Pat Karpenko, of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter, recently finished this adorable piece from the December “Snow Day” workshop. “Brr…Snowman” was designed by Pepperberry Designs, with a stitch guide by CRVC member Judie Solomon.
Author: Tina
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Favorite Medallion #1 Stitched by Laurie Sulger
Laurie Sulger, of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter, recently completed Favorite Medallion #1, one of the EGA’s Petit Projects. This beautiful medallion combines pulled thread and satin work in the manner of Hetsie van Wyk of South Africa.
Click here to download this Petit Project—just keep in mind that the basic count for the pulled thread stitches is three (not the more common two or four), so careful counting is essential!
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Gawthorpe Poppies
Winta Hay recently finished Gawthorpe Poppies, designed by Deborah Wilding (Crewel Works Company). This design is based on a runner from the UK’s Gawthorpe Textiles Collection.
Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is an internationally renowned collection of global textiles located in the heart of Pennine Lancashire. Founded by the Honourable Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth (1886-1967), the collection was amassed to educate, inspire creativity, support wellbeing and to preserve traditional craft skills by sharing knowledge, skills and expertise across cultures. Click here to learn more about the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection.
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Backyard Birds by Suzanne Bruno
Suzanne Bruno of the Southern Maine (SoME) Chapter completed her third art collage book, Backyard Birds.
Artist Spotlight: Suzanne Bruno
Q: Tell us about your background in needlework and how you discovered EGA.
A: I come from a long line of sewing women and have been a member of the Southern Maine chapter (SoME) for 18 years. I learned about EGA from some of the women in my Crazy Quilters of Maine group, a chapter of the Pine Tree Quilt Guild. My first love is crazy quilting, and when I started seeing a lot of “junk journal” and “paper collage” online, it was a natural progression for me to attempt the same techniques with fabric.
Q: What inspired you to create “Backyard Birds” as your third embroidered book?
A: I live on a lake in a rural area of Maine surrounded by birdsong, so the bird idea developed naturally as I searched for free images online to interpret in fabric. I set aside fabrics and trims from my stash and came up with a suitable size where I could incorporate an embroidered bird and leaves section from an antique crazy quilt, plus a small piece of an antique paisley shawl.
Q: Can you describe your creative process for this project?
A: The pages came together as I started layering my materials. I often take photos of my work in progress before everything is stitched in place. The challenge for me was to use only what I have in my stash. The most enjoyable part of this project was attaching and embellishing the twig and branch “perches” for the birds. Backyard Birds took me over a year of planning, collecting, and stitching.
The challenge for me was to use only what I have in my stash. I love antique textiles and rescue the worn and torn whenever possible.
Q: What makes this book personally meaningful to you?
A: When I share this book with friends and family, I get very nostalgic about fabrics, trims, and embellishments from various quilts and tea cozies I’ve made over the years. Each piece tells a story and connects me to past projects and memories.
Q: What’s next for you creatively?
A: My next fabric collage book is in the “planning in my head” stage—it will take a while! I’m also working on my second crazy quilt, which I hope to complete for a milestone birthday in 2026.
Suzanne Bruno’s “Backyard Birds” beautifully demonstrates how traditional needlework techniques can evolve into contemporary art forms while honoring the past through rescued antique textiles.
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Denise Harrington Pratt Teaches at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Region Conference
Denise Harrington Pratt of the Southern Maine chapter taught three classes at the EGA’s Mid-Atlantic Region conference in Gettysburg, PA.
In her Geometric Fascinations class, students made two boxes and stitched beautiful, color-coordinated lids.
Photo by Vicki J. Brown, SoME Chapter -
America’s Tapestry
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.
Members of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America across the Eastern Seaboard will be working together to embroider thirteen hand-embroidered panels, one for each of the original colonies. The panels illustrate the diverse stories of individual contributions–many overlooked–that reveal each colony’s struggle for Independence. Historical associations from across the states have volunteered to collaborate on the panels’ historical imagery and have generously agreed to host the stitchers as they work.
After the inaugural display at William & Mary’s historic campus–a stone’s throw away from Colonial Williamsburg, “America’s Tapestry” will tour a number of other historic venues throughout the East Coast.
If you’re interested in working on this historic project, please email Susan Polumbo.
Click here to learn more about Region Day and register to attend.
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Merrimack Valley’s Sampler Class
Merrimack Valley hosted Vermont EGA member Kris Andrews stitching the Gold Medallion Sampler. From the smiling faces it’s obvious what an enjoyable class experience this was!
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Pioneer Valley’s Fall Retreat 2025
THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes.
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
Contact
Questions? Email the event coordinator, Susan Polumbo.
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Purple Sunset (Pendant or Pin)
THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes.
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 inchesTHE 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: $15THE KIT
PIN KIT COST: $50
PENDANT KIT COST: $60- printed instructions
- size 11 seed beads
- size 15 seed beads
- O beads
- crescent beads
- ZoliDuo beads
- Toho demi-rounds
- hand-painted filigree medallion
- stiff felt
- adhesive and backing fabric
- needles
- thread
ACCESSIBILITY
Attendees are welcome to bring lights and magnification devices. Outlets are available!
The ORGANIZER
If you have any questions, email the organizer, Susan Polumbo.
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SOME Spring Getaway 2026
Join us March 13 – 15, 2026 in Auburn, Maine for the fourth annual SOME Spring Getaway! Registration closes December 31, 2025!
Event Overview
Schedule:
Friday
TIME TBD: Registration Meet & Greet
6:30 – 9:30 PM: Autumn Thread Keep Finishing ClassSaturday
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: DinnerSunday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Classes
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: ClassesLocation
Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn Riverwatch
14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, MaineVenue and booking information can be found below, in the Accommodations section.
Registration Fees:
SOME Chapter Members: $299
New England Region Members: $324
All Others: $349Includes
- 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.
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 40ctKIT 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 LinenKIT 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: $95KIT 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
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
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.