Meets: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
September to June
9:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Cobourg Memorial Temple (Odd Fellows)
412 Victoria Street (at University Ave. West)
Cobourg, ON K9A 3G9
Website: www.nhsg.ca
Contact: Carol Ward, ONN representative
Susan Calverley, Co-Chair
Membership: 289-252-0389
Report – December 2025
Submitted by Carol Ward, ONN Rep
Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is fast approaching, are you ready? With all the stitching the Northumberland Guild has been doing lately, I think it’s safe to say we are.
At the end of October we enjoyed a one day retreat at Elmhirst Resort in Keene. We were given the conference room, which is located under the restaurant, but it opens out onto a patio and has a magnificent view of Rice Lake. There was coffee and Danish and the companionship was outstanding. We were joined by several ladies from other guilds, and it was a pleasure to include them in our midst.
The lunch was excellent, and so filling that many of us took a walk along the lakeshore afterwards. Then it was back to the stitching!
Susan C. led us in a workshop on the various forms of the Herringbone stitch. The samplers were very impressive – who knew there were so many different ways to do this versatile stitch?
Late October we began a new stitch-along blackwork challenge, with Sharon E. taking over for Cathie O. Sharon has big shoes to fill, but she’s doing an admirable job. This time we’re attempting a large, filled Celtic knot. And if we thought the outline was tricky, it didn’t hold a candle to the filling!
On November 8, we once again hosted Cobourg Creates, our own fibre arts display and demonstration. We were joined by the Northumberland Rug Hookers, the Hooks and Needles Guild, and the Lakeshore Quilters Guild. As well as an impressive display of our finished projects, we also had a hands-on demonstration table where people could try their hand at transferring a picture onto fabric using a light board and heat erasable pen, and then learn to stitch it. One little girl impressed us all by spending the entire day stitching her unicorn, learning several different stitches as well as doing some beadwork.
We had a fabric stash sale in November, because who doesn’t need more fabric? And we were invited by the Cobourg Library to fill the display case in their foyer twice – once in November to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, and once in December when we displayed some of our leftovers from the craft sale we participated in at Saint Mark’s church in Port Hope.
We had our last official meeting of the year on December 9, and by the time you read this, we’ll have enjoyed our Christmas luncheon at our favourite local diner on December 16. Stitching will resume, not that it ever really ends, on January 13, 2026. Until then, have a Happy Holiday and keep those needles sharp!
Report – October 2025
Submitted by Carol Ward, ONN Rep
Hard to believe summer is over, isn’t it? Especially when the weather has turned so hot and muggy again. But it gives us an excuse to stay inside with the air conditioning and get some stitching done.
We celebrated World Embroidery Day on July 30th, by gathering in the outdoor space at the Cobourg Library to stitch. It was a beautiful day, and didn’t start getting unbearably warm until we were ready to leave.
Two weeks later, we gathered in Immy L’s beautiful garden for a potluck luncheon. There was good food, good companionship, and for those who can’t resist these things, a stash sale where many bargains were to be found. The weather was once again perfect, but Immy wouldn’t have it any other way.
Our meetings resumed on September 9th and it was wonderful seeing everyone again. We share a few stories and discussed the upcoming year. Cathie O., one of our co-chairs, gave us a glimpse of what she has in mind for our group blackwork project this year, and Susan C., our other co-chair, came up with one more project for us to do to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, a cross-stitch strawberry.
There weren’t as many participants in the Port Hope Fair this year, I think it tends to sneak up on people. But this was good news for Cathie O. because there was less competition within the guild for her. She took home three first place ribbons – one for surface embroidery, one for blackwork, and one for her stitched Christmas ornament – and two third place ribbons for cross-stitch. And Sheila M. snagged a second place ribbon for her tablecloth.
On September 23, Barb C. and Poppy B. gave a presentation on their “Japanese Escapades.” They came equipped with a slide show and some of the loot they came home with. Together they gave a talk on their adventure which included shopping, visits to museums, and the many workshops they attended.
Looking forward, we have a busy fall lined up: with a workshop in Herringbone variations, the start of our new blackwork challenge, and a workshop in Shisha. Add in a one day retreat and a Christmas craft sale and I’m sure we’ll be looking forward to our Christmas break for a chance to relax!
Report – July 2025
Submitted by Carol Ward, ONN Rep
We may be into those “Lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,” but the NHSG has been anything but lazy!
In April, Susan C. and Patricia N. returned to our local yarn shop, Yarn It! to teach a second class in basic embroidery. Like the first one they taught, it was a big hit.
We also had two workshops, led by Susan C., in silk ribbon embroidery. Everyone who participated enjoyed themselves, and I think it’s something we’d all like to try again.
On June 17th, we had our AGM at the Dalewood Golf Club. Although we didn’t have a stash sale this year, one of our members generously donated several stitchery kits for us to raffle off.
Two days later, on June 19, a large group of us descended once again on Heather J.’s cottage for a pot luck day of stitching. Though the forecast called for rain, it held off until we were done. There was an impressive variety of food, lots of good company, and a few of us even got some stitching done.
One of our newer members, Sharon E., worked diligently on a beautiful cross stitch piece to inspire cancer patients and survivors to have Courage. The piece was on display at the Cobourg Public Library, where it was surrounded by ribbons representing the various forms of cancer. On July 8, several guild members gathered at the Northumberland Hills Hospital to present it as a gift to the hospital. where it will adorn one of the walls in the cancer wing.
On July 9th, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with an English tea. The tables were set with cloths and fine china, and we enjoyed scones and finger sandwiches and assorted treats, and, of course, a variety of teas. It was a wonderful afternoon of celebration and camaraderie.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! We’re still meeting, informally, every other Tuesday morning at the Cobourg Public Library, and at the end of July we’ll be celebrating World Embroidery Day in their courtyard. And let’s not forget Immy’s pot luck Garden Party and our annual visit to Lang Pioneer Village in August!
If the saying, “Idle hands are the devil’s playthings” is true, then the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild has nothing to fear.
Report – March 2025
submitted by Carol Ward, ONN Rep
Even this crazy up and down weather, sunny and cold one minute, warm and rainy the next, can’t keep a good stitcher down. And to prove it, we’ve welcomed four new members since the beginning of the year!
Our regular meetings resumed on the 14th of January, with our informal meetings continuing at the library. The library has been a great place for anyone who’s interested in checking us out in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Many of us have been participating in the blackwork project that began at the end of September 2024. Cathie O. has been faithfully sending us a new pattern every Sunday, save for a two-week break over the holidays.
The miniature blackwork frames have been a little more challenging than the floral blackwork we did last year, but everyone agrees that it’s a lot of fun. And, as with the floral blackwork, everyone seems to have a different approach – one thread, two threads, coloured threads, variegated threads – no two samplers are alike. We’re now up to frame #24, which means only two more to go.
In January we had a visit from two representatives from the Northumberland Ruggers, who shared a widespread selection of their work. They gave a brief history of their group and methods of rugging and happily answered the many questions we had.
Barbara K. joined us in February to teach us the fine art of whitework. Barbara is a certified EGA (Embroiderers’ Guild of America) Master Craftsman in counted thread. She has been teaching for over 25 years and has created several study courses for the Embroiderer’s Association of Canada. We are all very grateful for her expertise and patience.
We’re certainly having an adventure turning this:
into this:
In April we’ll be having another silk ribbon learn along, led by Susan C. This time we’ll be stitching small, floral pictures with our silk ribbons.
Also in April, Susan C. and Patricia N. will be returning to our local yarn shop, Yarn It! to teach a second class in basic stitching.
In the upcoming days we’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary with several activities in the planning stages. In between activities we’ll continue to share our knowledge with each other and anyone else who cares to drop in to the library or one of our meetings, and inspire each other with our works in progress.
Report – December 2024
Submitted by Carol Ward, ONN Rep
What’s the buzz? That would be the busy bees of the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild!
Thanks to Cathie O. many of us embarked on a new blackwork stitch-a-long in September. This one is miniature frames. Just like last time, each Sunday we receive a new pattern, and there will be 22 frames altogether. Who knew blackwork could be so addicting?
In October, Susan C. and Patricia N. ran a workshop at a local yarn shop for anyone wishing to learn to embroider. Using kits provided by the guild, the participants learned some new stitches and had fun while doing so.
Diane S., from the Toronto Guild of Stitchery, paid us a visit on October 8. She gave a riveting talk about how she got started with her stitchery, and shared some of her work with us.
Jill W. shared some of her cross-stitch samplers with us on October 15. She is a font of knowledge on the history of samplers and the meaning behind many of the motifs. Her work was truly inspiring!
On October 29, our guild held a one-day retreat at the beautiful Elmhirst Resort. Not even the pouring rain could dampen the spirits of those who attended. The view was still fabulous, the food was good, and the company couldn’t be beat. We even managed to get some stitching in.
Our local art gallery was having a fund raiser, asking for donations of hand made Christmas ornaments to be auctioned off. Naturally, our guild rose to the occasion and many brought their ornaments to be donated along with them to the retreat.
November was no less busy. We started with a workshop to make a Turkey Knot Christmas tree ornament, followed by a Silk Ribbon embroidered tree ornament.
On November 30, we held the first annual Cobourg Creates, a fibre art festival sponsored by our guild. This was a hands-on event, where visitors were invited to try their hand at stitchery, machine sewing, knitting or crocheting, quilting, or rug hooking. It was held at the local library and was such a success we were invited to hold it again next year.
There was also a display cabinet to be filled at our local library, and was done so with taste and flair by Immy L. and Sheila M.
