Past Retreat Teachers and Themes

2025 – Theme:  Teddy Bears’ Picnic
46^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. August 13-16, 2025 – optional Tue. Aug 12 arrival

Chairwoman:  Jane Tracy

• Jennifer Riefenberg (Winter Fire, Tall, Dark & Handsome)
• Dawn Fisher (Star Spangled Sampler, Grandma’s Button Box, Wild Strawberries Needle Book and Pincushion)

2024 – Theme:  Many Hands Make Light Work
45^th Annual Retreat (Stitching Day Camp) – Wed. – Sat. August 7-10, 2024

Committee:  Kym Duea, Nancy Killmer, Jane Matson, Lee Popp, Sandy Resnick, Janet Rock, Bonnie Swierzbin, and Janet Withoff

• Jessica Huang (Needle Felted Beetle)
• Denise Harrington Pratt (Elegant Diamond and Box Making, Spring Flowers Pincushion and Scissors Fob, Lovely Leaves Acorn Scissors Fob)
• Paula Rae Schmidt (Insights to Canvas Interpretation and Embellishment, Studio Time for Painted Canvas Interpretation and Embellishment)
• Maggie Thompson (So Easy Bracelet, Frankenstein Bracelet, Cup of Sparkle Bracelet)

2023 – Theme:  Dog Days of Stitching
44^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 9-13, 2023 – optional Mon. Aug 7 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Connie Rosene and Glenda Overmann

• Kathy Andrews (Simple Gifts – Embroidered Shaker Box and Tulip Needlebook) – Cancelled due to low enrollment
• Nancy Cucci (October Treats and Anniversary Heart)
• Catherine Theron (Whitework Delight Sampler and Birds of a Feather Sewing Book)

2022 – Theme:  NGM’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration
43^rd Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 10-14, 2022 – optional Mon. Aug 8 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Kym Duea and Carol Pedersen

• Amy Mitten (From Around the World, A Thread of Connection, Secrets of a Queen – Part 1 and Part 2 Mystery Story and Sampler)
• Deborah Mitek (Damsel in Flight, Proudly Peacock, Summer’s End)
• Sandra Arthur (Crazy Needles Pincushion, Canvas Embellishment)

2021 – Theme:  With Needle and FriendsCancelled due to Covid19 Pandemic

Co-Chairs:  Cathy Boyd and Marie Zaczkowski

Catherine Theron (Whitework Delight Band Sampler, A Lady’s Sewing Roll, Wee Book of Sampler Motifs)
Dawn Donnelly (Treasures from the Great Lakes and Pieces of the Past)
Stephanie Drehs (Six-Pointed Star Beaded Pincushion and Strawberry Field Beaded Needlebook)

2020 – Theme:  Embracing the Past with an Eye to the Future
The in-person event was cancelled due to Covid19 Pandemic, but we held virtual events

Co-Chairs:  Kym Duea and Carol Pedersen

Thur. Aug 13 - NGM Retreat 2020 Show & Tell - Virtual Edition
Fri. Aug 14 - Amy Mitten Presented her lecture on Scottish Samplers via Zoom

Both events were open to all who were interested – not just potential Retreat attendees
Teachers:  See 2022

2019 – Theme:  Finishing School
42^nd Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 7-11, 2019 – optional Mon. Aug 5 arrival

Co-Chairs: Stacy Handeland and Lee Ann Lause

• Margaret Bendig (Patriotic Sparklers, Silk Box and Needlebook, Star Dance)
• Cathy Habermann (Snow on the Ground, Crocus Blue, The Flat Finish)
• Lisa Binkley (Art Beads on Cloth, Finishing Techniques with Bead Embroidery)

2018 – Theme:  Stitching in the Northwoods
41^st Annual  Retreat - Wed. – Sun. August 8-12, 2018 – optional Mon. Aug 6 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Connie Rosene and Glenda Overmann

• Terri Bay (St. Paul’s Snowdrift, Diamonds and Lace Tray, Sara’s Filigree Ornament)
• Margaret Kinsey (Scroll with Flower, Study in Rozashi (Tulips), Patterns in Blue and Green)
• Paulette Paquette (Elton Owl, Billy Owl, Poppies and Lavender)

2017 – Follow the SUN (Stitchers Using Needles)
40^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 9-13 – optional Mon. Aug 7 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Jan Kelly and Gloria Misfeldt

