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New Appraisal Program

Needlework enthusiasts looking for a different way to explore their passion will find EGA’s new Certified Needlework Appraiser Program to be a rewarding experience.

The program consists of classroom education, practical experience, individual research, and a final examination.

The next appraisal class will be held June 11th through the 14th at EGA’s Embroidery Museum and Resource Center in Louisville, Kentucky. There are still a few spots available in the class. If you’d like information on the program and the class just email me at bcape@egausa.org.

I was lucky enough to attend the pilot class last September and it was extremely educational and also really fun. One of the great things about this program is that once you have your certification you can use your skills to generate income as a professional appraiser. It’s also really helpful for developing research skills.

Threads That Bind in Hagerstown, MD

Threads That Bind, an exhibit comprised of historic pieces from EGA’s collection is on display at the Washington County Museum of Fine Art in Hagerstown, Maryland until March 1st. Last Sunday, EGA president Carol Dam gave a walk-through of the exhibit and needlework demonstrations were presented. About 40 people attended the event, including many members of the local Hagerstown Chapter of EGA.

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From left to right: WCMFA Director Rebecca Massie Lane, EGA member Elizabeth Graff, EGA President Carol Dam, and Hagerstown Chapter President Sally Poole. Photobucket Photobucket Elizabeth Graff demonstrates some basic embroidery and beading techniques. PhotobucketMolas are part of the Resistance portion of the exhibit. Photobucket Many of EGA’s historic samplers are on display as part of the exhibit.

Winter Whites

Winter Whites, an exhibit featuring lace and whitework embroidery from EGA’s permanent collection, opened to the public on January 17th at the Embroidery Museum & Resource Center. Since the pieces in the show were selected based on color, the walls are filled with a broad range of techniques.

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Smaller handerchiefs, table mats, and doilies were mounted on jewel-toned fabrics to emphasize the negative spaces in the pieces and add visual interest to the display.

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Several articles of clothing, most from the Traveling Collection Study Box, are on display. The shirring on this dressing gown is gorgeous. It’s accented with machine-made lace on the collar and cuffs.PhotobucketPhotobucket This was the handkerchief from which the image on the postcard and exhibit poster was selected. Photobucket

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In the picture above you can see three small caps hanging over a pedestal. These caps are displayed on balls wrapped with colored yarn to accentuate the delicate work.

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Winter Whites is on display until February 28.PhotobucketPhotobucket

Inside EGA ~ December 2008

Everyone be sure to check out December’s Inside EGA for Chapter News, a ton of new course announcements, and the quarterly CC offering!

Stitching with the Girl Scouts

Saturday, November 8, marked the 36th annual Girl Scouts Festival of the Arts in Louisville. The festival is a day-long event in which scouts from Louisville and the surrounding areas visit sites and learn about all sorts of art through hands-on experience. This was the second year that we have hosted the Girls Scouts at the EMRC and it was a rewarding experience for all. 

Pat Judice, long-time member of the Louisville Chapter and EGA’s National Historian, led three workshops throughout the day.  More than 30 Scouts signed up for our program.  Pat designed a Christmas tree ornament using plastic canvas and wool thread decorated with buttons and beads.  Many of the girls had never stitched before so Pat laid out the basics of stripping thread, reading a chart, threading a needle and using waste knots.  After the tree was stitched, girls chose their own embellishments to add more personal touches to the project.  Even the most inexperienced stitchers took to the project with ease and were excited to have a finished ornament to take home at the end of the hour-long session. 

The Festival of the Arts is a great way to inspire tomorrow’s embroiderers.  Creating something beautiful and seeing the displays in the galleries provide motivation for further practice.  PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket