March 2024 Meeting

President Evelyn C called the meeting to order and welcomed all present, in person or via Zoom.  First time participants were welcomed and introduced themselves.  ·     

Committee Reports were given -

Treasurer’s Report - No payments were issued in February.   Deposits were made for upcoming classes and membership.  To date, we have 193 members that have renewed/joined. 

Treasurer, Robin T and Pat L  reviewed the records from 2000 to present and created a spreadsheet outlining the Guild’s donations to sampler conservation and sampler education.  The total to date is $31,000.    Not a small amount indeed.   We know these annual donations have made a difference in the sampler community. 

Reminder to all attending meetings in person to wear your name tag.  If you do not have a name tag on at a meeting, please remember to put a dollar in the Name Tag Can.   All monies collected go to our Conservation Fund.   

2024 SAL - Members should be working on the March assignment of Bands 1 and 2 as well as the adjacent top and side borders.   Linda will be at this month’s Stitch-in to help with any SAL related questions.

Secret Stitcher - Members continue to post on Facebook any goodies they have received. If you are a Secret Stitcher participant and do not have a Facebook account, please email Susan H and she will post a “thank you” for you. This year’s program runs until August at which time  members can sign up to participate from September to August of 2025.

Dues - Renewal payments are now past due for 2024.  If you have already renewed, thank you very much.  Caryl C and Robin T will work to revise the current member list that will be shared in the April newsletter.   Those who have not renewed will have their names removed from the member list and the distribution list.   A membership form can be found under “file” on our Facebook page.   

Spring Retreat - The date for the retreat is April 26th to 28th at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD.  The registration form was shared in the Newsletter to members.   The cost is $70.  Attendees are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements.   Registration is due to Stacy by March 15.

Designer of the Year - Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle and Thread is our Designer of the Year for 2024.   For our 2023 Design of the Year, Plum Street,  Linda D. used a computer number generator to pick winners of members who stitched Plum Street designs in 2023.  Prizes included Plum Street charts and Salty Yarns gift cards. We had a total of 38 participants and prizes were awarded to 14 people. 

The Green Book - Patrick B had a small gift for all members who entered their 2023 completed projects in the Green Book.   This book is available at each in-person meeting or your can mail your complete list to Linda D at the end of the year. Linda will print and give to Patrick to file in the book.   It is a great way to keep track of everything you do as well as it is amazing to see the total we stitched as a group. 

Broken Needle Ceremony - Patrick B  conducted a Broken Needle Ceremony. The ceremony is a long practiced tradition in Japanese culture.   People who sew pay tribute to the needle and all the work it has done for them over the year.   More information is on our Facebook page.

Upcoming Programs

April—(Hybrid) Jackie DuPlessis will be with us to teach “Cherry Berry”.  The sampler will be taught during our morning meeting. If you chose the sewing roll option you will need to attend the morning session to hear about the history of the sampler. After lunch, we will continue with the afternoon session. The meeting will go until about 4:00. Zoom will be open for both sessions.

May—(Hybrid) A physical therapist will be at the meeting to show us exercises to help with our necks, shoulders and arms that grow sore when stitching.

June—(Zoom) Evalyn G. will give a presentation on silk worms and how silk is created.

July—(Zoom) Beth Seal from Summerhouse Stitchworkes will hold a discussion on Susquehanna Samplers.

August—(Zoom) Caryl C. will give a tutorial on how she finishes pin drums.

September—(Hybrid)Teresa Miller (from Teresa’s Primitive Treasures) will present a project designed for DVHSG. More information will be in upcoming newsletters. The project involves painting and the kit should be approximately $30. Away stitchers can participate. In-person participants will have paint available, but away stitchers will not have that included in the kit. The instructions will include what you need to have available.

October—(Hybrid) Garage sale

November (2024)—(Hybrid) Kim from Sassy Jack’s will join us to discuss and teach the Mabel Tukes sampler. Watch for more information.  This meeting will take place during our semi annual retreat at Salty Yarns in Berlin, MD, as approved by the members present (71) at the today’s meeting.  People not attending the retreat will be able to participate by Zoom.