• Nancy Cucci (My Vintage Heart, For the Love of Chocolate, Silver & Crystal Adventure)
• Thea Dueck (A Gingerbread Flower Shop, Sunflower Cottage Pillow)
• Ruthmarie Hoffman (Well of Wishes II, Bead Me Square)

2016 - Theme:  Sharing our Wisdom (Owls)

39^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 10-14, 2016

Co-Chairs:  Sara Graffunder and Sandy Resnick

• Toni Gerdes (The Wright Kimono, Texture as a Design Element)
• Sylvia Murariu (Windy October, Serenity, Romanian Point Lace Lecture)
• Carolyn Standing Webb (Feather Your Nest, Ivory)

2015 - Theme: Stitching the Fabric of Community
38^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 12-16, 2015 – optional Mon. Aug 10 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Denise Beusen and Carol Pedersen

• Michele Roberts (Ukranian Eggs and Basket, Metalcraft 101,”‘Faux”bergé Egg – Flower Wreath)
• Betsy Morgan (Edinburgh Etui, Edinburgh Reticule, Helix Etui)
• Deborah Gale Tirico (Harvest Penny Rug, Heartsease Table Rug)

2014 - Theme: Embrace the Pace (Tortoise and the Hare)
37^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 13-17, 2014 –optional Mon. Aug 11 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Jane Tracy and Lynn Kindem

• Catherine Theron (Wee Bunny Scissors Box, No Place Like Home Stitchery Book, Bless This House Sampler, ABC Stitchers’ Hornbook on Friday Evening)
• Kay Stanis (Jacobean Fantasy, Summer Sonata)
• Barb Kobe (Art Dolls and Nature Dolls, Meaningful Stitching)

2013 - Theme: Sisters of the Heart
36^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 7-11, 2013 – optional Mon. Aug 5 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Kathy Peterson and Stacy Handeland

• Catherine Jordan (Ruby Beauty Box, Creating Needlework Maps)
• Lynn Payette (Treasure, San Antonio Angel, Beautiful Birches)
• Celine Perkins (Twist and Shout Tote, Crossroads, Simple Scallops, Easy Medallion)

2012 - Theme: Acorns to Oak Trees, Growing with the Guild
35^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 8-12, 2012 – optional Mon. Aug 6 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Jillann Farwell and Carol Pedersen

• Jean Campbell (Chat Noir, Peyote Buttons, Sakura, Zsa Zsa)
• Jackie du Plessis (A is for Acorn, Briar Rose Etui, A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Beautiful)
• Orna Willis (Tiny Treasures: Square, Yuval Cuff, Interpretive Color)

2011 - Theme: Week[end] by the Lake
34^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sun. August 10-14, 2011 – optional Mon. Aug 8 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Elaine Frankowski and JoAnn Kappel

• Meredith Barnhill-Willett (Goldwork Design and Discovery, Lift Your Wings)
• Jeanette Biederman (Crazy Quilt Coat)
• Tricia Wilson-Nguyen (Abby Cozens 1863 Sampler, Jacobean Silk Purl Flower, Garden of Eden Etui)

2010 - Theme: POOFFF (Peacocks Or Other Fine Feathered Friends)
33^rd Annual Retreat - Wed. – Sun. August 11-15, 2010 – optional Mon. Aug 9 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Susan Anderson and Jan Kelly

• Leslie Granbeck (Felted Slippers, Felted Beads & Baubles, Felted Vessels, Felted Lattice Tote Bag)
• Carole Lake (St. Basil’s Cathedral)
• Robin Laukhoff (My Favorite Scottish Sampler, Peacock Fancy Ensemble, What’s the Point Pincushion)

2009 - Theme: Taking Inspiration from Pond Scum
32^nd Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 13-16, 2009 – optional Mon. Aug 10 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Sara Graffunder and Lee Popp 

• Tanya Berlin (2-sided Embroidery, Blackwork and Shadow work)
• Leora Raikin (African Folklore Embroidery & Applique)
• Jo Wood (Bead Embroidery, Beaded Pin)
• Marlene Doak (Needlepoint/Canvas Work Studio Time)

2008 - Theme: Mermaids
31^st Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 14-17, 2008 – optional Mon. Aug 11 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Kim Graff and Carrie Hancock

• Lauren Sauer (The Mermaid’s Tresor Box, Key to my Heart, A Melon Bag)
• Tricia Spitzmuller (Mermaid Mystery - Fabric Collage, Opening Your Creative Center - Fabric Painting and Embellishment)
• Kay Stanis (Winter Wonders)

