Needles & Blooms: Celebrating 50 Years of NER EGA
Date: May 13-16, 2027
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Burlington
Address: 1117 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
Join us in beautiful Burlington, Vermont for the New England Region’s 2027 Seminar!
Whether you’re looking to expand your skills, connect with fellow stitchers, or simply immerse yourself in all things embroidery, this event promises exceptional classes, inspiring instructors, and wonderful community.
Featuring one- and two-day in-person classes in a range of embroidery techniques, Studio Time to focus on your own works-in-progress, lectures, a private gallery tour of the On Point: Needlework from the Garthwaite Family Collection exhibit at the Shelburne Museum, needlework exhibits, Merchandise Night, and more!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING MID-OCTOBER, 2026!
NOTICE
This page will be updated routinely as more details become known.
Please check back often or subscribe to our newsletter!
ONE-Day Classes
Shelburne Museum Guided Gallery Tour
with Ellen Thompson
#101
FRIDAY | MAY 14, 2027
Join Ellen Thompson for a tour of On Point: Needlework from the Garthwaite Family Collection, a remarkable exhibit of Vermont schoolgirl art. Embroideries on display range from elegant pictures to simple works on homespun linen and include family record samplers, memorial pieces, theorems, and others. You will be introduced to several of the makers and their teachers with stories of their lives and their samplers.
This afternoon tour will include time for questions, discussion, and lingering over samplers that catch your attention. We will also stop at the Shelburne Weaving Shop to see some of the wheels and looms that would have been used to produce the linen ground fabric.
Important Notes:
- A shuttle bus will carry tour participants from the museum entrance to the gallery and back.
- The gallery is single-story and handicap accessible.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There is no seating in the gallery, so tour participants will be on their feet for the length of the tour (approximately 2 hours).
- The Weaving Shop is a short, outside walk (on level ground) from the Sampler Gallery.
Also included:
- A Leisurely Morning: Bring a piece to stitch in Studio Time and meet other seminar participants, view the seminar exhibits and Opportunity Baskets, visit the hotel fitness center, or take a swim in the pool.
- Lunch at the Delta Hotel.
- Transportation to and from the Shelburne Museum.
- One lecture ticket to attend the seminar lecture of your choice.
Bargello Sea
with Dawn Donnelly
#102
Click the image to see the detail!
FRIDAY | MAY 14, 2027
Bargello patterns make a vibrant, dynamic background for your very own handmade paper shells—yes handmade paper shells created from molds and colored with chalk!
Select your seashell molds and learn how to prepare, mix, and pour paper pulp. While your shells dry, pick and place your favorite Bargello patterns and medallions. Before class is over, Dawn will teach you how to attach your shells to your beautiful background!
Technique: Bargello on canvas, handmade paper shells
Proficiency: Basic/Intermediate
Design Area: 5” x 7”
Kit Cost: $105.00
Kit Contents: Threads, 18-count canvas, instructions, color picture, needles
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, magnification and lighting as needed.
Finishing and Framing for Surface Embroidery
From Lacing to Customized Framing
with Canby Robertson
#103
FRIDAY | MAY 14, 2027
Learn how to prepare embroidery for affordable framing and finishing with a customized archival framing process, including over-the-counter frames, a fabric-covered archival matboard, and quilting flanges to replicate double-matting. Using a completely stitched piece, Canby will demonstrate these finishing techniques.
Technique: Finishing surface embroidery pieces
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $75.00
Kit Contents: Step-by-step instruction booklet with photos. Teacher will supply all materials and tools for demonstration.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, magnification and lighting as needed.
Crazy Quilt Construction & Embellishment
with Jane Masenas
#104
FRIDAY | MAY 14, 2027
View a trunk show of Jane’s crazy quilts to get inspired, then design and create your own! Bring your personal collection of fabrics and embellishments and learn how to construct two crazy quilt blocks!
Technique: Piecing, embroidery stitches for embellishment
Proficiency: All Levels
Design Area: Wall hanging or table runner
Kit Cost: NA
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, beads, charms, threads, appliqués, and small pieces of needlework from your collection to work into your design. Students can also bring a sewing machine to share. Further suggestions will be sent in a student letter prior to class.
