Category: Past Event

  • “Favorite Techniques” – CRVC’s Granby Display

    “Favorite Techniques” – CRVC’s Granby Display

    The Connecticut River Valley Chapter (CRVC) organized another successful display, which was viewable through November 2025 in the main branch of the Granby Public Library.

    The theme was Favorite Techniques. Sure, we enjoy learning new things, but we all have a favorite (or two) that we return to again and again, be it canvas work, blackwork, Japanese, surface embroidery, ribbon, beading, or cross-stitch. This display allowed our members to celebrate their personal favorites.

    We also held a meet & greet — a mini stitch-in! During the event, we worked on our WIPs and distributed free patterns and mini kits containing an assortment of fibers and supplies.

  • November 15th: Stitch-In at Granby Public Library

    November 15th: Stitch-In at Granby Public Library

    THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes. Click here to see the event recap!


    Mark your calendars! The Connecticut River Valley Chapter is hosting a stitch-in at Granby Public Library on November 15th, and everyone is welcome.

    No registration required, no experience necessary.

    Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or just curious about embroidery, stop by to work on your projects, meet fellow fiber enthusiasts, and enjoy some relaxed, creative time together. Bring whatever you’re working on—or just bring yourself and your questions!

    Just show up ready to stitch and socialize. We’d love to see you there!

    SEE OUR DISPLAY!

    Stop by Granby Public Library to check out CRVC’s display showcasing members’ favorite techniques. It’s a great opportunity to see different styles and approaches to embroidery up close, get inspired for your own projects, and discover techniques you might want to try yourself!

    WHEN: November 15th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    WHERE: Granby Public Library | 15 N Granby Rd. Granby, CT 06035

    Questions? Contact event organizer, Kathryn Lord.

  • Blue Hills Workshop with Dawn Donnelly

    Blue Hills Workshop with Dawn Donnelly

    THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes.


    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

    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.

  • Purple Sunset (Pendant or Pin)

    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 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!

    The ORGANIZER

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

  • Butterfly Curio Box

    Butterfly Curio Box

    THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes.


    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

    THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes.


    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

    THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes.

    UPDATE: Thank you for all who attended Region Day 2025! You can see the recap here.


    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.

    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.

    NEW TO REGION DAY: AMERICA’S TAPESTRY

    The panels from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island will be set up for everyone to view and stitch! Be sure to stop by and chat with the state coordinators of this exciting project, learn the panel stories, and add your stitching to this exciting project! To learn more about the America’s Tapestry Project, click here!

    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

    THIS EVENT HAS PASSED. This page is archived here for recordkeeping (and sentimental) purposes.


    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.