2007 - Theme: Butterflies
30^th Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 9-12, 2007 – optional Mon. Aug 6 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Sandy Resnick and Janet Withoff

• Jane Nicholas (Turkish Tile Panel, Hellebore, Berries and Dragonfly)
• Marion Scoular (Blackwork Acorn and Oak Leaves, Pulled Stitches Hummingbird, Hem Stitching Band Sampler)
• Caela Conn Tyler (Foiled Again, Fleur de Lis)

2006 - Theme: Crows
29^th Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 10-13, 2006 – optional Mon. Aug 7 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Kathe Lyndsley and Rhonda Nord

• Carole Lake (Painted Canvas Embellishment, Group Therapy: Get Over your Fear of Painted Canvases)
• Joanne Harvey (Katharina Holden Sampler, Hannah Prescott Sampler, Betsy Davis Sampler)
• Thea Dueck (Stitching in the Garden, Christmas Treasures)
• Madelyn Butts (CAPtivating Necklace, Russian Leaves, Cubes & Stuff Bracelet)

2005 - Theme: Ladybugs28^th Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 11-14, 2005 – optional Tue. Aug 9 arrival

Co-Chairs:  JoAnn Kappel and Marilyn McMahon

• Marcia Brown (Finishing School 1, 3D Standing Figure, Ornament Finishing)
• Wendy White (Lady’s Companion 1 & 2, Rapunzel’s Tower)
• Marcia Brown & Wendy White (Lancaster Manor Pocket)
• Diane Clements (Beaded Evening Bag)
• Gail Sirna (One Last Topiary, Christmas Topiary).

2004 - Theme: Gardens of Stitches
27^th Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 12-15, 2004 – optional Tue. Aug 10 arrival

Chairwoman:  Julie Mafi

• Susan Kerndt (Iris Crystale)
• Helen Thorn (Seasonal Surprise)
• C.A. Wells (Sampler Slide Purse, Victorian Needle Cottage, La Lapin Pendant)

2003 - Theme: Rainbows
26^th Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 7-10, 2003 – optional Wed. Aug 6 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Elaine Frankowski and Sandra Gordon

• Jane Ellen Balzuweit (The Royal Garden Pulled Thread)
• Jean Mann (Autumn Colors, Fall Fantasy)
• Orna Willis (Kanya Cuff)

2002 - Theme: Bees25^th Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 8-11, 2002 – optional Wed. Aug 7 arrival

Co-Chairs:  Jeri Amundson and Kathy Sandvik

• Barbara Mayo Grass (Exotic Beauty Warm, Exotic Beauty Cool)
• Janice Love (Goldibox and/or On Golden Wings, Lovebottle)
• Catherine Theron (Elegant Sewing Roll, Exemplar 1 and 2 and Queen Bee Accessories Fri. eve.)

2001 - Theme: Dragonflies
24^th Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 9-12, 2001 – optional Wed. Aug 8 arrival

Co-Chairs: Carrie Hancock and Kim Graff

• Jody Adams (Summer Porch; Fall Porch)
• Merry Cox (Grateful to Thee Sewing Box)
• Shay Pendray (Moon Princess)

Note: 

-  1^st Retreat to have a theme

2000 - No Official Theme (This didn't become a thing until 2001)
23^rd Annual Retreat - Thur. – Sun. August 10-13, 2000 (Optional early arrival on Wed. eve. Aug, 9^th)

Co-Chairs:  Sue Tesmer and Kym Duea

• Diane Fitzgerald (Beading - Gingko Leaf II)
• Barbara Mayo Grass (Canvas - Patchwork and Peonies)
• Lauren Sauer (Counted Thread - The Golden Garden Sweet Bag, Raphaels’ Raspberries)
• Lucy Senstad (Quilting - Miniature Landscape)

Note: 

-  1^st Retreat with early arrival

1999
22^nd Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 12-15, 1999

Chairwoman:  Mary Kay Gergen

• Anthony Minieri (Needlepoint - A Winter’s Tale)
• Carolyn Sherman (Fabric Manipulations Jacket)
• C. A. Wells (Sampler Pyramid Etui and Renaissance Scissors Keeper)

Notes:

-  Final count 99 + 3 teachers (11 first-timers)
-  During Retreat we took a vote of the membership Aug. 12^th and approved a new streamlined set of bylaws. They became effective on Aug. 13, 1999.
-  Jane Squires and Jan Tesler stopped by on Vendor’s Night and led us in the Camp Song that was sung at many early retreats.  They also told stories of the skits they used to do and some of the fun times they had.

