New England Region EGA Newsletter

Hello New England Region members! I hope you're enjoying the improved weather after a tough winter. At least the snow gave us time for stitching!

I'm reaching out to share a few reminders and updates. Most of these are related to education, thanks to Deb Damrell, our Assistant Region Director, and her Education and Seminar Committees who work tirelessly to create new and engaging events for us.

If you haven't already heard, preparations are in progress for our first Region Seminar in several years, which is scheduled for 2027 in Burlington, Vermont. More information will be shared soon by Deb and the Seminar Committee. There are also a few available positions, so if any Chapters/members are interested in participating, we'd love to hear from you.

The Education committee has held regular meetings to brainstorm creative ways to make stitching more enjoyable, acknowledging that many members are experiencing project fatigue. From these discussions, the concept of PHD (Projects Half Done) Stitch-In’s emerged. This Zoom stitch-in offers an opportunity to find motivation by watching fellow members work on their projects and to ask questions about any projects you’re struggling with. You'll discover a supportive group of members ready to help you move past your "project-block." These stitch-ins occur on the third Friday and the 4th Sunday each month. Please visit our website at NER-EGA.org for further information and links.

Additionally, we initiated the NER EGA America 250 Stitch-a-Long this year. This event welcomes projects of any technique and origin, including works begun in previous years that hold significance for the semiquicentennial anniversary. We are organizing an exhibition of completed projects at the 2027 NER Seminar.

Finally, please note that two important deadlines are approaching on May 1st:

Gold Thread nominations are due. This award honors an individual who has generously dedicated their time and abilities and most strongly embodies EGA’s mission.

The Penny Evens scholarship offers $350 to EGA members for an embroidery class, study project, or similar educational opportunity through EGA, The Royal School of Needlework, or the Japanese Embroidery Center. For further information along with applications, go to: https://egausa.org/scholarships-and-awards/

The Southern Maine Chapter (SOME) is pleased to announce its new fundraising project: a collection of 32 original Bluework designs presented in a single portfolio. Each design is suitable for transfer and has been scaled to fit a 7½” x 7½” square. Designs may, of course, be enlarged or reduced to suit individual preference.

The portfolio is available for $22 (tax included). Shipping and packaging are $8, for a total of $30 shipped anywhere in the USA.

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.

These two online resources are highly recommended for learning new stitches:

• Mary Corbet’s Needle ‘n Thread website is a wealth of needlework information! Tips and techniques, how-to videos for embroidery stitches from A to Z, plus patterns, kits and much more.  Be sure to subscribe to Mary’s Daily Email Newsletter to receive her stitching tips, book reviews, and comments on new tools and accessories.  
• The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) Stitch Bank is a free resource of over 500 stitches designed to preserve the art of hand embroidery. Each stitch entry contains information about its history, use and structure as well as a step-by-step method with photographs, illustrations and video.

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.