[Artemisia] a new challenge

[Rebecca Mikkelsen]

I have a new challenge for everyone--make an embroidery sampler.  Let me 
'splain.

Women used to carry ideas and patterns for embroidery on a sampler.  
Originally these samplers were random patterns.  Eventually the became the 
needlework that every little girl did with a quote and the ABC's.

I would like to see everyone dragging around their own samplers of designs.  
I think it would be fun to meet new people at an event by looking at their 
designs and sharing designs, etc.  This will also be a Laurel's Prize 
Tourney of sorts.  I encourage the Laurels (and anyone, really) to check out 
the designs and give little tokens for designs well-stitched, knowing the 
history behind a design, having the most designs form far-distance events, 
etc.  There are many ways in which these samplers can be recognized.

This challenge is for anyone who starts a project and never finishes it.  It 
is for people who like to try things out but don't want to make a huge 
project of it.  If you like to meet new people, this is for you.  Especially 
encourage newcomers to pick up a needle and thread and find someone who is 
stitching.  Arts & Sciences Officers:  have some fabric, needles and thread 
on hand to give to newbies.  Have a workshop or two on how to stitch.

Have Fun!  I'm looking forward to seeing what you are doing!
Rebecca