuesday prior to the January meeting.    Items don’t have to be fully finished by need to be fully stitched.   We will also be sharing any stitching related Christmas gifts received.

FEBRUARY meeting will be by Zoom.  We are not having a designer of the year for 2026.  Instead we are encouraging stitchers to stitch patriotic pieces to commemorate our country’s 250th birthday.  

Jennifer Richardson of Violets & Verses will be our guest speaker.   She will be discussing a sampler stitched in 1776.   Jennifer has charted it as originally stitched and then again in red white and blue.  We will launch this as a year long SAL.   Carol P will create a suggested stitching schedule.  Details on purchasing the chart only or kitted have yet to be finalized.

For those who participating in the Catherine Theron class in November, the second session of the class will be following the Febraury Meeting.  

MARCH meeting will be an in-person and Zoom meeting with Vicki Jennette of Needlework Press.   She will be desiging a patriotic book.  The project will be pre-stitched and finsihed in the meeting.  More details to follow.   Below is a picture of the DVHSG Anniversary book Vicki designed for our 20th Anniversary celebration.    Below is the 2020 Anniversary book as an example.

Guild Business and Upcoming 

Conservation  We have sent checks to our three recipients for our 2025 Conservation Award.   Cape May Historic Society, Cape May, New Jersey; Litchfield Historic Society, Litchfield, CT; and MESDA in Winston-Salem, NC.  Applications are available on our website, www.dvhsg.org    To date, we have donated over $37,000 to sampler restoration, conservation and education.

We are continuing our food drive for the Church’s food pantry.   Bring non-perishable items to in-person meetings.  Please consider donating to your locate church or food pantry.

We are considering selling some of our excess gift items that have accumulated over the year.   We have pens, tablets, corner gauges, etc that will be brought to a future in person meeting and sold.   Members will be notified prior to the meeting via your newsletter.  

Secret Stitcher - If you are participating remember to send your gifts while not revealing yourself until August.   And more important, if you move, please let Susan H know and she will pass on the information to your secret pal.

Zoom Meetings -  Members remember to send your Show and Tell for Zoom meeting to Kelly E at the email provided in the Newsletter.  Pictures should be emails no later than the Wednesday prior to the meeting.

Stitch-in - We will be having a Stitch - in for December.   Members will be emailed a reminder.

Spring Retreat at Salty Yarns in Berlin. MD will be APril 17, 18 and 19.   Sign up forms will be with your newsletter.  

Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD will be November 14, 15 and 16.   Barbara Hudson of Queenstown Samplers will be our guest at the meeting.

Designer of the Year for 2026 -  We are not featuring a Designer of the Year for 2026.  We are asking members to focus on patriotic patterns.   Watch for more information about a collaboration we are working on with Floss and Flame in Dover, Delaware.   More information will be provided once the details are worked out but I can share that there will be selected patriotic patterns shared each month at a discount. 

Show and Tell for December 

Guild updates and coming programs

JANUARY meeting will be by Zoom.  We will be sharing all our Deisgner of the Year finishes.   For 2025, Jeannette Douglas was our designer of the year.  Please send pictures and details about your finishes.   Items don’t have to be fully finished by need to be fully stitched.  Members should send their smooshed to Susan H with the name of the chart no later than the Tuesday prior to the January meeting.   We will also be sharing any stitching related Christmas gifts received.

FEBRUARY meeting will be by Zoom.  We are not having a stranger of the year for 2026.  Instead we are encouraging stitchers to stitch patriotic pieces to commemorate our country’s 250th birthday.  

Jennifer RIchardson of Violets & Verses will be our guest speaker.   She will be discussing a sampler stitched in 1776.   Jennifer has charted it as originally stitched and then again in red white and blue.  We will launch this as a year long SAL.   Carol P will create a suggested stitching schedule.  Details on purchasing the chart only or kitted have yet to be finalized.

For those who participating in the Catherine Theron class in November, the second session of the class will be following the Febraury Meeting.  

Our Program Coordinator is working with a local cross stitch store for discounts on selected patriotic pieces.   More information will follow on this members only special.  

MARCH meeting will be an in-person and Zoom meeting with Vicki Jennette of Needlework Press.   She will be desiging a patriotic book.  The project will be pre-stitched and finsihed in the meeting.  More details to follow.   Below is a picture of the DVHSG Anniversary book Vicki designed for our 20th Anniversary celebration.  

We are considering selling some of our excess gift items that have accumulated over the year.   We have pens, tablets, corner gauges, etc that will be brought to a future in person meeting and sold.   Members will b e notified prior to the meeting via your newsletter.   We also have two items that we will be raffling.   We donated to the publishing costs of the Tennessee Sampler Book and we were gifted a copy of the book.  Teresa Miller has donated the model of the DVHSG Huswif that she designed and taught at our Septmber MEeting.   We will also be raffle this.  More details to on how we will handle ticket sales.   Both will be open to all members, not just those who are present.

Spring Retreat at Salty Yarns in Berlin. MD will be APril 17, 18 and 19.   Sign up forms will be with your newsletter.  

Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD will be NOvember 14, 15 and 16.   Barbara Hudson of Queenstown Samplers will be our guest at the meeting.