Adjustment for Christmas Party and Board Mtg

Cleo Robbins has graciously offered to reschedule the Christmas Party to be Christmas/New Year's Party at her lovely home on Tuesday, January 7th; at 11:00 am.  Our January board meeting will change to meet prior to the party at 9:30 at Cleo's, too.

It is necessary to start all over again with the food planning.  Please contact Cleo if you are coming and what you will bring.
Happy Holidays!
Jackie Van Grofski

Brandywine Current Dec-Jan 2014 Available

I hope everyone had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with Family and Friends.  Please Remember to let Cleo know if you plan to attend our Christmas Party.

The January Quarterly will be a very interesting program you won't want to miss!

Please email us (egabrandywine@gmail.com) for a copy of the newsletter.  We also have info we can forward to you about the Rehoboth Beach Museum needlework exhibit next year.

Karen Schueler; Editor Brandywine Current

Stitch-n-Chat on November 20th Cancelled

Because of a scheduling conflict, Karen West has had to cancel the Stitch 'n Chat at her house on November 20.

The next Stitch 'n Chat will be on November 12 at JoAnn McHugh's.

Please call any members you know who do not have email.  Thanks

Brandywine Challenge - Pintangle #1 Photos

Here are some of the first Pintangle Challenge pieces - Enjoy!

(You can join us any time, contact Kate Adams for more details.)

Pintangle Challenge #1 by Marilyn Siers

Pintangle Challenge #1 by Karen Schueler

Pintangle Challenge #1 by Kate Adams

Pintangle Challenge #1 by Kate Adams

Brandywine Chapter, EGA Orna Willis project 2013 - completed by Marilyn Siers

Marilyn completed her project! 

Enjoy . . .

October - November 2013 Brandywine Current Newsletter Available

The October-November 2013 Brandywine Current Newsletter is now available!

If you would like a copy of our newsletter, please email:
egabrandywine at gmail dot com.

(Calendar tab, above, has been updated.)

September Workshop with Orna Willis - photos and fun!

(Click to see larger images, click "x" to return.)

We all got a good dose of color 'vitamins' at the Orna Willis Color workshop held September 27 and 28.

Each of us had been sent a color photograph from a magazine ad and we were to gather all sorts of objects that featured the colors in the photos.

Jean Fox and Orna Willis

The design was not large, so possibly some members will have their project completed by the Quarterly meeting.

Orna's kits were spectacular in color and variety of stitch arrangements. 

Have a look at her websites:  www.ornadesign.com and www.ornadesign.blogspot.com.

Thank you Orna!!

Cancelled - Stitch-n-Chat on Sept 26th

Our Stitch-n-Chat scheduled for Thursday, September 26th is cancelled and will be rescheduled. 

The next Stitch-n-Chat will be at Joanne Meehan's on October 3rd.

Oct Quarterly Meeting Location Change

Please note that the October 9th Quarterly Meeting will be held in the Kendal Training Room, NOT at Cokesbury.  The location had to be changed because the speaker needs a projector and one is built in at the Kendal location.

Next GCC - Circle with Blue Flower - Sign up soon!

Education - Hannah Wayne:

The next Group Correspondence Class: "Circle with Blue Flower: Beginning Silk and Metal Thread Course".

See our newsletter for details and costs.  Please send in coupon from newsletter no later than August 31st.

Copy and past this link into your browser to view the description of this GCC on National's website:

http://www.egausa.org/index.php/education/group-correspondence-courses/surface/201-circle-with-blue-flower-beginning-silk-and-metal-thread-course

Orna Willis Workshop on Color coming in September - reserve your spot now!

Reminder:  Reserve your space now!

September 27th and 28th, 10am - 5pm

Held at Cokesbury, in Hockessin.  Total cost is $95 for the two days and a $50 deposit needs to be sent to our treasurer to assure your space in the class.  See Newsletter for coupon and more details.  Deadline to send in coupon:  August 15th

August-September Brandywine Current Newsletter Available

The August-September 2013 Brandywine Current Newsletter is now available!

Please note there are some imminent deadlines for several upcoming activities.  Be sure to read and note the dates of when things are due.

If you would like a copy of our newsletter, please email:
egabrandywine at gmail dot com.

(Calendar tab, above, has been updated.)

Brandywine Chapter Challenge 2013 - 2014

Challenge Description:  Our 2013-2014 challenge is to use stitches from TAST (or Take a Stitch Tuesday) to create 4 original needlework pieces during the next 12 months. 

Background:  We will be using Sharon B's Pin Tangle challenge, which is called TAST or Take a Stitch Tuesday. In 2012, she started the TAST challenge, so every Tuesday she presented directions for a new stitch - with photos, her samples of the stitch and asked others to post their work in the comment section with links to their photos. A beginning stitcher might just practice doing the stitch correctly.   A more advanced stitcher might start combining a particular stitch into rows; or mirror the stitches; or change the size or curving of the stitches.

