You are invited to the second annual PVC Fall Retreat, sponsored by Pioneer Valley Chapter! Join us October 17th-19th, 2025, at the Silver Lake Convention Center in Sharon, Connecticut. Registration closes September 1st, 2025!

Event Overview

After last year’s successful retreat, the Pioneer Valley Chapter is back for number two! Stitch with friends, enjoy the Connecticut leaves, and relax.

THE VENUE

Silver Lake Conference Center (established 1957) is an old-fashioned lakeside summer camp situated on more than sixty acres of wooded land in Litchfield County. We will be staying in the largest of their five winterized retreat lodges: The Cedars.

THE DETAILS

MEALS

Meals will be provided, family style, in a common dining hall. We will have breakfast, lunch, dinner on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Bring your own bedding, pillow, and towels. Although we will be sleeping in bunk rooms,  we do not have to use the top bunks. The bunk mattresses are about five-inches thick. If you need more padding, you are welcome to bring an inflatable or foam pad. 

No drugs or alcohol permitted. Silver Lake is a year-round ministry of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. Silver Lake is a safe, affirming, and inclusive place for all, however, drugs and alcohol are not permitted on the property.

REGISTRATION

Fees

New England Region Members: $230

HOW TO REGISTER

Print out and complete the PVC Fall Retreat Registration Form.

Contact

Questions? Email the event coordinator, Susan Polumbo.

A Kay Ackerman bead embroidery class, hosted by the Pioneer Valley Chapter.

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
TECHNIQUE(S): Beadwork
FINISHED SIZE: 2 ¾ x 2 ¾ inches

THE PIECE

Embellish a hand-painted brass filigree medallion with a glass, cushion-cut focal stone and various Czech shaped beads. The medallion can be finished as a pin or pendant (attached to a beaded spiral rope pictured). Students will learn about combining beads and metal filigree, including how to make their own focal components for bead embroidery!

THE INSTRUCTOR

Kay has been beading and stitching for decades. She served as resident instructor at a bead shop in Waynesboro, PA (1999-2009), has exhibited her work in South Central Pennsylvania art venues, and maintained a beading blog at https://thegentlebeader.blogspot.com/.

She’s been featured designer three times on the Facebook group “Seed Beads and More” (20,000+ members), creating original patterns and providing instruction support. Three of her designs were accepted for the Mid-Atlantic Region 2025 seminar in Gettysburg, PA. Her Poinsettia Pin design took first place at the 62nd Annual Woodlawn Needlework Show in March 2025.

Though relatively new to EGA (Hagerstown, MD chapter), Kay brings extensive experience to the community!

The Details

This is an in-person class.

LOCATION: Second Baptist Church | 100 Main St. | Suffield, CT 06078
DATE: November 8, 2025
TIME: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
DEADLINE: September 1, 2025
ADMISSION: $15

ACCESSIBILITY

Attendees are welcome to bring lights and magnification devices. Outlets are available!

REGISTRATION

Download the registration form here.

The ORGANIZER

If you have any questions, email the organizer, Susan Polumbo.

Join us March 13 – 15, 2026 in Auburn, Maine for the fourth annual SOME Spring Getaway! Registration closes December 31, 2025!

Event Overview

Schedule:

TIME TBD: Registration Meet & Greet
6:30 – 9:30 PM: Autumn Thread Keep Finishing Class

Saturday

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Classes
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Classes
TIME TBD: Mini Merchandise Mart
TIME TBD: Dinner

Sunday

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Classes
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Classes

Location

Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn Riverwatch
14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, Maine

Venue and booking information can be found below, in the Accommodations section.

Registration Fees:

SOME Chapter Members: $299
New England Region Members: $324
All Others: $349

Includes

• Meet & Greet
• Studio Time
• Mini Merch Mart
• Friday Finishing Class*
• Saturday Classes*
• Saturday Lunch & Dinner
• Sunday Classes*
• Sunday Lunch

*Class attendance is included, but kits must be purchased separately during registration.

