November 2021

We are still "zooming" along.  Many thanks to Evalyn and Jon and all the others that make our zoom meeting and great programming possible as well as full of information and sharing.  

Reminders -

If you have photos of 1 or 2 projects you wish to share for Show and Tell, please forward them to President Linda D. no later than the Tuesday prior to the meeting.

If you have any suggestions for a future meeting, please share them with any Board Member.

If you have a suggestions for a meeting site for us to hold in person meetings, please share it with any Board Member.

Holiday Exchange - We have 12 - 14 members who are participating.  Participants will mail this exchange piece directly to their 'person'.  All exchange pieces will be shared at the January Zoom Meeting.

Designer of the Year - La-D-Da - Stacy reached out to  La-D-Da for possible donation of chart/s for our prize drawing.    If you have finished any La-D-Da pieces in 2021, please send Linda D. a photo so it can be incorporated in the January Power Point Presentation.

21 in 21  - Continue to keep track of your completed projects in 2021.   At the end of the year, you can forward your list to President Linda D. who will tally and forward to Patrick.   Winners for most completed projects will be announced at the January Meeting.

Election of Officers - The offices of President and Secretary are up for re-election.   Submit ideas or volunteer information to Nancy F.  We will discuss at the December if we may forego the by-laws and allow the current officers to remain in office.

Program - 

Our program this month was a discussion on Bristol Samplers given by Claudia Dutcher Kisler of Dutch Treat Samplers.  I first have to said that it was evident that Claudia loves what she does.   She has such a wealth of informations about the Bristol Samplers as well as other aspects of needle arts.

Her discussion centered on Bristol Samplers.    The name comes from the orphanages in Bristol, England.    The girls were required to create a resume' with their needle and thread.   Typically they included letters and motifs.  Most often they were stitched in red.   These samplers were tiny, often stitched on 35 count.  

Program - 

Our program this month was a discussion on Bristol Samplers given by Claudia Dutcher Kisler of Dutch Treat Samplers.  I first have to said that it was evident that Claudia loves what she does.   She has such a wealth of information about the Bristol Samplers as well as other aspects of needle arts.

Her discussion centered on Bristol Samplers.    The name comes from the orphanages in Bristol, England, founded by George Muller.    The girls were required to create a resume' with their needle and thread.   Typically they included letters and motifs.  Most often they were stitched in red.   Unlike American orphanages, children remained there until they secured employment, either as apprentices or in other forms of service. Although George died in 1898, the facilities continued until their closing in 1958. The buildings still exist and are used as housing, offices, and part of Bristol College. 

These are samplers created by young ladies living at the orphanages founded by George Muller. George worked with his wife, Mary.   George kept the records, which are said to thorough and detailed.   These original records still exist and have been digitized.  Mary taught the girls stitching.  The first orphanage was in his home and was established in 1836. Eventually they outgrew that location.  Between 1849 and 1870, he built five additional organ homes housing as many as 2,000 orphans.   George and Mary's daughter took over the orphanage in 1875.  This orphanage operated solely on donations and no fundraising was ever done. 

There was a strict criteria before a child could be admitted into the orphanage.   George included in his records  - the father's occupation, any family value, a list of possessions, where the possessions were located, living relatives, health and immunization records.   An "undertaking agreement" had to be signed by a relative or friend that would agree to take back the child if he/she were unable to stay at the orphanage or unable to find work.  Children remained at the orphanage until they could secure employment.  

 Claudia discussed the categories of Bristol Samplers, including: Traditional Early, Border Band, Tic Tac Toe, Name Samplers, Double Wreath, Motif Samplers, Ship Samplers, and Traditional.  Early samplers were hem stitched or turned under.  

Spot samplers shared motifs.   Dog (a nod to Queen Victoria) ship, wreath, bible, berry bowls, crown, Prince of Wales feathers.   Motif were also based on the teacher or patterns available.   Although most Bristol samplers found are in red.   This is partly because all the girls were required to stitch a red sampler.  The reds were done in cotton.   The multi-colored samplers seem to include every color but red were done in silks.   The red was common in English samplers.   It was easy to see; most likely plentiful to the region.   These samplers were usually done on heavy cotton fabric which may be why they have held up so well.  Many Bristol Samplers did not survive because the children would burn them because of the stigma of being an orphan. 

