New England Region EGA Newsletter
Spring has finally arrived in New England, and with it comes fresh energy, new projects, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow stitchers! This month, we're excited to share details about our new PHD (Projects Half Done!) Stitch-Ins—a wonderful way to meet other members, get help with tricky techniques, and celebrate your finishes. We're also launching the NER America 250 Stitch-a-Long, inviting you to commemorate our nation's semiquincentennial with a special project of your choosing. Whether you're working on something patriotic, finally tackling that UFO pile, or starting something brand new, we hope you'll join us for virtual stitching sessions and share your progress with the community. Happy spring stitching!
The NER Board
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SAVE THE DATES!
September 19, 2026: NER EGA 2026 Region Day (a virtual event!) May 13 – 16, 2027: NER 2027 Seminar, Needles & Blooms: Celebrating 50 years of NER EGA, at the Delta Hotel, S. Burlington, VT
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NER PHD Stitch-Ins
The first PHD Stitch-In was a success! Ten NER members joined for a fun and inspiring morning sharing tips, resources, current projects, and encouragement. Would you like to get to know other EGA members in the New England Region and what they are stitching? Do you have questions about your current project, materials or tools needed for a new project, or how to stitch the perfect French knot? Then plan to join us at future PHD Stitch-Ins! What is a PHD Stitch-In? - An online get-together (using Zoom) to stitch and chat.
Why should you attend a PHD Stitch-In? - Connect: Meet other EGA members, be inspired by their projects, and maybe add a few new items to your “I want to stitch that (or purchase that)” list!
- Learn: Get answers to your questions and hear advice from the PHD Help Desk – the collective knowledge of other stitchers!
- Support: Use the time to focus on your WIPs, and get a virtual “high five” for every finish!
When are the PHD Stitch-Ins? And just in case you were wondering: - NER = New England Region
- WIP = work-in-progress
- PHD = projects half done!
Questions? Contact Deb Damrell, Assistant Region Director/Education (ard@ner-ega.org).
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NER America 250 Stitch-a-Long
All EGA members in the New England Region are invited to participate in a recognition of our nation’s semiquincentennial – the NER America 250 Stitch-a-Long. - What: Select any needlework project – either a new project or a work-in-progress - that represents America’s 250th anniversary to you.
- Any technique
- Any size
- Any source - original, commercial, adaptation, class project
- How: Stitch your project throughout 2026 - on your own, at the new NER PHD Stitch-In sessions, or form a group to stitch together (in person or virtually).
- When: Complete your project for display at the NER seminar in May 2027. We may also have an online “video parade” after seminar.
Contact Deb Damrell, Assistant Region Director/Education (ard@ner-ega.org) with any questions.
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Recommended Reading
The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding, by Jennifer Robson, is a story about the embroiderers who created the wedding gown worn by Princess Elizabeth when she married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947. Reviews include: - “An unforgettable story of friendship hardship, and hope.” – Pam Jenoff (The Orphan’s Tale)
- “Jennifer Robson embroiders life, friendship, and hope into the somber gray world of postwar London every bit as skillfully as her seamstress heroines embroider crystal flowers into the folds of a royal wedding dress.” – Kate Quinn (The Alice Network)
- “A moving story about the power of female friendship and renewal in the face of adversity.” – Lauren Willig (The English Wife)
- “Highly recommended!” – Deb Damrell
What are you currently reading? Do you have a book related to needlework that you would recommend? Send titles and authors (and personal reviews!) to Deb Damrell (ard@ner-ega.org) to share in future NER newsletters.
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