Isla
with Janet Salerno
#105
SATURDAY | MAY 15, 2027
Learn basic blackwork patterns: reversible double-running, satin stitch variations, and (of course) cross-stitch! You will also practice shading techniques, including tweeding (combining two different shades of thread to create a third) and density variation (adding additional stitches or changing the number of threads).
This Florida-inspired piece, perfect for a beginner or someone who wants to brush up on their counted thread skills, is worked on 26-count white linen with DMC floss. Choose either beige, blue or green for your colorway!
Technique: Counted thread on 26-count linen.
Proficiency: Basic/Beginner. Experience working on linen is helpful but not required.
Design Area: Fits nicely inside a box with a 5” x 5” opening or can be framed.
Kit Cost: $30.00
Kit Contents: 9” x 9” piece of 26 count linen, DMC floss in shades of beige, blue or green, needles, and charts and instruction booklet.
Student Provides: Small wooden embroidery hoop, frame or stretcher bars (or in hand if preferred), usual stitching supplies, magnification and lighting as needed.
Technique: Counted thread on 26-count linen.
Proficiency: Basic/Beginner. Experience working on linen is helpful but not required.
Design Area: Fits nicely inside a box with a 5” x 5” opening or can be framed.
Kit Cost: $30.00
Kit Contents: 9” x 9” piece of 26 count linen, DMC floss in shades of beige, blue or green, needles, and charts and instruction booklet.
Student Provides: Small wooden embroidery hoop, frame or stretcher bars (or in hand if preferred), usual stitching supplies, magnification and lighting as needed.
Ode to Sudoku
with Jane Masenas
#106
SATURDAY | MAY 15, 2027
An embroidery class for Sudoku fans! Solve the basic puzzle to create the Master Pattern. (For those of you not so inclined, a solution will be included.)
Smyrna cross stitches form the border. The gridlines are formed with back-stitches.
The piece is worked on 28-count white Cashel linen and uses nine colors of DMC floss: three shades of brown, three shades of blue green, one dark garnet red, one dark shell pink, and one ultra-pale yellow. The nine assorted colors used in the piece can be rearranged to your liking.
The other stitches used in the nine different blocks include: double running, lazy daisy, French knot, scallop, Jessica, eyelet, sheaf, cross-stitch over 4, cross-stitch over 2, and a cross-stitch/Smyrna cross combination.
Technique: Counted thread on linen
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: Fits nicely inside a box with a 5″ x 5″ opening.
Kit Cost: $35.00
Kit Contents: 9” x 9” piece of 28 count white Cashel linen, 9 skeins of DMC floss, needles, and chart and instruction booklet.
Student Provides: Small wooden embroidery hoop, frame or stretcher bars (or in hand if preferred), usual stitching supplies, magnification and lighting as needed.
Froggy Curio Box
with Kris Andrews
#107
SUNDAY | MAY 16, 2027
Learn new stumpwork techniques while stitching elements of the life of a frog in this companion piece to Butterfly Curio Box.
You will practice multiple types of fun padding techniques and how to use silk organza to give their work dimension and shading. Work with silk Perle, silk chenille, hand-dyed wool felt, wire-lace ribbon, and copper perle purl.
Pre-work is required for this class. “Pre-work” is exactly what it sounds like: work that must be done before your class. Kris will send your pre-work kit by March 14, 2027.
Technique: Surface embroidery
Proficiency: Basic Intermediate
Design Area: 4” x 6”
Kit Cost: $60.00
Kit Contents:
- Prework kit: 28-ct linen and silk thread to cross-stitch the frame of the box.
- Class kit: Silk perle, copper perle purl, silk thread, silk chenille, hand-dyed wool felt, silk organza in three colors, a pre-printed frog, beads, and wire lace ribbon.
Student Provides: Hoop or frame for a 4” x 6” design, a smaller hoop (about 3”- 4”), scissors for paper and wire, a ruler, magnification and lighting as needed. A laying tool is helpful but not required.
