Needlework Exhibition Planned in Rehoboth Beach

The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society will soon hold its Annual Needlework Exhibition at the Rehoboth Beach Museum. More than 80 regional needle artists participate by submitting nearly 100 entries each year. The works are judged by a National Academy of Needlearts certified judge, and awards are given in 10 categories. Additionally, a Best in Show award is given. The public is invited to visit the museum to view the show and to vote for the People’s Choice award winner.

Needle workers of all ages are encouraged to enter their work. Entries accepted August 27 through September 11. There is a nominal fee. A copy of the application form is available to download at https://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org/images/Documents/2021%20Needlework%20Exhibition%20Application.pdf, or call (302) 227-7310 to have a paper copy mailed. Copies are also available at the front desk of the museum. The exhibit opens Saturday, September 18, 2021 and continues through November 7, 2021. Needlework demonstrations will be held in the exhibit hall. Dates for the demonstrations will be announced.

Rox Chast: Cartoonist and Embroiderer

For the second time in a month, I’ve come across a magazine cover with an embroidered image. The latest (June 1, 2020) issue of The New Yorker has am embroidered by long-time cartoonist Roz Chast. The piece includes chain stitch, satin stitch, back stitch and French knots.

In a short interview published online, Chast says she was taught to embroider in the sixth grade at her public school in Brooklyn.

Sewing Face Masks

You’ve likely heard of the shortage of face masks during the current coronavirus pandemic.

The CDC says “In settings where facemasks are not available, health care providers might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered personal protective equipment, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown.”

Even if not suitable for hospitals, using the masks in non-clinical settings might free up the highest quality masks for health care workers. Masks may help the rest of us avoid touching our faces, and may provide some protection from the virus if we’re out in public.

Patterns and instructions for homemade face masks are popping up all over. I chose this pattern because it is made from a square of fabric that can be quickly cut with a rotary cutter and assembled with materials I had on hand. The instructions are thorough and included step-by-step photographs. I made three in my first afternoon, and I got faster with each one.

atiekadiddlehopper.blogspot.com/2020/03/fabric-surgical-style-mask-free-pattern.html

A few notes:

  • I used fine-weave cotton pillowcases that can be laundered in hot water. If you are looking for some research on various materials for DIY mask-making, this post from Smart Air Filters is exceptional: What Are The Best Materials for Making DIY Masks? It also includes a few great links at the end of it.
  • Instead of bread ties as suggested, I used pipecleaners to give shape to the top of the mask.
  • Not having any bias tape on hand, I cut made binding from strips of the cotton.

It’s not much, but it does make me feel good to be doing SOMETHING. Stay well.

Stitching Fundraiser for Australia

The chart for a reproduction Australian sampler ~ Jane Marshall 1857 ~ is being sold to benefit the Rural Fire Services (RFS) of Katoomba/Leura and Wentworth Falls. The background on this project, including information on the RFS can be found at https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/product/jane-marshall-1857-a-fund-raiser-for-two-brigades-of-the-nsw-rural-fire-service/

The Loudoun Sampler Guild’s own Anne Cannizzaro, with “Jane Marshall” already halfway complete.

Needlework Events at Woodlawn

Woodlawn has announced the events happening during the 2020 Needlework Exhibition in March. Some of the topics, including a talk by Catherine Jordan on needlework maps, and the Shenandoah Tapestry are familiar to Loudoun Sampler Guild members, while others are farther afield:

  • Poplin, Lawn & Whipcord: The Fiber Art of Roxana Geffen
  • Strong Women: Embroidery on Photograph Workshop with The Comptoir
  • Crafting Dissent, Crafting Democracy: A Storied Tradition
  • Crochet Handcraft Workshop: Suffragist Emoji Crafting with Hinda Mandell
  • Painting with Wool – Needle Felting Workshop with Dani Ives
  • Found Objects and Family Influences
  • A Single Thread: Highlighting the Power of Cathedral Needlework

Details about dates, time and registration can be found at Woodlawn’s website: http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/annualneedleworkshow