Links for TAST: 
Sharon B's main website  
http://pintangle.com/

TAST samplers that she has done - be inspired!           
http://pintangle.com/sampler-faq/

TAST frequently asked questions
http://pintangle.com/tast-faq/
Scroll down for list of stitches. Each stitch is illustrated with examples for counted thread or surface embroidery. Beginners can see how to create each stitch by clicking on the stitch dictionary link that is in blue.

Challenge Rules:

1. design size is no larger than 5 x 7

2. type of project and original design by you
3. fabric and fibers of your choice, from your stash
4. there will be 10 stitches per challenge/3 month period       

                - challenge 1 : stitches  1 - 10

                - challenge 2 : stitches 11 - 20

                - challenge 3 : stitches 21 - 30

                - challenge 4 : stitches 31 - 40

 5. use a minimum of 5 stitches but use all 10 if it suits you
 6. finishing of your choice (frame , edge ...)
 7. there will be meetings as the group demands
 8. There will be deadlines every 3 months

Join us & let's learn some new stitches! Please contact me by July 5th if you are interested in joining our challenge. We will meet at various times and places to keep us all inspired.  The first get together can either be at my home Friday, July 12th or we could stay about 30 minutes after the quarterly meeting on the 17th of July.

Kathy Adams

Community Outreach - Public Stitch at Winterthur - April 2013

Community Outreach - Judy Herdeg

Click on Image for larger view; Use "X" top right to close.

The EGA Brandywine Chapter enjoyed a day of stitching in public on Tuesday, April 23rd at Winterthur Museum, in the New Reception Gallery, where our 30th Anniversary Exhibit was held.

Fourteen Ladies volunteered to "Stitch in Public".  We started at 10:00 am in the Gallery Reception area stitching at two long tables in the defused light from the large windows.  Each person was asked to bring a finished piece and one to stitch on so there was a lot to show the visitors as they came in.  A group of school children were especially interested and their teacher was very interactive with them.

Displayed were posters telling about the EGA and the Brandywine Chapter as well as rack cards about the meetings and membership information.

Members worked on various pieces including canvas work, cross stitch, stumpwork, surface embroider on clothing, beadwork, as well as quilting.  It was a great success!

Each EGA Chapter is asked to stitch in public at least once during the year.  This was a wonderful way to introduce Winterthur guests that day about what we do.

June-July Brandywine Current Newsletter Available

The June-July 2013 Brandywine Current Newsletter is now available!

If you would like a copy of our newsletter, please email:
egabrandywine at gmail dot com.

(Calendar tab, above, has been updated.)

Introduction to Canvas Work - Hannah Wayne

Updated:
The finished piece is beautiful!  It features techniques from beginner to intermediate, including special threads, gold work and couching. 

We will show you how to put your canvas correctly in your frame; demonstrate techniques, from basic stitches to more intricate stitches. 

We will discuss needles, ground fabric, threads.  Which is the correct way to start your thread?


With the great response and sign-up for this class, the location of the first meeting has changed locations to Nancy George's Home on Wednesday, June 5th. Thank you Nancy!

If you have any questions, give Hannah a call.

May 23, 2013 Stitch-n-Chat has been cancelled.

FYI - Stitch-n-Chat for May 23rd has been cancelled.

Quarterly Meeting - April 2013

Click on Image for larger view; Use "X" top right to close.

Our speaker Genie Posnett, fiber artist, introduced us to making Bobbin Lace.

She will be incorporating this into her 17th Century English casket she is making in the Tricia Wilson Nguygen class "Cabinet of Curiosities".

Click on Image for larger view; Use "X" top right to close.

This is a three-year in depth study of the techniques of the English Caskets.

Several of the "Casketeers" also joined us at the quarterly to talk about their thoughts and participation in the course so far.

Click on Image for larger view; Use "X" top right to close.

And, here are some of our members' finished projects!

April - May 2013 Brandywine Current

The April-May 2013 Brandywine Current Newsletter is now available!

If you would like a copy of our newsletter, please email:
egabrandywine at gmail dot com.

(Calendar tab, above, has been updated.)

Reminders - Upcoming Stitch-n-Chat and Board Meeting

A friendly reminder that the next Stitch-N-Chat is Wednesday, March 27th at Judy Herdeg's.  If you are going and haven't called, please call and let her know.

And, another reminder that the Brandywine EGA Board will meet at Jackie's on Wednesday, April 3rd from 10 to 11:30 am.  Please arrive at 9:45 if you would like coffee or tea for the meeting.

Our "www" name . . . Is now working!

Finally!

After several attempts and some issues, our www.egabrandywine.org is working again and will bring you here.
:)
Denise

Stitch in Public at Winterthur!

NEWS FLASH!:  Judy Herdeg has arranged for our EGA Brandywine Chapter to stitch in public on Tuesday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winterthur in the New Reception Gallery, where our 30th Anniversary Exhibit was held.