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Class Options

Choose your weekend experience:

• Friday evening class (open to all registrants)
• One 1-day class + Studio Time
• Two 1-day classes (Saturday + Sunday)

Friday Evening

Autumn Thread Keep (Finishing Class)

This lovely thread keep, based on an antique pattern, is designed to hold five spools of sewing thread.

INSTRUCTOR: Cissy Bailey Smith
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
TECHNIQUE(S): Counted Thread, Finishing.
KIT COST: $60
PREWORK: The linen components must be embroidered and attached at home, so they are prepared for the finishing class.

KIT INCLUDES:

• Linen (40-count)
• Au Ver A Soie 100.3 (5 Spools)
• Accentuate
• Comic Board
• Lining Fabric
• Ribbon

STUDENTS MUST BRING:

• Embroidery Scissors
• Needles

Saturday

Sampler Stories Huswif

Create a beautiful huswif featuring motifs from Scottish and English samplers. Measures 8″ wide and 4″ high!

INSTRUCTOR: Cissy Bailey Smith
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
TECHNIQUE(S): Counted Thread, Finishing.
KIT COST: $95
LINEN OPTIONS: 32ct, 35ct, or 40ct

KIT INCLUDES:

• Linen
• Instruction Guide w/Chart
• Needle Point, Inc. Silks (11 Half-Skeins)
• Gloriana Silks (4 Yards)
• Accentuate (2 Yards)
• Au Ber A Soie 100.3 (1 Spool)
• Silk Ribbon

STUDENTS MUST BRING:

• Embroidery Scissors
• Needles

Barn Owl Necklace/Wall Hanging

Learn how to create layered bead embroidery and beaded spiral ribbon fringe! Can be worn as a necklace or modified into a wall hanging.

INSTRUCTOR: Holly Bean
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
TECHNIQUE(S): Bead Embroidery
KIT COST: $145

KIT INCLUDES:

• Base Materials (Cork and Sensuede Backing)
• 1 1/0 and 15/0 Seed Beads
• All Focals, Components, and Findings

STUDENTS MUST BRING:

• Beading Needle (Size 11)
• Fireline Crystal Beading Thread (8lb)
• Scissors (Not your “good” ones!)
• E6000 Glue
• Loctite Super Glue
• Beading Mat

Sunday

Scottish Castle Etui

Build a castle for your Highland Holiday! This delightful etui is a showstopper!

INSTRUCTOR: Cissy Bailey Smith
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
TECHNIQUE(S): Counted Thread, Finishing
KIT COST: $180
LINEN OPTIONS: 36ct or 40ct Flax & Needle Steinbeck Linen

KIT INCLUDES:

• Linen
• Au Ver A Soie d’Alger Silk (14 Skeins)
• Au Ver A Soie Accentuate 100.3 (1 Spool)
• Gloriana Silks (4 Yards)

STUDENTS MUST BRING:

• Embroidery Scissors
• Needles

Poseidon Seas Bracelet

Love Abalone? Then you’ll love creating this glowing bracelet using bead embroidery techniques!

INSTRUCTOR: Holly Bean
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
TECHNIQUE(S): Bead Embroidery
KIT COST: $95

KIT INCLUDES:

• Base Materials (Cork and Sensuede Backing)
• 1 1/0 and 15/0 Seed Beads
• All Focals, Components, and Findings

STUDENTS MUST BRING:

• Beading Needle (Size 11)
• Fireline Crystal Beading Thread (8lb)
• Scissors (Not your “good” ones!)
• E6000 Glue
• Loctite Super Glue
• Beading Mat

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Accommodations

Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch
Special rate: $129/night (available Thursday-Sunday)

All rooms include Keurig coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi! Pet-friendly rooms are available (limit to 2 pets, max). Parking is complimentary. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.