Finally, we held our Christmas luncheon at the Dalewood golf course on December 10. For a change of pace, we did not have a stash sale, which allowed us more time for socializing. There was, however, a raffle for 5 project bags generously donated by one of our newer members, Sharon E.
Our regular meetings resume on January 14, and we’ll need all the rest we can get to prepare for the upcoming workshops in white work, Shisha (mirror embroidery), and more black work and silk ribbon embroidery. Until then, keep those needles sharp!
Report – September 2024
Submitted by Carol Ward, ONN Rep
Neither rain nor shine nor that last blast of summer heat was enough to keep the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild down!
For World Embroidery Day (July 30th) we gathered in our local library’s wonderful outdoor space to stitch and chat. We had a good turn out and the weather was perfect. Perhaps we chatted more than we stitched, but that happens a lot when we get together. It was still a fun way to spend the day!
There was also a large turn out on August 13th for Immy’s annual potluck garden party. The tables all but groaned under the weight of all the food people brought, and the weather was once again perfect.
Following this, on August 18th, we made our annual trip to Lang Pioneer Village for a stitching demonstration. This time the weather wasn’t in our favour as it rained most of the morning, but they gave us a lovely space inside the Weaver’s Shop, which we shared with the Northumberland Rug Hookers. There was good lighting and best of all, air conditioning! This was especially welcome as we were wearing our costumes. Sheila M. wowed everyone with her Brazilian embroidery, although I suspect not many pioneer women would have had the time for work so fine and complicated.
Our first meeting back after the summer 2024 break was on September 10th at the Cobourg Memorial Temple (aka the I.O.O.F. Hall). I’m not sure how much stitching was done, but it was nice to see everyone again.
Next, we had the Port Hope Fair, September 12th – 15th, where we were invited to set up a demonstration table. The NHSG sponsored prizes for three of the needlework categories: Counted Embroidery, Surface Embroidery, and a Needlework Challenge which consisted of a sampler with a minimum of 12 different stitches, including straight stitch, satin stitch, French knot, feather stitch, chain stitch, and blanket stitch. Our own Cathie O. took first place in the Counted Embroidery with her magnificent 12 Days of Christmas and Immy L. won first in the Needlework Challenge.
Cathie O. also came in second for her Surface Embroidery, with Sue D. coming in second for the Needlework Challenge.
We manned the demonstration table in shifts and presented a variety of stitching techniques. There was a lot of interest in what we were doing, and we hope this will lead to an increase in membership this fall. Never ones to rest on our laurels, we have many events/workshops planned for the Fall.
We had such a fun time with our floral blackwork stitch-along, that Cathie O. agreed to organize another one. This time we’ll be doing miniature frames in blackwork. On October 5th Susan C. and Patricia N. will be running a Beginner Embroidery Class at the local yarn shop Yarn It! and on Tuesday, October 29th we’ll be headed off on a one day stitching retreat at the beautiful Elm Hurst Resort. And finally, on November 30th we’ll be taking part in Cobourg Creates, at the Cobourg Library.
In between these events we’ll have presentations by guest speakers, a Christmas Tree Ornament workshop, and a Ribbon Embroidered Christmas Ornament workshop.
Whew! I think we’re going to need the break for the holidays after our Christmas Luncheon on December 10th!
Report – July 2024
Submitted by Carol Ward, ONN Rep
Rain or shine, our stitching never stops!
This spring we had a wonderful presentation by Sue D. who shared some of her fabulous quilt and appliqué work.
Our guild was fortunate enough to be the recipients of an enormous stash of stitching supplies. Rather than just having a sale, it was decided to make use of it in group projects. One of these projects was a learn-as-you-go, Monograms by the Sea, initiated by Heather J. Everyone who wanted to participate received a pattern, a doodle cloth, and their choice of thread, all provided by the Guild. And when they feel confident enough to do the real thing, they receive their choice of fabric to stitch on. This is an on-going project that we hope will be finished by the end of the summer.
Once again we were invited to fill a display case in the foyer of the Cobourg Public Library. We chose to showcase some of our workshop projects, such as our chocolates, botanical blackwork, and sashiko.
Our esteemed member Immy L. received a Civic Award for Arts & Culture, for her “over and above” volunteer activities within the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild. This award was presented to her during a ceremony that took place on Monday, April 22.
We had a large turn out for our AGM, held once again at the Dalewood Golf Course. It included a stash sale filled with many delightful items, as well as a wonderful luncheon. During the course of the festivities a committee was formed to plan our 40th Anniversary celebration, which is next June, and Iran Y., one of our newest members, won a lovely basket of sewing essentials.
Two days later, a large group of us descended on Heather J.’s cottage on Lake Ontario for a one-day, pot luck retreat. We spent a fabulous day stitching and eating and just generally having a good time.
It was both quiet and scenic, and some of us actually got some stitching done!
We are still meeting at the Cobourg Public Library on the first and third Tuesday of the month, as we’ve been doing throughout the year. There is a table reserved just for us in a corner flanked by windows and members are free to drop in or not, as their time allows.
Coming up is World Embroidery Day, on July 30th, which we will also spend at the library, but this time outdoors on their south patio. Should it rain that day, we’ve been invited to stitch indoors.
Immy’s Garden Party, on Augst 13, is always a hit, and it’s coming up in August. This is another potluck event, and the food is as varied as our stitching, and every bit as wonderful.
On August 18th we can be found at Lang Pioneer Village for their corn roast. This has become an annual event for us, and much enjoyed by all. We get to sit in the Village Green to stitch and dress up in period costumes. Many enjoy it so much that they’ve bought their own costumes.
In the fall we have the Port Hope Fair, September 12-15, to look forward to. The NHSG sponsors prizes for three of the categories, and this year Cathie O. helped rewrite the specifics for those categories. She also came up with a sampler challenge that includes 10 different stitches. If you happen to be at the fair, keep an eye out for us. We’ll be on hand at different times and on different days demonstrating our stitching techniques.
In an effort to gain more visibility within the community, we are partnering with a local yarn shop to lead a workshop on basic embroidery stitches. We’re looking for this to happen in October. And we are also partnering with the local library and the Rug Hookers Guild on November 30 for an open house called Cobourg Creates, to spotlight some of the creative opportunities in our community. There will be quilters, knitters, spinners and weavers, rug hookers, and of course stitchery in a variety of forms.
It’s shaping up to be a busy year, as we have several speakers lined up and many presentations/workshops to look forward to: rug hooking, Xmas crafts, white work, silk ribbon, and Shisha, to name a few.
Stay cool, and keep those needles sharp.
Report – March 2024
submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN Representative
Greetings to All –
Well, the snowdrops and croci are showing their heads, but are we sure winter is over, or ever begun? Maybe we are going to get more snow – keeping us indoors stitching rather than thinking we should be out in the garden. Whatever it is – do it well.
We have been doing all kinds of things well, since our last report.
02-Jan-2024 – Immy secured the display case at the library and this time a little different.
Bears and snowflakes . Jenny M. is our hand-made bear specialist and the snowflakes for a snow-boarding bear are by Carol W. On the bottom shelf one of Annie C’s hand-woven baskets and there are scatterings of Susan C’s acorns. A window the children will love.
09-Jan-2024 – Beth W. stepped in and gave a wonderful workshop on making “Chocolates” – the perfect kind that don’t add weight, but look a million dollars. Everyone enjoyed this workshop, and came up with some delicious-looking “Samples”.
14-Jan-2024 – Cathie O. set us on a Botanical Blackwork Stitch-Along mission. It would cover about 12 weeks. Results of which will appear in the next ONN Newsletter. We have set up a piece of Aida with twelve 2-inch squares, and every week Cathie is sending us a pattern. She decided to send 2 patterns every week so that we had a choice…. Next week she is starting us on Sashiko. The question is can we keep up ?
16-Jan-2024 – Pat N’s “Dragon” renamed “Roary the Reader” has been presented to our local Library, where we still meet in the Reading Room on the alternate Tuesdays to our regular meetings. The Dragon was much acclaimed by the Library, and he has a good home.
23-Jan-2024 – As mentioned, Cathy O. introduced us to the Japanese sewing of Sashiko (刺し子, literally “little stabs”) and it is many little stabs. The kits were picked up by Immy L. and we started on the navy blue fabric (traditional) using white thread; some members chose other colours.
Since our member numbers have been increasing, our Executive made a crucial decision to find a new meeting place, as the current space was becoming smaller. The negotiations took place, the rent paid, and we are now at the Cobourg Memorial Temple (known locally as The Oddfellows Hall).
13-Feb-2024 – The new space is wonderful, with more tables and lots of light, and an adjacent kitchen.
We had a mini-display of projects – some finished, some being worked on – crochet, parts of quilts, sewing and some finished projects etc.
and then Cathie O. held a Festival of Broken Needles which we had to cancel last year. It is a Japanese ceremony to give respect to your working tool – the needle. To honour that they (the needles) have worked just as hard for you, as you have for your projects. Very nice Cathie.
27-Feb-2024 – We invited Veronica Derry to our “new” meeting place, where she gave us a slide show, talk and summary of her interest in sewing, and creating artistic items with fabrics that have had a long life. Her creations with those precious pieces of lace, ribbon, photographs and meaningful fabric pieces was fascinating.
We have had a number of new members over the last 2-3 months, some are beginners and some have experience, so we have been very busy helping them all along.
