Special Interest Group’s (SIGs)

The Sampler Special Interest Group is getting ready for another year of samplers. We will continue with the same strategy as we used for the 2018-2019 season.

Once again, each person will choose their own sampler to work on based on interest and skill level. The format for the meetings is: • 9:30 to 10:30 is quiet time for each person to work on their own sampler • 10:30 to 11:00 will be the time to get help, discuss problems and share what we are doing so we can learn from each other. • 11:00 to 11:30 will be the time to include a little history and discuss design for those who want to participate in this activity.

We are currently canvassing the 14 members of this year’s group to see if we will have room to accommodate some new people. If you are an intermediate or advanced stitcher and the idea of working on a sampler and perhaps even designing your own sampler appeals to you, consider joining us.

The group will meet on the first Thursday of the month, October until May - see the guild’s Program Schedule for exact dates. Each person is responsible for getting their own sampler pattern and supplies.

Registration for this group begins on Thursday, May 30. Priority will be given to those who participated in this year’s group. Any new members who wish to join can go on a waiting list but we will not be able to confirm available spaces until after the coffee party on September 5.

Class size: 15 TOTAL FEE: $25 for the full guild year

The Whitework Special Interest Group is a new SIG starting this fall. Two years ago we had a Blackwork SIG, then we went to the colourful Mandala SIG, so now seems a fitting time to switch to Whitework.

Just as blackwork isn’t always black, whitework isn’t always white. (Although Mary Corbet says that it needs to be done with white thread to be called whitework – otherwise, it’s just https://www.needlenthread.com/2014/05/whitework-embroidery-in- color.html). According to Wikipedia, “ refers to any embroidery technique in which the stitching is the same color as the foundation fabric (traditionally white linen). Styles of whitework embroidery include most , , , Mountmellick embroidery and reticella.” In our guild, we would also include Schwalm and pulled thread in this list.

As with the Sampler SIG, this will be a self-directed group that will decide on its own format for how the meetings will be structured. If the sampler group is any indication, finding a single project that all members want to work on is unlikely, so it is possible that we may all be doing different projects. This is not meant to be a class in any particular technique, but rather a way to learn from and encourage each other. The group is open to all levels of stitchers from beginner through advanced.

This SIG will meet on the third Thursday of the month, September until May (excluding December) - see the guild’s Program Schedule for exact dates. Each person is responsible for getting their own supplies. Registration for this group begins on Thursday, May 30.

Class size: 15 TOTAL FEE: $25 for the full guild year