EGA Blog

Outside the Hoop: Colorful Beaded Medallions by Lisa Yang

EGA is excited to present a new series of free project tutorials under the heading, “Outside the Hoop.” As its name suggests, the Outside the Hoop series will focus on entry-level projects that take stitchers outside of the traditional embroidery hoop. Prepare to explore beading, mending, and other styles of needlework that may utilize techniques […]

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July 2025 Stitch-a-long: American Flag Pin

For our July 2025 stitch-a-long on Facebook we are stitching a patriotic American Flag Pin by Carol Light. If you are an EGA member you may download this project from the Member’s Only Publications page. Check it out, there are many goodies there for your stitching journey. If you are not an EGA member yet, […]

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Video: Growing Your Connection with EGA Webinar June 2025 – Understanding Chapter Finances

Our latest Growing Your Connection webinar was on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The discussion on this webinar focused on Understanding Chapter Finances. Are you a Chapter Treasurer or President wondering if chapter finances are being handled in a responsible way? Are you a member maybe willing to be a chapter treasurer if only you knew […]

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Needlework Faire: Virtual Classes with Hazel Blomkamp and Helen McCook Closing July 7

Did you know the four virtual classes offered in conjunction with EGA Seminar 2025 will close on July 7? These four classes are scheduled for September and October via Zoom and will be completed before the start of Seminar. You can find out more about these classes taught by Helen McCook and Hazel Blomkamp here: […]

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Retiring Soon: Group Correspondence Course English Summer with Cheryl Sharp

Our Group Correspondence Course English Summer with Cheryl Sharp will be retired on December 31, 2025. While it will be available for groups until that date, it is available for individual members as a GCC Lightning Round only through August 31, 2025. Register here! Do you want to improve your stitching? Then our Group Correspondence […]

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Check out our Latest Lightning Rounds: Needlework Courses featuring Crewel, Schwalm embroidery, Counted Thread and more

It’s a great time to learn something new! Any EGA member may register for the Lightning Rounds featured below though August 31, 2025. Lightning Rounds Every quarter, our Education Department selects some of our Group Correspondence Courses(GCC) and these are made available for members to register individually without needing a group. These correspondence courses are […]

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EGA’s Metropolitan Region: Join us for a lecture with Ann Strite-Kurz and a class with Sandie Cormaci-Boles

The Metropolitan Region will be having two events Mermaid Sewing Pouch with Sandie Cormaci-Boles Sandie Cormaci-Boles will be teaching the next online class for the Metropolitan Region, with her design, Mermaid Sewing Pouch.  Class will begin on October 7th, 2025 when the first lesson is emailed; more lessons will be provided every week. Zoom classes […]

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Registration for our June 2025 Growing Your Connection Webinar: Understanding Your Chapter Finances

Register for our next Growing Your Connection webinar on Saturday, June 28 at 1:00 PM eastern where the topic will be Understanding Your Chapter Finances! Are you a Chapter Treasurer or President wondering if chapter finances are being handled in a responsible way?  Are you a member maybe willing to be a chapter treasurer if only […]

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Learn from International Needlework Teacher Clara Warschauer at these Upcoming EGA Classes

Clara Warschauer will be visiting the United States in November of this year to teach at our 2025 National Seminar: Needlework Faire in Dallas, Texas. She will also be teaching at some of our chapters and regions as part of the International Teacher Tour. Here’s more information about Clara and these exciting classes! Interested members […]

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Community Spotlight on Barbara Jackson: Shading Traditions

Shading methods are one of the most important lessons we can learn for adding depth, shadow, and light to our embroidery pieces. Early English crewel embroidery provides excellent examples of advanced shading methods accomplished with a variety of stitches, wools, and embroidery techniques. EGA is very excited to host Barbara Jackson, a graduate of the […]

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Video: Growing Your Connection with EGA Webinar May 2025 – EGA’s Forums & Groups

Our latest Growing Your Connection webinar was on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The discussion on this webinar focused on utilizing the groups and forums on the EGA website to grow your connections with other EGA members and as a tool to communicate with your chapter. Jana Bass, Online Education Coordinator for our Great Lakes Region, […]

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EGA National Seminar 2026 Announces Faculty for ‘Wish Upon a Stitch’ in Orlando, Florida

Our 2026 National Seminar: Wish Upon a Stitch, hosted by our Sun Region, will take place on October 9, 2026 – October 14, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando! We are excited to announce our faculty of 18 teachers who are looking forward to greeting you in October 2026 for class. When registration starts later […]

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June 2025 Stitch-a-long: Betta Fish

For our June 2025 stitch-a-long on Facebook we are stitching an adorable betta fish by EGA stitch-a-long admin Helena Whyte. Here’s more about the design from stitch-a-long admin Stephanie Murphy: “Our project for the month is a cute Betta Fish, designed and stitched by our own co-admin, Helena Whyte, of the Pajarito Chapter of New […]