We do have some upcoming dates to look forward to, or participate in :
2-March to 27 April Art Gallery of Northumberland Laura Kenny (rug hooking artist)
Sat. 13 April Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre – 10am – 4pm Fibre Arts Festival
Mon. 22 April Cobourg Civic Awards, Town Hall – 7:00 pm Presentation to NHSG member
Tue. 23 April Visit to Gitta’s Chartered Petit Point and Lunch 271 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga,
Sat. 4 May Kortright Presbyterian Church Guelph, ONN Fair, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Sun. 26 May Rice Lake Arts, Open House 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Currently we are planning to celebrate Embroidery Day in the Cobourg Library Garden, and are also planning another event, with the Library, for November.
We hope you are doing what we are doing, that is : Carrying On, Carrying On. . . . .
Report – December 2023
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN Rep
Greetings to All –
Our Guild has continued to meet on the “alternate” Tuesdays in the Reading Room of the Cobourg Library, and have become quite an industrious group. After the Christmas break it is hoped to continue (9/January).
Patricia N. has volunteered a “Dragon” beaded piece of sewing as a Thank You to the Cobourg Library, when it is prepared and framed. The Library will hopefully display it in the Children’s Book area.
In the meantime, right after our display at the Port Hope Agricultural Fair, on 26 September, we had a visit from Lisa Carlin. Lisa had a very informative video that also linked to a wonderful display of her beaded works of art. They were just breath-taking and we were all mesmerized by the intricate pictures and pieces she has produced. Lisa’s display was the ultimate in bead work.
From there we moved on to making a fabric basket with Annie C’s guidance. Annie is one of our classic machinists, and there was a whir of sewing machines for those who took part on 10th and 24th October. The strips of fabric were woven, attached to a base, and the top edges finished…. Intricate and impressive.
Susan C. /Sheila M. attended the on-line link for the ONN AGM on 14 October. It was a good meeting with lots of interesting input for the future of ONN and plans for in-person meetings.
Well our group was offered a shopping bus trip or a “get-away” for one day. The one-day get-away was chosen and was conveniently local. Starting in the morning, having lunch, afternoon tea and a full day of sewing. This was held the 17 October at the Northumberland Heights Retreat (Wellness & Spa), Grafton.
Leading into November 14, thoughts were of Christmas. Cathie O. led a workshop group making Yo-You Christmas trees, and Susan C. led a group making Swedish Stars.
Susan C’s “Swedish Star” group . . .
Iran Y. has been working on her festive season cushion and finished it in time to be displayed at the Library. Good job Iran.
Immy L. and Carol W. tackled the display case at the Cobourg Public Library and did a really good job. They had booked the 2 cases, but the Library gave one case to another group. Our display still looks good !!
The last item to report is the Christmas Luncheon being held at Dalewood Golf & Country Club, Tuesday, 12 December. A good turn out for a good meal, and a line up to view the donated Stash……
After the holidays, we can look forward to sessions in Sashiko, an introduction to Blackwork, Wool Applique and Fabric Art.
Wishing all sister Guilds a good festive season, and looking forward to seeing your reports.
Carry On, Carrying On. . . . . . . December 2023 : smc
Report – September 2023
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to All –
Well, we all seem to have been “on the go” since the end of our June session.
Those of our members, who are able, have been meeting the “alternate” Tuesdays (to what would be our regular meetings) at the Reading Room in the Cobourg Library. Not exactly a quiet reading group, but several visitors to the Library have dropped over to see what is going on. We are treating these visits as Stitch-ins and keeping in touch.
Our summer gathering on Tuesday, 15 August, at Immy’s for a Guild pot luck luncheon was a big event.
We had members from three other Guilds, and we were visited by Kim Mathers’ “Kim-mobile” – her store on wheels. The threatened downpour of rain never happened until much later in the evening, so everyone enjoyed the day, and did some shopping as well.
Sunday, 27 August, was our next “adventure” – the annual visit to Lang Pioneer Village Museum at Keene. The special event this August was their “Corn Roast”. Our ladies did their sewing on the lawn near the General Store and were suitably costumed so that they really looked the part.
World Embroidery Day – 30 July –Well not quite for us in Cobourg.
Not only is that a Canadian long weekend (sic), but parking in our town is “gold-plated” – so we held the commemoration of this day on Tuesday, 29 August at our usual spot by the Victoria Park Floral Clock.
Our next event was the display we have at the Port Hope & District Agricultural Fair – this year it was 15-17 September, and the weather was good, so lots of visitors came in to the Community Centre (with A/C) area to visit our display.
Below is our “IT” project….. it travels to most events, and was worked upon, over the years, by the then members. It illustrates various types of embroideries and is a real talking point.
During all this activity our Executive were meeting and have come up with a 2023-2024 Calendar full of challenges.
We can look forward to sessions in Beading, making a Woven Fabric basket and Christmas ornaments, Sashiko, an introduction to Blackwork, Wool Applique and Fabric Art. In between all this we will have our usual Christmas Luncheon and Annual General Meeting.
We have a note that the ONN AGM will be conducted on-line for 14 October, and are looking forward to the outcome from that session.
Again, we hope you are all as busy as we are, we all love to see what our Sister Guilds have been up to.
We will Carry On, Carrying On. . . . . . . September, 2023 : smc
Report – July 2023
submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN Rep
Greetings to All –
We are halfway through summer and are happy to report two more new members have joined us. Welcome to Emily G. and Jan I.
Returning back to March 27, some of our members went on a visit with other Guilds’ members to Elim Lodge. Immy sent us all some photos of the lovely work being done by others. It gives us all inspiration – Well done !.
March 28 was our day to try Smocking. Many of us have admired Anne S’s wonderful children’s dresses for many years, but Anne inspired us to “give it a try”. Our project was a piece that could form a necklace. It was harder than we realized, but we persevered and finished with some very nice pieces.
Our sad news at the beginning of May was that Jillian R-M suffered a stroke.
Immy kept us all up-to-date with her progress at the hospital, and now in other accommodation she is making good progress with therapy. We are hoping she will be able to join us for the start of our Fall session.
On May 23, I missed a very interesting and informative presentation from one of our new members, Beth Willoughby, as she took the members through her artistic journey into Stitchery. I was busy making arrangements for the CAC Art Show at the Library. Beth signed up sitters for the Welcome desk for the Art Show…. Yes, she’s an artist as well as a great stitcher. I know her work, but not the stories she probably told the Guild members. Here is a sample of some of her work.
Judy C. is not enjoying such good health and had to move from her house to apartment living, which is a complete change for her, and no stairs to cope with; her latest set-back is she is not allowed to drive… so will be looking for some lifts to our regular meetings in the Fall. Fortunately she is right next to the Library, so can get over to see us there.
On June 13, we ended our 2022-2023 Season with our Annual General Meeting being held at the Dalewood Golf Course, Cobourg, where after the business of the Guild – announcements, future plans, and election of Executive members – we enjoyed a very nice Buffet luncheon.
More items of “stash” were displayed, checked over, acquired for a donation, and everyone also went home with a hand-made thread catcher, made by Valika F-W. – a nice surprise for us all, and very useful. Thank you Valika.
After Heather J’s initial negotiation with the Library, Immy has booked for us to continue to go on the alternative Tuesdays to what would be our regular meetings. We get lots of talking, laughing and sewing done…..all around just one big table !!
Our next venture was July 11, when about 12 of us descended upon Anne at Knowledge & Needles in Brighton. We all really enjoyed being at her BIG table, swapping notes, and then having our lunch. After lunch we hit the store and stocked up on threads, patterns, needles and everything else we can’t get in Cobourg (our sewing shops are down to two and mainly for Quilters). It was great to meet up with Anne, her husband and the two doggies ! A great place to meet and shop. Check it out : https://knowledgeandneedles.com/
Immy took on yet another job, and each month she sends us Birthday Greetings and some piece of wisdom through a quotation she has found….. lots of fun and we enjoy this communication.
Currently the new/returning Executive are making big plans for the upcoming season, of which we will learn more about toward our September returning date.
In the meantime, Immy (and her husband) are hosting our Guild, and from the sounds of it, some members of other Guilds, to a Pot Luck luncheon-Sew-in on August 11. She expects about 40-50 persons (bring your own chair !) and we are going to be treated to the “KimatMobile”. Kim Mather and her daughter, Meagan (Whitby) have set up a vehicle containing “everything sewing” – and we are looking forward to seeing this “Mobile Pop-Up Shop”.
Almost last, but not least, we are hoping to get a display table at the Port Hope & District Agricultural Fair (14-15-16-17 September), and have sent out invitations to the people who entered the Draw last year (for a sewing kit). Two or three of whom have indicated they are looking forward to seeing our display this year. This is successful networking, and hopefully we may get more members from this action.
Some time in the new season, we are hoping Anne C, will guide us through the making of a fabric basket. We have made fabric boxes in the past, but this will be something to look forward to, and different.
We are currently trying to choose a (public) location for World Embroidery Day (Sunday, 30 July)… parking and washroom facilities are the biggest challenge !!
We hope you are all as busy as we are, and will check in with our happenings in the Fall.
Carry On, Carrying On. . . . . . .
Report – March 2023
submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN Rep
Greetings to everyone –
We hope everyone is surviving what has turned out to be a different winter for all of us. The big pre-Christmas “blizzard” followed by some big snows – all of which seemed to come up from the mid-west of the USA, rather than down from the north.
Our efforts to have a display in our local Cobourg Public Library seem to have paid off . . .
We welcome new members Karin B. and Iran Y.
January was a getting back from the break, lots of catching up, and finishing some projects started before Christmas.
We didn’t manage to have our February Festival of Broken Needles (maybe next year), but Susan C. filled the dates with “Hearts”.
