[SHERI]

I was raised as a bit of a nomad. Born in Northern California, my father was career Air Force, I continued to be on the move from 6 weeks old. And have lived in 13 states, and the Philippines in my "youth." Perhaps that is why (and how) I got bit by the travel bug.

There is no better person that I would rather travel with. Sandy is the best. My first "true" travel adventure with Sandy was to Lucca on Island Hopper Trips. And we were roomies (which by the way, I have NEVER had a roommate before in any of my travels). Sandy is a great person to go on adventures with. She brings a unique blend of curiosity, resilience, and a positive attitude that turns every moment into a memorable experience. She embraces the unknown with enthusiasm, is always prepared without being rigid, and knows how to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s navigating a trail (Manchester, VT), riding bikes in a city (Lucca), exploring a new city (Kyoto), or trying unfamiliar food (Tokyo), she makes the journey fun. Her sense of humor keeps the mood light, even during challenges, and her genuine interest in people and places makes every adventure richer and more meaningful. So, you can understand why Sandy and I have become fast travel friends.

[SANDY]

Born and bred in Ohio and even though I have been in Pennsylvania for 30 years, I stillconsider myself a Buckeye. Wife, dog mom to a Norwich Terrier and a PBGV, retiredfrom a career in finance. Love to travel and will usually say yes to any suggested trip –just ask Sheri, my travel partner in crime.

I grew up in a crafts-oriented family and my mother and grandmother were sewers, quilters, and crocheters but not needlepointers. I tried all of them but it was learning to needlepoint in college where I found my hobby. I still have my first project – a fox needlepoint eyeglass case that I finished myself. I was away from needlepoint for many years but about 10 years ago I looked at my stash (yep, I had a stash even then!) and got hooked again. I always have multiple WIPs but some of my favorite finished projects include shoes, purses, belts and lots of ornaments. Ask me about my needlepoint and I will whip out pictures of my projects to show complete strangers!

I met Sheri at a needlepoint class prior to the pandemic. Stitch Philly was one of the Stitch Club affiliates and we decided to attend. There was no formal structure around planning events and we jumped in. Philadelphia is such a large area including the city and the suburbs so we have five administrators so that we can alternate having events in the city and the suburbs. Today we have over 2,500 followers from all over the U.S.

Sandy went to visit Sheri who was teaching in Japan. Here they are in Kyoto.

Favorite luggage?

[Sheri] My Tumi roller bag that I have had since 1990. Gulp. (I am a "carry-on" traveler).

[Sandy} Sadly, my favorite 30 year old Lark carry on died last year. I have replaced it with an Away carry on but the jury is still out if it will be my new favorite.

Do you have a travel uniform?

[Sheri] Black slacks; black 3 dot T; and a large cashmere scarf/wrap. Layers, layers and layers.

[Sandy} Layers! Always a tee shirt, sweater and comfortable pants (never jeans) and a pashmina which can be used as another layer or as a blanket. Shoes are always sneakers or my favorite pair of loafers.

Travel tips?

[Sheri] Embrace the journey. Breath and meditate along the way. You cannot control the weather gods or the travel gods. So, you just need to go with it. And with that in mind, bring a good book or a favorite needlepoint canvas.

[Sandy] Don’t wait until the night before to pack (guilty!) My biggest packing mistakes or overpacking were a result of waiting until the last minute to pack. And pick a neutral color as your base – mine is always navy.

Essentials you are never without?

[Sheri] (1) Needlepoint canvas & fiber. (2) eye cream and (3) an iPhone power brick

[Sandy] Cashmere cardigan (loving the J. Crew), an OTG/247 #4 bag for over-the-counter meds, multiple needlepoint canvases, needles and scissors, phone charger and a flat iron to tame my curly hair.

What is your favorite destination?

[Sheri] Nantucket. Close second Koh Samui, Thailand or Paris, France (and that is saying a lot as my last count was 42 countries (according to the travel app, "Been", I have covered 22% of the World

[Sandy] That’s a tough one. Can I have more than one favorite? Paris, Scotland, Italy?

Where are you dreaming of going that you haven't yet been to?

[Sheri] That's a 3-way tie: South of France; India and Machu Picchu.

[Sandy] Top of my travel bucket list – Nordic countries especially Norway to see the Northern Lights. Oh and I want to stay in an ice hotel!

And another trip to Africa. I did the Island Hopper Kenya trip and it was amazing. Not only the game drives but really seeing the country and how the Kenya Dryland Education Fund is making such a difference. Truly eye-opening. (www.kdef.org)

Where are you off to next?

[Sheri] Copenhagen

[Sandy] Visiting friends in Canada in July and traveling with friends to Tuscany in October. I also have my eye on a trip to Scotland in late summer.

Do you collect anything on your travels?

[Sheri] Sand & Christmas Ornaments (my children say I am a hoarder, I prefer "collector." )

[Sandy] Anyone who travels with me knows that I am a terrible shopper. I am more of a collector of adventures and experiences – one of my favorite things to do is try the local beers from each location. And not on my travels but usually before – I find a needlepoint canvas for the location to take with me to stitch on the trip.

What's up next for Stitch Philly?

[Sheri] Monthly Stitch Sesh at various local watering holes; CT Road Trip in July; ACK Road Trip in Late July; and a return Road Trip to Dorset in Late August. And the 2nd Annually Philly Canvas Crawl in August / September to visit all of our uber special LNS in the area (we have 6(!) in Philly). (Purely in the planning stages now).

[Sandy] Definitely more road trips. We have been to Nantucket, Palm Beach, Newport, New York, and Vermont. We have been getting requests for more road trips as well as suggestions for new places to visit so stay tuned for our next adventure

MEET SHERI LAMBERT AND SANDY MCKENNA: STITCH PHILLY