As I'm sure you all remember, each EGA Chapter is asked to stitch in public at least once during the year.  This is a wonderful way to introduce anyone who comes to Winterthur that day to what we do.

Judy has established three shifts of stitchers:  10 a.m. to noon; noon to 2 p.m.; and 2 to 4 p.m.   Please email Judy at (jcherdeg at verizon dot net) to sign up for a shift.  Judy will then contact us later with all the details.

Thanks!
Jackie Van Grofski

Jan - Feb 2013 Brandywine Current Available

Our newsletter is available!  Please contact us if you need a copy.

The "Calendar" tab above has been updated with the latest guild activities/dates.

The Colcha Embroidery Study Box - By Karen Schueler

At the January meeting, I shared the Colcha Embroidery Study Box which is a collection of articles

organized by the Sandia Mountains Chapter of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America. Colcha Embroidery

is a Spanish-Colonial wool embroidery of New Mexico.

The traditional embroidery is of hand-spun wool stitched on hand-woven, plain weave wool using a self-couching stitch. The designs were mainly of flowers and geometric designs until the Mid 19 th century. Usually the entire background, as well as the motifs, was covered with stitching. Colcha means bedspread in Spanish and the embroideries were used as bedcovers, altar cloths and table runners. This couching stitch is used in crewel embroidery and in eastern Europe silk embroidery. It may be that the Moors brought this stitch to Spain and thus it was brought to Mexico and on to New Mexico. The colcha stitch was only used in Northern New Mexican and Southern Colorado settlements in the 1700’s.

About 1850, New Mexico opened up to traders from the States who sold ready-made wool blankets and cotton twill. A new style, where only the motifs were stitched, became popular. Until the 1930’s, old cochas were identified by the fact that the whole background was stitched. However, during the Depression, some textile restorers north of Taos started recreating old-style colchas using wool yarn unraveled from old blankets for the embroidery and backing patched from old handwoven sabanillas (mattress covers). These embroiderers introduced new subject matter of cowboys and Indians, wagons and Santos (saints) and the embroideries were used more as wall hangings than blankets. They also embroidered the background in regular rows rather than in the meandering rows of the traditional colchas.

These restyled colchas were very saleable, and inspired a number of revivals throughout the 1900’s into the 21st Century. From its founding in 1974, the Sandia Mountains Chapter researched the old colcha patterns and taught the colcha stitch in workshops. Today, there are a number of colcha embroidery clubs throughout New Mexico, many new books delving into the history of colchas, and competitions, some of which require that the wool be hand-spun, hand-dyed and hand-woven as well as stitched in traditional patterns.

The illustrations below show the basic stitch and its relation to Bokhara stitch. Today, colcha embroidery is done on wool flannel, linen, cotton twill or monk’s cloth using hand-spun wool, strands of crewel yarn or tapestry yarn. However, string, acrylic yarn, and burlap have also been employed when supplies were scarce or a certain color preferred.

Karen Schueler

Notes about Needlework Image:  Buffalo Gourd floral in colcha embroidery. All wool. Design from ‘ New Mexico Wildflowers for Embroidery’ published by Sandia Mountains Chapter, EGA. (Not a traditional colcha design). Stitched by Karen Schueler for the Colcha Embroidery Study Box.

Additional Stitch-N Chats added (Jan/Feb 2013)

A quick addition to the list of Stitch-N Chats:  Cleo Robbins will be hosting a Stitch 'N Chat at her home Wednesday, January 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Cleo will have soup on the stove.  Please bring your own lunch if you would like something else to eat.  And be sure to call Cleo to let her know if you are going.

The next Stitch-N Chat after that is Wednesday, February 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackie Van Grofski's.  Please bring a sandwich and call to let me know you are coming.

Jackie Van Grofski

Quarterly Meeting Reminder for January 16th

REMINDER:  Wednesday, January 16 at 10 a.m. at Kendal at Longwood will be the first Quarterly Meeting of the new year.  It will be great to get together.

We will begin with the business meeting and then follow that with a program by Brandywine member Karen Schueler.  Karen wrote the Handbook on Colcha Embroidery and will teach us the special self-couching colcha stitch.    If you have them, please bring a 6 to 8 inch hoop; a large crewel needle (1 or 2); scissors; a piece of wool flannel, linen or burlap.  What a great opportunity to learn a historic embroidery stitch.

Kendal is located at 1109 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square.  The entrance is north of Route 52 on Route 1.  Turn into the entrance, go left at the first turn, and follow the signs to park in Parking Lot 6.  Walk up to the main entrance.  Follow the walk straight back until you enter the resident reception area at Kendal.  Our meeting will be in the Training Room.

You can get coffee before the meeting and/or lunch after the meeting at the Kendal Cafeteria in the reception area.  The cafeteria opens at 7 a.m..

See you Wednesday!

Jackie Van Grofski