What's Happening
Here’s a sampling of what’s been happening and what’s coming up.
Check out the calendar for detailed listings.
Kris Andrews Goldwork Workshop
JULY 26, 2025 | 10 AM - 4 PM | BURLINGTON, MA
REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 7, 2025!
This workshop is being funded by the Boston Seminar earnings, so NER members will only pay the kit cost.
Class size is limited!
This pretty piece is a wonderful way to experience beginning gold work techniques! Instructor Kris Andrews is a member of our Green Mountain Vermont chapter and has taught numerous seminars.
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
TECHNIQUE(S): Goldwork
KIT COST: $35
Region Day 2025
NOVEMBER 1, 2025 | NASHUA, NH
REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 7, 2025!
Join us on Saturday November 1 for the New England Region EGA’s Region Day 2025 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Nashua NH! Choose from two exciting in-person classes or Studio Time, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and shop at Stash Sale tables!
A beginner-friendly workshop suitable for those new to goldwork or stumpwork techniques.
This engaging interactive workshop covers every step of the process, from tracing the pattern to mastering the essential techniques needed to complete the project. While some basic embroidery experience is recommended, no prior knowledge of goldwork is required.
By the end of the session, participants will have a completed the scissors fob and developed the skills to explore similar projects independently.
KIT COST: $100
Learn new stumpwork techniques while stitching elements of the life of the Monarch butterfly.
During this one-day exploration, students will get a foundation in four different types of padding to give dimension to their work. We will also work on detached motifs with printed butterfly wings, needle weaving with silken pearl, and handling gilt pearl purl.
Approximately 4 hours of preparatory pre-work is required.
KIT COST: $50
Enjoy a full day devoted to stitching in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, plus a delicious buffet lunch and great deals!
Work on your own project(s), or gather a group to stitch on a previous class project. Connect in-person and exchange knowledge with fellow stitchers. Discover new designs and designers.
Don't miss the Stash Sale tables! Browse an amazing selection of supplies and tools at fantastic prices. It's the perfect chance to add to your stash without breaking the budget.
INCLUDED WITH REGION DAY ADMISSION.
REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 7, 2025
Click the button below to access the registration form!
SOME Spring Getaway
MARCH 13-15, 2026 | AUBURN, ME
The Southern Maine Chapter is happy to announce the 4th SOME Spring Getaway, a special event organized and sponsored by the Southern Maine Chapter (SOME). Featuring four classes, Studio Time Saturday & Sunday, and a special finishing class on Friday evening!
WITH CISSY BAILEY SMITH
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
6:30 - 9:30 PM
This lovely thread keep is designed to hold five spools of antique sewing thread.
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
TECHNIQUE(S): Counted Thread, Finishing.
KIT COST: $60
WITH CISSY BAILEY SMITH
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
8:30 AM - 4 PM
Stitch a beautiful huswif to store your supplies! Measuring 8" wide and 4" high.
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
TECHNIQUE(S): Counted Thread, Finishing.
KIT COST: $95
WITH HOLLY BEAN
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
8:30 AM - 4 PM
Learn how to create layered bead embroidery and beaded spiral ribbon fringe! Can be worn as a necklace or modified into a wall hanging.
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner/Intermediate
TECHNIQUE(S): Bead Embroidery
KIT COST: $145
WITH CISSY BAILEY SMITH
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
8:30 AM - 4 PM
Build a castle for your Highland Holiday! This delightful etui is a showstopper!
SKILL LEVEL:
TECHNIQUE(S): Counted Thread, Finishing
KIT COST: $180
WITH HOLLY BEAN
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
8:30 AM - 4 PM
Love Abalone? Then you’ll love creating this glowing bracelet using bead embroidery techniques!
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner/Intermediate
TECHNIQUE(S): Bead Embroidery
KIT COST: $95
Click the button below to access the registration form!
ON DISPLAY
BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY, BURLINGTON MA
Merrimack Valley Chapter collected a wide variety of pieces for a display at the Burlington MA Public Library. Covers of library-owned embroidery books were placed with embroideries of the same type to encourage public explorations.
Region Annual Meeting: November 9, 2024
There will be an annual meeting of the Region on November 9, 2024 from 9:30am to 3:00pm at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court Street, Nashua, NH). Among other business, there will be an election of four officers (Region Director, Assistant Region Director, Treasurer and Secretary) who will serve from 2025 to 2027. Please click here for the reservation form and here for the Nominating Committee's slate. We hope to see many members in attendance!
