Branches
Branches and Country Groups
Welcome to The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria, which is a statewide organisation with 12 vitally active regional branches (including 1 country group) whose members enjoy monthly or weekly activities, classes, exhibitions, excursions and more.
Invitation
Each Branch kindly invites you to join them at their meetings and gatherings. Experienced members will willingly help beginners who are new to embroidery or particular types of embroidery.
Can you visit a branch meeting or gathering to find out about it?
Yes, you are welcome to visit any branch 3 times before joining. Ask lots of questions :-)
Members love to meet others who enjoy sewing and they're happy to share what they're making.
Beginning, Practising or Experienced?
All levels of skill, from beginners to experienced, are welcomed and supported by local branch members or visiting tutors.
What embroidery can you do and learn when you join a branch?
Embroidery is not just doilies!
Branches learn and teach a vast range of traditional and contemporary embroideries and textiles. Techniques are practised, shared and encouraged.
See the Photo Gallery for a snapshot of the types of embroideries you might sew. Keep in mind.... these are exemplar pieces. Not one of us started at this level and many of us sew much simpler designs. Our priority is for enjoyment, not perfection.
What is a beginner?
A beginner might be new to any hand sewing. A beginner might be practised at cross-stitch, knitting or crochet, for example, and new to other types of textiles, such as Crewel or Hardanger. A beginner will already be a member of a branch. We are all beginners at something!
Newcomers
As a newcomer, you might like to bring something that you are stitching or simply watch and ask about what each member is working on. You will find that embroiderers are often humble, but keen to show and tell. They are renowned for their generosity and will happily help you get started.
How can you find out about your local branch?
Please click on a link below to find out about your local branch, make contact and be warmly welcomed.
Note: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, regular meetings and activities have been suspended in some areas. Please check with each branch for their current situation.
EGV Members
What are your fellow embroiderers designing, producing and learning around Victoria?
Discover the wonderful creations taking place at other branches as they proudly showcase their current activities.
Click on the links below to open up an ever-changing world of exciting traditional and contemporary embroideries and textiles.
(Branches' websites are currently being updated)
About us
We are a group of about 60 members and as a group we are interested in many different forms of embroidery and needlework.
We have varying degrees of skills and capabilities and we celebrate the work of all our members.
There are talented members of our branch who are willing to share their skills and experience to teach specific techniques and types of embroidery.
Our group is a friendly, sociable one where visitors are made very welcome.
We run workshops, monthly classes and 'Sit and Sew' sessions.
An exhibition of our work is held every three years.
When Covid permits we hold an annual retreat, where members may choose to stitch mystery projects.
Having fun and enjoying the company of other like-minded friends are our goals. Please contact us with any enquiries. We’d love to hear from you. 😊
Where we meet:
Mirambeena Community Centre
19 Martha Mews
Lavington NSW 2641
Branch Postal Address:
PO Box 49 Lavington NSW 2641
Meetings:
• We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, from 9.30 am - 2.00 pm (February - November)
• In January we have 2 consecutive 'Sit and Sew' days
• Some members meet at “That Little Place” in Stanley St Wodonga on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays to have coffee, sew and chat. Basic embroidery classes are sometimes taught by members.
A Creative Play Group has just begun on the 4th Tuesday of the month, meeting in members' homes, where fabric and fibre are explored in a creative, contemporary way with no rules.
Contact:
President: 0417 021 209
Email: aw@embroiderersguildvic.org
Instagram:
Take a look at some of the amazing work created by members of our branch at https://www.instagram.com/albury.stitchers/
The Class Coordinator organises external and inhouse tutors throughout the year for varying handicraft and embroidery skill classes
Newsletters
Newsletters are produced on a monthly basis, keeping all members informed of upcoming events and helping to keep in touch with what’s happening in the guild community. These are posted to members without email.
Although we are a small group of stitchers and crafters, we are delighted to have a varied skill set. Come and join us and see what we have to offer.