The little token of friendship that has become very popular with children, seniors, people who are not well, and instead of a hug, to give to those you care about.
We did get organized with items to be on display at a local Finance company’s main street downtown windows (Edward Jones Investments). Everyone dug out their choice pieces and Susan & Floyd C, and Immy & Wilfried L. took them to be displayed.
Already this is looking very promising publicity, and maybe we will get some more ladies to join our group.
The weather put a bit of a damper on a couple of meetings, but to make up for those days, Heather J. has organized a “stitch-in” at the Cobourg Public Library.
These “stitch-in” days are on the alternate Tuesdays to our official meetings, and are quite “casual”, but everyone seems to be doing their projects as well as socializing.
The first time this happened, our members discovered that in the next room was the regular Tuesday meeting of the Cobourg Art Club members, so everyone sort of visited each other. It seemed quite enjoyable as the artists were interested in the stitchery, and the stitchers went around and looked at the art works.
(I am a member of both groups, so now have a dilemma after alternating between the two groups for the last several years – but now they are next door to each other !!).
Toward the end of March, Anne S. is going to give us some guidance on how Smocking is done. Anne is our Smocking expert and has made up a series of pieces that can be made into a smocked necklace. Several members are going to try this out, as it seems quite different from some of the stitchery they are currently producing.
Our April event with member Anne C, the making of a fabric basket, is now going to take place in the new 2023-2024 season. We have made fabric boxes in the past, but this will be something to look forward to, and different.
For May, our new member, Beth W. is taking us through her artistic journey into Stitchery, with the various projects she has completed, along with samples, and inspiration.
Our other open dates are dependent upon arrangements, we may be visiting Brighton for a shopping spree, or we may be having a shopping spree in the parking lot – courtesy of Kimat Designs.
Immy L. has already booked our June AGM meeting place – the Dalewood Golf Club dining room – where we will also hold our AGM before the goodies are served.
March, 2023 : smc
Report – December 2022
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone –
After our Welcome back to everyone on September 13, where we welcomed new members : Beth and Paula, we have been joined by Mary and are hoping our display in the local Library will produce a few more members.
Starting off the season on 27 September, we had guest speakers Phyllis Wilson and Sylvia Wilkins.
Phyllis has a life-long love for Japanese embroidery and brought samples of several projects she is working on – a multitude of stitches and colours, but the astounding thing for all of us is that she buys the silk (90 meters) and twists it herself into the right thicknesses and colours as required by the patterns.
Speaking of patterns they are as intricately detailed as the embroidery.
Although Sylvia did not show Japanese embroidery, her own embroidery was as intricate and inspiring. She does not make her own thread, however, the designs were just as intricate. Interested? Check out: “https://www.japaneseembroidery.com/#about“
After drooling over the exquisite pieces by Phyllis and Sylvia, we came “down to earth” at our meeting on October 11 with Susan running a Felt Poppy workshop. We tackled the felt and came up with a Poppy brooch version ready for 11 November.
Our 25 October meeting was a lovely display and talk by Danielle Barnes and Lesley Poper from Quilts of Valour in Trenton.
The mission of this society is to present beautifully constructed quilts to members of the military, past and present, who are ill or who have been injured as a result of their service. Danielle explained that not all illnesses or injuries are “visible”. To quote from their web site, “A Quilt of Valour™ is a hug from a grateful nation and a tribute to an injured Canadian Armed Forces member.”
Each quilt from the Trenton chapter has its own unique edging which makes it recognizable as a quilt made by their volunteers. This all-important organization relies on volunteers and sponsors like Northcott Cottons, Janome, N. Jefferson, and Nolting.
After the presentation and question period, we were treated to a large display of completed quilts.
If you are a quilter and would like to help, would like to nominate a recipient, or want to learn more about the organization, please go to https://www.quiltsofvalour.ca/home.
We are then all going to work diligently on items to go into a Christmas Craft Show being held at the Cobourg Community Centre on Saturday, 3 December.
We have never sold our sewing items, so this is very new to us, and we are looking forward to our “Sales” event – the Christmas Craft Show, and are busily making items for that – all at cheap-to-“reasonable” prices – we think everyone will be looking for a bargain; more news in the next Newsletter.
In the meantime……”Carry On, Carrying On”.
December, 2022 : smc
Report – September 2022
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone –
Where to start when you’ve had a busy summer…… We started off with a small gathering in Victoria Park for WORLD EMBROIDERY DAY – 31 July with Immy, Annie, Cathy, Eva, Sue, Judy, Wa (a visitor), other members were off at cottages or had family visiting (this day was probably chosen by someone outside of North America, as this is Canada’s Civic Holiday weekend). [Right. It was chosen in Sweden. -Ed.]
It gave us chance to organize a group to take part on Sunday, 14 August, in the Lang Pioneer Village, Keene, Ontario, event weekend titled “Tying the Knot” which featured a parade of bridal attire through the early years, and various displays.
The day turned out to be pleasant and those of us who attended were given dresses, bonnets, and aprons for the occasion. We had a display table with our own treasured family heirloom pieces – doilies, tablecloths, bedspreads, christening gowns, table runners, handkerchiefs, napkin holders, etc., which were very well received by the many visitors to our display.
Our next big event was our FIRST MEETING of the 2022-2023 Season – 13 September. It was a good day and we greeted 2 new members : Beth and Paula. Beth has had Fabric Art shows in a local Cobourg store and Paula is anxious to try her hand at Crewel – so WELCOME to both ladies..
Our Executive have been hard at work and we have a calendar taking us up to December. In September, we are being visited by two ladies, Guest Speakers Phyllis Wilson and Sylvia Wilkens on a topic of Japanese embroidery, and this will be followed in October with a workshop for Felt Poppies and then probably Quilts of Valour (quilts for military personnel) under negotiation at time of writing.
We are then all going to work diligently on items to go into a Christmas Craft Show being held at the Cobourg Community Centre on Saturday, 3 December. We have never sold our sewing items, so this is very new to us.
In the meantime, we formed a crew to “man” the tables at the Port Hope & District Agricultural Fair during the weekend of 16-18 September. This is the first Fair since Covid – with all new Town staff and all new Fair staff, so it was a bit discombobulated at times, but we survived.
At the Fair we started a new thing for us…. A Free Draw. The prize was a Singer 5-inch Cube Sewing Kit. Entrants filled out name, Landline and Cell phone numbers and Email addresses, and were asked whether they were interested in seeing any more of our displays and whether they wanted more membership information.
Out of 45 replies, 17 replied for seeing more displays and 10 replied wanting more information on membership.
We now have a list of emails in case we wish to promote any of our events. (Marketing tactics ??)
And our Happy Winner of the Free Draw. . . . . . .
Jillian has had yet another display, this time of Mixed Media (we are sure it includes something with a needle and thread!), which ran from 18 August to 25 September at the Northumberland Arts Gallery in Port Hope. Congratulations Jillian!
We were all very sad to hear that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away (8 September, 2022), and most of us will remember exactly what we were doing at the time we heard the news.
Because of our committed involvement with the Port Hope Fair, and our Chief Techie (Susan C) having family business, we were not able to take part in the Zoom ONN AGM 17 September meeting. We hope the meeting went well and look forward to the Minutes. We are still very supportive of the ONN and hope the Minutes don’t hold any bad news.
We are now looking forward to our “Sales” event – the Christmas Craft Show, and are busily making items for that – all at cheap-to-“reasonable” prices – we think everyone will be looking for a bargain; more news in the next Newsletter.
In the meantime……”Carry On, Carrying On”. 25 September, 2022 : smc
Report – July 2022
submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN Representative
Greetings to everyone –
In June we seemed to be finished doing our Zoom meetings and were back in place at the Lion’s Centre, just in time for the close of our 2021-22 Season. (Murphy’s Law)
* * * * * * * *
Most of us are faced with the sad proposition of disposing needlework accessories, kits and other items for friends or members who have passed on. Well it was our turn to dispose of a huge stash for a gal who had lived next door to Immy.
The stash contained quality items and upwards of 10+ boxes filled to the brim. The local Knitting Group took all the wool, patterns and needles for disposal as well. Several complete kits went into an Auction for Helping Hands (a local Charity organization).
This stash took Immy, Heather and Sheila two or three meetings just to sort it into categories and matching up kits, patterns and thread. We did get through it.
On Tuesday, 14 June, 2022, our AGM and Luncheon were booked at the Dalewood Golf Course and we all descended on the lounge and eating area.
Susan C. conducted her first AGM which went very well, confirming our Executive members and plans for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Then came the moment to view and review the stash – it filled at least 4 tables. We raised over $400 for our depleted coffers, and the leftovers were being dispersed to other Guilds.
Well Anne S. has again been busy, busy, busy….. she has made a dress and matching jacket to go into an auction at the Port Hope Cameco Capitol Theatre for their December Charity fund-raiser.
The ribbon threaded in the dress is “White Stewart” and matches the jacket perfectly.
Our next news is that Immy has FINISHED the Apples….. this project has taken about 2 years (along with other projects she has also accomplished).
She tells us that it took 1,071 hours to complete this 19” x 19” piece and there were 68 colours, not 64 ! With this number of colours…. what are 4 more !!!
The Apples are now framed – a further photo will be in the next newsletter. (Framed by our favourite framer, Kim Mather of Whitby’s Kimat Designs at: https://www. kimatdesigns.com )
February to March, 2022
Most of our members were hosted by our member, Jillian Roos-Markowitz, at her 4-month show of her art and stitchery at The Loft in Cobourg.
