October 2025 Meeting

Our President called the meeting to order welcoming all.   She asked for any changes to the September Meeting Minutes (circulated as September Newsletter).  Having no corrections or comments the September Newsletter/Minutes were accepted as presented.

Guests were welcomed and introduced themselves.    Marian J, Springfield, PA, recently joined and was attending her first meeting.  Robin K., from the Elkton area, MD area, heard about us, attended the meeting and joined on the spot.

Committee Reports were shared with membership. 

Treasurer’s Report was shared.   Treasurer thanked everyone for their generosity in donating towards the APS Fund in memory of a member we recently lost.  We will be keeping the donations open until the December Meeting.  Stacy will speak with Barbara Hutson of Queenstown Samplers, requesting she suggest a Delaware Sampler to restore in Ann’s name.

For the Garage Sale, members are encouraged to donate a percentage of their sales to the conservation fund.   Susan H found a group that will take any needlework donation items without needing to make an appointment and they do not have a minimum of boxes they will take.   She  took with her as many boxes as she was able to fit in her vehicle.  These items will be donated to the Mennonite group for sale.   DVHSG will not receive any compensation from the donations or sales.  Thank you Susan for this and all your efforts for the Guild!

The Green Book - Patrick reminded stitchers to post finishes to the Green Book.  Prizes will be awarded for those who participate in listing their 2025 stitching finishes.

Canned Goods Drive - Starting in December, members are asked to bring non-perishable items for the food pantry for the Ebenezer United Methodist Church.   For away stitchers, we urge you to make donations to your locals churches or food pantries.  We will do this ongoing and not just for the holidays.   

Conservation  - Marnie provided an update on the donation we made to the Salem County Historic Society in 2024.  We had agreed to assist with covering the framing costs once the piece was restored.   Marnie received an email from them stating the Rachel Finlaw Sampler has been completed and the Historic Society will cover the cost of framing.   The $300 that has been held in reserve can now be released back to the available funds.

The Conservation Committee is evaluating three applications for the 2025 donation:  Cape May County Historic Society, Cape May, NJ;  Mesda, Winston-Salem, NC; and Litchfield, CT.  The costs for conservation seems to have skyrocketed.   Of the three requests, none are low enough for us to cover completely.  For example, Litchfield has a silk sampler from the Litchfield Academy with a $10,000 estimate for restoration and conservation.    The Committee will review and make their recommendation.

A question was asked if we ever see any follow up about the work we have funded.   Marnie shared information on a recent comprehensive report that included photos and documentation for the conservation work we funded to MESDA on the silk gauze 13 colonies map.   Marnie has also recently spoke with Ellen Enslow from Chester County.   We donated money to them last year to help fund an educational symposium and Ellen shared an update on the status of the pending event.

Designer of the Year - Submit photos of your finishes as you complete them to Susan H for the PowerPoint.

Number 3 is the UFO Focus Project for the month.   Members chose 5 of their projects in January, numbering them 1 to 5.   Each month a random number is pulled and the associated project is their focus piece for the month.  

Secret Stitcher - Susan requested if you have not yet revealed yourself to your Secret Stitcher recipient from last year, you need to do so right away.   All Secret Stitchers for the current year should send their first gift no later than October  31st.

Nominating Committee - The offices of President and Secretary are up for re-election in November.    Mary Rita presented the slate of officers for the November election

        President -      Eve C

                               Patrick B

        Secretary -     Caryl C.

Will be do anonymous voting via the Chat Box on Zoom.   Instructions will be given during the meeting how to participate in the voting.

Members were thanked for using the ID slips for the Show and Tell - It proves very helpful for viewing as well as for those who take pictures.

America’s Tapestry Update - Members Amy and Becky appeared on Fiber Talk with Gary Parr on Sunday, October 12th.   

Several members completed the September Wool and Cross Stitch Class piece from Teresa Miller.  One is from Lynn D and the other Carol P

Red sampler by Lynn D

Rebecca Noland Sampler by Carol P.

Jane Harris Needle Roll from our July Meeting with Dawn Ronningen.  Stitched and finished by Carol P.

Mabel Tukes Sampler from our Class with Sassy Jack’s

Sampler by Lynn D

All these dutiful stitchers put labels by their pieces to identify them.   Silly me cropped them right out when I saved the photos!   Lesson learned.