Reservations

• Online booking link
• Phone: 207-784-4433, Option 1 (Our group code is 90D.)
• Booking Deadline: February 11, 2026

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Registration Details

Important Dates

• Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025
• Deposit: $100 (kit fees due with balance)
• Balance + Kit Fees Due: January 31, 2026

Cancellation Policy

Partial refunds (-$100) are available through January 15, 2026.

HOW TO REGISTER

Print out and complete the SOME Spring Getaway 2026 Registration Form.

Contact

Questions? Email the event coordinator, Barbara Hepburn.

Register now to join us at Kris Andrews Region Day workshop. Class size is limited!

The Piece

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
TECHNIQUE(S): Surface Embroidery & Stumpwork
FINISHED SIZE: 4 in. x 6 in.

Learn new stumpwork techniques while stitching elements of the life of the Monarch butterfly!

The Instructor

Kris Andrews has been part of the fiber arts world for over twenty years. She is a certified Oxford Punch Needle Instructor, a certified Japanese Embroidery Instructor, and also teaches surface embroidery, mixed-media quilting, and goldwork embroidery. She enjoys teaching all levels, from sharing new approaches with fiber artists, to introducing basic sewing to kids at the local library.

The Details

PREREQUISITE(S): In addition to being registered to attend Region Day, participants must complete approximately four hours of prework. A pre-work kit will be shipped to students so they can finish the cross-stitch frame, which allows design elements to be placed during class with minimal counting.
LOCATION: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, NASHUA, NH
DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2025
TIME: 9 AM – 4 PM 
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
LUNCH: A delicious buffet lunch will be served in the Doubletree Hunt Club room from 12 – 1 PM.

The Kit

COST: $50

PREWORK KIT CONTENTS:

• 28-ct linen
• silk thread
• Class kit: silk pearl, gilt pearl purl, soie d’alger, hand-dyed
  wool felt, preprinted butterfly fabric.
  Student Provides: Hoop or frame for a 4” x 6” design, an
  additional smaller hoop (about 3”- 4”), scissors, a ruler,
  lighting and magnification as needed.

CLASS KIT CONTENTS:

• silk pearl
• gilt pearl purl
• soie d’alger
• hand-dyed
• wool felt
• preprinted butterfly fabric

Supply List

SUPPLY LIST: Standard supplies required. Students will need to bring the following to the class:

• hoop or frame large enough to work a 4” x 6” design
• a small hoop (3”- 4”)
• embroidery scissors
• a ruler

Accessibility

Cordless only. Students are welcome to bring stitching supplies and aids, such as lamps, magnifiers, and stands. Outlets will not be available at this venue, and extension cords are not permitted.

REGISTRATION CLOSED! This workshop is sold out! Thank you to everyone who registered!

The Piece

SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
TECHNIQUE(S): Goldwork & Stumpwork
FINISHED SIZE: 1 in. x 1 in.

This pretty piece is a wonderful way to experience beginning gold work techniques!

The Instructor

Instructor Clara Warschauer is an embroidery artist and content creator based in London. You can learn more about Clara on her website and follow her on Instagram.

The Details

PREREQUISITE(S): Participants must be registered to attend Region Day.
LOCATION: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, NASHUA, NH
DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2025
TIME: 9 AM – 4 PM 
LUNCH: A delicious buffet lunch will be served in the Doubletree Hunt Club room from 12 – 1 PM.

The Kit

COST: $100

CONTENTS:

Supply List

SUPPLY LIST: Standard supplies required. Students will need to bring the following to the class:

• embroidery scissors
• 8-inch hands-free embroidery hoop
• hoop clamp/stand for two-handed stitching
• a velvet board or soft surface to cut the metals
• tweezers (optional)
• goldwork embroidery scissors (not required if you’re comfortable using your “good” embroidery scissors)

Accessibility

Cordless only. Students are welcome to bring stitching supplies and aids, such as lamps, magnifiers, and stands. Outlets will not be available at this venue, and extension cords are not permitted.