Visits for a small fee for information on the girls of the orphanage can be arranged by contacting the trust in advance.  

For more information about these samplers, please visit  the following sites: www.mullers.org (George Muller Charitable Trust—GMCT); www.bristolsamplers.com, and www.dutchtreat.com. 

Claudia has other presentations, including: 

Perforated Paper, collector lectures, Sudbury Hall Samplers, Quaker Samplers and will have a new Bristol Sampler presentation in 2022. 

If you are interested in hearing any of these presentations at a future meeting, please reach out to Stacy Stinson or one of the other board members.

 

Upcoming Programs 

December - Stephanie from Fabrics by Stephanie will be with us to talk about fabric dying.

January - We will highlight our salute to La-D-Da with a showcase of her projects that we have stitched this year.  Also, Patrick will re-cap the 21 in 21 challenge. 

February - We will begin our year-long SAL of Garden of Stitches by Samplers Not Forgotten. The designer will be with us for our program.  The meeting is NOT a class.   If you are not joining the SAL, you can still take part in the meeting.

 

March - TBD

April - TBD

May - Our anniversary celebration—more information to follow as details are worked out. The event will cover Saturday and Sunday and possibly a field trip on Friday.

June - Silk gauze project. This meeting will focus on techniques for stitching on gauze.

July - We will hear some ideas for finishing the silk gauze project.

October 2021

Here we are again, meeting during this time of Covid via Zoom.  Although this is not the preferred way to meet we are making the best of it.  On a positive note, it has allowed our out-of-area members to joining us each month  I know all 53 who participated this month are grateful to Evalyn and Jon for their continued efforts for our meetings and keeping us connected!  

Guild Business

- We are going to continue with this format until we can meet in person again. For access, the same link for our meetings is the same since it was set as a recurring event.  A link will sent prior to each meeting. Also a reminder is posted to our  Facebook page. 

- If you wish to share photos of 1 or 2 of the projects you have completed for our next meeting, please send them to President Linda D. no later than the Tuesday for the Show and Tell slideshow. 

- If you have ideas for future programs or in-person locations, please reach out to one of the board members. 

- 2021 challenge continues this year with “21 in 21”. Keep making your list.

- La-D-Da is our showcase designer for 2021. We hope that you will stitch some of her designs this year.  You can check her website for ideas www.la-d-da.net.  

- A poll at today’s meeting indicated that members are interested in having our annual exchange. Watch your email for a google survey to complete if you want to participate. 

- Many thanks to Stacy S. who has managed to coordinate great programs each month of this pandemic.   Please contact Stacy if have any program ideas.

 

Program 

We welcomed Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett of Needlework Press, to our meeting. She provided a presentation on perforated paper (“A Passion for Perforated Paper”). She was a wealth of knowledge and shared the fascinating history of perforated paper.   Many thanks to Vickie for this presentation. She created a project for the group and members had the opportunity in advance to purchase the kit.   Salty Yarns is offering a membership discount for the purchase of any Needlework Press pattern in the month of October. Be sure to mention you are a member when placing an order.  

Here are links to some of the products Vickie uses when working with  perforated paper:

1.     Scissors for cutting paper from www.stampinup.com.

2.     Tweezers for picking threads from www.sizzix.com. 

3.     YES Paste (stik flat glue)—available from Target, Amazon, and JoAnn’s.

4.     Fray check to secure knots—available from JoAnn’s and Amazon.

 

Upcoming Meetings:  

November - Claudia Dutcher Kistler will join us for a presentation on Bristol Orphan Samplers.

December - Stephanie from Fabrics by Stephanie will be with us to talk about fabric dying.

January - We will salute our designer of the year, La-D-Da, with a showcase of her projects that we have stitched this year. 