Upcoming meetings -

November, We will have a short business meeting prior to our Catherine Theron Class when we will hold our elections.   This will be a Zoom Only meeting.  There will be two Zoom links provided.   One to all members and a separate link that the class participants will use once the class starts.   Non-class members can stay on-line and have a stitch-in.

    November Retreat - We will again have our Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD.   The Cost is $100 which includes a Friday evening cocktail party, a Saturday lunch, extended store hours and a wonderful well light room where you do not need to bring any of your own lighting!   Housing is on your own.  We will be playing Bingo and Left-RIght-Center.   To participate in L-R-C bring multiple of 3 items for each round you wish to participate in.   Items could be 3 skeins of floss, 3 candy bars, 3 bags of buttons, 3 sets of floss drops, etc.   Deadline for sign-up was October 1, 2025.

    December is our Annual Holiday Party.   We will have a smalls exchange.  If you wish to participate in the exchange bring a small wrapped item.   Your exchange piece should be a small, sampler related piece stitched by you.   You must include your initials, the Guild initials and the year.    Even if you are not participating, everyone is welcomed to attend, feast your eyes on the beautiful exchange pieces and enjoy the day.  All are asked to bring a covered dish to share and your own beverage.   The Guild will provide wraps or sandwiches.

    April 2026 - Spring Retreat will be the weekend of April 17, 2026.  More information will follow.

    November 2026 - Annual Fall Retreat  will be the weekend of our November Meeting, November 14, 2026.   Barbara Hutson of Queenstown Samplers will be our guest speaker.

For Zoom Only meetings, please send your Show ‘n Tell items to Kelly E at the email provided in the newsletter.  Items should be sent to Kelly no later than the Tuesday prior to the meeting to allow Kelly time to create the PowerPoint.

Membership 249

Next Meeting - Catherine Theron class November 8th.

Spring Retreat will be April 17, 2026

September 2025 Meeting

Our President called the meeting to order welcoming all.   She asked for any changes to the August Meeting Minutes (circulated as August Newsletter).  Having no corrections or comments the August Newsletter/Minutes were accepted as presented.

Committee Reports were shared with membership.  During the Treasurer’s Report, Robin outlined a discussion she is currently having with he Board of DVHSG regarding an increase to our annual dues.   She citing an increase in postage, PO Box Rental, Zoom fees, Website fees, etc.   An increase to $30 is recommended.  Any increase would not be effective until January 1, 2026.

The Green Book - Patrick reminded stitchers to post finishes to the Green Book.  Prizes will be awarded for those who participate in listing their 2025 stitching finishes.

Conservation - Marnie has received word from Salem County Historic Society that they have the Rachel Finlaw sampler at the framers.  They received funds from our Conservation Fund in 2024 for conserving this sampler.   Marie reported she is expecting three submission for this year’s award.  

Designer of the Year - Submit photos of your finishes to Susan H for the PowerPoint.

Number 2 is the UFO Focus Project for the month.   Members chose 5 of their projects in January, numbering them 1 to 5.   Each month a random number is pulled and the associated project is their focus piece for the month.  

Nominating Committee - The offices of President and Secretary are up for re-election in November.    Both Officers are willing to continue in their positions.   Please contact Mary Rita if you have any questions or would like to run for a position.   The final slate will be presented at the October meeting with voting at the November meeting.  

Tennessee Sampler Book - We have received a Complimentary Copy of the publication as a thank you for donating to their printing efforts.   We will be raffling it off in the future.   Stay tuned for more details.

Upcoming meetings -

    For October, we will be having our Annual Garage Sale.   Members bring needlework items and sell, barter and trade their no longer needed charts, supplies, etc.  The Guild suggests members provide a percentage of their sales at the Garage Sale to the Conservation Fund.  In the past, a volunteer has taken all the left over items to Fireside for eBay sales.    Since FIreside is no longer accepting items for sale, each ‘seller’ is responsible for taking home any items left.  This is a Non-Zoom meeting.

    November, we will have a short business meeting prior to our Catherine Theron Class.   This will be a Zoom Only meeting.