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Interview with Laurie Kelly: The Art of Needlework Appraisals

Have you ever considered having your needlework appraised? We sat down with Laurie Kelly, needleworker and professional Personal Property Appraiser specializing in needlework, ahead of her virtual lecture on The Art and Science of Appraising Needlework, to learn more about appraisals. Laurie’s work goes beyond simply assessing the value of embroidery; she shared some intriguing […]

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Embroidery Techniques from Around the World: Blackwork

Technique: Blackwork embroidery Place of Origin: England Earliest known date: 15th century History: It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of Blackwork embroidery, as elements of the style have been practiced in several different cultures throughout recorded history. Similar counted-thread techniques were practiced in Moorish Spain, Slavic countries across eastern Europe, and Islamic countries […]

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Community Spotlight: Louisville Chapter EGA + Bryce Romig

Did you know that several EGA chapters have their own social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok? We are always happy to see chapters like SOME Chapter EGA, Knoxville Chapter, Susquehanna Chapter, Bucks County Chapter, Virginia Tech Chapter, Philadelphia Chapter, Tucson Chapter, and Louisville Chapter consistently post photos and videos showcasing their thriving, […]

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Photos: See the Wonderful Embroidery from our 2025 Fiber Forum

We have some wonderful embroidery to share as part of this year’s Fiber Forum! The purpose of Fiber Forum is to promote and advance embroidery as an art form through the exhibition of original works. Every year, new members are juried into Fiber Forum by academics and professional artists who are active in their field […]

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6 Fresh Ideas for Embroidery Samplers

Embroidery Samplers hold a special place in the needlework community, and for good reason. Many stitchers develop their passion for embroidery through the stitch sampler. Historically, schoolgirl stitch samplers preserve the handwork legacy of young women, which would otherwise be lost to time. Today, we’re sharing some fresh ideas for embroidery samplers that will invigorate […]

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New Group Correspondence Course: Uncommon Stitches with Melinda Sherbring

Our Education Department has added a new course to our selection of Group Correspondence Courses: Uncommon Stitches with Melinda Sherbring. Are you inspired by embroidered book covers of the late 16th and early 17th centuries? Do you collect unusual stitches — ones uncommon in modern embroidery? If you answered “Yes” to any one of those […]

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Registration for our May 2025 Growing Your Connection Webinar: EGA’s Forums & Groups

Register for our next Growing Your Connection webinar on Saturday, May 31 at 1:00 PM eastern where the topic will be EGA’s Forums & Groups! Did you know that egausa.org has its own media tools to keep us more connected? Learn how to create and use the Forums and Groups on the egausa.org website. Click […]

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Exploring Samplers with Becky Noland and Sylvia Stecker

EGA was excited to learn more about the beauty of samplers with Becky Noland and Sylvia Stecker, the two teachers leading Sampler University at National Seminar 2025: Needlework Faire in Dallas. Both Becky and Sylvia have immersed themselves in the world of samplers for some time, drawing inspiration from generations of stitched samplers and developing […]

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Register Today: Online Studio Class Whitework Sampler with Janet Salerno

Registration is open for our Online Studio class Whitework Sampler with Janet Salerno! Try your hand at this counted thread technique and create a beautiful eight-band bell pull sampler. The two whitework techniques taught in this class are pulled thread and drawn thread. It is stitched on 28-count fabric with #8 and #12 pearl cotton. […]

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Embroidery Techniques from Around the World: Suzhou

Technique: Suzhou (Su) Embroidery Place of Origin: Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China Earliest known date: 220 AD History: Suzhou, or Su Xiu (苏绣), embroidery, is one of the oldest embroidery techniques, originating in China more than two thousand years ago during the Three Kingdoms era (220-280 AD). Also known as Su embroidery, Suzhou utilizes split silk […]

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May 2025 Stitch-a-long: Lovin’ Needlework

For our May 2025 stitch-a-long on Facebook we are working on Lovin’ Needlework a needlepoint design by EGA member Maria Perez of our Three Rivers Chapter. Here’s more about the design from Maria: “Hi, Friends! This is my original design for a beginner needlepoint heart that anyone can do! The heart is divided in several […]

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Registration Closing Soon: Virtual Lecture on Erica Wilson’s Life in Stitches with Dr. Anne Hilker

Registration for our next virtual lecture Erica Wilson’s Life in Stitches with Dr. Anne Hilker is open to EGA members through May 8, 2025 1PM Eastern. Not an EGA member yet? This is the perfect time to join one of our chapters or as a member at-large and participate in all the educational offerings EGA […]

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Chapter News: Monmouth Chapter’s Class with Gail Stafford and Aiken Stitchin’ Belles Classes with Kim Sanders

Today we are bringing you news from the Monmouth Chapter in New Jersey and the Aiken Stitchin’ Belles Chapter in South Carolina. We encourage you to learn more about them by clicking on their name. Now you can join or renew your membership with our chapters directly from our website!