Jillian held one or two very nice intimate gatherings of members as she walked us through her pieces and how they were inspired by other items or events.
Most enjoyable and I’m sorry we didn’t have any photos to record this event.
Shortly after the Guild’s AGM, Immy and her husband visited family in Germany where she is spreading the enthusiasm to family and friends about stitchery. She in turn was surprised to see two pieces by her sister’s girlfriend’s daughter who completed the following :
These two pieces are quite large and in very bright colours, so quite different. The following is the company they can be purchased from: https://www.diy-fadenkunst.de/products/kreuzstich-dunkler-baum-55×60-cm-diy-fadenkunst
We all should have a Celebration Time . . . .
Our Guild has been around since 1985, and one of our Founding Members – Vivian Foster, has been a staunch member of the Guild since it was started. Recently, Vivian has been experiencing eye and hand issues, and has decided to “retire”… so on Tuesday, 12 July, we had a big Pot Luck Luncheon at Immy’s home as a Thank You for Vivian’s support over the years. Already an Honorary Member, even though “retired”, Vivian will be welcome to drop in to our meetings at any time.
Unfortunately the sunshine was short-lived and we had to retire indoors as it poured with rain. . . . . However, we were able to see some of Vivian’s embroidery pieces that she has produced over the years; she took part in just about all the special sewing courses that were held.
Amid all the celebrations we add one more – our newest member – Jean Campbell – and we would like to point out to Jean that we actually do work very hard at our sewing projects….. with lots of fun events in between. Welcome to our Guild, Jean.
Speaking of new members, on 30 July, Immy and Sheila will again be installing, for the month of August, a number of our embroidery pieces, in the lobby display case at the Cobourg Public Library. Over the years this has been a successful method for us to increase our membership, and just before we open in September for the 2022-23 season.
After setting up the library display case, Immy and Sheila will get over to our next event – 30 July – World Embroidery Day. We are hoping the weather will stay pleasant and those able will meet in the same place as last year – by the Flower Clock in Cobourg’s Victoria Park. This year is very special and the Clock is decorated appropriately.
Carol finished her baby quilt and Sue D. also made a baby quilt for one of our newer members, Maddi S. who is expecting a happy event later in the year.
As local events seem to be starting up after the pandemic, we are receiving invitations to participate.
The first event being at Lang Pioneer Village Museum on Sunday, August 14th from 10am – 4pm, where they are celebrating “Tying the Knot” all about early 19thC wedding traditions. Several members are planning to take part, donning a costume for the event. [https://www.langpioneervillage.ca]
Our next event for participation will be making plans to have a display table at the Agricultural Fair of Port Hope & District over the 16-17-18 September, 2022 weekend.
On Tuesday, 13 September, 2022, our Guild starts back at the Lions Centre (hopefully). There are plans to have instruction on making an embroidered box and doing other projects, all of which we will have more news in our next newsletter.
We hope all our ONN Sister Guilds are having a good summer and coping with the odd times we are in with regard to the new BA5 virus threats.
Now you all know about that English saying : ……”Carry On, Carrying On”.
25 July, 2022 : smc
Report – March 2022
Written by Susan Calverley, Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone –
We had a discouraging start to the New Year when COVID restrictions were reinstated and we were unable to meet in-person at the Lion’s Centre. However, we quickly adapted and put in place a revised plan.
The Guild purchased a Zoom account and used the first meeting of the year exploring and becoming familiar with Zoom. We have continued with online meetings since and are becoming more comfortable with it, even though a few glitches.
Since then, we have talked about creativity and that nothing is new under the sun. Creativity is about putting existing ideas together in new ways. While everyone has creativity in them, it, like any other skill, needs to be practiced and several methods and ideas were discussed on how to do that.
A “Welcome Back” gift containing Aida cloth, a needle and a pattern with a sentimental phrase about stitching and friends, was distributed to all members previous to the meeting. It was to have been part of our first in-person meeting, but instead was used as a challenge for the creativity meeting. The pattern, which was printed in just black and white, was the jumping off point for members to use their imagination to finish the cross-stitch in a colour, or colour combination of their choice.
Our very first Zoom Speaker, was our favourite framer, Kim Mather of Kimat Designs in Oshawa. Kim, a certified Zentangle instructor, led us through the steps of creating two different tiles. We explored several different line styles and how to add shading to give the design depth.
Kim let us know that Zentangle is not doodling, but a mindful form of art and creativity. She said that there are no mistakes in creating a Zentangle and this information helped to free us of any self-consciousness and to go with the flow and enjoy the experience. With lots of oohs and ahhs, many of us went from “I can’t do that. I’m not creative”, to “I didn’t know I could do that!”
In our most recent Zoom meeting, we learned How to Pick Colours for Our Embroidery Project. We gained an understanding of colour theory, colour terminology, and how to use the four colour schemes to help us choose a pleasing palette. Several examples of each of the four colour schemes, monochrome, contrasting, analogous, and triadic, were shown to give an appreciation of how the colours can be utilized in embroidery.
With the colour wheel as our guide, members used coloured pencil crayons to make patterns of different colour combinations, one for each of the color schemes. The challenge at the end of the meeting, was to translate those patterns using Aida cloth and floss on hand, into a small sampler.
During February, our member Jillian Roos-Markowitz opened a multi-month long show of her work at The Loft, in Cobourg. This interpretation of her watercolours into silk stitching has been well received and Jillian plans a private showing for our Guild members in early April.
For the rest of the season, we will continue with our rotation of in-person and Zoom meetings.
Our first meeting back was well attended, with a Show ‘N Tell of projects accomplished.
Those apples are almost finished – and Immy is still in a good state of mind !!!!
(There are 64 colours of thread involved. . . . !)
Breaking news: The apples are done!
Immy says “Hello ladies, did the final stitches this morning. [Mar 25th]
Spend 1071 hours stitching this 19×19 piece, it’s quite grubby after being in a frame for over 2 years.
Kim will have fun framing it. Boy, I am a happy lark today.”
And Carol is working on squares for a baby quilt. . . . .
Future plans include learning to needle felt small succulents, and a Zoom presentation by Lianne Van Leylen, historical domestic interpreter at Upper Canada Village and owner of 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers.
As always …… Carry On, Carrying On.
11 March, 2022 : smc
Report – December 2021
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone –
We think we are heading toward winter, but up to now, the east side of Toronto has been experiencing constant Fall-type weather – cloudy, quite a bit of rain, a week and a half of snow , high wind, sunshine and then repeating the pattern. Maybe when we get the cold weather we’ll be wondering why ?
We hope everyone is bracing themselves for “booster” shots and steering clear of the latest Omicron virus. Maybe we might get a different virus every 6 months the way things seem to be going.
As a Guild we had our first Executive Meeting at the Lions Centre in a couple of years (I think, one tends to lose track of time!!). 17 of us met – all signed in and double checked regarding vaccine status, masked, and well-spaced.
We had the pleasure of welcoming 3 new members Maddi Snowden, Monica Dixon and Susan Malarkey and we hope they are going to enjoy our future meetings.
We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of a calendar month, so are going to have an “in person” meeting on the 2nd week and a “virtual” meeting on the 4th Tuesday. Some of our members’ situations have changed the last 18 months, so hopefully the “virtual” meeting will help to keep them in the loop.
We had to decide whether we could afford to stay at the Lions Centre, and luckily we have made arrangements that are financially agreeable.
We had our Executive election and a few changes were made. A BIG Thank You to retiring executive members Patricia Noble (Co-Chair), and Merrilyn Caldwell (Treasurer), and a hearty Welcome to Susan Calverley (Co-Chair together with Cathy Orr) and for Valerie Futo Woods for “volunteering” to be the new Treasurer.
We are still working on stitchery projects and those UFOs and one of our new members (Maddi S.), although she’s started into Quilts, is inspired to convert some of her art pieces into needlework pieces.
ONN Conference, 2022
Our new Executive asked for, and received, a confirmation of commitment to membership by our Guild, in the ONN, but will have to look closely at the commitment to the 2022 ONN Conference in view of the outbreak of the Covid Omicron virus, and will submit a further report after their first meeting.
Looking forward to the ONN Guild Report with all the news – we love seeing what everyone else is doing during these odd times of comraderie.
As always …… Carry On, Carrying On.
15 December, 2021 : smc
EDITOR’S NOTE: Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild executive sent this, after Sheila’s report came in:
Our Guild recently had discussions regarding our commitment to hosting the next ONN AGM and it is with great regret that we have decided to withdraw our offer as hosts.
It has become apparent that we will once again be unable to host this spring due to COVID. It is also felt that our Guild is in a different position from several years ago when the offer was first made. Health issues, family commitments and fewer members are factors which may prevent members from fully participating in a project of this size.
As such, we feel we should decline from hosting the ONN AGM, return the seed money, and give other Guilds a chance to host.
With regards,
Susan Calverley
Co-Chair NHSG
Report – September 2021
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone.
We hope you are all keeping well, and getting along with the new “life style”.
We have managed to have 2 or 3 meetings – in the open – and thoroughly enjoyed the exchange of “news” – you’d think we’d all been away on vacation !! A bit of stitching took place, and some Show ‘n Tell was exhibited.
Our intended meeting of July 27th was on the wet side, so we all gathered in Victoria Park (Cobourg) on “World Embroidery Day” (30 July, 2021) – so very appropriate.
Patricia has been hard at work on the baby seals (taken from a Sue Coleman card) and brought in the framed piece which was absolutely stunning, whilst Sheila is still struggling with her Brazilian piece (a UFO).