A weekend on the Cape - join us! November 1-3, 2024
The Merrimac Valley Chapter has a wonderful weekend planned for November 1-3 in the pretty setting of Cape Cod. The Bayside Resort is a small hotel similar to Fairfield Inn, offering a comfortable place for stitching. We are lucky to have Canby Robertson with us to share knowledge of painting on fabric and surface embroidery. Click here for the registration form and here for a description of the project Canby will be teaching. FMI email Karen Sehl.
Wendy Moore's "Moon on the Water" Zoom class January 2025
SOME Chapter will host talented designer and teacher Wendy Moore for a three-part Zoom class on January 14, 21, and 30, 2025. "Moon on the Water" leaves the viewer in a peaceful state. The moon itself will appear to glow on its own with a softness expressed with Vineyard, Pepper Pot and Planet Earth silk threads which are included in her kit. Antique Blue 18 ct. mono canvas is used, and the finished piece is 6” x 7”.
Registration ends October 5, 2024. Click here for the flyer and enrollment form, or FMI contact Betty Bell.
Tambour embroidery with Robert Haven September 17, 2024
Merrimack Valley Chapter will host Robert Haven, who will introduce us to tambour embroidery. The meeting will also be Zoomed. For the Zoom link, contact NER_ega@yahoo.com. No fees for NER members.
Pioneer Valley Chapter announces its fall 2024 stitching retreat weekend, to be held from Friday October 11 to Sunday October 13 at Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT. Check out this beautiful, rustic location and think about all the stitching you could do while someone else does the cooking and the dishes! Cost is $160, which covers two days, two nights, and four meals. Contact Sue Polumbo to learn more and make your reservation.
Join members of the Merrimack Valley Chapter for a "live" tour of "Through the Needle's Eye," EGA's virtual needlework exhibit. Carole Overton, TNE Committee secretary, will lead the tour. Non-members are welcome to attend. Contact Karen Sehl for a Zoom link. The tour will be offered at 3pm and again at 7pm.
At right: Diversité by Marie-Renée Otis from Through the Needle's Eye
Almost fifty members gathered for NER's 2024 Region Day from 10am to 4pm at the Plymouth Church in Framingham, MA on April 27, 2024.
It was a wonderful opportunity for all members of the New England Region to convene together in a celebration of our hobby. There were three projects, a talk by Pat Olski of Piecework Magazine, open stitching, a luncheon and lots of socializing and fellowship within our community. The day was largely paid for by our region so it was very affordable ($25 NER members/$35 others plus kit fees) for participants.
Congratulations and thanks to NER Education Chair Karen Sehl for making it happen!
Members of Merrimack Valley Chapter recently contributed panels of stitched pieces which will be included in the Calico Dress at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA. The Calico Dress is being created at the museum in conjunction with its exhibition of The Red Dress. The MVC submissions are already on display. The originator of The Red Dress will be at the museum on exhibition closing day (May 19) along with Calico Dresses from US museums.
Click here to learn more about the history of The Red Dress and its connections across the nation and around the world.
Southern Maine (SOME) Chapter sponsored everyone's favorite mini-seminar on Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn, Maine. The event attracted 35 members who enjoyed excellent stitching time, food, and company. A special thank you to our three teachers: Kris Andrews, Denise Harrington Pratt, and Patty Smith Gardner. Hope to see you at the next spring get-away in Maine!
Robbin, a member of Merrimack Valley Chapter, recently collected four ribbons, including Best of Department for Creative Arts (Adult) at the Eastern States Exposition, for her needlework. Congrats, Robbin!
Give a teacup pincushion to a stitching friend!
SOME Chapter members recently created one-of-a-kind “teacup” pincushions to raise funds for education. Each unique pincushion starts with a vintage teacup. Browse the full collection at www.someega.org.
Each pincushion is $20; postage is additional. To order, please email Barbara Hepburn.
Southern Maine (SOME) Chapter announces the release of its latest design book, These Are SOME Pears! You get 15 unique pears, each designed by a SOME member and featuring a different embroidery technique or style. Each pear has detailed instructions and diagrams, many in color, by Denise Harrington Pratt.
These Are SOME Pears! premiered at the 2023 Boston Stitch Party and is now available for purchase at $29.95 each plus $5.00 postage. To order please contact Barbara Hepburn.