December (2024)—We will have our annual smalls exchange. The small should be sampler-related, but not holiday themed. 

  

Today’s Program -

Our program was led by Member Susan H.    She gave everyone tips and ideas for converting a jewelry box into a travel stitching box. A big thank you to Susan for organizing and presenting this project. She brought a lot of supplies to help us work on the project.  The meeting time was extended so members could work on their boxes. A copy of Susan’s presentation was sent with the latest newsletter to members.  Susan shared where to find a tutorial on Floss Tube from Rachel of “Moonlight Stitches”.  Sherri of Colorado Cross Stitcher also has a tutorial.    When finished members were encouraged to big in their finished jewelry boxes to Show and Tell.

 Many continued thanks to Stacy S for her work in scheduling our programming.

Show and Tell

Above and below, these were stitched by Loretta O as presents for the wedding party for her son’s upcoming wedding.   What a sweet token of rememberance.

Another unique finish by Patrick B

Spring House from Bent Creek by Evalyn G.

Let’s Stay Home and Stitch from With Thy Needle and Thread, stitched by Evalyn G.

Blessing Sampler stitched by Evalyn G.

Snow Magical, from With Thy Needle and Thread, stitched by Caryl C.

Catherine Dickinson, from Scattered Seeds, stitched by Lisa M.

If you find it, Patrick can stitch something for it!

Ornament from cross stitch magazine, Susan L.

Treasures from Patrick B.

Strawberry Sampler from Homespun Samplers, stitched by Carol P.

Liberty of London cases that may have inspired the current jewelry box make over craze.  

The Rose and the Giant Pear, Hands Across the Sea, by Kathy R.

Florence Mary Dickinson, from Hands Across the Sea, stitched by Kathy R.

Hilda Boo and Sunflowers Too, With Thy Needle and Thread, stitched by Kathy R.

The Button Tree, from The Drawn Thread, stitched by Amy G.

EGA Group Corresondence Course, by Stacy S.

Older Older Ellen Chester Chart, stitched by Stacy S.

Beautiful Sarah Stewart Sampler

Next meeting, April 13th

February 2024 Meeting

President Eve C called the meeting to order.   She quickly welcomed new members and guests and ask that they say a little something about themselves before we jumped right into our program.

We welcomed Kimberly Nugent of Samplers Not Forgotten.  DVHSG is doing her Hummingbird Sampler as a year-long Stitch-a-long.   Kimberly went band-by-band explaining the completion of each band and highlighting the specialty stitches in the sampler.  We have 48 stitchers who pre-ordered the kits and are participating in this SAL.  We will also be dedicating part of our monthly Sit and Stitch to answering questions and providing guidance to this SAL.

Kimberly was nice enough to give us a sneak-peek of her Nashville Market Releases.   Many added some of her projects to their wish lists!

Membership for 2024 is now due.   Membership forms are available on our Facebook page under the “files” tab.   Effective March 1st, anyone NOT renewing will be removed from our email list.   Dues is $25 payable to DVHSG, PO Box 1292, Hockessin DE 19707.

Conservation - The Conservation Committee will shortly be sending letters to museums and historical societies regarding our conservation efforts and applying to be considered for our 2024 donations.  Members were encouraged to reach out to their local facilities that house samplers that may be interest in applying for a donation towards conserving needlework they may have in their collection.

The Treasurer is working on compiling a comprehensive list of all the donations DVHSG has made in their 24 year existence.  It will be shared with members when completed.

Designer of the Year for 2024 will be With Thy Needle and Thread, Brenda Gervais.

Secret Stitchers - Reminder to acknowledge receipt of any gift from  your Secret Stitcher on Facebook.   If you do not have Facebook, email Susan H your message and she will post it on FB for you.