    November Retreat - We will again have our Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD.   The Cost is $100 which includes a Friday evening cocktail party, a Saturday lunch, extended store hours and a wonderful well light room where you do not need to bring any of your own lighting!   Housing is on your own.  We will be playing Bingo and Left-RIght-Center.   To participate in L-R-C bring multiple of 3 items for each round you wish to participate in.   Items could be 3 skeins of floss, 3 candy bars, 3 bags of buttons, 3 sets of floss drops, etc.   Deadline for sign-up is October 1, 2025.

    December is our Annual Holiday Party.   We will have a smalls exchange.  If you wish to participate in the exchange bring a small wrapped item.   Your exchange piece should be a small, sampler related piece stitched by you.   You must include your initials, the Guild initials and the year.    Even if you are not participating, everyone is welcomed to attend, feast your eyes on the beautiful exchange pieces and enjoy the day.  All are asked to bring a covered dish to share and your own beverage.   The Guild will provide wraps or sandwiches.

    April 2026 - Spring Retreat will be the weekend of April 17, 2026.  More information will follow.

    November 2026 - Annual Fall Retreat  will be the weekend of our November Meeting, November 14, 2026.   Barbara Hutson of Queenstown Samplers will be our guest speaker.

For Zoom Only meetings, please send your Show ‘n Tell items to Kelly E at the email provided in the newsletter.  Items should be sent to Kelly no later than the Tuesday prior to the meeting to allow Kelly time to create the PowerPoint.

Stacy shared a needlework piece that she has been gifted by the family of Ann S.  It is a beautiful piece and a lovely gesture on the part of Ann’s family.

Today’s program was a lovely needle roll piece from Teresa’s Primitives.   She designed the piece for DVHSG with cross stitched guild initials and our logo Berry Bowl done in wool.   Those who participated enjoying the class.  

Next meeting - October 11, 2025.  In person only

August 2025 Meeting

Our President called the meeting to order.  Committee Reports were shared and questions answered.

There was little bit of a recap of the retreat at Hobby House Needleworks.   Three members who have never been able to attend a meeting because of where they live (Ohio, NY close to Montreal, Canada and upstate NY) were able to join us.  It was so great they got to join us.  Organizer's asked stitchers to bring any old charts for a ‘raffle’ to help defray the costs.   Those stitchers were the best and brought in enough old charts, kits and supplies to create 21 baskets.  There were even more kits and charts that were set aside for door prizes at upcoming events.  Once all the costs were covered, $301 was donated to the APS Memorial Sampler Conservation Fund.   The Treasurer noted that all costs were covered by the attendees and no money from the Guild’s treasury was needed for the event. 

Stitcher’s working on one of the two Make-it/Take it activities.  This one was beaded scissor fob.

Everyone enjoyed playing Left-Right-Center

We gathered for a Meet and Greet in the lounge.

Now and forever know as the “table of misbehavior”.  Not really.   Lots of laughs and good fun.

Susan and Becky working on the America’s Tapestry

It was such fun and everyone enjoyed themselves so we will probably do a summer retreat again.  Maybe every other year; maybe to a different location.  

Programs - September  - Teresa Miller Primitive Designs.    The class list has been submitted to Teresa.   The class will be during the September Meeting.   We will have the room until 3 p.m. on that day.   Please bring your own beverages and a packed lunch.   We will be ordering pizza as well at a cost of $5 per person if you would like to have pizza. If you are an Away Stitcher, you will receive your kit in the mail directly from Teresa.  Becky and Amy will have the Delaware Tapestry there to work on for those not taking the class.  

October - Garage Sale - There will be no Zoom for this meeting.   Bring in your unwanted charts and needlework supplies to sell.   Bargains will be found!

November - Catherine Theron Classes - Class limit of 30.   Please check with Stacy if you are interested to see if there are any seats available.  Those who have signed, have been notified if they made the cut off.

December - Holiday Exchange and Luncheon.   If you wish to participate in the exchange, please bring a sampler related small.   You need to include the guild’s initials, the year and your initials on the piece.   The Guild will provide sandwiches and members should their own beverages and a covered dish to share.  

It is Secret Stitcher Reveal Month so make sure you get your final gift sent and let your stitcher know who you are.   Also, it is time to sign up for next year’s Secret Stitcher Exchange.  

