Category: Event

  • Blue Hills Workshop with Dawn Donnelly

    Blue Hills Workshop with Dawn Donnelly

    Register now to join us at the Blue Hills Workshop with Dawn DonnellyClass size is limited! Registration closes July 25th, 2025.

    Date: October 4th and 5th, 2025
    Location: Seabury Retirement Community, Bloomfield, CT 06002
    Instructor: Dawn Donnelly
    Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced


    Workshop Description

    Explore the art of handmade paper manipulation through painting, wetting, tearing, and cutting techniques to create unique textural elements. This intensive workshop combines paper arts with advanced embroidery stitches for a truly distinctive piece.

    Project Details:

    • Design Size: 6¼” x 8¾”
    • Ground Fabric: 14 Count Mono Canvas
    • Final Result: A unique mixed-media embroidery piece combining handmade paper elements with advanced stitching techniques

    Techniques You’ll Learn:

    • Reverse Square Herringbone
    • French Knots
    • Branscombe Edge
    • Criss Cross Hungarian
    • Butterfly Chain Stitch
    • Oriental Stitch
    • Rhodes Stitch
    • Creating a fake Bullion

    Registration Information

    Kit Fees:

    • NER Members: $150
    • EGA Members: $170

    Class Fee: Covered by Connecticut River Valley Chapter using funds granted by NER Region from 2023 National Seminar profits.

    Registration Deadline: July 25, 2025

    Meals: Plan for Saturday and Sunday lunch! Saturday dinner will be announced soon.


    Ready to Register?

    Download the registration form and submit by the July 25th deadline. This advanced workshop fills quickly, so don’t wait!

    Questions? Contact event organizer Linda Berry.

  • Pioneer Valley’s Fall Retreat 2025

    Pioneer Valley’s Fall Retreat 2025

    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.

  • Purple Sunset (Pendant or Pin)

    Purple Sunset (Pendant or Pin)

    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

    THE 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!

    REGISTRATION

    Download the registration form here.

    The ORGANIZER

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

  • SOME Spring Getaway 2026

    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 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.


    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

    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.

  • Butterfly Curio Box

    Butterfly Curio Box

    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.

  • Green Frog Scissor Fob Workshop

    Green Frog Scissor Fob Workshop

    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:

    • gold super pearl purl
    • smooth purl light green
    • tough purl dark green
    • green check purl
    • Madeira heavy metal gold thread
    • green thread
    • black sewing thread
    • 4 mm black beads
    • #11 multicolor beads
    • #10 Embroidery needles
    • #10 Milliners needles
    • beeswax
    • lasso tool (made from one #20 Chenille needle and12 inches of #8 perle cotton thread)
    • frog pattern
    • tracing paper
    • green felt
    • black felt
    • PVA glue
    • glue brush
    • stuffing
    • wood stick
    • gold twist cord

    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.

  • Region Day 2025

    Region Day 2025

    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

    Green Frog Scissor Fob

    A beginner-friendly workshop suitable for those new to goldwork or stumpwork techniques. 

    This engaging interactive workshop covers every step of the process, from tracing the pattern to mastering the essential techniques needed to complete the project. While some basic embroidery experience is recommended, no prior knowledge of goldwork is required. 

    By the end of the session, participants will have a completed the scissors fob and developed the skills to explore similar projects independently.

    CLASS FULL – REGISTRATION CLOSED

    Butterfly Curio Box

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

    During this exploration, students will get a foundation in four different types of padding to give dimension to their work. We will also work on detached motifs with printed butterfly wings, needle weaving with silken pearl, and handling gilt pearl purl.

    Approximately 4 hours of preparatory work is required.

    KIT COST: $50

    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!

  • Kris Andrews Goldwork Workshop

    Kris Andrews Goldwork Workshop

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

    The Piece

    SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
    TECHNIQUE(S): Goldwork
    FINISHED SIZE: 3 in. x 3 in.

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

    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

    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.