Green Book - Patrick is finalizing the entries into the Green Book.  This is a binder where stitches list their yearly accomplishments for a permanent record each year.   Patrick will share the stats at the March meeting.

Upcoming Programs

March Meeting - Hybrid Meeting - Patrick will lead us in the Broken Needle Ceremony during the meeting.   He said to bring your broken scissors as well as your broken needles.   

Member Susan H will lead a demonstration on turning a jewelry box into a custom stitching box.  This month’s Newsletter will Susan’s share sourcing information on jewelry boxes and suggestions on items to collect to include in the finishing.  We have reserved the room until 3 pm to allow time to complete the jewelry boxes.   Pizza will be ordered for lunch (bring your own beverage) for those who want or you have the option to pack your own lunch and beverage.  We hope there is someone attending that will be able to assist with Tech support in the afternoon so Caryl can participate in the program.

April Meeting - Hybrid Meeting - This meeting is an all day meeting/afternoon class.    The meeting and morning class will be for the Cherry Berry Sampler, stitched on 32 count over 2 taught by Jackie DePlussis.   The afternoon needleroll uses an adaptation of the Cherry Berry Sampler.    If you wish to do only the sampler, you should attend the morning meeting and class.   If you wish to do the needleroll, you should plan to attend the meeting, morning class and afternoon class.  Flyers for signups have been distributed.   Away stitchers are welcomed.   Pictures are available on our Facebook page.   Deadline for sign up is the March Meeting.

April Retreat - April 26, 27 and 28.   Cost $70 which includes access to stitching room for extended hours, cocktail reception and goodie bag.   Sign up forms will be in the newsletter.

May Meeting - Zoom Only - We will have a therapist onsite to demonstrate exercises to do to reduce or eliminate neck, arm and upper body strains from stitching posture.

June Meeting - Zoom Only - Silkworm Presentation

July Meeting - Zoom Only -Summer House Stitche Works with Beth Seal presentation on Susquehanna Valley Samplers.  The featured sampler of the presentation will be available at a discounted price following the meeting from Salty Yarns.

August Meeting - Zoom Only - Drum assembly demonstration

September Meeting - Hybrid Meeting - Theresa’s Primitive Treasures customized tray and tray insert project.  Flyers will be sent in a future Newsletter.

October Meeting - In Person Only - Annual Garage Sale

November Meeting - Hybrid Meeting - Mabel Dukes Sampler discussion from Kim Young of Sassy Jack’s.   Flyers will be sent in a future Newsletter.  Members participating in today’s meeting were polled and an overwhelming majority voted to hold our November Meeting at the Fall Retreat at Salty Yarns.  

Fall Retreat - April Retreat - November 8, 9 and 10.   Cost $70 which includes access to stitching room for extended hours, cocktail reception and goodie bag.   Sign up forms will be in a future Newsletter.

December Meeting - Hybrid Meeting - Annual Holiday Luncheon and exchange

Continued THANKS and much APPRECIATION to Stacy S for her unwavering work as our Program Director!  She does an amazing job and is not allowed to end her tenure!

71 members participated via Zoom in the meeting.

Next Meeting - In person and via Zoom - March 9, 2024 at 10 am

January 2024 Meeting

This was the first meeting with new President Eve C.   She did a great job.   The meeting was called to order and new members and guests were welcomed.

Eve moved through the normal Committee reports and ‘housekeeping’ reminders.

Membership for 2024 is now due.   Membership forms are available on our Facebook page under the “files” tab.   Effective March 1st, anyone NOT renewing will be removed from our email list.   Dues is $25 payable to DVHSG, PO Box 1292, Hockessin DE 19707.

Designer of the Year for 2024 will be With Thy Needle and Thread, Brenda Gervais.

Secret Stitchers - Reminder to acknowledge receipt of any gift from  your Secret Stitcher on Facebook.   If you do not have Facebook, email Susan H your message and she will post it on FB for you.

Green Book - Your list of finishes for 2023 is due to Linda D before February 1st.   Patrick will share the stats at the February meeting.