Two-Day Classes
Queen Bee Necklace
with Barbara Ellis
#201
FRIDAY & SATURDAY | MAY 14 & 15, 2027
Create a majestic silver and bronze bead-embroidered statement necklace featuring a bee focal and adjoining crown. You’ll also make a beaded rope for the pendant using a modified herringbone stitch.
Technique: Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: All levels
Design Area:
- Pendant: approximately 2 1/2” wide by 4” long, plus 2 1/2” fringe
- Rope: 16” long (adjustable)
Kit Cost: $125.00
Kit Contents: Bee finding, crown, cabochon, bugle beads, interfacing, ultra suede, pearls, crystals, drop, chain, seed beads (8/0, 11/0 and 15/ 0), demi beads, and the clasp.
Student Provides: Bead mat, usual stitching supplies, magnification and lighting as needed.
Snow Drifted Pathways
with Dawn Donnelly
#202
SATURDAY & SUNDAY | MAY 15 & 16, 2027
Inspired by the snowdrifts in Michigan, Snow Drifted Pathways takes the student into a winter wonderland!
Your storm – complete with exploding snowballs, scattered logs, and a cyclone – will be entirely your own, reflecting your own perspective. Cut and attach a snowy path made from handmade paper using butterfly chain-stitch. Create textures using couching, fake bullions, buttonhole rings, and a variety of stitches, including Rhodes, herringbone, ribbed spider, palace pattern, and fan vaulting!
Technique: Counted canvas, specialty stitches
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 10” x 8”
Kit Cost: $115.00
Kit Contents: 14” x 12” 14-count white mono canvas, DMC Floss, DMC Pearl Cotton (#8, #5 and #3), Presencia Finca Perle #3, Silk ‘N Ivory, Impressions, Vineyard Silk Classic, Handmade Paper, small cups, skewer, needles and instructions
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, magnification and lighting as needed
Constructing a Rose: the ABCs of Soft Shading Technique in Crewel Embroidery
with Canby Robertson
#203
SATURDAY & SUNDAY | MAY 15 & 16, 2027
As with handwriting, soft shading technique is best learned through practice rather than demonstration!
Work through a series of hands-on exercises to learn the art of soft-shading, starting with simple shapes (like a rectangle) and graduating to more complicated shapes (like a cupped, curved petal). With needle and thread, you’ll discover how to approach the logistical problems each shape presents.
Since practice achieves excellence, you’ll have plenty of time to experiment and ask questions. Instructor assistance and critique will be available after each exercise.
Note: Image shown is representative of the technique, not a class project.
Technique: Surface embroidery, shading
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $115.00
Kit Contents: Appleton crewel wool, linen ground fabric with transfer, needles, instruction booklet with photos.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, magnification and light as needed.
STUDIO TIME
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY
MAY 14, 15, AND 16, 2027
Would you like time to work on one (or more) of your WIPs (works-in-progress) or PHDs (projects half done)? How does having time to relax, stitch and chat with other embroiderers – without having to cook or make your bed – sound to you?
Registration for each day of Studio Time includes lunch at the Delta Hotel and one ticket to attend the lecture of your choice
Don’t want to leave seminar with another unfinished project?
Want to catch-up with “old” friends (and make new ones)?
Register for one, two, or all three days of Studio Time!
LECTURES
Our New England Heritage: Samplers and Embroideries of the Vermont Sampler Initiative
with Ellen Thompson
THURSDAY | MAY 13, 2027
The Vermont Sampler Initiative set out to document samplers made in Vermont, as they seldom make their way into publications about samplers. Over the past four years the team has identified more than 800 samplers attributed to New England states.
In this presentation, Ellen will share the experience of locating and documenting samplers. Using images of notable embroideries from throughout the region she will share some of what has been learned of the lives and times of the creators of these important historical documents.
Embroidery Up Close or "As I See It"
with Tricia Wilson Nguyen
FRIDAY | MAY 14, 2027
Click the image to see the detail!
