ANNOUNCEMENTS -
New members were welcomed and special hello was said to Nan Benson visiting from Arizona. FYI to new members and a reminder to existing members, a stitched name tag must be worn at all meetings. New members have a two month grace period. Member's attending a meeting without a name tag must pay a $1 fee which is dedicated to our Conservation Fund.
Ann S. shared information about a lecture from 9 to 1 on November 4th. The speaker is from Early Southern Decorative Arts of Winston-Salem, NC. (MESDA) (See link above.) Maryland Quilts will be shared and discussed.
Upcoming at Winterthur
Natalie Brown shared information on a needlework seminar in March at Wintherthur. It will be mostly canvas work. More information to follow.
Elections
Ann S. and Lynn D. worked together on the Nominating Committee for this year's election of officers. Two positions are open: President and Secretary. Before reviewing the slate and proceeding with the elections, Ann S. shared all our appreciation to Susan D. our current DVHSG President for her hard work and efforts for our group. Only the President's position is open on the ballot as Caryl C. has agreed to continue as our Secretary. MaryRita M. is on the ballot for President. Nominations requested from the floor but there were none. A vote was called for MaryRita M and MR was elected our new President taking office January 1st. Congratulations MR!
Ann S. and Lynn D. worked together on the Nominating Committee for this year's election of officers. Two positions are open: President and Secretary. Before reviewing the slate and proceeding with the elections, Ann S. shared all our appreciation to Susan D. our current DVHSG President for her hard work and efforts for our group. Only the President's position is open on the ballot as Caryl C. has agreed to continue as our Secretary. MaryRita M. is on the ballot for President. Nominations requested from the floor but there were none. A vote was called for MaryRita M and MR was elected our new President taking office January 1st. Congratulations MR!
Insuring your needlework
In light of the hurricane disasters and fires on the west coast it makes you think about losing your needlework. A value should be put on it. A recent podcast by On Gary Parr entitled "Fiber Talk" there was a short discussion about valuing needlework for insurance purposes. This episode aired on October 11, 2018. For more information go to The Needles Worth. To access the podcast, download an app such as "Podcasts" for Apple (or similar for Smart Phones/Droids) You can also access via YouTube searching for "fiber Talks" or on "Flosstube"
PROGRAMS
- Our SAL for completing WIP's continues. The binder for recording your completed stitched pieces was circulated for any new entries.
- November - Our November meeting will take place at the Sheraton Wilmingon South, 365 Airport Road, Wilmington. We will have a lecture from Doug Krenik of Krenik Fibers. Sample packages of floss are available for pre-order. The package consists of 32 spools and skeins and patterns for $70. It is a $200 value. Contact Caryl C. if you are interested in pre-ordering. Admission is free for DVHSG members; guest entry fee will be $25 which will include a one-year membership to DVHSG. There is also a Webcast on Fiber Talk featuring an interview with Doug Krenik that is worth listening to.
- December - holiday gift exchange and luncheon
- January - share holiday related stitching gifts. 2018 SAL announcements
- February - Pat Yergey of Samplers Revisited will be our guest speaker.
- March - Nikki’s Creations from Italy Flower Pot needleroll. See the project below; more info on sign-ups, etc. will follow.
SHOW & TELL
By Francine - Summer House Worked completed and mounted in a shadow box.
Above - Francine obtained this vintage rocker pincushion from eBay and used some existing smalls as seat covers! Below - Francine repurposed existing smalls on this wooden block for a cute holiday cube.
12 Days of Christmas from Prairie Schooler by new member Eileen
BJ S. stitched this 'embroiderer's notebook' from A Mon Ami Pierre, called Reves Broduere
Lisa has already completed the goodie bag treat from our October Retreat last weekend at Salty Yarns. It is Spirits & Spells from Brenda Gervais.
Patrick shared the three dolls he has completed.
Three more from Eileen.
First, above
Second, a Sweetheart Tree design
And third, a Shepherd's Bush Christmas stocking.
Our ever-innovative Patrick created these chatelaines
PROGRAM
This month's program was a discussion and exhibit of Japanese Embroidery by DVHSG member Pat L. Pat provided us an overview of Japanese Embroidery. Pat started her journey into Japanese Embroidery after seeing works on display at the Annual Woodlawn Exhibit. While there, she picked up a card from teacher Toni Evans and they rest is history. Pat travels monthly to Maryland for her classes. Each phase consists of several options to choose from for the students. Each phase introduces a new technique or skill with each lesson building on the instructions of the previous lessons. After the first ten phases of instructions are completed, Pat can receive a certificate as an instructor.
Pat is on Phase IX currently. Phase X requires she travel to Atlanta GA to the Japanese Embroidery Center. Her nine prior phase pieces will be evaluated to assure she has perfected each before she stitches Phase X and is awarded the certificate. Following certificate after Phase X, there are 10 more Phases to perfect your skills!
Japanese Embroidery is all stitched in silk and on silk. Of course, there is a gold work element as well. The Japanese Embroidery is a journey of Zen and Art. It is different then any other type of embroidery. There are a lot of rules on the path to acquire technical skills and knowledge, understanding the world and the art, and accepting tranquility.
Phase I - featuring flat silk, twisting silk, cords and spacing.
Phase II/III - featuring padding, cords, tassels, super imposed work and gold work.
Phase III - featuring Gold work...not really gold. Real gold would be so expensive.
Phase IV - featuring gold work. While some may stitch this in real gold, using real gold would only be done by the "Rich and Famous" shall we say. Much too costly to use.
Phase V - featuring cords. There are 18 different types of cords used. Pat says this was her most intimidating piece to date.
Phase VI - featuring allternating long and short stitches, realistic stitching, more gold work and working with metallic background fabrics.
Phase VII - This is Pat's favorite piece. Japanese embroidery is so strict she needed to get approval from the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta to stitch these pansies on the black background. What if they didn't approve? They would not have provided the pattern for the work.
Phase VII - featuring fuzzy work....stretching the silk with each stitch laid in the valley.
Phase IX - Pat is currently working on Phase IX, super imposed work.
Above - tissue paper pattern is held in place with tiny magnets.
Japanese Embroidery comes with it's own set of tools. According to historians, this type of stitching is from early Japan when it was used for decorative stitching on costumes for the ladies of court. During early times, it was only done by a select group and only the highest of society could afford to do this work. Japanese Embroidery is now available to a wider audience while continuing with its underlying spiritual purpose.
Pat must use authentic Japanese tools such as hand milled needles ranging in price from $8 to $20 per needle and a tachabari, Japanese laying tool. Below is her floor stand. Much like a slate frame and a requirement for Japanese Embroidery. Work my be held flat to for stitching.
Twelve strands of silk across Nan's fingers....thinning than a fine hair!
Thank you Pat! I have seen Pat's display before but each time I come away with more knowledge and a deeper appreciation of Japanese Embroidery.
