Meeting Programs

June Meetings Program

Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2

JUNE – Needlework Judging with Lisa Geosits

Lisa Geosits, winner of last October’s free membership drawing, will be presenting a program on Needlework Judging. Lisa is an EGA-trained and certified judge who has worked for needlework exhibits and local fairs for many years. She will talk about EGA’s judge certification program, the job of judges at needlework shows, and the process she goes through to formally evaluate a piece of needlework. This will be an interesting behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn how and why the ribbons at exhibits and fairs are awarded the way they are.

In addition, Lisa has kindly offered to mock-judge pieces for members who attend this program! Please bring a completed stitched piece with you to the day or evening meeting in June; framed or fully-finished pieces are preferred but not required. Lisa will judge your piece as if it was an entry at a needlework show!

July Meetings Program

Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7

JULY - “Stars & Stripes Sampler” by Sue Lentz and Freestyle Stitch-of-the-Month #5

The Freestyle Stitch-of-the-Month is Satin stitch; if you are participating in this project please bring your practice sampler, folder, and usual stitching supplies.

Eileen Gilliland will be presenting a USA-themed sampler released as a free pattern in 2001 by designer Sue Lentz. Sue created the sampler to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A quick change of the date in the pattern makes this a perfect project for this year’s Semiquincentennial!

“Stars & Stripes Sampler – 50 Stars, 13 Stripes” is a multi-stitch sampler that uses Satin stitch, cross stitch over 2 threads, and various geometric Star stitches. It is recommended for stitchers of Intermediate ability, particularly those who can read a chart and execute counted specialty stitches on linen fabrics. In addition, there is a lot of latitude in choosing threads for the project; stitchers should have some experience in choosing and using metallic and variegated threads. A graphic showing the layout of the sampler and a photo of Eileen’s sampler in progress are shown below. Eileen is using 28-count natural linen, Wildflowers (Indigo and Flame) threads for the stripes, and Weeks Dye Works floss for the stars and dates.

Participants will receive a PDF copy of the original pattern as well as detail charts of the stars and an updated chart for the year 2026. Eileen has charted a cross stitch version of the project that replaces the satin stitch stripes with cross stitches over two threads; a variety of sampler stitches can also fit in these spaces. The chapter is in the process of designing ten additional stars for the sampler – click on the button below for more information.