Stacy has the 2026  programming lined up.   Please check out our Facebook page, under files, to see the 2026 Program Calendar.   

If there is a class you would like to have or a demonstration you would like to see, please reach out to Stacy and, if appropriate, she will work to add it to the schedule.  She is already planning 2027!

Today’s Program

We were joined by Jennifer RIchardson of Violets & Verses.   Jennifer is such a wealth of knowledge and she conveys that knowledge in a way that is very inviting to follow.   She is a retired school teacher and it must have been a joy to be one of her students.  

Stitching was a skill passed down from Mother to Daughter; grandmother to granddaughter; aunt to niece; and even sister to sister.  Jennifer learned from her aunt.   One summer on vacation her aunt insisted the two cousin learn to stitch.   Not to excited to miss pool and beach time they did as they were told.   Who would know it would become a life-long passion for both of them.

The word “sampler” comes from the (archaic) French term, “essamplaire” meaning an example; a model to copy; a pattern to imitate.  It was a milestone in a young girl’s life to complete her marking sampler.  It was a resume of her work.   

In boarding schools such as Ackworth and Westtown, needlework was part of the curriculum.  

Jennifer shared a funny excerpt regarding thoughts on needlework - “……taught in a conventional way, which may result in the acquirement by the pupil of the power of making  microscopic stitches at the expense of her eyes, her time and her temper……..”.   Surely this was a non-stitcher that wrote this gibberish!       

Jennifer also provided a free drum design she charted from a Bristol Sampler she owns.   The pattern is in the latest newsletter.

For our program, she started with a little history of samplers, what makes a sampler, etc.    She shared pictures of several of her samplers.   Her upcoming release, the two sister’s samplers, is what she focused on.    These samplers will be available after the Summer Needlework Market.   Members, stay tuned for information on ordering the chart, the chart and fabric, or the chart, fibers and fabric from Salty Yarns with Guild members receiving a discount.  

See all Jennifer’s charts at Violetsverse.com 

Thank you Jennifer for sharing all your knowledge and your samplers. 

Thank you Kelly E for providing a Show ‘n Tell Slide show.    

Thank you Amy G for your photography.

61 attended the meeting via Zoom.

Next meeting - Live and Zoom - September 13, 2025.  10 am until 3pm

July 2025

Our President called the meeting to order.  We started the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of one of our founding members who died as a result of a car accident.   We are accepting donations and will put the money towards conservation of a sampler in her name.

New members were welcomed.

Minutes from the prior meeting were shared by email to all members.  Committee Reports were shared.

- Patrick reminded all about keeping an ongoing list for your 2025 finishes.   At the end of the year, stitchers will submit their list to be added to our “Green Book”.    Seventy-three members participated in 2025.  

- Members were encouraged to stitch on patriotic pieces between now and July 1, 2026.   We will have a slide show of all the pieces in July 2026.

- A new feature for our Zoom Meetings will be a Show ‘n Tell Slide Show.   Watch your Guild Newsletter for information of where to submit your photos.  Thank you Kelly E for doing this.

- Rehoboth Needlework Show will be accepting needlework pieces until September 5th for their annual show.

- Amy Mitten will replace Margarita Hogue at the Chester County/Penn Dry Goods Days Classes in May 2026.

- Secret Stitcher - Participants should be preparing their big reveal and sending their last Secret Stitcher gift.  Sign up information for the next session will be in the Guild Newsletter. 

- Number of the month for your focus is - No. 4

- Hobby House Retreat - We have 22 signed up to attend the retreat.

- Guild Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns will be November 14, 15 and 16.   Information and sign up form can be found in your Guild Newsletter.

Programs - 

August - Jennifer Richardson of Violets & Verses will be our guest lecturer.   Jennifer is very knowledgeable about samplers as well as Shakers and Shaker life.   She will be sharing new releases of two samplers from sisters.   More information will be provided via your Guild Newsletter regarding purchasing options of the chart, fibers and fabric.  