February - We will begin our year-long SAL of Garden of Stitches by Samplers Not Forgotten. The designer will be with us for our program. 

March  - TBD

April - TBD

May - Our delayed anniversary celebration—more information to follow. The event will cover Saturday and Sunday.  A field trip on Friday may also be possible.

June - Silk gauze project. This meeting will focus on techniques for stitching on gauze.

July - We will hear some ideas for finishing the silk gauze project.

 

September 2021

Who would have thought all those months ago that we would still be meeting via Zoom.  At the same time we are so fortunate that we can meet by Zoom.   It is the best way for stitchers to gather but just like in stitching, sometimes you need to compensate.   Continued thanks to Evalyn and Jon for coordinating and recording our meetings.  

Guild Business

     - Please forward photos of your finishes for Show and Tell to President Linda no later than the Tuesday prior to the meeting.  

    - Please reach out to any Board member if you have ideas for a future meeting.  

    - Cokesbury continues to prohibit outside guests onsite.  If you have a suggestion for a location where we can meet in person safely, please share with any Board Member. 

    - Monthly Stitch-ins via Zoom continue on the fourth Saturday of the month (10:00 am-12:00). Our next is September 25, 2021. The link will be sent prior to the stitch-in.  

Today's Program

This month we were treated with a tour of Hobby House Needleworks in Pittsford, New York.  Kathy and David Mills gave us a tour of their shop.  They stock everything you could ever want.    Their inventory is vast including patterns, fabric, threads and other necessary stitching items.  Watch for future shop exclusives.   The shop looks so adorably quaint and welcoming with everything displayed beautifully.   This husband and wife team are  open for in-person and online sales 7 days per week. Their website has information for email, address and phone number and can be found on Facebook.  www.hobbyhouseneedleworks.com.   They are creating a tourist guide for the Pittsford, NY area which will include local dining, hotel accommodations, sites, etc.  Thank you Kathy and Dave for a wonderful virtual tour of your store. Many of us are mapping out a future road trip. 

Upcoming Meetings 

October—For October Meetings, our regular meeting and our monthly Stitch-in will swap dates.  The regular meeting date has been moved to the 23^rd due to conflicting with Jamboree weekend. Our monthly stitch-in will be on the second Saturday (10/9) 

Vickie from Needlework Press has rescheduled to this month and will be with us virtually to present on perforated paper. For members that have ordered a kit, they were mailed this week (week of 9/13/21) so you should have yours well before the meeting. All are welcomed to join the meeting for the presentation whether you purchased the kit or not.  The meeting is a discussion versus a class so you do not have to get the kit to participate.

November—Claudia Dutcher Kistler will join us for a presentation on Bristol Orphan Samplers.

Other updates

Fall Guild Retreat         Our Fall guild retreat is scheduled for October 15-17. Approximately 40 have registered.

21 in 21 Challenge continues.   Keep a list of your finished pieces.  

Rehoboth Beach Needlework Exhibit has been cancelled.       

Anniversary Celebration May 2022 - A committee has been set up and they are researching a hotel for us to hold our celebration.  More information will come as details are finalized.  

Designer of the year - Our showcase designer for 2021 is La-D-Da. Hopefully you are stitching some of her designs this year.  Check out her website www.la-d-da.net.  

Floss Tube Channel - Lynn D. shared that Sambrie Stitches Flosstube channel often interviews other flosstubers. This may help you if you are looking to explore the options on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa1FWeGzVa7HvTj_KfZ5UUw

 

 

August 2021 Meeting

 President Linda welcomed everyone and conducted a brief business meeting.