Embroiderers often select fibers that are intricate, or techniques that are unexpected—choices that can be difficult to appreciate when viewing an object behind glass or in a book. Yet, hidden within these choices lies meaning, effect, or sometimes even a compelling story about the embroidery or its maker, waiting to be uncovered.
In this lecture, Tricia will present highly magnified images of a range of embroideries from both public and private collections, guiding us through discussions on what can be seen up close and what these surprising and complex details reveal. The images will be supplemented with additional visuals or video as needed, helping to bring the rich subtleties of each piece to life.
This lecture will offer a fresh perspective on embroidery, uncovering layers of meaning and craftsmanship that often go unnoticed.
Once Upon a Stitch
with Salley Mavor
SATURDAY | MAY 15, 2027
Salley will talk about her 50-year career creating imaginative miniature worlds with 3-dimensional embroidery. The presentation will cover a wide range of artistic endeavors, from children’s book illustration to topical artwork to stop-motion animation, demonstrating the limitless possibilities of what can be expressed with a needle and thread.
Salley will delve into the evolution of her work, highlighting the changes and growth in her approach through the years. Attendees will gain an exclusive look at the inspiration and motivation behind her distinctive creative process, offering a deeper understanding of what fuels her passion for her art.
Do you own any of Salley’s books? Bring them – Salley will be signing books after her lecture.
Click the image to see the detail!
MEET THE EDUCATORS
HOTEL INFO
THE DELTA HOTEL BY MARRIOTT
1117 Williston Road | South Burlington, VT
KING GUEST ROOM: $169/night
DOUBLE-DOUBLE GUEST ROOM: $169/night
These special rates are available for attendees staying May 13, 2027 through May 16, 2027, and are not inclusive of taxes and fees.
All guest rooms include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and free WIFI. Other guest amenities include an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, and an outdoor patio/courtyard.
When the reservation period begins, a booking button will appear here. Our discount code will be automatically applied if you book via the link. You may also reserve your room by calling the Reservations Office at 1-888-236-2427. Be sure to inform them that you’re attending Needles & Blooms to receive the attendee rate.
If you are not booked at the Delta using the Needles & Blooms code, a Facility Fee will apply. See our FAQ for more information.
Event News
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NER Region Seminar 2027: Spread the News!
Help spread the word about “Needles & Blooms,” our upcoming 2027 Region Seminar.
NER Region Seminar 2027: Save the Date!
The New England Region is thrilled to announce that our 2027 Regional Seminar will be held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Burlington in South Burlington, Vermont on May 13, 2027.
FAQ
Why must I book my stay with the Needles & Blooms event code or pay the Facility Fee?
Our negotiated guest room rate provides affordable accommodations for event attendees and covers the cost of our use of Delta Hotel’s facilities (event and classroom space). If you are not registered at the Delta Hotel, or if you are registered using a different room rate, the Facility Fee must be paid.
I want to go on the Shelburne Museum Gallery Tour, take Kris Andrews’ Froggy Curio Box class and spend the day in between in Studio Time. How do I register for all three?
Select the following on the registration form:
- Shelburne Museum Gallery Tour
- Register for 1 day of class
- Studio Time (one day)
In the class options section, select Froggy Curio Box.
I can only attend a single one-day class, but I want to attend all three lectures. Is this possible?
Absolutely! Select the following on the registration form:
- Register for 1 day of class (includes one lecture ticket)
- Purchase two additional lecture tickets
What are “usual stitching supplies?”
In addition to specific items required for a class, attendees should bring “usual stitching supplies,” such as:
- Needles and pins
- Needle threader
- Embroidery scissors
- Notetaking materials
- Teacher-specified method for maintaining tension: a hoop, scroll frame, frame with tacks or staple gun, or slate frame
- For beading projects: bead mat, thread conditioner
- Personal battery-operated light and/or magnification
- Additional helpful items: frame weight, clamps, hand lotion, cover for your project, tweezers, needle minder/magnets, needle puller, spool of sewing thread in neutral or pastel (not red), utility scissors, tape measure/ruler, laying tool, pin cushion, thread catcher, etc.