1998
21^st Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 6-9, 1998

Chairwoman: Kathe Lyndsley

• Jody Adams (A Summer Place)
• Joanne Harvey (German Band Sampler; Ann Bowers Sampler; Queen Stitch Pinball)
• Deanna Powell (Rose Trellis Vest)

Notes: 

-  90 Stitchers + 3 teachers (17 first-timers)
-  New construction completed at King’s House.  It gave us a large new meeting room (DeMazenod Hall) where we hold all of our evening events.  It also provided several small breakout rooms (A, B, C & D) which are used for classes and/or Independent Study.  New double rooms were also added (Joseph Hall) replacing the wing with the private rooms that had a shared shower room down the hall.

1997
20^th Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 7-10, 1997

Chairwoman: Linda Wilken

• Janice Love (Triple Crown Hardanger)
• Elsa Parrish (The Quilting Bee)
• Catherine Theron (Examplar 1 and 2)

Notes:

-  82 Stitchers + 3 Teachers (17 first-timers)
-  1^st year that implemented a separate brochure to be sent to members so more info could be included. (A suggestion from the previous retreat’s survey.)
-  March of 1997 NGM presented King’s House with a white Hardanger Alter Cloth for their Chapel.  It is approx.. 48” square.  The design was created by Rosie Swartz and Lily Fox.  Five other NGM members donated countless hours of their time to this labor of love (Marie Larson, Agnes Leer, Pat Trumbull, Astrid Weidling, and Ada Erickson).
-  Retreat Fee = $230

1996

19^th Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 8-11, 1996

Chairwoman:  Jill McAllister

• Nan Tyson Euler (Embroidery Collcetions of Britain Echoed in a Sewing Case)
• Francye Farley (Embellishing a Gemstone:  Picture, Purse, or Box Top)
• Louise Meyer (The Garden House)
• Helen Thorn (North Country Critters)

Notes:

-  1^st Retreat that started cancellations being subject to a $25 processing fee
-  Retreat Fee = $220

1995
18^th Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 10-13, 1995

Chairwoman:  Lynn Kindem

• Lily Fox (Beaded Charm Pouch)
• Deanna Powell (Vested Images)
• Barbara Rakosnick (Windsor Rose Sampler)
• Marnie Ritter (Needle Painting)

Note:

-  Retreat Fee = $220

1994
17^th Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 11-14, 1994

Chairwoman:  Mary Donaldson

• Jane Bonner (Perforated Paper: Personal, Practical and Pretty)
• Betty Chen Louis (Peony Ribbons)
• Linda Driskell (Christmas Basket Sampler)
• Constance Howard (White on White)

Notes:

-  60 Stitchers
-  Retreat Fee = $220

1993

16^th Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 12 – 15, 1993

Chairwoman:  Laura Nelson

• Lily Fox (Pulled and Drawn Thread Sewing Set)
• June Moes (Painting on Silk)
• Genny Morrow (Nova)
• Darlene O’Steen (My Secret Garden)

Notes:

-  First year where the “installment” payment program was implemented? 
-  Retreat Fee = $210

1992
15^th Annual Retreat – Thur. – Sun. August 6-9, 1992

Chairwomen:  Madelyn Butts and Laura Nelson

• Marilyn Hann (Color Experiments)
• Jean Hilton (French Diamond)
• Jocelyn Patterson (Stitches with Heart)
• Anne Rohrer (Woodbine Sampler)

Notes:

-  65 attendees including teachers
-  Retreat Fee = $195

1991 – 1^st Retreat at Christ the King Retreat Center, 621 First Ave. South, Buffalo, MN
14^th Annual Retreat – Tue. – Fri. August 13-16, 1991

Chairwomen:  Astrid Weidling and Madelyn Butts

• Eleanor Bockheim (Wall Hanging of Ethinic Borders)
• Joyce Lukomski (Shimmering Jewels)
• June Moes (20th Century Backwork, Goldwork, and Pulled Thread)

Notes:

-  Retreat Fee = $195
-  July 1991 newsletter article states that the Guild has suspended the proposal requirement for independent study

1990 – Last Retreat at Camp Koinonia on Lake Sylvia, 7768 Pilger Ave NW, South Haven, MN
13^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 20-23,1990

Chairwomen:  MaryEllen Manthei (now Calderwood) and Astrid Weidling

• Marion Schoular (From the Simple to the Sublime)
• Cyndi Parker (Zhivago’s Lady)
• Chottie Alderson (Elizabethan Sampler)

Notes:

-  Independent Study Proposals had to be submitted and approved
- Retreat Fee = $185
-  September 1990 newsletter announced that Astrid Weidling, Mary Ellen Manthei (now Calderwood), and Lora Schott found a new and wonderful place for Retreat 1991!