Our next meeting was at Sue’s home on 13 August, 2021 – her home is on a hill with a lovely view
It was a lovely warm day with a nice breeze, and we had a mini-Executive meeting regarding the group’s activities. In order to keep the group together during the Covid restrictions, Susan C. is going to look into the probability of virtual meetings with speakers, or items of interest to the members. The membership fee was lowered, but felt essential to cover costs of electronic meetings.
Of course Anne S has been outdoing herself with yet another (Size 6) smocked dress in the current stages of production –
And Susan C. has completed her little “wallet” (no money, but places for needles, scissors, etc.)
We are all still catching up on those UFOs and Sheila’s surface embroidery pansies in a teacup are now framed (by Kim Mather) and match up with the other teacup with pansies (done a while ago).
In the meantime she also completed a simple little tray cloth using a variety of stitches (stem, straight, satin, leaf, Fishbone, Detached Chain (Lazy Daisy) and French Knots). . . . .
Immy was progressing with her Apples, and since she’s not been able to garden and run around (with the Fashion Boot), she’s made a lot more headway with the Apples……
ONN Conference, 2022
Since we decided to postpone the ONN Conference until 2022, we are keeping our fingers crossed that the 4th wave of the pandemic doesn’t cause further damage to our plans !!
There are rumours of a probable virtual meeting, and whether we have anyone with the technology to help us with that. So more news to come
We have submitted items and photos to the Inspirations Newsletter, and also see the articles submitted by other Canadian Guilds….. so our stitchery efforts are going further afield than they ever did before the pandemic.
Our members love to read the ONN reports, and don’t feel so “alone” in our own stitchery endeavours. We love the photos that everyone is sending in….. they are WOW moments in the reading.
As always …… Carry On, Carrying On. 23 September, 2021 : smc
Report – July 2021
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone.
We are all progressing along and many of us have now had our 2nd vaccination. Who would think that our Stitchery Guild was dependent upon a “needle” !! True in both senses !!
We are still communicating with each other via email, phone calls, but not moved to the Zoom stage.
ONN Conference, 2022
Since our last report, we decided to postpone the ONN Conference until 2022, and this was conveyed via our ONN webmaster, Judy McMullan, to those interested.
We are venturing to have a Guild meeting in the local park, under the trees, (weather permitting) on July 27th. One of the topics will be our own future plans regarding the fact that our meeting place is going to be closed until 2022.
One of the topics for discussion will be the ONN Conference. We think that even in 2022, with the Delta variant of Covid-19 roaming the countryside, some ONN members may not be ready to travel from their home town all the way to Cobourg.
There are rumours of a probable virtual meeting, and whether we have anyone with the technology to help us with that. So more news to come
Jillian, Immy and Anne are still keeping in touch and communicating with our ladies…. And many are still plugging away with needle and thread, even though we are not together.
Of course Anne is still in the forefront with projects being finished just about every week (or so it seems)…. Here are some of her latest little smocked dressed :
This lovely little dress is complimented with a hand-knitted jacket – Anne’s other terrific skill.
In our last report Teresa was short of some of the DMC colours, so although help was offered, she did some juggling and well . . . . Congratulations Teresa the finished product is just lovely, and the framing – courtesy of Kim Mather – just sets it off perfectly.
I (Sheila) took on a small piece of surface embroidery – from a Swap Session a couple of years ago. It was a little piece someone started but didn’t finish. This is a photo of the piece not washed/ironed, but currently finished and being framed….
Also my 25-year project (groan..!) finally finished and currently Kim Mather is framing it…. I can now do French Knots in my sleep. The Needlepoint was very intensive, but the French Knots finished me off !! (I still like the picture after all these years !!)
Alan Maley’s “Winter Impressions” – a Sunset Needlepoint Kit (circa 1996-97)
Also completed a bunch of my “ad lib” sewing pieces for lavender sachets…..
(throw a few grains of rice in with your Lavender, makes a good balance of weight)
Oh yes, and I finished a 2006 project, started with a course being run by one of our long-time members, Mina Clappison. A lovely little Draw-string Beaded Bag (5” x 5”).
Last, but not least, Anne answered an Inspiration Newsletter request for what motivates her with sewing, and this was her reply in #289.
In our last Newsletter, we hoped you were going to have a good summer sitting around, chatting, enjoying a tea or coffee and generally catching up. We hope you’ve dodged the rain, kept ahead of the weeds, and planning more projects for the Fall.
We will keep you advised of ideas for the
ONN Conference now scheduled for 2022.
As always …… Carry On, Carrying On. 22 July, 2021 : smc
Report March, 2021
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone. Well, we’ve made it through the winter, and in our part of the world it really wasn’t too bad.
We are still communicating with each other via email, phone calls, but since we are a smaller group, we have not got into the Zoom stuff. This must be really a great way to keep in touch if you have a large membership.
Speaking of large memberships…. For us that is the ONN. We’ve had yet another email meeting, and this is now our official announcement, and like the decisions of most groups,
we are postponing the ONN Conference until 2022.
In Cobourg we have just had the 1941 and before (80s) folks vaccinated and now they are looking to the 70-79s age range. Getting there, slow but sure. Quite a few of us have been vaccinated – even though that’s giving our ages away !! Our towns are in the Yellow Zone and we hope it stays that way. Our Real Estate is booming as folks are getting out of Toronto.
Jillian, Immy and Anne are keeping in touch with our ladies…. Funny jokes, stories and videos…. We are learning more about each other – our likes and dislikes etc., – through these contacts.
In January, Immy put out a call for some information/guidance she needed regarding graphs for her “Apples”. It’s one of those huge patterns with very tiny stitches.
She continued on and the second picture is March 2021…… so great progress.
January, 2021
March 2021
Of course Anne is putting us all to shame…. She just keeps churning out the work – finishing projects and doing new ones. For winter she made her husband, Sel, mittens – copied from Bernie Sanders’ mittens (as seen at the Biden inauguration), and they are terrific for cold days.
The next project was a UFO – a Stitchery Needlecase, but it holds all kinds of items, tape, pins, scissors, etc., and folds in half with a tie. The outside is a lovely surface embroidery flower design, and the inside is very intriguing because the lining fabric is how to do the various embroidery stitches.
And just before writing this report, Anne has sent in yet another smocked dress for a little girl, and it has a little bonnet to match….. just a little more to finish it.
Today Anne was getting eye cataract surgery, so she will have to lay low for a little while. Take a break, and we wish her well.
Next comment was from Teresa – she is also finishing a UFO – a Dimensions pattern for a Teapot…… but as happens when you start a project unless you keep it fastened down, bits and pieces start to drift through your sewing box….. Teresa ran out of certain colours of thread, so she had to ad lib to continue. Isn’t that what it’s all about on some projects !! Anyway, it’s coming along beautifully, even though several of us have offered her access to our DMC stash!
Annie Louise has begun to tackle a bigger Christmas Quilt after her hangings and table runner.
Heather J. is another very busy lady – she’s been nominated as our Goldwork expert – although she insists she is still learning (aren’t we all !) she really likes working with this form of stitchery.
Her latest piece is a Mariner’s Compass from a course with Cynthia Jackson.
Heather was supposed to take this Course in Boston last September but we all know why she wasn’t able to be there.
However, Cynthia ran the best online Course and finished just before Christmas. Although relatively pleased with her progress in Goldwork, Heather says she can see that more practice is needed to get the arcs perfect and the bricking lined up…argggh. (We know what she means !!)
Heather is very proud of her two Tudor Roses.
They have been given to Grace Church on-the-Hill (Toronto) to form part of a Priest Stole.
She took the design from the 154-year old frontal (that apparently the RSN made for them) and made a few more additions.
She says she did her very best long and short satin stitches (silk shading) – because we all know, the Church Ladies are very scrutinizing!
(Note : The Anglican Church have very very strict Standards for needlework pieces, so if you are interested, make sure you obtain their written directions before you start.)
Her third piece shows her multi-coloured piece that is the actual centre of a mini-casket (circa 1700’s) sewing tool box. She thinks that putting it together may take as long as the stitching !
We are all looking forward to when we can get together – still distanced of course – and sit around and chat, enjoy coffee and catch up with general goings-on.
In the meantime we hope you are producing the “Challenge” project ready for the ONN Conference now scheduled for 2022.
Look forward to warmer days, sitting in the sunshine with your stitching on your lap.
As I always say …… Carry On, Carrying On. 23 March, 2021 : smc
Report – December 2020
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Greetings to everyone – although not meeting, we are alive, well and progressing with our projects.
Let’s celebrate in 10 days’ time – the shortest day of the year (21 Dec) and from then on the days will have more light, and we’ll be heading out toward summer.
Covid report : For ONN Guilds we should let you know that Cobourg was at the Green level for the longest time. The town shut down our beaches, and I’m not sure whether the Marina allowed US boats into the harbour – probably not. We started with 13 Covid cases, which rose to 40, and in the last 2 weeks has gone to over 100 (131 as of 10/Dec), so now we are in the Yellow level of living. Who would ever have thought that colours would dictate our lifestyles !!.
We were not keen on promoting Zoom meetings, because we are keeping reasonably in touch with emails. Our Cheerer Uppers – Immy, Jillian, Susan are doing a royal job with jokes, gardening items, items of interest, links to things we’d never dreamed of, videos of all kinds, but mainly keeping us all in mind and caring about us.
About 6 of the gals had a Stitch-in, but more like a “Chat-in” at Immy’s in the summer (14 July, 2020), and Patricia and a group of about 7 or so met at the Pavilion in the Park on 15 September; it was a bit on the cooler side and I just missed that meeting because of another appointment.