September  - Teresa Miller Primitive Designs.    Sign up due by August 1st.    The class will be during the September Meeting and Away Stitchers are welcomed.  We will have the room until 3 p.m. on that day.   Please bring your own beverages and a packed lunch.   We will be ordering pizza at a cost of $5 per person if you would like to have pizza instead of packing your lunch.  Sign up for pizza for lunch with be on the day of the class.  If you are an Away Stitcher, you will receive your kit in the mail directly from Teresa.  Becky and Amy will have the Delaware Tapestry there to work on for those not taking the class.  

October - Garage Sale - There will be no Zoom for this meeting.   Bring in your unwanted charts and needlework supplies to sell.   Bargains will be found!

November - Catherine Theron Classes - Class limit of 30.   Please check with Stacy if you are interested to check if there are any seats available.  For those who have signed, they have been notified if they made the cut off.

December - Holiday Exchange and Luncheon.   If you wish to participate in the exchange, please bring a  wrapped sampler related small.   You need to include the guild’s initials, the year and your initials on the piece.   The Guild will provide sandwiches and members should their own beverages and a covered dish to share.  

September 2026 - We will have Jackie DuPlessis share her Berlin Wool Work Spot Motif Sampler.  This sampler uses 36 different skeins of French wool.    A $50 deposit will be required by September 2025 so the fibers can be pre-ordered.  Please check your Guild Newsletter for sign-up form.  This sampler is filled with beautiful, vibrant colors. 

Today’s Program

We were thrilled to welcome Dawn Ronningen as our guest speaker.    Dawn designed the Jane Harris Huswif for the Guild.   Charts were pre-ordered but they are still available by contacting Dawn directly at cwaneedle@gmail.com.

Dawn is a historian, a needle worker, a quilter, and a published author of needlework specialty books.  All the samplers she shared are from her book “sewing Rolls, Needlerolls and Huswif”.   She is a retired IT analyst.

Dawn explained the difference between sewing pockets and sewing tools.  In the 18th and 19th century, textiles were expensive and needle rolls and such were passed down through generations.  

Needle rolls are smaller, more sentimental and varied widely.   Dawn had over 500 in her collection.  One includes a Hawthorne thorn needle.  These rolls were somewhere to store your precious sewing tools in a small handy case with was often secured with a ribbon tie.  They vary from what was practical to what was more expensive.  Not all are embroidered but do show fine hand sewing.

Needle rolls can be non-embroidered, have interior pockets that are flat and/or gathered and often had a theme.

Orphan Sewing Rolls are from the early 1800’s.  They are typically English with fine detailed stitching and embroidery.  Stitched Biblical verses were common.

Tambor Embroidery - sewn with chain stitch - it is unknown where this type originated.

Some have full coverage using the flame stitch.  This group of needle rolls is called the “Parker Series”.  Examples are on display at Chester County History Center and at Winterthur where the Lydia Parker, stitched in 1763, is on display.

Another variety is solid ground embroidery such as the Ann Marsh needle rolls.  Elizabeth and Ann Marsh were mother and daughter.  This style is recogonized by the green binding and the smaller size.   The original is also available to be seen at the Chester County History Center.

Pockets or Waist bags were also popular in the 18th century.   These pockets were tied around the waist and were  worn under a woman’s skirts with access through openings in the side of their skirts.     Late in the 19th century, waist pockets got smaller with the advent of reticules and pocketbooks.  

Thank you Dawn for the wonderful program packed with information.   If you haven’t seen her books, pleased check them out.  

Please check out our Facebook page, under files, to see the 2026 Program Calendar.  Stacy has all of 2026 planned already and is starting work on 2027.   If there is a class you would like to have or a demonstration you would the Guild to offer, please reach out to Stacy and, if appropriate, she will work to add it to the schedule.  She is already planning 2027!

73 members were present during Zoom

Next meeting - August 9 - Zoom only -  Jennifer Richardson of Violets and Verses - 10 am to noon.

June 2025

Our President called the meeting to order.  Committee Reports were shared.

New members were welcomed.

Minutes from the prior meeting were shared by email to all members.  Committee Reports were shared.

- Patrick reminded all to keep an ongoing list for your 2025 finishes.   At the end of the year, stitchers will submit their list to be added to our “Green Book”.    Seventy-three members participated in 2025.  

