EGA is excited to announce a new admin has joined the EGA Stitch-a-long group on Facebook. Welcome to Jean Hubsch! Jean is self-proclaimed “volunteering kind of person” who has served as part of the EGA Membership and Marketing team, as Corning Chapter President, on EGA’s Special Interest Groups, and as Mid-Eastern Region Director. We’re delighted she’s bringing her love of embroidery and passion for needlework to the EGA Stitch-a-long group. Readers can learn more about our other current EGA Stitch-a-Long admins in our Community Spotlight on EGA’s Stitch-a-long Admins.
Tell us about yourself: What was your first embroidery experience? When did you join EGA, and what inspired you to join?
I am one of the few who did not learn at mother or grandmother’s knee. I did some counted cross stitch in the 1970s, and I still have the crewel purse I did at about the same time. I was not good at the finishing for it, but I have included a photo.
I joined EGA in 1988. I had a friend who had been in the Genesee Valley Chapter (Rochester, NY) for several years, and when I was no longer working full time, I joined her. The next year, I moved to the Finger Lakes area of NY and joined the Corning Chapter, not knowing a soul. They were extremely welcoming, and some of those original members are still there and good friends.
Why did you decide to volunteer for the EGA Stitch-a-long Facebook Group?
I am a “volunteering” type of person, and have been since I was a teenager. I like to be busy, and in light of all the technological changes in recent years, it is possible to do so much from home. I belong right now to two other non-profit organizations, and like others, they are having trouble finding volunteers. I hate to see any of them disappear.
I was the last Region Director of Mid-Eastern Region, and one reason it dissolved was that it was small and there were few volunteers. There were also financial considerations, and the way a Region makes money is to host a National Seminar. That was not feasible for MER. I was very sad to see it go, but many went to Mid Atlantic Region, and once again there was a great welcome. I am the Chair of their Fall retreat, Camp Stitch a Lot, held near Corning NY.
The Stitch-a-long asked me if I’d be interested in being an admin and once again I said “yes”.
You serve as part of the EGA Membership and Marketing team, as Corning Chapter President, on EGA’s Special Interest Groups, and previously served as Mid-Eastern Region Director! What have you learned about EGA as an organization and as a community from serving in all of these different positions?
Stitchers are special people and they understand my love of embroidery. Other folks look at me like I am crazy when I say I am going away to take embroidery classes— fellow EGAers “get me.” I am amazed when I see the roster of volunteers that are making EGA work. There are hundreds at Chapter, Region, and National levels. The four paid staff cannot do it all—nor could we afford it. I am at quite a few Zoom meetings for the groups I am involved with and I so enjoy our gatherings. Many of these people have become friends and I have never met them in person!
What advice would you give to EGA members interested in volunteering for the organization?
EGA is always happy to receive inquiries from interested members who want to volunteer with the organization. I recommend contacting the National Nominating Committee, which helps place candidates in different roles in various EGA departments. If you’re willing to share your talents, it’s the best way to get involved!
What do you hope to bring to the EGA Stitch-a-long group?
Firstly, I’ll take some of the weight off the current admins (who are continuing—thanks). I know a few people who have designs of their own and I hope to persuade them to share with the SAL. These are not the big names in the business, but very talented. I am well organized and will do whatever job is asked of me.
What are your favorite styles and techniques of embroidery?
I have done a lot of Brazilian embroidery—yes, the dreaded bullions!! In the past, I had a GCC and if I can locate the directions, will add it to the SAL roster. I have gotten away from canvas work as I now prefer surface embroidery and felt applique. I just signed up for a kit of the month club. I have included a couple of pictures of each and they are my own.
Will you create some designs for the group? What kinds of design work are you interested in sharing?
I have already done one—a felt applique flower that will be the January 2026 project. Hope I’ll have time to do more.
Since you’ve served EGA in all of these different positions, you have a unique perspective on being a part of the organization. What should members interested in volunteering know about service with EGA?
There is the reward of satisfaction, but more so are the friendships that develop. Also the learning experience—at most every session, I learn a new aspect of technology or embroidery tips. Learning keeps your brain working.
Just for fun—do you have a favorite piece you’ve stitched? Why is it your favorite?
Like many, my favorite is what I am doing or have just finished. While I have a good sized stash, I tend to finish the projects from seminars. You can see two of these on the EGA Floss Tube videos that our Membership and Marketing team recently filmed.