Recommendation - Check out Nicola Parkman’s Flosstube, “Mrs. Parkman’s Academy of Needlework, Rich Girl/Poor Girl, Episode 342.

Noteworthy - Royal School of Needlework will be holding classes in Lexington, KY in July 2024.

Program for January

A PowerPoint with 80+ pages was shared.  It showcased all the Plum Street patterns completed by members during 2023.  

Members also shared holiday gifts that were needlework related.

February Meeting - The February meeting will be dedicated to the 2024 SAL of The Hummingbird Sampler by Samplers Not Forgotten.   Kimberly Nugent will review the details of the sampler and the speciality stitches used to complete the sampler.  A 12-month assignment for completion will be distributed.

Upcoming Programs

March Meeting - Member Susan H will lead a demonstration on turning a jewelry box into a custom stitching box.  Prior to the meeting Susan will share sourcing information on jewelry boxes and items to collect to include in the finishing.  We have reserved the room until 3 pm to allow time to complete the jewelry boxes.   Pizza will be ordered for lunch for those who want or you have the option to pack your own lunch and beverage.  We hope there is someone attending that will be able to assist with Tech support in the afternoon so Caryl can participate in the program.

April Meeting - This meeting is an all day meeting/afternoon class.    The meeting and morning class will be for the Cherry Berry Sampler, stitched on 32 count over 2 taught by Jackie DePlussis.   The afternoon needleroll uses an adaptation of the Cherry Berry Sampler.    If you wish to do only the sampler, you should attend the morning meeting and class.   If you wish to do the needleroll, you should plan to attend the meeting, morning class and afternoon class.  Flyers for signups will be distributed with the newsletter.   Away stitchers are welcomed.   Pictures are available on our Facebook page.

April Retreat - April 26, 27 and 28.   Cost $70 which includes access to stitching room for extended hours, cocktail reception and goodie bag.   Sign up forms will be in the newsletter.

May Meeting - We will have a therapist onsite to demonstrate exercises to do to reduce or eliminate neck, arm and upper body strains from stitching posture.

June Meeting - Silkworm Presentation

July Meeting - Summer House Stitche Works with Beth Seal presentation on Susquehanna Valley Samplers.  The featured sampler of the presentation will be available at a discounted price following the meeting from Salty Yarns.

August Meeting - Drum assembly demonstration

September Meeting - Theresa’s Primitive Treasures customized tray and stitched insert project

October Meeting - Annual Garage Sale

November Meeting - Mabel Dukes Sampler discussion from Kim Young of Sassy Jack’s

December Meeting - Annual Holiday Luncheon and exchange

December 2023 Meeting

We had a great Annual Holiday Luncheon at our regular December meeting.  Everyone brought a covered dish to share.    Somehow, without even having a sign up sheet of who brings what, we seem to manage to end up with a great variety of goodies.    No one goes away hungry for sure!

We had our usual Business Meeting first.  Linda welcomed new/first time attendees who told us their stitchy story.   The Treasurer’s Report was shared.

Ballots were handed out for selection of our 2024 Designer of the Year.   The winner for 2024 will be With Thy Needle and Thread - Brenda Gervais.   So stitchers get out your WTNT patterns and stitch away.

The Guild acknowledged and thanked Kyle D for his help with the Power Point Presentations and gave him a gift card for his efforts.  As this was Linda’s last meeting as DVHSG President, she shared remarks regarding her tenure and time with Delaware Valley Historic Sampler Guild.   We are all very appreciative of Linda’s efforts navigating the Guild through the changes we were all confronted with during Covid.   Going forward, Linda plans to still have an active role in the guild.  Thank you Linda for your leadership!

Secret Stitchers

When sending items, use Susan H.’s address as the return address.  This way you will not be giving yourself away.   If any are returned to sender, Susan will be able to tracker done the recipient.    Please remember to post in Facebook when you receive a gift so the sender knows it has arrived.    If you do not have a FB account, send an email to Susan and she will post it for you.

