June 2018 Meeting

We had very sparse attendance today at our monthly meeting due to the Delaware Sampler Symposium at the Biggs Museum in Dover, DE today.  The symposium is celebrating the release of the newest release by Gloria Seaman Allen and Cynthia Steinhoff on Delaware samplers.  Over 100 of the museum's featured exhibits are illustrated within the publication.

The day includes guest lectures by Linda Eaton (curator of Winterthur Museum), Susi Slocum (Fruit and Flowers Samplers of Delaware), Cynthia Steinhof (A Tale  of Two Cities - Needlework Teacher Deborah Hicks Mundal and A Sampler Tour of Sussex County), Lynne Anderson (In Wonder, Love and Praise - The Quaker Spirit and Southern Boarding School Samplers), Mary Brooks (Schoolgirl Needlework:  Quaker Connections Near and Far), Sheryl DeJon (The Delaware Orphans Court Records),  as well as lunch and a book signing.  

It's no wonder it was a ghost town at our monthly meeting.   We are looking forward to hearing about the experience from those who attended.

For those who did attend this month's meeting, the following announcements were made:

• Stitching Challenge - Patrick passed the binder around for those present to document their starts and finishes.
• July Meeting - Member Pat Y. will share her collection of stitched angels.  Members should bring any stitch angels they have to the meeting.   There will be a small project offered.
• August Meeting - Annual Stash Redistribution Meeting - Bring you items you will be sell.   Please remember you can offer a percentage of your sales to the Conservation Fund.  Also, there is opportunity if you truly don't want to take this items home again, they can be collected and packaged to be delivered to Fireside Stitchery for sale on eBay.
• September - Liz C. will teach us peyote beading.   There will be a small class fee.
• October - Members Francine and Marni will share their marc-lite wear collections.
• November - TBD
• December - Annual Holiday Party

Reminder to follow our own members Deb E. and Liz C. on YouTube under the name of Country Stitchers.   They upload a new episode every Thursday.  I've added a link here and on our side-bar.

XXXXXXXX Important Annoucement XXXXXXX

Our meeting location will be changed for the rest of the year due to ongoing renovations at Cokesbury.   Please pay attention to the announcements in your newsletter and notices from Caryl C. as we will not always be in the same location.

July - DuPont Pavilion (where we were when Patty Yergey was our guest speakers)

August - DuPont Pavillion 

September - DuPont Pavillion 

October - Atrium Room on the third floor

November - Atrium Room on the third floor

December - DuPont Pavillion 

Show 'n Tell

The first two samplers were family samplers given to Jean T.   She charted and has stitched each.

Two more from Jean T.    The first is the from our goodie bag from the April Retreat at Salty Yarns.  The second is a class piece stitched by Jean.

 The puppers was stitched by Patrick B.    So cute!

This t-shirt was also stitched by Patrick B.

Last but not least, this was stitched, laced and framed by Lisa B.

October 2017 Meeting

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.  

Upcoming at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD

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!

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.  

June 2017 Meeting

Announcements

• Winterthur Museum has received a donation of needlework from Erica Wilson’s family. Their website has a nice blog article about her. (http://museumblog.winterthur.org/2017/03/10/the-julia-child-of-needlework/) 
• The International Organization of Lace, Inc. will hold its annual convention at the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia, PA from July 16-22.  The website is: www.internationalorganizationoflace.org
• The Chester County Historical Society has an exhibit on quilts. Layer 1 is finished, but Layer 2 is on now. Check out their website: (http://www.chestercohistorical.org/exhibit/quilts-next-layer)
• We still have charts available for a Teresa Baird ornament. The cost is $15. They are still available and we can order more if we run out. Thanks to Teresa for designing such a beautiful piece!
• We currently have ~90 members, with several additional folks who have expressed interest in joining.
• For upcoming classes and seminars, check out Salty Yarns (http://saltyyarns.com/). Coming soon—Jamboree in October. Also check out Strawberry Sampler’s Facebook page for information on classes. They have amended their shop hours to Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 to 3:00.
• Robin T. is continuing the Corsica River Sampler SAL (a reproduction by Barbara Hudson). If you want to participate and need the pattern or threads, they are available at Salty Yarns. There is also a Facebook page (Corsica River Stitch A Long).
• Amy G. is looking for donations of stitched items with a bee theme for a bee conference at the end of July at the University of Delaware. In the past, they have received many gorgeous bee related stitched items including pillowcases, placemats, napkins, dishtowels, ornaments, keychains, framed pictures, and knitted/crocheted items as well.  Items donated will be auctioned off as a fundraiser in the daily silent auction.  They will provide a receipt on EAS letterhead for tax purposes for each individual who decides to make a tax-deductible donation. If you have any items for donation, please bring them to the July meeting. Marnie B. will be collecting them. (http://www.easternapiculture.org/) 
• Marnie B. is willing to organize a field trip to the Gloucester County Historical Society to view the wedding display. If you haven’t already seen it, or would like to see it again, email her to let her know you are interested. (marnie.b@comcast.net) 
• The Conservation Fund committee is accepting proposals for this year’s donation ($1000). If you know any organization that would be interested in applying, see our blog (dvhsg.blogspot.com). 
• We have a nominating committee and will be looking for folks interested in serving as president and secretary. Caryl has agreed to run again for secretary (unless some else has a burning desire for the position.)
• The Centre County Historical Society (PA) is hosting an exhibit of needlework through September 24 called “Unraveling the Threads of History”. They are located on College Avenue is State College, very close to the Penn State University Park Main campus.
  