1989
12^th Annual Retreat – Dates?

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Carol Algie (now Higginbotham) (Blackwork / Pulled Thread)
• Betty Chen Louis (?)
• Louise Meier (Canvas / Obi Ribbons)

Note:

-  Jane Tracy says that the teachers all taught Noshi ribbon projects this year

1988
11^th Annual Retreat – Dates?

Co-Chairs:  ?

Teachers:  ?

1987
10^th Annual Retreat – Dates?

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Paula Lederkramer (The Undulations Quilt)
• Darlene O’Steen (Dogwood Sampler)
• Teacher? (The Blue Butterfly)

1986
9^th Annual Retreat – Dates?

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Helen Richards (Project Name and/or type of work ?)
• Joan M. Scrutton (Project Name and/or type of work ?)
• Sue Strause (Painted Canvas Embellishment – Lotus)

1985
8^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 12-15, 1985

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Sonya Barrington (Quilting)
• Mary Frye (Pulled thread - Imari I)
• Berniece Janofsky (needlepoint – Art Nouveau Lady)

Notes:

-  Jane Tracy has confirmation, class lists, room assignments
-  National Bag Lady Academy Minnesota Campus (was this considered a theme or just a funny title given)
-  Featured style show of garments made from plastic bags

1984
7^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 13-16, 1984

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Carol Algie (now Higginbotham) (Double Shaded Blackwork Iris)
• Janet Mitchell Fishel (Mixed Media on Canvas -  Medieval Embroiderer)
• Kimi Otta (Sashiko Centerpiece and Jacket)

Notes:

-  Jane Tracy has confirmation, class lists, meal prayer, Motherhood=Guilt handout

1983
6^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 15–18, 1983

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Joyce Lukomski (Medici Courtyard on 32 ct linen)
• Scott Payne (Butterflies & Flower white work on canvas)
• Mary Ann Spawn (Project Name and/or type of work ?)

Notes:

-  Jane Tracy has confirmation letter, camp song, etc. Jane thinks this is when participants received small, blue, square Thimbledowns patch. They were supposed to embellish and be creative with that patch.

1982
5^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 9-12, 1982

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Jody Adams (Needlepoint – Bushy Tail Bandit)
• Renie Adams (Color Rhythms)
• Marion Scoular (Blackwork – Dogwood Design Bell Pull)

Note:

-  Participants received large-printed, yellow canvas squares to make tote bags.

1981
4^th Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 10-13, 1981

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Audrey Francini (Crewel & Stumpwork)
• Helen Kelly (Medallion Quilt)
• Shay Pendray (Silk & Metal Thread)

Notes:

-  Wall hanging using the ragging technique and entitled “Of Earth and Water, Woods and Grasses” was given and hung at Camp Koinonia.
-  42 Participants

1980
3^rd  Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 11-14, 1980

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Trudy Morgenstern (refining dead end projects)
• Eleanor Van de Water (fabric painting and stitches)
• Linda Jane Webster (17 different pulled thread ornaments)

Notes:

-  Traditional Friday night awards ceremony Marge Tarr presented K.U.I.S. (Keeping us in stitches) award to Marion Blomfield (Info from a 1980 newsletter from Lora Schott’s stuff)
-  Decision made to create a wall hanging as a gift of appreciation to Koinonia
-  43 Participants

1979
2^nd Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 13-16, 1979

Co-Chairs:  ?

• Jane Dams (Project Name and/or type of work ?)
• Barbara Fletcher (Project Name and/or type of work ?)
• Barb Smith (Project Name and/or type of work ?)

Note:

-  39 Participants

1978 1^st Retreat at Camp Koinonia on Lake Sylvia, 7768 Pilger Ave NW, South Haven, MN
1^st Annual Retreat – Wed. – Sat. June 14-17, 1978

Chairwomen:  Agnes Leer, Sarah Ahern, Marilyn Hann, and Marilyn Halker

• Mary McMenamin (Metrical Mosaics)
• Helen Richards (Creating Your Own Original Designed Fabric)

Please send any corrections and/or missing information to Kym at:  kymduea@gmail.com Thanks in advance!