POLICIES
Electronics: Lights/Magnification
All student electronics, including task lights used in the classroom, must be battery operated. Corded lights are not permitted.
Class Changes
After February 28th, 2027, there will be a $30 fee for each class change. Selection changes are subject to class availability.
Class Cancellation Notifications
Should any class be cancelled, notifications will be sent via email no later than March 10, 2027.
Cancellation Policy
- The cancelling participant must send a cancellation notification in writing (USPS or email) to the Seminar Registrar.
- A full refund, including kit fees and fees for items such as tours, lectures, etc. will be issued in the event of the death of the participant. No kits will be released.
- A full refund, including kit fees and fees for items such as tours, lectures, etc. will be given to a participant who is in the military and not able to attend seminar due to reassignment. No kits will be released.
- Cancellations for reasons not covered above received via email or postmarked on or before:
- 60 days prior to the opening of seminar (March 13, 2027):
- Refund less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee will be issued
- No kits will be released
- 30 to 59 days prior to the opening of seminar (March 14 – April 13, 2027):
- Refund less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee will be issued
- No kits will be released unless the Teacher requires pre-work and the pre-work kit has been shipped. In this case, the remainder of the kit will be shipped to the participant at the participant’s expense.
- 0 to 29 days prior to the opening of seminar (April 14 – May 12, 2027):
- If a participant cancels their class(es), their entire original registration fee and all kit fee(s) must be paid in full. Items such as tours, lectures, etc. will be refunded in full only if their participation can be cancelled with the venue(s).
- The NER EGA Executive Committee will review the following requests within 45 days of the close of the seminar (June 30, 2027). No refunds will be issued until this review is complete.
- A full refund less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee will be issued in the event of the death of a member’s immediate family. Immediate family is defined as spouse/partner, child, parent, in-law, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling. No kits will be released.
- In the event of serious illness or accident of the participant or an immediate family member (definition above) that prevents the participant’s attendance at seminar, and the participant does not wish to receive any of their kit(s), a refund of 50% of the registration fee plus 100% of their kit(s) fee(s) will be issued. In addition, if the seminar cannot cancel the registrant’s meal(s) and/or their participation in any events such as tours, lectures, etc., then the meal(s) and event cost(s) will also be withheld from the participant’s Additional guest meal or event tickets that cannot be canceled will also be withheld from any refund due to the registrant. If the participant opts to receive their class kits, they will arrange for any kits to be picked up at the seminar or to be delivered, covering any postage fees.
- A full refund of registration fees, less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee, will be given in the event of a natural disaster that prevents the participant’s attendance. The participant must reside in a federally declared disaster zone to be eligible for the refund. No kit(s) will be released unless the participant requests their kit(s) as outlined in the above policy.
- All participant refund requests must be received within 15 days of the close of seminar (May 31, 2027)
- In all the above scenarios, any travel and hotel cost the student and their guest(s) have incurred are solely the responsibility of the student and their guest(s).
- If a submitted cancellation is not acknowledged by the Registrar, the registrant should request confirmation to verify receipt.
- In the event NER EGA cancels a registrant’s class:
- NER EGA will offer all classes with availability to the registrant. If the registrant accepts this option, all fees previously paid will be applied. If the kit fee differs from the originally-selected class, a refund will be issued or additional funds will be requested.
- NER EGA will offer Studio Time to the registrant. If the registrant accepts this option, all fees previously paid will be applied and any necessary refund will be issued.
- If the registrant declines these offers and decides to cancel their seminar attendance, all fees previously paid will be refunded. Any travel and hotel costs incurred by the student are solely the student’s responsibility.
- In the event NER EGA cancels the seminar, registrants will receive a refund of the registration fee, which may include the $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee, less processing fees, at the discretion of the NER EGA Executive Committee.
- 60 days prior to the opening of seminar (March 13, 2027):
Cancellation Policy
- The cancelling participant must send a cancellation notification in writing (USPS or email) to the Seminar Registrar.
