New England Region EGA Newsletter

Last month, I mentioned a scholarship and an award with May 1 deadlines. This month, I am sharing a quick overview of EGA scholarships and awards that support embroidery study. Too often, these opportunities go unused simply because members are not aware of them. I hope this summary encourages more people to apply.

Judith & Susan Richardson Initial Steps Toward Teaching Certification Scholarship: Supports candidates in the EGA Teaching Certification Program who are working toward their first certification. It covers program costs and helps with materials and submission expenses. Applications are accepted after the screening process is complete.

Mary-Dick Digges Scholarship: Supports study in surface embroidery, including crewel, Japanese embroidery, and stumpwork. It may be used for any surface embroidery class offered by any organization. Applications are due March 1 each year.

Legacy Scholarship: Available to EGA members studying embroidery and helping preserve its heritage. Up to four scholarships may be awarded each year. Applications are due January 15.

Genny Morrow Memorial Scholarship: For one person registered for a canvas technique class at an upcoming National Seminar, including one four-day class, two two-day classes, or one two-day class. The recipient is chosen by random drawing after open enrollment closes.

Penny Evans Memorial Scholarship: Provides $350 to EGA members for an embroidery class, study project, or similar learning opportunity through EGA, the Royal School of Needlework, or the Japanese Embroidery Center. Applications are due May 1 each year.

Marjorie Jones Scholarship: Awarded to students taking a crewel embroidery class at a National or Regional Seminar. It covers registration, nonrefundable fees, and kit fees for one two-day class, two two-day classes, or one four-day class. Applications are due April 1 each year.

Research Fellowship Grant Award: Open to both members and nonmembers, this grant supports research in embroidery and related textile arts. Up to $1,000 is awarded each year. Applications are due June 1, with funds distributed the following January.

Bobbie Pilling Memorial Award: Honors an EGA member who takes an original needlework design in a creative direction. An artist statement addressing growth, artistic merit, and the creative process is required. The submission deadline is August 1, 2026.

Gold Thread Awards: Recognize individuals who generously give their time and talents and who reflect EGA’s purpose. Each region selects one honoree, and a national recipient is chosen from that group at the National Seminar.

Golden Needle Awards: A judged, themed exhibit open to all forms of creative needlework and all skill levels. This year’s theme is red, white, and blue, and digital entries are due August 1 for judging at the National Seminar in Orlando.

These opportunities are worth a closer look, especially since most require specific application materials or project details. For complete information and application forms, visit www.egausa.org/scholarships-and-awards/.

I hope this overview sparks your creativity and encourages you  to explore these opportunities and apply.

Beth Lindsay
Director, New England Region

Are you signed up for an EGA Online Studio Class or Virtual Education Course, or are you planning to enroll in one (or more)?  If you would like to join an informal Zoom group for any of the following, let Deb Damrell know. 

• Online Studio Classes:
  • Victorian Slippers with Natalia Frank starts June 3 (2 people interested!)
  • Colonial Band Sampler with Eileen Bennett starts July 1
  • Gawthorpe Peacock with Phillipa Turnbull starts October 7
  • Topiaries with Kay Ackerman (counted blackwork and specialty stitches): registration opens June 3, class starts Aug 5
• Virtual Education Courses:
  • The Black Rose Sweet Bag with Carolyn Standing Webb runs June 26 & 27 (1 person interested!)
  • Winter Flowers Sampler with Jane Ellen Balzuweit (Hedebo, Russian groundwork, surface stitches): registration opens July 1, class dates are Oct 21 – Dec 2
  • Nordic Mitten with Wendy Moore (counted canvas): registration opens Aug 3, class date is Nov 7 (1 person interested!)

For more information on these classes and to register for upcoming events, start on the EGA website Education page.

Do you need some dedicated stitching time?  Would you like to get to know other EGA members in the New England Region and see what they are stitching?  Do you have questions about your current project, or want to know the best resource for materials or tools?  Then join a PHD (projects half done) Stitch-In!   

When are the PHD Stitch-Ins? 

• Third Friday morning of each month from 10 AM to noon
• Fourth Sunday afternoon from 1:30 – 3:30 PM

How do I join a PHD Stitch-In?

• The Zoom links are on the PHD Stitch-In page of the NER website

Questions?  Contact Deb Damrell, Assistant Region Director/Education (ard@ner-ega.org). 

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.

The Coat Route: Craft, Luxury and Obsession on the trail of a $50,000 coat, by Meg Lukens Noonan

In today’s world of fast fashion, is there a place for a handcrafted $50,000 coat?  To answer that question, travel with the author on this fascinating journey as she follows the creation of this one-of-a-kind bespoke men’s overcoat - from the initial customer request in a tailor’s studio in Australia, to the mountains of Peru (for vicuna fleece), to Florence and France, to the factory in England where buttons are made from Indian buffalo horn, and finally back to Australia for the final coat fittings.

“A rich, entertaining read, paying tribute to craftspeople dedicated to timeless quality in a mass-produced, fast-fashion world.”

- Daniel Herborn, The Sydney Morning Herald 

Do you have a favorite embroidery resource – either digital or analog?  What are you currently reading?  Do you have a book related to needlework that you would recommend?  Send links, titles and authors (and personal reviews!) to Deb Damrell (ard@ner-ega.org) to share in future NER newsletters.