• Our Fall guild retreat is scheduled for October 15-17. The registration form was due by July 1.  This is a MEMBERS ONLY retreat.   
• Our "21 in 21" challenge continues. Keep updating your list of your finishes.
• La-D-Da is our showcase designer for 2021. There are some really nice new designs out that were part of the springtime Needlework Expo and perhaps more new designs in the August Needlework Expo.  You can check her website for ideas---www.la-d-da.net.  
• Some of our conservation funds were given to the New Castle Historical Society and they are currently cleaning and treating a mid-18^th century Dutch sampler with those funds.
•  See the link for some updates from the Sampler Consortium (The Sampler Consortium).
• One note, regarding returning to meeting at Cokesbury. We are hitting a stumbling block with Cokesbury. We no longer have a sponsor so we will have to pay for the space for each meeting.   The rate is in the $300 range per session. Also, we will probably face further restrictions for in-person gatherings, use of kitchen, bringing in food. If you have suggestions for a meeting space we could use once we can gather together safely, please let one of the board members know your idea(s).  We will continue with these Zoom style meeting for the foreseeable future.  A reminder is posted on Facebook each month. If you would like to share Show and Tell, forward your photos to Linda D. the weekend before the scheduled meeting.  
• The Rehoboth Beach Museum will be holding their 2021 Needlework exhibition September 18 through November 7. Entries will be accepted between August 27 and September 11. The entry form and rules are attached. (Rehoboth Beach Museum)
• We are continuing to have a Zoom stitch-in on the fourth Saturday of the month (10:00 am-12:00). Our next is set for August 28, 2021. The link is the same as last month’s stitch-in, but we will be sending you the link again prior to the event.

Upcoming Meetings: 

September—Vickie from Needlework Press will be with us virtually to do presentation on perforated paper. She has also created a kit for us and members had the opportunity to order it in advance.  It is not  a class, so you do not have to get the kit to participate.  Note: You can still participate in the meeting and hear her presentation even if you chose not to purchase the kit.  Also, Salty Yarns will be giving a 15% discount on Needlework Press patterns during the month of September.

October—Note that the dates for the guild meeting and the stitch-in are switching in October because of Jamboree at Salty Yarns. A number of our members are participating in this event. (Stitch-in on October 10 and Guild meeting on October 24.) Program TBD.

November—Claudia Dutcher Kistler will join us for a presentation on Bristol orphanage samplers. 

Program 

This month, Francine Craven gave a presentation on her fabulous collection of vintage and antique needlework tools. (Thank you to Linda, Shannon, Evalyn and Jon for helping with the presentation!) We saw a wonderful collection of spool caddies, pin cushions, thimbles, needlebooks, bobbin boxes, pyramid pins, and Mauchline Ware. (see this post for more on Mauchline Ware). Thank you Francine for sharing this presentation with us!!! If you have questions for Francine on collecting, you can email her.

Francine also shared some resources for collecting:

• Antique American Needlework Tools by Dawn Cook Ronningen (If you order this book from Dawn through her Facebook page or blog, she will autograph the book for you.)
• Dawn’s Facebook page (Antique and Vintage Needlework Tools) and blog (collectorwithaneedle.blogspot.com)

Again a very special thanks to everyone who makes these meetings possible. From those who coordinate the "broadcasting", to our officers, to the great ideas for programming that we have each month, to the reminders and follow up from our secretary.   Who would have thought when the pandemic started that we would still be able to share the joy of needlework together.  If you cannot join the Zoom Meeting live, Jon and Evalyn and Caryl do a FANTASTIC job of recording and uploading the meeting.   This month I wasn't available at meeting time so I watched the video.   It was just like I was at the Zoom Meeting and found myself smiling and agreeing with some of the comments as if it were a "live" meeting.   We are so fortunate to have this option!   Thank you all that make it possible.  

July 2021 Meeting

President Linda D. welcomed everyone.   She shared a few quick Guild updates and we moved directly into the program.

This month we welcomed designer Catherine Jordan as our guest speaker via Zoom. Her presentation was on needlework journals covers. She has created many beautiful book covers, for everything from small journal books to larger papier maché books.   She said she often used them as gifts, thank yous, etc.   She uses small journals available from the Dollar Store, office supply stores or Amazon.   Once the needlework is finished, she 'covers' the journal just like we used grocery bags to cover our school books.  She tacks the folded corners with a few stitches and voila!

