Special Pamela Darney class.

On Sunday, March 12, we had an exciting extra class. A huge thank you to the MAR Region and Joan Masterson Memorial Education Fund for supporting the Gentle Pursuits of Richmond class with Pamela Darney. Pamela designed a special Richmond Two-Tone Sampler for our chapter. Our class centered on a wonderful technique of joining two pieces of linen to make single piece with a neat join that could be stitched on. It was a delightful day getting to look at Pamela's beautiful collection of Quaker style samplers, delicious lunches, hands-on charting of names, and an added color "throw-down" bonus at the end of class!

Be sure to join us for our regular meeting on Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Church. We'll be doing some beading, which is just as addicting as stitching.

Hearts for Christchurch

Sew a hanging heart to send to the people of Christchurch to show you care.

Find the information you need to send it on the blog Hearts for Christchurch.

Coif in Williamsburg

Just a quick photo update. Leslie, a stitcher from Texas, had a chance to work on the coif this morning at the Gathering of Embroiderers. Thanks so much for your help!

Blackwork for Agecroft

We had a real treat for our January program - a special program held on a Saturday. It was taught by our own Jean Connelly; who was recently awarded a Mastercraftsman certificate for Counted Thread and had her Blackwork step to show us her impressive skills. As well as a couple of coifs, Agecroft Hall also mentioned that a couple of handkerchiefs and sweet bags would be welcome. Well, what better to decorate a handkerchief than blackwork! Jean designed a lovely pattern that could be worked as a set of accessories or multiple rows could be combined as a wide border.

Jean was an excellent teacher and made us all feel better by telling us she didn't like blackwork the first time she tried it, but once she figured out the paths, it was fun. So with her help, we all started to learn how to do blackwork.

Lots of concentration going on.

And here are Jean's samples. The pincushion (2 pieces on the left) isn't finished so we can see the back. The wide handkerchief border on the right is really 5 fairly easy rows - doesn't it look complex! We are going to try to make at least one handkerchief as a round-robin so everyone can get a chance to work on it, just like the coif.
Many thanks to Jean for her teaching and patterns, and great instructions. And also to Diana for organizing this Outreach Program.

Happy New Year 2011

December's holiday lunch was a great success. Isn't this a wonderful selection of ornaments? It gives you an idea of the amazing range of styles of needlwork practiced by our members.And here is the chapter showing off their ornaments. Many thanks to Kathy, Laurie, and Nancy for a wonderful event.

We have an amazing line up for this year.

January 22, special Saturday meeting – Outreach Black work with Jean Connelly.
You should already be registered but if not, you can still come and stitch with us.

February 2-5. The coif will be in Williamsburg at A Gathering of Embroiderers. Margaret Henderson is going down for a couple of classes and will take it down. If you wish to stitch a bit on the coif, email her before the end of January February 15 – Debbie Stieler design American Patchwork, taught by Julia Bender.

Register by January 20.

March 12, Saturday - Richmond Two Tone Sampler, designed and taught by Pam Darney. Supported by the Joan Masterson Memorial Chapter Education Fund. Mid-Atlantic Region members and guest welcome.

March 15, Tuesday - Twisted Rope Strand taught by Cathy Keith.

April – Casalguidi with Julia Bender

May - Swedish weaving with Dee Ragsdale and possible Lavender Fields road trip

Please check your newsletter for registration forms and more information on all these events. If you would like to become a member, please email Dee Ragsdale

Gentle Pursuits and the EGA Master Craftsman Program

We had some news at the start of our October meeting. Catherine Jordan, our chapter president, has been appointed as National Coordinator for the EGA Master Craftsman Program. And one of her first duties was to give Jean Connelly a certificate for the completion of the sixth and final step in her Counted Thread Master Crafstman certification. Congratulations to both of you!


The outfit for this doll is Jean's final project. It was absolutely beautiful - the colors and the stitching and the pattern. The photo doesn't do it justice, but you may see a better one later.

Here are some of the finished bookmarks from September's hem stitching class. Many thanks to Catherine Jordan for teaching this special free program to our chapter. Our free September programs are annual thank you programs from members in good standing, and every one has been enjoyable.

October's program was an apron lecture by Sharon Spradlin Barrett. She had an amazing array of aprons going way back in time, including some she has made for her costuming work. Some were quite beautiful and obviously not meant for use in the kitchen! Thanks for the great lecture Sharon.
Don't forget to bring your December luncheon coupons to the November meeting. Have you started your Christmas ornament?

October update - August to November info for all

August 2010 Program Our Christmas in August program on finishing with Joan Hippen was very well attended and enjoyed by all. September 2010 Many thanks to Catherine Jordan for the chapter members free program in September - Hemstitching. Hopefully there will be some finished pieces in October to show in the blog. Thanks to everyone who brought in work for display at the Fairfield Library in September. These displays are always well received and it is a great way to show people the variety of needlework we do, and maybe even get new members.

Jean Connelly has been working on the coif since August. It has been wonderful to see the coif slowly show all its colors. Can't wait to see how it will look in October after another month with Jean. The Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for December 4 (check your newsletter for more details). If you plan on participating in the optional ornament exchange, it is time to start planning. Here are some of last year's ornaments for inspiration. October 19 Meeting Join us for a talk about aprons by Sharon Spradlin Barrett - come with a tea cup and wear an apron if you have one you'd like to show off. It is also time to sign up for this year's President's Challenge. Join in October using the coupon in the newsletter and get the metal form and instructions you will need to participate.

November 16 Meeting Kathy G will be teaching us how to work the crewel piece 'Heart of the Shenandoah' designed by Michele Chavez. Check the newsletter for the registration coupon which is due at the October meeting.