In the meantime, Patricia (President), has been on the warpath to the Lions Centre, regarding our missed dates for meetings, and how we are going to deal with the outstanding monies paid. Probably many Guilds have been in the same situation. Unfortunately, meeting possibilities are still out, and 2021 isn’t looking so great either. If this affects the ONN 2021 Conference, we’ll let everyone know in good time. In the meantime we hope you are producing the “Challenge” project – just in case !
Now to a display of projects accomplished…..
Annie Louise C. has just finished her winter wall quilt, as well as another one and a table runner.
Of course Anne S. has put us all to shame…. She keeps churning out those little smocked dresses and accessories as fast as a Bangladesh factory !!!
Not only that but she’s been doing cushions and quilts !!
Eva McC has diligently worked on her counted cross-stitch project – a huge undertaking, but it is finally finished and perfectly framed.
Jillian R-M had her Watercolour painting and Fabric Art piece selected to show in the Art Gallery of Northumberland’s Juried Show – so BIG Congratulations to Jillian.
And very quietly Sue D sent in her finished project to the Australian Inspirations Newsletter No. 255,– just a lovely piece and Congratulations to Susan. Excerpt from Newsletter below.
Our other Susan (with a C.) who is our “felting expert” put all her gnomes and little people on one side and she too has just finished a project which started out as a Blackwork Design – but, knowing Susan she decided to “give it some colour” – and it turned out beautifully as a bookmark.
And a while ago, Teresa finished this lovely little birth commemoration for her niece in Virginia, USA.
I have finally finished the needlepoint part of a picture I started 25 years ago, but it is covered with French Knots (snowflakes) – and when this is all done I will breathe a sigh of relief and claim to be a French Knot expert !!
Members are not able to hug and console, but are thinking of these two ladies –
Barbara Kershaw has temporarily resigned her membership with us, as her husband is not in the best of health, and Jillian R-M has just lost her twin.
We are all hoping 2021 will bring better news on the health and living front for EVERYONE !
In the meantime, masks on – shop local for support – go easy on the spending – and we’ll see you all the other side of Christmas. Have a Good One !
Oh yes, and Carry On, Carrying On.
10 December, 2020 : smc
Report for July 2020
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative 10 July 2020
Well, our biggest decision after the March report came with the announcement of the Covid-19 closings. It seems everything shut down in Cobourg on March 11, and we are still in “cautious” mode.
We had to wait for the meeting hall to announce their future plans, but of course, they were locked down tight as was everyone else. We finally reached them and managed to re-book the ONN AGM for 2021 – sooooo we hope to see you all next May 29th !!
Our biggest concern was for one of our members (Anne S. and her husband Sel) – they were trapped in Portugal – their usual Spring vacation place – when Canada decided to give everyone a couple of weeks to get back to Canada. They had a nightmare time trying to arrange flights, isolated for 14 days BEFORE they got on the plane, which wasn’t exactly a luxury return flight – sandwiches and bottled water – but their son made up for it when they arrived in Toronto. He had their car at the airport, a bag of groceries and his rubber gloves and mask – no hugging !! They were not allowed out of their house, not even for a walk on the street, for another 14 days.
It seems Immy has become our “Cheerer Upper and Postman”. She sends pictures of flowers in her garden, funny videos, jokes, and general news items. She encouraged everyone to send photos of their projects which we are all sharing. Everyone seem to start on their UFOs, and some are being completed !!
One of our newer members, Anne Louise, confessed she was working on a quilt-type reindeer wall hanging, with a braided border made from Christmas fabrics. A good project during our sweltering summer days !!
Immy decided to finish off the Dorset Buttons that she started before we finished meeting as a Guild – and they are lovely.
Anne kept busy in Portugal and finished off a sweater
And set up the smocked panel for a dress, which she finished on return..
I dug out 2 projects started 3 years earlier…..a sweater and a sewing box, oh yes and I decided to sew more crests onto my Scout Vest (so they don’t get lost !! ), and finished the Elsa Williams Crewel Bell Pull I started January, 2019.
Anne also decided to finish a box. . . .as well as make another Smocked dress !!! (Check out the Inspirations Newsletter #243 for July, 2020.)
We have swapped some ideas, and suggestions for various sewing projects, so although we aren’t face-to-face, we are thinking about each other; Eva may now be using applique to preserve a piece of sewing she wanted to keep.
Next we circulated the latest Butterick/KwickSew/McCall’s/Vogue newsletter, which gave FREE downloadable patterns of Masks and Gowns to cope with Covid-19. To be made for self or for others.
In Cobourg, we have a local group of ladies (Helping Hands Northumberland CA) who gather all kinds of items for circulation to needy charities. They turned their hand to making masks (770 handed out in July) scrubbie bags, mask bags, ear protectors, etc., for all local charity groups, clinics, hospitals, retirement homes, and organizations, and some of our Guild members have given them a ‘helping hand’ as well… a BIG Thank You to them for helping out.
Anne then started on ANOTHER dress – and finished that in record time !!
Susan C. (our Facebook, archeology, history lady) has circulated a whole bunch of UK Guild pieces of sewing, and interesting items of sewing from the internet. We have all shared pictures of flowering gardens and flower bouquets, as well as videos, funny jokes, inspiring philosophies and other news updates.
Susan C has finished a project started when her son was about 15 – and he’s now about 38. These are her comments, and they reflect so much how many of us have felt.
I have been very slow to get any stitching done through the lockdown, but finally got my act together in May and was determined to finish my Samurai cross stitch.
I wanted to be able to actually say I accomplished something in 2020 !
This is a sure candidate for a PHD certificate when we finally resume meetings. I can’t remember the exact year I started this. It is from a Dimensions Gold Collection kit which uses blended colours.
I thought the actual cross stitching was a challenge, but, as Sheila warned me, the detail work was a lot harder than I thought. I figured once I got to that stage, it would be a breeze. Haa haa, Sheila was right!! But I persevered.
The back looks like a dog’s breakfast, and I hated working with that darned gold thread, but I’ve learned quite a lot since joining the Guild, and hopefully I can improve somewhat on the next cross stitch project.
Susan – that was no SIMPLE project – so good job done !!
In the hot weather I have spent time lounging on my deck, doing my “mindless” sewing pieces – namely the fronts for Lavender sachets. “Mindless” because I don’t have a pattern – making up flowers and sewing them as I go seems more relaxing (I usually like my sewing projects “structured”).
Jillian R-M held a workshop just before we closed encouraging members, like me, to feel free to “create” – so this was some of our starts…. and I still have to finish mine.
In the meantime, we are Carrying On, Carrying On. . . . .
Everyone keep safe – 10 July, 2020 : smc
Report for March 2020
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative 20 March 2020
We have had a very lively start to the new year, and welcomed another new member – Carol W. – to join in our busy group.. –
We started out with something simple – but challenging. Susan led us in making Dorset Buttons. As someone who has always wondered how these things are made, my fingers and thumbs effort distorted my design, which I covered over by making a design from it (an angel).
We went on to learn how to make more intricate designs and everyone had a very productive effort at the end.
Following the Dorset buttons, Jillian organized an Applique project. This took place over a couple of meetings. She assembled several kits and everyone chose their favourite colours, opened the bag and got into it. This is such a new way of approaching Applique. Jillian is a fabric artist and so we were getting the chance to “try it out”.
Whilst all these works of art were going on, several of our Guild members were off on the Annual “Tubbers” get-away down in Prince Edward County (Isaiah Tubbs Resort). This time they were gone for an extra day, so when we can meet again, we hope to see what they achieved. That is, in between all the meals, glasses of wine, good laughs and camaraderie.
(When we are able to meet again, as a Guild, we will find out what went on !!)
Immy has booked our Annual Meeting and Luncheon at our local Dalewood Golf Course, and we are hoping that this will take place in June.
Our ONN Committee met and put some final ideas together for the ONN Conference 2020, and we sent out the information to all the ONN Guilds.
Well, since then the whole picture has changed.
We heard from 3 Guilds who were not able to attend the May date (Sudbury, London, Brantford), but now it seems that no Guilds are going to be able to attend.
Our meeting Hall is closed, and we haven’t had chance to speak with the Administrator at the Meeting Hall; we were put on “hold” until April.
At this time we will try to negotiate a possible date for later in the year.
A number of other Guilds will be holding their participation cheques until we have more concrete information about a new date, which will be conveyed for consideration as we learn more details.
UFOs have become a “very popular” topic in the meantime…… what better time to get caught up.
We are going to keep smiling and keeping our fingers crossed, and will communicate in early April.
In the meantime, we are Carrying On, Carrying On. . . . .
Everyone keep safe 20 March, 2020 : smc
Report for December 2019
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
Since our September Report, we are very pleased to welcome four new members to our fold.
They were in time to participate in another project of canvas work, featuring Bargello. We hope this will be as successful as the Hardanger Sampler done earlier this year.
Cathie, our leader, (President’s job shared with Patricia N.) has been for a visit with us and is doing very well after her horrendous fall and broken leg. Barb Kershaw is also on the mend.
In October, Immy and ladies made yet another trip to Gitta’s in Mississauga. It was not a very good day for driving, but that didn’t seem to hinder the event, as the ladies went on their buying spree and luncheon outing.
Our ONN Conference 2020 Committee has been meeting to lay out some more plans and ideas, and we hope the guilds across southern Ontario will be reserving the date for this event. Of course, more information will be forthcoming in the New Year, but in the meantime please make a note of the date :
Saturday, 30 May, 2020
Again we put Immy in charge of arranging our Christmas get-together luncheon, and this year we indulged at Gusto’s of The Waddell Hotel in Port Hope. We all had a good time and enjoyed the fabulous luncheon and service. Good job, Immy !