Stitching Day Samples
Our aims are to provide a safe and friendly ambience, to conduct classes of choice for our members and visitors to enhance their embroidery skills, to share knowledge, and most importantly, to enjoy the social interaction within our branch.
Our branch has a lease with the Ballarat Bridge Club. We are very fortunate to have a large meeting/stitching room with excellent lighting, air conditioning, heating, and a well-equipped kitchen area. We have a well-stocked library and a secure storeroom to house embroidery items, documents and embroidery tools.
Our Newsletter Editor is kept busy presenting a colourful monthly newsletter to keep our members updated with news, embroidery tips, photos and places and events to attend. Most are emailed; some sent by post.
If you would like to learn more about our branch and activities you are welcome to call, text or visit us on the days we meet as noted below. We would be delighted to hear from you. Beginners to experienced stitchers are very welcome.
We meet at:
The Ballarat Bridge Club
1001 Eyre Street, Ballarat.
Postal Address:
P.O.Box 45w
Ballarat West 3350.
Contact:
Ballarat Secretary
0408 993 121.
Sit and Sew
1st Saturday: 10.30am – 3.00pm
Smocking and Beading
2nd Tuesday: 10.30am – 3.00pm
Lace Group
2nd Tuesday: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Everybody Counts
2nd Thursday: 7.00pm – 10.00pm
Sit and Sew
3rd Tuesday: 7.00pm – 10.00pm
Sit and Sew
3rd Thursday: 10.30am – 3.00pm
Patchwork
4th Tuesday: 10.30am – 3.00pm
4th Tuesday: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Creative Works
4th Wednesday: 10.30am – 3.00pm
Some groups are embroidery specific, such as 'Everybody Counts', which relates to embroidery whereby you count stitches such as cross stitch, hardanger etc. However, many members choose to do their own style of embroidery at these groups. The aim is to be comfortable and enjoy each others' company and skills.
Other Meetings and Events:
Monthly Committee meetings.
Three general meetings held in March, July and November.
Branch AGM held on the 1st Saturday in May.
Branch Biennial Exhibition (next 2022.)
‘Autumn Leaves’ Seminar (held in alternate years, next 2023).
We’d love to meet you.
Please click on the link below to see samples of the 450 beautiful exhibits at our 2020 Exhibition titled 'Needles, Knots and Threads'.
Below are 9 samples that highlight our diversity.
Marong
(Melway ref: 609 C3)
Contact: 0413 275 565 Email: bendigo@embroiderersguildvic.org
Monthly Meetings: We meet on the first Sunday of each month, from 10.00am – 3.00pm. On this day we hold our general meeting over lunch and members bring their own stitiching to work on. There are often guest speakers and shared lunches for special occasions. There are also regular special interest days and an informative monthly newsletter.
Visitors are most welcome to attend. Come and join us. We look forward to meeting you.
SPECIAL INTEREST DAYS EACH MONTH
- Third Sunday of the month:
- Sit and Sew
- Beading
- Lace Group
- Junior Group
- UFO stitching (members supporting members)
- As advised in our newsletter
- Workshops
- Crazy Patch & Small Treasurers
- Boutique (where items are made to sell at our biennial exhibition)
PLUS:
- Summer School every January
- Winter School each alternate year in July
- Exhibition every two years.
Meetings: We meet on the third Wednesday of every month (except January) from 10.00am to 3.00pm. At this meeting members work on individual or group projects, and there is also a general meeting. There are frequent guest speakers and shared luncheons.
Visitors are most welcome to all meetings.
Special interest groups meet regularly:
- Saturday Group
- In Stitches Group – devoted to every kind of surface stitchery
- Conservation and Historical Studies Group
- Texture and Stitch (machine embroidery and surface embellishment)
- Crewel Group
- Drawn Thread Group
PLUS: we provide:
- A lively and informative monthly newsletter
- A comprehensive lending library covering all forms of stitching and textile art
- Workshops, classes, outings and social events
- A biennial exhibition in conjunction with the Castlemaine State Festival.