  
  June Meeting

Caryl C. shared finishing instructions for Theresa’s Inspiration ornament. The needlework was stitched on 40 count linen and mounted on the top of a round box. The design fits on a 6” round box. Written are outlined below to refer to as you finish your own project. This mounting technique can be used with any box top or shape and can also be used for finishing ornaments.  

Mounting Instructions by Caryl C.

Materials: 

• Papier Mache box (6-inch round works well for this project) 

• Optional--Utility knife and sandpaper 

• Craft paint (acrylic—color of your choice) 

• Spray sealer 

• Backing material to mount needlework (Skirtex, comic board, or mat board) 

• Batting 

• Needle & Thread for basting around your design and lacing to your backing material (I used DMC Perle cotton #8) 

• Stitchery tape to secure needlework to the top of your box (You may also choose to use another type of adhesive) 

• Twisted cord (or other type of purchased cording) to trim the top edge of your box 

Preparing the box: 

1. You can use any shape box for this technique, but for this project, I chose a round one. 

2. Choose the color of craft paint for your box. I recommend a color that coordinates with your needlework. I used Folk Art by Plaid, but there are several other brands that will also work (DecoArt Americana, Delta Ceramcoat, etc.) 

3. Paint the box and lid. I used two coats and only painted the exterior of the box and lid, the top edge of the box, and the bottom edge of the lid. Depending on how the box will be used, you may wish to paint the interior as well. You can also use the same mounting process if you want to line the bottom of your box. 

4. Spray sealer on the painted surfaces. This will keep the paint from chipping away and make it last longer. 

Mounting your finished piece: 

1. Select the type of backing board (Skirtex, comic board, etc.). 

2. Trace the outline of your box lid on the backing material and cut out. Try to cut inside the traced line so that your backing material will be slightly smaller than the box lid. This will allow for wrapping the needlework and make sure you have space to add the cording as your final step. 

3. Attach a piece of batting to one side of the backing material. I used stitchery tape to attach the batting. You could also use glue.  Waited until attached to trim to size. 

4. Turn your needlework to the wrong side and lay the backing material, batting side down on the fabric. Come out about an inch and draw a light pencil line around the piece. This is on the back of your finished piece and won’t show.

5. Using a needle and some Perle cotton, stitch a basting line around the outside edge of your pencil line making sure to leave a good length of thread on either end. The ends should be on the right side of your fabric. 

6. Lay your backing material (batting side down) on your needlework and keeping it on a flat surface, put one hand on the backing material. Gather the threads with your other hand and gently pull to gather it around your backing material. Pull it as tight as you can and tie the ends in a secure knot. 

7. Before lacing, look at the piece from the front and make sure it is positioned properly. If not,  gently move to position correctly. 

8. Use a good length of Perle cotton to lace the back of your piece. Start with one pass from top to bottom and another side to side. Continue around the circle like the spokes of a wheel. When finished, secure the thread. (In a pinch, you can also use dental floss) See Figure  

9. Position the piece on the top of your box, and attach with stitchery tape or glue. Once it has dried, decide on the thickness of your cording. Wait until this step to see just how much room I would have so I could decide on the width of the cord. 

11. Run a length of glue around the top edge and attach your cording. For a nice finished edge to your cording, use some glue on either end and you can then cut a clean edge. Waited until almost finished to make the second clean edge so you will know exactly where to make my cut. 

