The Embroiderers’ Guild ACT presents a range of classes each year. Most of these are open to members of the public, as per class descriptions below.
For enrolment information click here.
2023 Classes
Geometric needle run embroidery on net with Annette Meldrum
Dates: Saturdays 18th and 25th March 2023
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $60 members, $80 non-members
Kit Cost: $30 (Cotton Net 1m x 25cms and Workshop notes). To pay for the kit, please bring cash in an envelope with your name clearly marked.
Payment Due: ASAP
Location: 100 Maitland Street, Hackett (Embroiderers’ Guild of the ACT Inc rooms)
Description: This class will explore the geometric needle run, a counted thread tradition that was widely worked in Colonial Australia when materials were scarce, but mosquito netting was readily available. Women sought to decorate their homes using the meagre supplies available.
Patterns are mostly running stitch, over/under each bar of the net or sometimes both bars either side of a single hole of the net. We will follow patterns by counting the bars or meshes.
This technique is simple and relaxing and will be a favourite!
The net is a little coarser than usual with slightly larger holes than traditional tulle making it easier on the eyes to stitch. It is imported from the Czech Republic and is very robust making it easy to wash and suitable for a scarf.
Temari Balls with Leanne O’Sullivan
Dates: Saturday – Sunday 22nd – 23rd April 2023
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Cost: $200 members, $220 non-members
Kit Cost: $60
Payment Due: 2 April
Location: 100 Maitland Street, Hackett (Embroiderers’ Guild of the ACT Inc rooms)
Description: An enjoyable workshop with Leanne O’Sullivan from Kimono House Japanese Textiles & Craft making temari – the traditional Japanese surface embroidered decorative ball.
Day 1 begins with an introductory talk and presentation with samples old and new from Leanne’s personal collection.
Over the 2 days Leanne will guide you how to wrap, divide and stitch your own temari from the basic core through to division and preparation for stitching simple decorative patterns. Suitable for beginners this is a fun and informative class for those who love to stitch by hand. Your finished temari will make perfect gifts for all ages or special decorative piece for your home.
Skill Level: No previous experience required
Sculptural Embroidery + Shadow Mounting Workshop With Meredith Woolnough
Dates: Saturday – Sunday 24th – 25th June 2023
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost: $190 members, $210 non-members
Kit Cost: $15
Payment Due: 4 June
Location: 100 Maitland Street, Hackett (Embroiderers’ Guild of the ACT Inc rooms)
This technique-based workshop explores the unique embroidery processes that Meredith uses to create her artworks. By (machine) stitching onto a combination of woven and water-soluble fabrics we will create a range of experimental embroidered artworks. Students can expect to create a range of experimental stitched surfaces and sculptural forms in this workshop. We will also explore Meredith’s signature shadow mounting technique so your embroidered creations can be presented in a professional manner, ready for framing.
Suited to all levels. No experience is necessary but basic sewing machine operation skills will be helpful.
2022 Classes already held
Japanese Bead Class ‘Macaron Magic’ with Merrilyn Whittle
23-24 April
This class will be teaching Japanese Beadwork and is based on the ‘Macaron Magic’ project which was published in Inspirations Magazine Vol. 111.
The Art of Stitch with Barbara Mullan
11-12 June, 2022
Discover how traditional embroidery stitches can be changed by playing with them. Widen, shrink, lengthen, rotate, change direction and attach with stitches such as chain, herringbone, fly and buttonhole. Explore how embroidery stitches can be used to create texture, design and impact. This workshop is about experimenting with the traditional to create the contemporary. Small embroidery pieces will be created.
Box construction workshop with Pat Bootland
25-26 June 2022
Pat is running a class for those who are interested in making a box to show off a pieces of their embroidery, especially one that has been lying around for ages and you need something to do with it!
Thread Painting with Di Kirchner
5 August 2022
Have you always wanted to try thread painting or still find it a bit tricky?
Di Kirchner is teaching this lovely design of gum leaves and blossoms.
Crewelwork with Di Kirchner
6-7 August, 2022
Class attendees will stitch a beautiful panel of flowers in either pink or blue.
Improv Embroidery (Freehand Florals) with Carol Cooke
22-23 October 2022
This class is about exploring new ways of using traditional stitches. Carol is the author of Improv Embroidery, a place of mindfulness, exploration and creative escape.
In the class students will create their own freehand florals using simple techniques to draw small flowers, playing with colour and stitch combinations.
Schwalm Whitework with Deborah Love
29-30 October 2022
Class attendees will stitch this lovely Schwalm Flowers design.
Deborah is an experienced tutor from Queensland who has published designs in the inspirations and held classes at Beating Around the Bush.
Needlepoint Berry with Lel Whitbread
8th December
Learn how to stitch this Needlepoint Berry, it makes a great gift for someone special, it looks fabulous as a key tassel or scissor keeper. Maybe you will be inspired and make heaps to hang from your Christmas tree. It has been adapted from a design by the Kreinik Manufacturing Co.
Enrolments
To enrol in a class, download & print out the enrolment form:
Guild classes enrolment form (pdf, 44KB)
Guild classes enrolment form (docx, 22KB)
Complete and return as per instructions on the form.
A deposit of 50% is payable on enrolment and the balance is due three weeks before the class commences. For any given class, enrolment closes either when the class is full or three weeks before commencement, whichever is earlier.
If you have enrolled in a class, but are unable to attend, please notify the guild immediately. There may be a waiting list and the guild may find someone to fill your place. Refunds are not generally available for cancellation within three weeks of class commencement.
Fees cover the cost of tuition. Where kits are available from tutors, the cost of kit is to be paid direct to the tutor at the class, not to the guild. Please be aware that you will have to have your own basic sewing supplies and that most classes have a requirements list.
This page contains information on classes for adults and the policy for classes can be found here. For information on the Young Stitchers’ program and School Holiday classes see the Young Stitchers page
