Spring is such a wonderful time of year, with all of the new baby animals in the fields and nature working to change its palette from ugly drab tones to vivid colors. Here in Texas, we are beginning to see trees covered in pastel blossoms and little green shoots emerging from the ground. But Old Man Winter seems to want us to feel the cold one more time. On Saturday, we had lovely weather and by Sunday afternoon, we experienced a 60 degree downward shift in temperatures and another round of icy roads (and much to students’ delight – schools were either delayed or closed). Mother Nature is not to be stopped though as Monday has been bright and sunny despite the chilly air.
The changing season brings about the desire to get out and about, so here are a couple little tidbits for you to mull over if you are looking to do some exploring on your own. For anyone interested in really getting away, you might consider the following:

17th Century Samplers at Plimoth Plantation – April 26-27, 2014
The Plimoth Plantation has planned a weekend of workshops and lectures about early samplers and the young girls who stitched them. Gather with other embroidery enthusiasts for one-of-a-kind lectures, instruction and delicious 17th century food. Embroider the Mary Atwood Sampler (c. 1650), led by Joanne Harvey, nationally-renowned sampler expert. View rarely seen treasures from Plimoth Plantation’s collection, such as the Plimoth Jacket and the Theodora Oxenbridge Sampler (c. 1670). The weekend includes a tour of Plimoth Plantation and a visit to Pilgrim Hall Museum’s exhibit, Needlework Samplers: Wrought by Tradition.

The Keir Collection at the Dallas Museum of Art – May 2014
If you are looking for something a little more local, plan to visit to the Dallas Museum of Art in May 2014, when they will receive The Keir Collection. Named after the 18th-century British mansion where it was once housed, the Keir Collection, which encompasses about 2,000 pieces, includes textiles, carpets, ceramics, rock crystal, metalwork and works on paper. The collectionโs geographic range spans from the western Mediterranean to South Asia.
Show and Tell
This winter has allowed many of our members to be very productive with our stitching time. Check out our Member’s Show and Tell shared from our February meeting.




Finishing by our own Betty H.

Judy added the wonderful 9-11-01 Never Forget tribute.


Project Pocket finishing by Carolina Stitcher.




Finishing by Carolina Stitcher.




Debbie knit these lovely socks for herself (I’m sure they are quite comfy).

Kim stitched this lovely little guy for Debbie H.



Karen changed her colors to represent her parrot named JW!




Sherry made this scissor fob and another lovely one for Robert H.

Robert stitched this lovely sampler on 52/60 count linen using Tudor Silks.




Sharon plans to finish these as a pin cushion with a scissor fob initial which is stitched on 40 count silk gauze.

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. We will receive our kits and begin our 2014 SAL Catherine Theron Travel-Sized Quaker Sewing Roll.
The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.
Harriet Ann Jacobs