12. If you are not happy with the joining, you can use some ribbon or more twisted cord to make a bow and glue in place. 

Thank you Caryl!

Upcoming Class

Registration is now open and the deadline is our July Meeting (July 8th) to sign up for the Lauren Sauer Class on September 16 and 17, 2017.  See our "CLASSES" tab above for photos of the two projects and information on signing up.   

Check out our FB page - Delaware Valley Historic Sampler Guild.

(Sorry readers, I was not at the meeting.....I didn't see any meeting photos posted to FB of Show n Tell.)

October Meeting

We had a stitch-in for our October Meeting ..... but they can sometimes be the best.   You have a chance to really talk to your fellow stitchers.   At our regular meetings when we have a speaker  you don't always get the warm and fuzzy interaction.

Our Nominating Committee was pleased to announce our slate of officers for 2015-2016.
      President - Susan D.
      Vice President and Programs - Stacy S.
      Treasurer - Sali C. P.
      Secretary - Caryl C.
The election will be held at the November meeting with these officers taking office January 1st.   Thank you ladies for your volunteer efforts to make our guild a wonderful place for all!

Some other upcoming events -

Chessie & Me Classes - If you signed up for either class, please visit the "classes" tab above regarding a change in venue.

The Morven Museum Sampler Exhibit   Several of our members attended the opening of the exhibit and highly recommend seeing it.  There are over 100 pieces on display.  Our own Patti H. will be speaking on Gloucester County Samplers on March 1.  Check out the museum’s website for additional information.  http://morven.org/shop

Sampler ID Day  The Sampler Consortium and the Sampler Archive Project will host one more Delaware Sampler Identification Days on November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Odessa Foundation in Odessa.

Winterthur’s Diligent Needle Exhibit   The exhibit has opened and will run through July 5, 2015.  The seminar will be held October 24 and 25.

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum   Marnie B. recently visited Colonial Williamsburg and saw many southern samplers that are part of an exhibit The Material World of the Early South.

The Swam Sampler Guild Stitch-a-long  If any of you have signed up for our own Theresa B.'s Delaware Inspiration Sampler stitch-a-long, the Swam Sampler Guild has extended the deadline until 11/1/14.    You can sign up for both using Paypal at this link:

http://swansamplerguild.org/stash-enhancement.html   or you can email Cathy DeCaria at Cathyswan1@yahoo.com.

Vikki Clayton is doing a conversion to her silks for the Delaware Inspiration Sampler.  She is offering a solids version for $65 and a variegated version for $73, these prices include a 20% guild discount.  If you are interested in purchasing these silks here is a link:

http://www.hand-dyedfibers.com/oscnuked/modules.php?name=catalog&file=product_info&cPath=40&products_id=3759

UFO's  Don't forget to continue to bring your completed UFO's into the meeting for the UFO Challenge.    This challenge will run until the end of the year.

November Meeting - We are asking stitchers to bring in their most challenging piece to share in a group discussion.  

And now for some Show and Tell

The frog is some of Patrick's handiwork. 

This small sampler is by Francine.

Hey!  Look here!  Some of the stitchers finished the little wool needle book from the September meeting.  These belong to Francine, Marnie, Jean T. and Caryl C.

The ornaments, pin pillow and the box are from turbo stitcher Caryl C.  Love the tape measure loop!

I think Caryl has already brought in some of the companion pieces to this pillow.

Stitch on Guild members!  

September Monthly Meeting

Better pull up a chair and get a cup of coffee for this month's report.    We had a very full meeting.   Let's take care of some business before moving to our Show and Tell for the month.

Chessie and Me Class, November:  If you signed up for the Chessie and Me Saturday class, Linda is waiting on the linen for the kits.   Once it is received, we will let you know where/how to get your linen for the pre-work.

Nominating Committee:  They would like to hear from you.   No, I mean, really, they would like to hear from you if you are interested in taking an office for the next term.   I believe, all offices are up starting with the January 2015 term.    Please, PLEASE, they beg you, drop Marnie, Ann S, or Stacy S. a line.

Winterthur’s Diligent Needle Exhibit:  The exhibit has opened and will run through July 5, 2015.  A seminar is scheduled October 24 and 25.  By the sounds of it, lectures, etc. have filled up quickly. The planned talk by M. Finkel and Daughter has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict.

