Blog & News

I am happy to announce that Marjorie Dashef has agreed to fill out the remainder of the Member at Large term.  This board position has not been filled for a few months, so I expect that there will a little ramp up time.  If you are aware of demonstration opportunities, please let her know.  Your support is appreciated.

Hi all,   a quilt event just opened last week in Bridgeport CT

NELG Retreat on May  16 through May 18, 2014 

As of February 15, 2014, fourteen people have registered for the retreat. So far, 3 people have signed up for Holly Van Sciver’s class, 8 people have signed up for Ulrike Voelcker’s class and 3 people are only retreating.  There is a $10 to $20 discount for registering before  March 15. Commemorative bobbins  by Chris Parsons are available from $13.50 to $19.50. If you order your bobbins by March 1, they will be delivered at the retreat. Bobbins ordered after March 1 will include a mailing fee. 

Registration will close on May 5, 2014.

We have cancelled the February meeting since the weather is marginal.  This was to have been a business meeting in addition to the Teneriffe program that was planned.  One of the items on the agenda was to announce some new appointments. 

1. I am happy to announce that Susan Landry will take the position of librarian.  The library is an important part of NELG, and I am sure Susan will get this working for us once more.
2. We now have a nominating committee for the June elections.  Carolyn Wetzel and Marjorie Dashef have volunteered for the committee.  This year we will elect the treasurer and vice president.  If they approach you for a position, please consider it.  NELG cannot work without participation by the membership, and that includes people who take the responsibility of board members.  Yes, it does take a bit of your time, but it is well worth it. 
   

Thanks,
Sharon

A new exhibit is opening at the San Francisco Airport!  I probably won't get to see it, but it looks amazing.

Just back from my presentation of the "Lace is Everywhere"  at the Tolland Library, CT.  There were about 25 ladies present for the talk.  Thank you to Jeanne Goodwin for making the introduction so that this event was booked.  Thanks to Jeanne,  Sharon S. and Marjorie D. for attending and showing how bobbin lace is made.  Special thanks to Cressy - he photographed, videoed, more than a gig of pic's from the session.  Watch later on for the pictures of the event.  Of course thanks to the Tolland Library and the Friends of the Tolland Library for believing in the topic.

We received a wonderful thank you from Sr. Claire for all the stars and snowflakes that were sent for their 2013 holiday display.  I have just posted some photos on the Lace Projects webpage, together with a list of all the lacemakers who took part.

OK.  So far winter has not been too wonderful.  But start thinking ahead to May!  It is not too soon to start setting aside items for the Silent Auction -- always one of our most popular activities!  All items related to lace or fiber are eagerly sought.  Give to me, or Clare Settle in CT. 

Also the Lace Challenge ATC packets are ready.  They will be available at the Jan. meeting or I will mail you a packet upon request.  Submit your original design ATC for judging at Retreat by your peers and the teachers.  There are prizes!  Again, a lot of fun and no pressure.

More info will be in the Feb. newsletter.   Just think sunshine, warm breezes, unlimited lace time...it's coming!

Happy lacing!

I hope everyone has made it through our long holiday season so far.  Mine has been a bit hectic with a wedding in early December in Maryland including a return trip that was a bit challenging due to snow.  That was followed by Sunday Lace the next week that was moved to Saturday to work around yet another snowstorm. 

The next week was NELG.  Given how close it was to Christmas, having six people attend, bring food, have a gift exchange, and actually stay for a while just to converse was really a pleasant break.  The commute home was interesting since I seemed to share the road with a ton of electric crews headed to Northern New England to be ready for the bad ice storm that even now has people waiting for the lights to return.  This may be the lot of life for linemen, but given the holidays, I suspect a number of them would have preferred to be at home with family and friends.

We are almost at the end of the holiday season with New Year's Day on Wednesday.  If you are someone who makes New Year's resolutions, here are some lace suggestions:

1. If you have unfinished projects, pick out one to finish and do it.  It will free up some equipment and space as well as give a sense of accomplishment.
2. Please remember that the Big E comes again next summer.  This is our biggest display of the year, and it won't happen without our members contributing.  All lace is welcome, and your contribution is important.  Getting the pieces planned early so they can be finished ahead of time will make it a lot easier.
3. Volunteer for something.  NELG always has plenty of opportunities.  If you have something that would make a good program at a meeting, please let us know.  If you are planning on going to the retreat, we could use another co-chair for the silent auction.
   
4. Pass your knowledge along to others.  You don't have to run a formal lace class to teach someone.  If you can help someone with their lace, you are passing along your knowledge.  Local lace meetings are great places for this to happen.
5. Attend a demo.  This is one way that we spread the word that handmade lace still exists and is a great activity to learn.

I hope this list gives you some ideas. 

Wishing you the best for the New Year,
Sharon