She shared how she got started and her thought process when designing these.   Each one lovelier than the last.  For more examples of her designs including her journals and maps, check out her website at  Catherinedesigns  Thank you Catherine for a great meeting.  See also, the May 2021 Meeting of the Lamplighters EGA when Catherine discussed her mapmaking designs.

Guild Business

Our Fall guild retreat is scheduled for October 15-17. The registration form was due by July 1.  This is a MEMBERS ONLY retreat.   

Our 21 in 21 challenge continue. Keep your list updated.

La-D-Da is our showcase designer for 2021. There are some really nice new designs out that were a part of Needlework Expo. You can check her website for ideas---www.la-d-da.net.  

Members also shared two local finishers for your completed needlework -        

- Busy Lizzy in Chadds Ford (21 Spring Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, phone: 610-388-2186)

- Rittenhouse Needlepoint (1216 Arch Street, Unit 2A, Philadelphia, PA 19107phone: 215-563-4566)

Upcoming Meetings:

August—Member Francine Craven will be sharing her antique collection. 

September—Vickie from Needlework Press will be with us virtually to present a perforated paper project. There will be a kit available for purchase ($30, including shipping). The order form is attached to this email and is due by August 1. If there are enough participants, Vicki will not charge us a teaching fee. (Note: You can still participate in the meeting and hear her presentation even if you choose not to purchase the kit.) 

October—Note that the dates for the guild meeting and the stitch-in are switching in October because of Jamboree at Salty Yarns. A number of our members are participating in this event.  Guild meeting on October 24

November—Claudia Dutcher Kistler will join us for a presentation on Bristol orphanage samplers.

 A special thanks to everyone who makes these meetings possible.  From those who coordinate the "broadcasting", to our officers, to the great ideas for programming that we have each month, to the reminders and follow up from our secretary.   Who would have thought when the pandemic started that we would still be able to share the joy of needlework together.

We are going to continue with these Zoom style meeting for the foreseeable future.  A reminder is posted on Facebook each month. If you would like to share Show and Tell, forward your photos to Linda D. the weekend before the scheduled meeting.   

June 2021 Meeting

Linda D. welcomed everyone who was able to join the meeting.  At one count, there were 49 members attending the Zoom Meeting.  A great turn out.

Linda reviewed Guild Business.  She will be reaching out to Cokesbury again to see if they have relaxed their rules and opened to outside groups meeting there again.

Treasurer's Report was provided.  All outstanding bills have been paid.

Floss Tube Channels - Fox and Rabbits  LINK   This is a new You-Tube/Floss Tube channel.   It features Brendon and Karen Kirk from Australia.  They are the designers behind the  Linens and Threads SAL on Facebook.

Programming

• July - Catherine Jordan lecture.   Prior to the meeting, Catherine will provide a PDF which will be shared via email with members
• August - Francine C. will share her collection of needlework tools and accessories
• September - Vicki of Needlework Press will do a lecture on perforated paper.   A kit for a perforated paper needle book is optional.  The needle book is a reproduction.  Sign up for the kit is due to Stacy S. by August.   The cost is $30 and includes postage.   The sign up form will be in your next newsletter.
• October Retreat - Members only event - this has been moved to the third weekend of October.     Sign-ups due to Stacy S. by July 1.  See your newsletter.
• October - TBA - Reminder - the date of this meeting has been moved to the 4th Saturday of the month instead of the 2nd Saturday
• November - Claudia of Dutch Treat Samplers will provide a lecture on Bristol Samplers.

Program

Today the guild welcomed Susan Greening Davis as our guest speaker.  Susan is a designer,  an international teacher, known as a needle artist/technician.  She has designed and taught guilds, classes and shop owners for the last 47-plus years.   Susan studded her trade in Denmark, England, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany as will as with Danish masters who have visited the United States to instruct.  