The Morven Museum:  This museum is located in Princeton, NJ and it is having an exhibit of samplers stitched by New Jersey girls.      A full day needlework symposium is planned for October 5 and will feature Stephen and Carol Huber, Amy Finkel, Peter and Leslie Warwick, Dan and Marty Campanelli and Daniel Scheid.  Reservations are now open for the symposium.

http://morven.org/events/event/needlework-symposium  The exhibit will run from October 3, 2014 to March 29, 2015 and there will be a catalog available.  http://morven.org/shop   Our own Patti H. told us that eight samplers and a man’s wallet from the Gloucester County Historical Society, Woodbury, NJ will be included in the Morven exhibit.   Patti has also been asked to lead a discussion on Gloucester County samplers at the Morven on March 1, 2015.   Patti will soon have charts available for two more Gloucester County samplers.  This makes 7 or 8 she has charted so far!   They will be available at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njgchs/Lucy.html   We are lucky to have Patti as a member and Gloucester County Historical Society is lucky to have her!  In addition to the catalog available through the museum.  Dan and Marty Campanelli will be producing a book “To Education Forms the Mind”.  (This is not yet available.)

Delaware Sampler ID Days:   The Sampler Consortium and the Sampler Archive Project will host two Delaware Sampler Identification Days: September 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Biggs Museum in Dover and November 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Odessa Foundation in Odessa.

Show and Tell:

Wow!  What a prolific group we are!  

Oh the photos don't even begin to show you how cute all Francine's smalls and finishes are!

 These are two of the samplers from Gloucester County charted by Patti H.  The one above was stitched by 6 year old Sarah Elizabeth Carney!

 Elizabeth Clark of the Greenwich School, South Jersey

This tray was stitched by Stacy S.   The inside is inter-changeable with three other designs....I think this is Prim Lady's Needle Society but I am not sure.

Jean T. has a basket full of the "virtues" by Little House Needleworks

 BJ S. stitched this beautiful box.   (I will have to get more info from BJ on our next stitching night on the designer)

Another completion by BJ S.    This is Victoria Sampler designs.  (Sorry for the glare ladies!    Silly me forgot my camera and was using my phone....not that the camera would have fared better.)

More from BJ S.  The Ann Bowers Sampler.  

Caryl C. stitched up this set.   It is the design of a guild in New England  

(Maine, I think) and has been offered in the EGA magazine.  That pine cone on the
needlebook is awesome and so is the coordinating fabric Caryl ordered from
Keepsake Quilting in Lake Winnepausake, NH

More cuties from Caryl C.  The star is so pretty and stitched with variegated thread.

And even more from Caryl C. - another (I think)   from Ladies Prim Needle Society

Pat L. is finishing up a storm and your photographer has her phone upside down!    Center top is from Shepherd's Bush;  one the right and center bottom are KITS! complete with even the backing fabrics from Cherished Stitches.   And on the left....."Just Bee".....I don't remember who's design but she got it from Elegant Stitch.   (they knew her well there ;-)

This is one that Patti H. charted and Karen K. ~adapted~  Patti charted it from one of the Gloucester County Samplers in her collection.  (Sorry for the glare!)

Thank you Caryl C. for sharing some of your pictures with me.

Kathy R. always picks the most interesting pieces.   It is no wonder we often follow suit and add her selection of patterns to our stash!  This is the Dorothy Walpole Sampler.

A couple more photos and a close up of the piece.

Imagine that, Pat Y. doing a piece with a nativity on it.  

More from Pat Y.

And last but certainly not least, what a cute zipper bag Stacy S. stitched and mom Carolyn might have had something to do with the finishing!   

We certainly are a diverse group of stitchers.

I've got more photos that our wonderful secretary Lynn emailed me so I may be adding more.  I typed this from memory and once I look at my notes and her photos, I may be making additions!

Following Show and Tell, Stacy S. lead the shared with the group how to make a felt needlebook.  Stacy had lots of hints to make the assembly easier.    

Isn't it just darling!  And a new adventure for some but sure is EZ-PZ just using a good old blanket stitch!  Thanks Stacy!  (Who knows what way I am holding my phone at this point.  It is not easy trying to get photos of everyone's work while trying not to disrupt the meeting!)

All that going on and we also managed to welcome two new members.  Mary Rita (M.R.) M. and Sarah S. as we’re glad to have you!

UFO Challenge:Don’t forget to bring in your UFOs.  The challenge goes to the end of the year!