- Next date to be advised- hopefully in Spring 2021
- Exhibition Title: "21 Years along the Embroiderers' Path"
The EGV Flinders Group is a friendly group of embroiderers with all levels of skill, enthusiasm and interest and we welcome new stitchers or those on holiday in the area to join us.
Meetings: All Guild members and other visitors are welcome to join us every first Monday, third Monday and every fifth Monday (if the month has a fifth Monday) of the month at the Flinders Yacht Club.
We meet from 10am until 4pm for a full day of stitching (BYO lunch).
We regularly invite tutors of various techniques to instruct us with their projects and we enjoy learning and sharing new techniques through classes, workshops and our Sit 'n Sew days at Flinders.
We continue our stitching journey meeting monthly in a smaller Guidance Group in a private home in the Rosebud area (second Wednesday 9.30am - 12.30pm)
(Melway ref: 262 B10)
How to find us:
- Drive down to the pier, then along the car park to a small gate.
- Follow the gravel road for quite a distance till you come to a clearing and a wooden building right on the foreshore.
- That’s the Flinders Yacht Club! We meet there every first, third and fifth Monday from February to December.
Contact: (03) 5989 2173
Email: flinders@embroiderersguildvic.org
Contact: 0448 491 944 Email: geelong@embroiderersguildvic.org
Special interest groups also meet regularly - please contact us for current meeting places.
Counted Thread Techniques
First Monday of the month: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Canvaswork
Third Monday of the month: 11.00pm – 3.00pm.
GeeTag (Fibre Art)Group
Second Saturday of the month: 12.00 noon – 4.00pm
The Manor Lakes Group meets at the Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre on the first Thursday of the month at 10.00am. Bring something to sew, or join in one of our group activities (bring needle and scissors) and join us for lunch.
Patchwork Group
Fourth Wednesday of the month: 10.00am.
More groups meet regularly at members’ homes.
We also provide:
- ‘Introduction to Embroidery’ sessions (please contact us if you wish to join a beginners session).
- Classes in a range of techniques from beginner to advanced levels throughout the year. Sign-up sheets are available at our meetings.
- A comprehensive library available for borrowing covering traditional and contemporary embroidery and textile arts.
- Fun, friendship, and a stitch-supportive environment.
For the latest class and meeting details please check our branch website.
Current News:
Market Day
Saturday March 27 2021
9am-1pm
St David's Uniting Church Hall
Cnr Aphrasia and Talbot Streets
Newtown
Peart Street, Leongatha
Branch Postal Address:
PO Box 46, Leongatha Vic 3953
Contact: (03) 5655 1626 Email: leongatha@embroiderersguildvic.org
Meetings: Regular monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month, from February to December, between 9.00am and 12 noon.
- Guild members and visitors are always very welcome to join us.
Guidance Groups:
- Cape Paterson Community Centre on the third Thursday of each month, from 10.00am to 2.00pm
- Korumburra Access Centre, 3 Radovick Street, Korumburra from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
About Us
Although we are a relatively small branch, we are very productive and enjoy a diversity of skills, techniques, materials and projects. One of the lovely aspects of our group is that we are inclusive and supportive of everyone. We celebrate and applaud beautifully traditional and excitingly contemporary embroideries. It’s wonderful to have talented members willing to teach us and we simply ask. Some of our embroideries are quick and easy and some are complex, taking a long time. We do what ever suits each of us. We proudly invite you to click on the links below to view our work and to contact us to say 'Hello'.