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Video: See the 2025 EGA Semi-Annual Update featuring reports on Education, Marketing and more

Our 2025 virtual semi-annual update took place in April of 2025. During this update, national EGA leadership presented reports on ongoing initiatives, shared news, and answered member questions. Having trouble seeing the video? Watch on Youtube!

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Community Spotlight: on Kay Stanis: Engaging the Viewer with Multi-Dimensional Designs

For this month’s Community Spotlight we sat down with Kay Stanis, internationally known fiber artist, designer, Master Craftsman, and Certified and Graduate Certified EGA Teacher. Kay is a juried member of EGA’s Fiber Forum and has taught at EGA’s National Seminars, and her current correspondence course, Jacobean Fantasy, is available as a GCC Lightning Round […]

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EGA’s Guide to Embroidery Needles

Having the right embroidery needle is an essential factor for a successful embroidery project. There are almost as many types of needle as there are types of embroidery. Choosing the wrong needle for your desired project and fabric type can lead to snagged thread and ruined fabrics, so don’t overlook the importance of your embroidery […]

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Deadlines Approaching: Nominate a Member to the Gold Thread Awards and Apply for the Penny Evans Memorial Scholarship

The deadlines to submit nominations for the Gold Thread Awards and applications for the Penny Evans Memorial Scholarship are rapidly approaching. Interested needleworkers should visit our Scholarships & Awards page for more information on rules for submission. Applicants have until May 1, 2025, to submit to both programs. Keep reading to learn more about The […]

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Register Today: Virtual Lecture on Artificial Intelligence (AI) In the Embroidery Community with Anne Marie Oliver

Registration for our next virtual lecture Artificial Intelligence (AI) In the Embroidery Community with Anne Marie Oliver is open to EGA members through April 17, 2025 1PM Eastern. Not an EGA member yet? This is the perfect time to join one of our chapters or as a member at-large and participate in all the educational […]

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Embroidery Techniques from Around the World: Battenberg Lace

Technique: Battenberg Lace Place of Origin: New York, United States of America Earliest known date: 1890s History: Battenberg lace, also referred to as Royal Battenberg lace, first appeared in the late 19th century during a period of rapid evolution for lace-making. Industrialization and new needlework innovations drove the creation of Battenberg lace, which offered lacemakers […]

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Register Today: Swirling Tulips with Gail Stafford

Registration is open for our Online Studio class Swirling Tulips with Gail Stafford! Stylized tulips and Florentine embroidery (Bargello) combine to create this design. Notice how your eyes naturally follow a path of circular motion as you view the needlework. The design is shown in a blue-green and and blue color combination, but participants may […]

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April 2025 Stitch-a-long: Silk Ribbon Embroidered Needlecase

For our April 2025 stitch-a-long on Facebook we are working on a Silk Ribbon Embroidered Needlecase project by EGA member Karen Matze. Here’s more about the designer from stitch-a-long admin Stephanie Murphy: “Karen Matze is a mixed media textile artist located in Northeast Wisconsin and member of our Green Bay Area Chapter. She loves to […]

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10 Free Embroidery Patterns to Celebrate Spring

Spring is finally here! EGA has lots of great spring patterns in our library so you can start the season with something floral and bright—even if the weather isn’t quite ready to cooperate. Blackwork Honeycomb Needlebook by The Steady Thread Floral Pets from our May 2024 Stitch-a-long by Dianne Stauber May Flowers Pin Cushion from […]

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Interview with Anne Marie Oliver: The Negative Impact of AI in the Embroidery Community

  Since the advent of Artificial Intelligence technology, AI has been creeping into aspects of everyday life that may not be immediately apparent. From uncanny images to online articles, recipes, and craft instructions, the proliferation of AI-generated content should concern craft communities. In EGA’s upcoming Virtual Lecture Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Embroidery Community, Anne […]

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Fiber Forum Invites You to a Lecture with Lisa Kokin – Limited Seats Available

Fiber Forum is inviting a limited number of EGA members to attend a lecture with Lisa Kokin on March 25, 2025 at 7:30pm Eastern time. To register, please email Fiber Forum Education Chair, Jenna McClooney at jennalee@hotmail.com to let me know you wish to attend. If I don’t respond with a confirmation within 24 hours, please […]

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Community Spotlight: Harriet Alonso and Women’s History in Stitches

Happy Women’s History Month! This month EGA is excited to highlight the works of Harriet Alonso, member of our Manhattan Chapter, historian, artist, and activist whose embroidery pieces and wonderful “Look Her Up” series encourage viewers to learn more about important crusaders and role models in the equal rights and social justice movements. Harriet has […]

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Registration for our April 2025 Growing Your Connection Webinar: Petite Projects Galore is Now Open!