Join us on Saturday, November 1, for the NER Region Day 2025 at the Doubletree by Hilton, in Nashua! Registration closes September 8th, 2025!

ADMISSION: $100

Admission includes one Workshop or Studio Time, our delicious buffet lunch, and the ability to shop the Stash Sale tables! If you wish to attend a Workshop, note that you will need to register for the event and pay for your kit in advance.

NEW!  Be a part of America’s 250th anniversary! America’s Tapestry panels from several New England states will be set up for Region Day participant stitching in the Studio Time room. 

LODGING & LOCATION

HOTEL WEBSITE: Doubletree by Hilton Nashua
HOTEL ADDRESS: 2 Somerset Parkway, Nashua, NH

RATE: $169.00 + tax per night

HOTEL AMENITIES: The Doubletree by Hilton features an indoor pool, fitness center, and Speaker’s Corner Pub, an on-site restaurant. They also have a Made Market, which is open 24 hours and offers a variety of freshly prepared grab-and-go options for your convenience, including a soup du jour and one rotating hot entrée daily between 11 AM and 2 PM, as well as salads and sandwiches, beer, wine, and champagne.

ROOM AMENITIES: All rooms have mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and free WiFi. Room service is available.

BOOKING DETAILS: To reserve a room at Region Day rates, contact the Doubletree directly at 603-886-1200 and tell them you are attending the Embroiderers’ Guild Region Day.

EVENT LOCATION: Region Day events and workshops can be found in both the Somerset Ballroom and the Trafalgar Room.

Workshops

Studio Time & Stash Sale

INCLUDED WITH REGION DAY ADMISSION.

Enjoy a full day devoted to stitching in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, plus a delicious buffet lunch and great deals!

Work on your own project(s), or gather a group to stitch on a previous class project. Connect in-person and exchange knowledge with fellow stitchers. Discover new designs and designers.

Don’t miss the Stash Sale tables! Browse an amazing selection of supplies and tools at fantastic prices. It’s the perfect chance to add to your stash without breaking the budget. 

Buffet Lunch

Region Day 2025 registration includes a delicious salad and sandwich buffet lunch with a selection of
beverages and desserts. Lunch will be served in the Doubletree Hunt Club room from 12 – 1 PM.

REMINDER: Please indicate any food allergies on your Registration Form!

ORGANIZER

Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Assistant Regional Director (and Education Chair), Deb Damrell. We’d love to hear from you!

Register now to join us at the Kris Andrews Goldwork Workshop. Class size is limited!

The Instructor

Instructor Kris Andrews is a member of our Green Mountain Vermont chapter and has taught numerous seminars.

The Details

PREREQUISITES: Annual membership dues must be current to participate!
DATE: JULY 26, 2025
TIME: 10 AM – 4 PM 
LOCATION: BURLINGTON, MA
DEADLINE: JUNE 7, 2025
FEE: $0

This workshop is funded by earnings from our Boston Seminar. Members will only have to pay for the kit!

The Kit

KIT COST: $35

KIT CONTENTS:

• 9 in. x 9 in. square of 28-count linen
• silk threads
• imitation gold passing thread
• freshwater pearls
• gilt pearl purl
• gilt check purl
• gilt check thread
• gilt 1 1/2 in. twist
• needles
• beeswax
• couching threads

Prework & Supply List

PREWORK: Minimal prework required. Students will need to backstitch the square’s outline before class.

SUPPLY LIST: Standard supplies required. Students will need to bring the following to the class:

• a hoop large enough to work the 3-inch design (5, 6, or 7 in.)
• scissors for cutting silk thread
• scissors for cutting metal thread (not required if you’re comfortable using your “good” embroidery scissors)

LUNCH: Snacks will be provided, but bring a water bottle and a packed lunch.

Accessibility

Students are welcome to bring stitching supplies and aids, such as lamps, magnifiers, and stands.