Susan provided a great talk on the different types, brands, styles and makers of needles.   She gave a history of needle making.   She shared tips, tricks and little known needle facts.   We learned the way to correctly choose the right size needle for a project.   We learned what we need to do if our fibers are twisting excessively - change your needle size.   Whenever your needle starts to 'drag', it is time for a new needle.   Did you know the best needle to make french knots or colonial knots is a 22 Tapestry Petite?    Millenner's Needles make the best bullion knots.  A curved tapestry needle is the best needle to use to catch a loose thread that peeks out to the right side of your piece.  The best way to store your needles is in wool.   You should never store needles and pins in the same pin cushion.   Needles have additional coatings that pins don't have and the pins rust faster.   Not good if the needles and pins are in the same pin cushion.   Check out your own tomato pin cushion to see what happens to your needles.

Prior to the meeting, members (who choose to purchase) received Susan's Book - Needles.  Much of what Susan shared is included in her booklet.   It is a great reference book to keep nearby your stitching.

During Show 'N Tell, several were sharing charts they personalized with initials.   They recommended using Valerie LeJeune's Cross Stitch Bible 

May 2021 Meeting

President Linda D. welcomed everyone.   Treasurer's Report was provided.   

Due to a conflict with several members attending a function on the second Saturday of October, we have moved the monthly meeting for the 4th Saturday of October and the Stitch-in to the second Saturday of October.   There were no objections to the change of the meeting.

Linda has spoken to Cokesbury and they are still not allowing outsider meetings.  When we can meet there again, there will be a 63 person maximum and members may be required to show proof of vaccination.   Cokesbury has yet to finalized their requirements but all will be shared once permission have been given to return for meetings.  

Marnie shared information on a framer.   Finley's Art Shoppe, Old Ogletown Road,  Newark DE.

There was no Show and Tell at the meeting due to having a guest speaker.  

Programs

• June - Susan Greening-Davis, Discussion on needles, types, what one to use on what project, etc.
• July - Catherine Jordan Zoom Presentation/Slide Show
• August - Francine sharing her collections
• September - Vicki of Needlework Press will be doing a perforated paper presentation and project.  More information will follow.
• Fall Retreat - Tentatively on the calendar for the first weekend of October provided pandemic restrictions permit

Today's Program

We had one guest attend the meeting.   His name was John Scott and he was invited by our guest speaker Sheryl DeJong.   John is working on the Antique Kentucky Sampler website where Kentucky Samplers are catalogued, photographed and organized for all to view and read about.   Sheryl DeJong, today's speaker invited John to watch her presentation.

Discussion and slide show of The Samplers in the index of American Design

The Index of American Design consists of approximately 18,000 watercolor renderings of American decorative art objects. 

The WPA, Work Progress Administration, created by Franklin D. Roosevelt, became the Work Projects Administration in 1939 as part of the New Deal of President Roosevelt.  "During the Depression that followed the stock market crash in 1929, thousands of businesses and banks failed and a quarter of the American workforce was unemployed. An unintended benevolent consequence of the economic hardships of the times was that attendance at many American museums reached an all-time high. Having little money for anything else, the appeal of free museum admissions attracted many Americans who, for the first time, were exposed to and appreciated works of art. Through New Deal initiatives under President Franklin D. Roosevelt beginning in 1933, there was a confluence between the heightened awareness of public art, the employment relief needs of artists, and the creation of artwork for newly constructed federal buildings that resulted in three public arts programs that were administered out of the Treasury Department." (Excerpt from the US Treasury Department website

The work of the WPA had artist capture works of glass, ceramics, crewel, needlework, samplers and more in paintings.  Artifacts were captured, identified, catalogued, and preserved via paintings.  Sheryl shared many examples of the paintings next to photos of the actual samplers.   The artists even captured the wrinkles in the linen in their paintings.   One artist actually painted in the lines of the linen thread on the canvas before adding the crosses for the sampler.  

Sheryl has worked with John to help John launch his program.  John, having no needlework knowledge has taken on cataloging antique Kentucky Samplers.   You can visit their website here.  Another site is the Tennessee Sampler Survey 

Definitely an interesting project and a national treasure to have such a collection.