Retreat

The DVHSG Spring Retreat will be the last weekend of April 2024,    April 26, 27, and 28.  More information will follow.

Show and Tell

Florence Mary Dickinson, by Caryl C

Red Bird Sampler by Robin T.

Garden of Stitches by Robin T.

Northern Lights by Linda D

A Modern Folk Embroidery by Linda D.

Sampler by Marnie B.

Sampler by Marnie B.

Sampler by Marnie B.

Another beauty from Marnie B.   Florence Mary Dickinson

Small pillow by Susan H.

I-Stitch Advent banner by Amy G.

O Christmas Tree by Amy G.

Above and below, some handiwork from members who attended the Michelle Ink Silver Class in September

Beautiful tote bag stitched by Ruth U.

Finished drum and if I have to guess, I would say it was by Caryl C.

“Wool-a-Mina” from Plum Street, stitched by Caryl C.

Beautiful band sampler from a Theresa Baird pattern, stitched by Ann S.

Red School House stitched by Ann S. with the same red variegated floss.    Looks like she did a little thread manipulation to get that school house roof dark.

Stitched by Ann S. in memory of her father.

Upcoming programs

Zoom only meetings will be in - January, February, June, July, August and November

In person and Zoom meetings will be - March, April, May, September, October and December

 

January - Members will share their holiday gifts received.    We will have a PowerPoint presentation of all the complete programs from our 2023 Designer of the Year - Plum Street Samplers.   If you haven’t sent in a photo of your finish, please send to Linda by January 1st.    Stacy has reached out to Paulette and invited her to attend the meeting.   There will be participation awards for those who have their finishes featured in the Power Point.

February - Kimberly Nugent of Samplers Not Forgotten will kick out our 2024 SAL - The Hummingbird Sampler.   Linda will share the schedule of monthly goals.   Stitchers get you supplies ready!    Pre-ordered kits will be mailed in early January.

March - Susan H will lead a demonstration on turning jewelry boxes into sewing boxes.   More information will come prior to the meeting.

April - Jackie DuPlessis will be teaching Cherry Berry.   There will be two uptown’s for the class.   The morning session will be to stitch the as a sampler, stitched over two threads.   The afternoon session will be stitched over one and finished as a needleroll.   This is a pre-register class.   A flyer will be sent shortly with the class options.   The kits for each will include linen, floss, directions.

May - We will have a therapist at the meeting who will share ways to help us with exercises to do to help with the neck, arm, back fatigue and posture from stitching.

June - TBD

July - Beth Seal of Summer House Stitche Workes will discuss Susquehanna Samplers

August - Caryl C. will instruct us on how to do a drum finish

September - Theresa’s Primitives Treasures will host a class - more details to follow.

October - Annual Garage Sale - tentative

November - Kim Young of Sassy Jack’s will discuss Mabel Tukes Sampler.  

December - Annual Holiday Luncheon and Gifts Exchange

Thank you Stacy S. for having the best programs for DVHSG.

Before we could eat, we had to do our Holiday Exchange.   Stitchers who wish to participate must stitch a sampler themed small, add DVHSG, their initials and the current year.    This year there were 14 participants in person and two via Zoom.  

What a stunning array of stitchers talents and imagination.   Everyone who took part went away a winner!

Below is the jewelry box conversion when closed.   

And the other side…. 

 Look at this fabulous box

 And this is what was inside.  

A favorite of mine and currently on my work bench to fully finish.   My Stitcher’s Heart by Hands on Design.

This stitcher photo copied in color a piece of her blackbird fabric to line the box.  

Above and below two sweet stitched gifts.

 Beautiful drum and I believe the maker said it was her FIRST!

Cute Altoid finish with some goodies

 

Cute set of goodies.

Beautiful pear

Looks like a Brenda Gervais pattern!

I think this is a Plum Street

Adorable pillow

Lovely set of smalls and oval box.

Until next time.  Next Meeting - Zoom only - 1/13/2024 - 10 am.