January will bring another project of Dorset Buttons…. and then in February, a project put on by Jillian….. I wonder if it could be “mittens”??
(Jillian’s daughter, in Australia, is involved with rescuing koala bears from the terrible fires…..we have sent a few “mittens” which are used on the bears’ paws.)
We hope that everyone enjoys the festive season and gets a chance to settle in for a quiet time of sewing over the holidays, and
We hope the ONN Guilds are planning to come and join us Saturday, 30 May, 2020.
We are Carrying On, Carrying On. . . . . 12 December, 2019 : smc
Report – October 2019
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN Rep
My August report briefly covered our AGM meeting held at Dalewood Golf Course (I was away at this time), however below are a few photos from that event – a lovely backdrop for a sewing event and luncheon (as well as AGM for the Guild).
I also reported about visiting Lang Pioneer Village in the July and have one more photo to add from that event.
We are pleased to report that Cathie our leader, (President’s job shared with Patricia N.) is on the mend. Several of us visited her up in Peterborough where she had to attend physiotherapy for several weeks, and now she is back home (in her own little bed !!) getting along quite well. October is looking promising for her as it’s been a long haul since breaking her leg at the end of April.
I missed the day, but Immy entertained the Guild members at her home in summer…. Fortunately the flood waters from the Cobourg Brook had receded and it was a lovely day for the event.
Another day I missed was earlier in the year when there was a Show & Share and “My Other Hat” event held at the Guild…… pictures follow of the “Show” part of the meeting
(I don’t deliberately miss my Guild events, I was President of a local Art Club for 2 years; their new President resigned, so I was called back into duty and to run their 65th Annual Art Show).
The smocked Doll’s dress matches the full-scale dress for the little girl. This lovely work is done by Anne Shields and was recently featured in the Inspirations All Stitched Up Newsletter No. 201.
We had another good and busily attended display at the Port Hope & District Agricultural Fair, (13-14/Sept) where Anne recently won THREE First Prizes for her smocking pieces. Sue D. and Immy L. also cleaned up with Prizes – as usual!! It is a good way to connect with the public and help increase our membership… and we do have some new members !
Our Guild is back for the Fall-Winter Session and Canvas work, Bargello and Dorset Buttons are on the agenda for upcoming projects, as well as a road trip to Gitta’s (not to be missed !)
Our Committee for the 2020 ONN Conference and AGM is moving along with arrangements, and information will be coming along when more details are available.
We hope the ONN Guilds are planning to come and join us next May 30, 2020.
We are therefore, Carrying On, Carrying On. . . . .
Report – August 2019
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, ONN representative
My March report ended with “Looking forward to warmer weather”…. Well it’s here, but before it came, let’s see what we were doing….
May was a busy month. Members were still working on their Samplers and doing a great job, but then tragedy struck (4th)…. Cathie, our leader, took a tumble backwards down her basement stairs. Not good news. The prognosis being that her right leg needs a lot of healing and walking will be sometime in September/October. Patricia set up a rotation card/visit roster for us to keep Cathie in the picture on this long haul.
So on May 14, we had our regular meeting in Brighton, at Knowledge & Needles the Sewing/Stitchery outlet run from the home of Ann McDonald. Ann and her husband are fabulous hosts and they encourage so many groups to visit; the hospitality is fantastic. (Knowledge and Needles, 190 Smith Street, Brighton. Tel: 613-475-4838 – http://knowledgeandneedles.com/)
Next up was the Annual General Meeting which coincided with a luncheon at Dalewood Golf Course.
(I missed this event, but hear it went very well and a new Executive group was elected).
Because I missed the AGM I’ve only just heard that one of our newer members, Heather, went to have a new knee – so I’ve enrolled her for a Fall Marathon !! She seems to have done very well with the surgery and is currently hanging on to some piece of cooling equipment used to help the repair of the knee. I’ve given her permission to do some embroidery whilst she’s sitting around.
Every year, we visit a member’s garden for a Stitch-in – and this time it was Immy’s place. She lives right on the Cobourg Brook and Lake Ontario, and was quite fearful that her garden would resemble a swimming pool. However, the water did reside and the ladies met on the patio and had a terrific Pot Luck luncheon…. which I also missed. (Senior moment – put the wrong date on my calendar).
The next venture four of us participated in was a volunteer day at Lang Pioneer Village, which featured an Antique Car Show, so there were lots of people. We join up with the Northumberland Rug Hookers for this event. As required, we donned our gowns and bonnets and started out in the Loom Room – it’s air-conditioned! However, after lunch we decided to sit out on the shaded porch and it was just lovely. We had a lot of interested inquiries, so these jaunts help promote our Guild as well as give us a lovely day out.
With this in mind a group of us are taking our sewing projects over to Cobourg Museum for a day on their verandah; the Museum recently celebrated 200 years of James Cockburn (First Speaker of Canadian House of Commons) he was from Cobourg. This event is to help the museum celebrate, and it will also give our Guild exposure to the local public.
Along with all these happenings, the Committee for the 2020 ONN Conference and AGM has been meeting and plans are being made. Once we are back in September, we will have to get to work on some of the finer points of running this event. Lots of fun ! We hope the other ONN Guilds will participate and come and join us next May, 2020.
We are therefore, Carrying On, Carrying On. . . . . 22 July, 2019 : smc
Report – April 2018
Submitted by Sheila McCoy, Onn Representative
We are all wondering where the first 3 months of the year have gone to. We must all be working hard at our projects – “time passes quickly when you are having fun”.
Most members of the group have been hard at work learning all the new stitches that Cathie has put together to produce a Sampler of Hardanger. The projects are going well.
Those members who did not take on the project are also progressing with their surface embroidery, Crewel, Brazilian, counted cross stitch, needlepoint projects.
In February a group took in Jillian’s (Roos-Markowitz) Showing of Fabric Art projects sponsored by the Edward Jones (Investments) office in Cobourg; this company is a huge supporter of the arts in our town.
The crew of “Tubbers” took off for their jaunt with friends from Toronto Guild of Stitchery and Trillium (Whitby). This year the weather for driving and being there was not too bad, so everyone had a good time – chatting, exchanging ideas, between the snacks, great meals and glasses of wine!!
We have now depleted our Library of books. Very sad to see them go, but many were snapped up by members (and Tubbers). The problem with a Library becomes storage of the volumes, and then if you have to move facility, it limits places to move to.
We are looking forward to warmer weather and finishing our projects.
As before, Carry On, Carrying On. . . . .
Report – April 2018
We are all wondering where the first 3 months of the year have gone to. We must all be working hard at our projects – “time passes quickly when you are having fun”.
Several of us still have to complete the sewing boxes we started, and they are all looking really good even in their various stages of completion.
On February 20, a group of Guild members had a conducted tour at the local Art Gallery of Northumberland to see the exhibit “Synergy” comprising art by Peter Haller and wall quilts by Dorothy Winter. Dorothy (a local lady) is famous for her wall quilts and her work is impeccable.
March is the retreat month and a good crew of “Tubbers” went off from 7 to 9 March, (before the school break) with friends from the Toronto Guild of Stitchery. The weather behaved itself, making the drive down to the Isaiah Tubbs Resort in Prince Edward County a pleasant one. Some of our members who have not attended this event before were very impressed with the skills and variety of needlework that everyone took to work on – that is, between the snacks, great meals and glasses of wine!!
As with many Guilds we have, over the years, built up a library of useful books. However, storing and keeping check of them has been deemed a bit of an issue, and the internet seems to becoming more of a source of reference. So, we have decided to give our members a chance to purchase the books, and every week a few are displayed and sold. Personally, I feel very sad about this action because many of the books are “classic” and irreplaceable … but times keep changing, and we all have to move on. As long as they are not destroyed, they will bring pleasure to the recipients.
We are looking forward to warmer weather and finishing our projects.
As before, Carry On, Carrying On …
Report – December 2017
We are all working on our books with Cath Orr taking the members through blanket stitch and its various uses in embroidery … makes some lovely flowers!
Our new members are working in well; we have been treated to some “different” pieces of needlework. Susan Calverley showed us some of her felted pieces from little “picture” pieces to the cutest little people …
Barbara Kershaw started several members on their way to making a sewing box. This is no simple task and we all had “homework”. We are all at different completion stages, so swapping notes is very helpful.
One of our members, Teresa Harvey, is taking a well-earned rest. She brought in her latest project, a stitched portrait, which was a huge undertaking. Incorporating about 113 colours on the finest of linen. Her project was presented as a retirement gift to Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, CM.
Several members did the “Big Day” in the city – at Gita’s store … stocking up on all kinds of goodies ready to carry them through the winter months!!
At our last meeting date in November we were treated to yet another surprise … our member Eva McCormack is not only good with a needle, but also a machine. Eva’s a “quilt-aholic” using embroidery to embellish!! This is her latest delightful quilt for a granddaughter.
We have made plans for our annual Christmas luncheon to be held at the well-known Woodlawn Inn in Cobourg.
Also in the planning for 2018 is the Tubbers Expedition to the Isaiah Tubbs resort in Prince Edward County.
We hope everyone has had a relaxing Christmas and managed to get in a little sewing over the holiday season.
Wishing everyone a Good New Year in 2018. As before, Carry On, Carrying On …
For more information about our guild please go to the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild website.
Ontario Network of Needleworkers 