We meet at:
MADEC (Mildura and District Education Centre)
133-177 Madden Avenue, Mildura
(opposite the Mildura RSL)
Branch Postal Address:
PO Box 131, Mildura Vic 3502
Contact:
President 0438 293 796
Email: mildura@embroiderersguildvic.org
Meetings:
(Please contact us to find out the latest news - meetings change as the pandemic situation changes)
- We 'Sit and Sew' every Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am – 3.00pm
- We also meet on the second and fourth Saturday of each month with our felting group
- Our basketry group meets on the second Wednesday each month
Highlights:
- We enjoy our January-February Summer School with specific skills or projects being offered in-house
- Each week, we produce a photographic newsletter and information email
- Our exhibition occurs every 2 years in September or October
- Each year we publish our annual book, which showcases our members and their wonderful work
Facebook:
We invite you to view a range of our textiles at https://www.facebook.com/embroiderersguildmildura
Newsletters:
Our friendly group is delighted to receive our weekly newsletters with photos and captions. In 2020, we published 43, which were emailed (or posted as required) to our members.
Please click on the links to see the attached documents of our 2021 photographic newsletters.
'Summer School- Buttoned Up' 1. Photos January 15 2021
'Felters Rule' 2. Photos January 22 2021
'Quilts and Buttons' 3. Photos January 29 2021
'Death Head Buttons' 4. Photos February 5 2021
'A Dandelion and Machine Quilting' 5. Photos February 12 2021
'Heavenly Hats' 6. Photos February 19 2021
'Beautiful Buttons' 7. Photos February 26 2021
'Free-Motion Scene' 8. Photos March 6 2021
'Button Wheel' 9. Photos March 12 2021
'Kumihimo Disk' 10. Photos March 19 2021
'Felted Wool and Silk Scarves' 11. Photos March 26 2021
'Fabric-weaving Bags' 12. Photos April 6 2021
'Ply-Split Braids and a Gripfid' 13. Photos April 9 2021
'The Mad Hatter' 14. Photos April 16 2021
'Lavendar in Jo Butcher's field' 15. Photos April 30 2021
'Buttons, Webs, Linen and Lace' 16. Photos May 7 2021
Published Books:
We are proud of our annual hardcover books, which are professionally published to showcase photos of every member, their textile works, tutors and special events.
1. 2020 Book
2 Sample Pages from our 2020 Book:
Please click on the link below to see our 2020 book titled 'Our Year in Isewlation' with 100 pages and 723 photos.
(This will take you to a new website called Photobook Australia. It will open in a new window. The Embroiderers Guild website will remain open at the top of your page. You can log in via Facebook or Google or add your email address. A 
will flash on your screen for a short time.... and then you can enjoy our 'picture story' book)
2020 Book: 'Our Year in Isewlation'
2. 2019 Book Please click on the link below to see our book
Please pop back as we update frequently. Take care everyone 
We are a small branch but love getting together at our meetings to sit and sew, share a variety of embroidery techniques and enjoy each other’s company.
Canadian Bay Rd, Mt Eliza
Branch Postal Address:
PO Box 220, Mt Eliza Vic 3930
Contact: 0403 358 614
Email: mornington@embroiderersguildvic.org
Meetings: We meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from February to early December and on 5th Wednesdays when they occur, from 9:30am until 3:00pm
Exhibitions: We hold exhibitions, usually every 2 years and our next one is on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of October 2022.
Invitation: We are a very friendly group, so please feel free to join us at one of our meetings where you will receive a warm welcome.
The Masonic Centre
Appin Street, Wangaratta
PO Box 904, Wangaratta Vic 3677
- The Day Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, from 9.30am to 2.00pm.
- The Night Group meets on the the first Monday of each month from 7.00pm to 9.30pm. We sit and stitch, or work on a planned activity.
- The Traditional Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 9.30am to 1.30pm, in the home of a member.
Warrnambool West Primary School
Hoddle Street, Warrnambool
PO Box 433, Warrnambool Vic 3280
- General Meeting - Warrnambool West Primary School, Second Tuesday 7.30 pm
- Daytime Sit & Sews - Members Homes, First & Third Thursdays, Noon - 4 pm
- Guidance Days - Warrnambool West Primary School, Last Thursday, 10 am - 3 pm
- Stall Sewing Day - Warrnambool West Primary School, Fourth Thursday (whenever the month has 5 Thursdays), 10 am - 3 pm.