- Number of the month for your focus is - No. 1

- Hobby House Retreat - We have 22 signed up to attend the retreat.  Reach out to Stacy or Robin for more information.   Although the discounted block of rooms is filled, room is still available to attend.  

- Guild Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns will be November 14, 15 and 16.   Information and sign up form can be found in your Guild Newsletter.

- The Conservation Committee has sent out 19 applications for the 2025 Conservation Grant.

- Lambertville Historic Society will host Marty Campanella for a discussion on samplers on June 22.   Pre-registration required, $10    The Acme Screening Room, 25 South Union Street, Lambertville, NJ   Lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org

Programs - 

First - some important due deadlines 

    Dawn Ronningen - Jane Harris Chart (pdf) $15 due by July 1

    Hobby House - Retreat Fee $50 - July 10 

Teresa Miller - Class sign up - $38 and $44 (away) due August 1

Catherine Theron - Class sign up - $195 -  Limit 30 stitchers - August 28

Jackie duPLessis - $50 Deposit on Berlin Wool Work - August 31

Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns - $100 - Due October 1

August - Jennifer Richardson of Violets & Verses will be our guest lecturer.   Jennifer is very knowledgeable about samplers as well as Shakers and Shaker life.   She will be sharing new releases of two samplers from sisters.   More information will be provided via your Guild Newsletter regarding purchasing options of the chart, fibers and fabric.  

September  - Teresa Miller Primitive Designs.    Sign up due by August 1st.    The class will be during the September Meeting and Away Stitchers are welcomed. 

October - Garage Sale - There will be no Zoom for this meeting.   Bring in your unwanted charts and needlework supplies to sell.  With Fireside no longer taking items for sale on eBay we will let you know of alternatives for any items left closer to the October.

November - Catherine Theron Classes -  If you are interested, sign up sooner rather than later as class size is limited to 30.

December - Holiday Exchange and Luncheon.   If you wish to participate in the exchange, please bring a  wrapped sampler related small.   You need to include the guild’s initials, the year and your initials on the piece.   The Guild will provide sandwiches and members should their own beverages and a covered dish to share.  

September 2026 - We will have Jackie DuPlessis share her Berlin Wool Work Spot Motif Sampler.  This sampler uses 36 different skeins of French wool.    A $50 deposit will be required by September 2025 so the fibers can be pre-ordered.  Please check your Guild Newsletter for sign-up form.  This sampler is filled with beautiful, vibrant colors. 

Today’s Program -

We were treated by having a Guild member share her knowledge about samplers.   Deb G started by giving us a bit of history about the Maytown Historical Society.   Maytown, located in Lancaster County, PA was laid out by Jacob and Elizabeth Downer, German Mennonites, who purchased the land from Scotch/Irish landholders in 1760.  By 1770, the Downers had gone bankrupt and the property was then sold back to the son of the former owner, Alexander Lowery.  Land records show that Enoch Hastings owned lot #3 and that is where the Maytown Museum is now located.  Census records show Enoch moving to the area in 1768 and is credited with owning one cow.   In 1779, tax rolls show Enoch as owning a house and two town lots, three acres of land and two cows!  

Deb focused on the Anne Francis Breneman sampler.  The chart is available for purchase directly from the Maytown Historical Society.  Sale of the chart is part of their Capital Campaing for archive storage.   Deb’s vast knowledge of the sampler and the history of Maytown is extensive and provided to be very interesting.   It was obvious that Deb is really invested in the history of Maytown, Lancaster, County.

Deb shared how samplers can be researched and the steps she took to identify and chart Anne Francis Brenneman.

Next meeting - July 12 - Zoom Only

52 members were online for the June Zoom Meeting.

May 2025 25th Anniversary Celebration

 Anniversary Meeting - 25 years strong.

We enjoyed a great day of celebration and stitching.  

Following the normal business meeting, we enjoyed each other’s company, had a lovely lunch, stitched and played games.  

Members were asked to bring in guild projects from past years.   They stirred memories for all of us.  So many great and different Guild projects.

We feasted on a lovely lunched and enjoyed specially decorated cupcakes.

Our Anniversary Sampler was on display.   Along with the sampler were photo albums with photos from our year’s passed.

Members enjoyed all the class pieces and projects from the past, as well as chatting with each other.  Games were played and prized handed out.