Register for our next Growing Your Connection webinar (formerly Growing Your Chapter) on Saturday, April 5 at 1:00 PM eastern where the topic will be Petite Projects Galore! Are you an individual who wants to understand what more EGA has to offer besides Needle Arts magazine? Or are you part of a Chapter looking for […]

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Interview with Melinda Sherbring: Past, Present & Future of Historical Embroidery

For our latest interview in our Teacher Interview Series we sat down with Melinda Sherbring for a fascinating look into  the past, present and future of historical embroidery. Melinda is a frequent teacher at EGA national, regional and chapter events and her group correspondence course Sweet Bag Sewed of Silver and Gold is available for […]

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Video: Growing Your EGA Chapter Webinar March 2025 – Hybrid Meetings

Our latest Growing Your Chapter/Connection webinar was on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The discussion for this webinar focused on hybrid meetings (meetings that are held both in-person and on Zoom), best practices and newest hardware used for successful hybrid meetings. Follow EGA on Instagram here. Previous Growing Your Chapter Webinars We have created a YouTube […]

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March 2025 Stitch-a-long: Couched Happy Shamrock Box

For our March 2025 stitch-a-long on Facebook we are working on a Couched Happy Shamrock Box project by EGA Stitch-a-long-admin Stephanie Murphy. Here’s more about this month’s project from Stephanie: “Do you need a tooth fairy box? Or a box to hold your rings by a sink or night stand? Or a box to hold […]

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Chapter News: Knoxville Chapter Celebrating 50th Anniversary with Exhibit in August, Cheekwood Chapter’s Exhibit in March

Today we are bringing you news from the Knoxville Chapter in Knoxville, Tennessee and the Cheekwood Chapter in Nashville, Tennessee. We encourage you to learn more about them by clicking on their name. Now you can join or renew your membership with these chapters directly from our website! Knoxville Chapter The Knoxville Chapter of The […]

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Register Today: Virtual Lecture: Senninbari “Thousand Stitch Belts” in Wartime Japan and USA with Mariko Nagai

On Saturday, March 15, 2025 7PM Eastern, Professor Mariko Nagai will be joining us for her virtual lecture Senninbari “Thousand Stitch Belts” in Wartime Japan and USA. Registration for this LIVE virtual lecture is now open to all EGA members for $5 and closes on March 13, 2025 1PM Eastern. This registration will not give […]

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Embroidery Techniques from Around the World: Rozashi

Technique: Rozashi Place of Origin: Japan Earliest known date: 700-799 AD History: Rozashi emerged during the Tempyo or Nara period (710-794 CE) when Buddhism influenced much of Japanese life. The earliest known examples of Rozashi are found in textiles from this period, showcasing the technique’s longstanding presence in Japanese culture. Todaiji Temple, a landmark of […]

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Guest Post: Blackwork Honeycomb Needlebook by The Steady Thread

EGA is excited to share a new Blackwork project courtesy of Clare Bradshaw from The Steady Thread! The Blackwork Honeycomb Needlebook is perfect for both Blackwork lovers and those who are just starting their Blackwork journey. This fun project features seven separate honeycombs to showcase a variety of modern Blackwork designs with two bumblebees framing […]

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Register Today: Ode to the Honeybee with Celeste Chalasani

Registration is open for our Online Studio class Ode to the Honeybee with Celeste Chalasani! Succulent strawberries, juicy blackberries, and sweet blueberries are just three of our favorite fruits that rely on pollinators such as the honeybee. In turn, the honeybee needs a balanced diet and depends on us to plant a variety of flowers. […]

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EGA’s Special Interest Groups: Beading, Silk and Metal, Surface Embroidery and more

Are you feeling like you don’t know anyone interested in the same embroidery techniques as you? Would you like to get more connected to EGA members across the country who share your interests? Consider joining one of EGA’s online special interest groups (SIGs). Special interest groups are a community of stitchers wanting to do a […]

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Community Spotlight: Cath Janes and Anatomical Embroidery

This month EGA was delighted to sit down with Cath Janes, an artist who specializes in a particularly revealing style of needlework: anatomical embroidery. An affiliate member of the Institute of Medical Illustration, Janes has received multiple awards for her work. Her embroidery will be exhibited at The Broderers’ Exhibition 2025: The Art of Embroidery […]

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Registration for our March 2025 Growing Your EGA Chapter Webinar on Hybrid Meetings is Now Open!

Our next webinar in our Growing Your Chapter webinar series will be on March 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM Eastern and we will be talking about hosting hybrid meetings! Hybrid meetings (meetings that are held both in-person and on Zoom) are a future opportunity for EGA chapter growth. If you are interested in understanding some […]

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