- A full refund, including kit fees and fees for items such as tours, lectures, etc. will be issued in the event of the death of the participant. No kits will be released.
- A full refund, including kit fees and fees for items such as tours, lectures, etc. will be given to a participant who is in the military and not able to attend seminar due to reassignment. No kits will be released.
- Cancellations for reasons not covered above received via email or postmarked on or before:
- 60 days prior to the opening of seminar (March 13, 2027):
- Refund less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee will be issued
- No kits will be released
- 30 to 59 days prior to the opening of seminar (March 14 – April 13, 2027):
- Refund less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee will be issued
- No kits will be released unless the Teacher requires pre-work and the pre-work kit has been shipped. In this case, the remainder of the kit will be shipped to the participant at the participant’s expense.
- 0 to 29 days prior to the opening of seminar (April 14 – May 12, 2027):
- If a participant cancels their class(es), their entire original registration fee and all kit fee(s) must be paid in full. Items such as tours, lectures, etc. will be refunded in full only if their participation can be cancelled with the venue(s).
- The NER EGA Executive Committee will review the following requests within 45 days of the close of the seminar (June 30, 2027). No refunds will be issued until this review is complete.
- A full refund less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee will be issued in the event of the death of a member’s immediate family. Immediate family is defined as spouse/partner, child, parent, in-law, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling. No kits will be released.
- In the event of serious illness or accident of the participant or an immediate family member (definition above) that prevents the participant’s attendance at seminar, and the participant does not wish to receive any of their kit(s), a refund of 50% of the registration fee plus 100% of their kit(s) fee(s) will be issued. In addition, if the seminar cannot cancel the registrant’s meal(s) and/or their participation in any events such as tours, lectures, etc., then the meal(s) and event cost(s) will also be withheld from the participant’s Additional guest meal or event tickets that cannot be canceled will also be withheld from any refund due to the registrant. If the participant opts to receive their class kits, they will arrange for any kits to be picked up at the seminar or to be delivered, covering any postage fees.
- A full refund of registration fees, less $100 nonrefundable cancellation fee, will be given in the event of a natural disaster that prevents the participant’s attendance. The participant must reside in a federally declared disaster zone to be eligible for the refund. No kit(s) will be released unless the participant requests their kit(s) as outlined in the above policy.
- All participant refund requests must be received within 15 days of the close of seminar (May 31, 2027)
- In all the above scenarios, any travel and hotel cost the student and their guest(s) have incurred are solely the responsibility of the student and their guest(s).
- 60 days prior to the opening of seminar (March 13, 2027):
Facility Fee
Any attendee who is not staying in the event room block at the Delta is required to pay the Facility Fee.
Student Code of Conduct
EGA fosters values of honor, mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, integrity, and responsible conduct. Students are expected to behave consistently with these principles and to demonstrate common courtesy towards teachers and fellow classmates.
- Students will use their best efforts to listen during instruction and will not be disruptive.
- Students will not unduly monopolize the teacher’s time and attention to the detriment of their fellow classmates.
- Students will limit contact with the teachers to the classroom or online methods deemed acceptable by the teacher.
- At the discretion of EGA, students who violate the code of conduct may be asked to leave class and/or the event.
Health & Safety
We want to keep everyone healthy and safe.
- COVID and other respiratory illnesses can pose a significant health risk to some of our members. As a community, we are all responsible for taking steps to protect each other and reduce spread of illness.
- Everyone who has any health concerns should consider wearing a high-quality mask in the classroom and when in crowded places to protect yourself and others.
- Everyone should stay current on vaccinations for COVID and other respiratory illnesses.
- If you have symptoms like coughing, sneezing, congestion, or fever, a COVID exposure, or test positive for COVID within 10 days prior to Seminar, please contact the Registrar to cancel your attendance at Seminar; your class fee will be credited to you. Also, contact the hotel directly to cancel your hotel reservation.
- If you test positive for COVID while at Seminar, please contact the Seminar Chair and remain isolated per the CDC Guidelines.