Guidance Groups

 

Guidance Groups

Guidance Groups are a vital and interesting aspect of activity by Guild members.

Guidance Group sessions are not lessons, but should a member have a problem, there will usually be someone who can provide an answer. We urge all members to join a group; you'll learn more about stitching and make some wonderful friends.

Most Guidance Groups meet at Embroidery House in Malvern, but some groups in the metropolitan area meet in community spaces or in private homes. Branches also run guidance groups.

Details of Melbourne groups are provided below. Any number of members can attend and everyone is welcome, including prospective members. If you would like to come along, call the Office, 03 9509 2222, email office@embroiderersguildvic.org, or just turn up! 

 

 

 

 

The Accordion below shows the list of Guidance Groups. Please open to learn more about each Group, when and where they meet.

 

For quick reference the following list is the Guidance Groups that meet on weekends. Please open the Accordion to learn more about each Group:

  • 3D and Metal Thread Group
  • All Things Elizabethan Group
  • Beyond Intermediate Group
  • Blackwork and Counted Thread Group
  • Japanese/Chinese Embroidery Group
  • Knit and Purl Group
  • Machine Embroidery Group
  • New Members Group
  • Pakenham Guidance Group
  • Saturday Stitchers Group
  • Sunday Guidance Group
  • Weekend Canvaswork Group
  • 5th Sunday Group

 

For quick reference, the following list is the Guidance Groups that meet on weekdays. Please open the Accordion below to learn more about each Group:

  • Biscornu Guidance Group
  • Bobbin Lace
  • Camberwell Group
  • Counted Thread Group
  • Crewel Group
  • Fourth Monday Group
  • Gift Boutique Workshop
  • Historical Tools
  • Linen Embroidery Group
  • Branches/Metro Sit and Sew Group
  • Patchwork Group
  • Pushing the Boundaries Group
  • Smocking Group
  • The Stitching Club
  • Third Tuesday Afternoon Group
  • Threadlines Mailing Group
  • Shadow Embroidery - NEW!

 

 

For quick reference the following list is the Guidance Groups that meet in the evening. Please open the Accordion to learn more about each Group:

  • One Stitch at a Time
  • Men Who Stitch 
  • The Shelagh Amor Group

For quick reference, the following list is the Guidance Groups that meet at a suburban venue. Please open the Accordion to learn more about each Group:

  • Camberwell Group
  • Wyndham Vale Group

For quick reference the following list is the Guidance Groups that meet online. Please open the Accordion to learn more about each Group:

  • Artist Trading Card Group

4Elizabethanth SATURDAY 10.30AM - 3.00PM

There’s so much interest in Elizabethan embroidery! We encourage everyone working on an Elizabethan embroidery project to come along. You may be working on an individual project, or have attended one of Maree Talbot’s Elizabethan Embroidery project classes, either at Embroidery House or at one of the country branch classes, or you may be working on Di Fisher’s English Garden Band Sampler. Whatever your starting base, we’d love to see you at Embroidery House on the fourth Saturday of the month, 10.30am – 3.00pm.

 

Four ATCsSTATE-WIDE ONLINE GUIDANCE GROUP

ATCs work with every possible technique, and provide a manageable challenge: small, can be very simple yet very effective, and have a deadline. Plus you get a happy surprise in your letterbox every month.

Ten months of the year (from February to November) have a nominated theme. Each month every group member creates an ATC based on that theme, posts it to another member, and receives one in return. The group leader maintains a posting roster to ensure the cards are widely distributed between members over the year. If a member knows ahead that certain months are going to be hard to manage, they can dip out for a couple of months and then return later in the year. Contact Lynne Keys (Albury Wodonga Branch): lynadele@gmail.com

Themes for 2023

 

Feb: Inspired by an artist

March: Wheels

April: Leaves

May: Grey

June: Inspired by a printed fabric

July: Tea time

August: Embellish

September: Feather

October: Mountains

November: A good book

Download What is an ATC?

Beyond Intermediate

3rd SATURDAY 10.30AM - 2.30PM

The group meets on the third Saturday of the month, between 10.30am and 2.30pm. Members include a wide age range and most are members with working commitments. They stitch in any technique and welcome any Guild member who has attended an Intermediate class, or who has an equivalent level of stitching expertise.

Biscornu Guidance

2nd TUESDAY 1.00PM - 3.00PM

This group has disbanded but will restart if sufficient interest is expressed in Biscornu or similar.  Contact Us

Biscornu (pronounced bee-cornoo) is French for ‘double-horned’. Instead of four corners for a pincushion, a simple twist when making it up creates an eight cornered one. Everyone is welcome – come and learn more!

Blackwork and Counted Thread

4th SUNDAY 10.00AM - 3.00PM

This enthusiastic group meets on the fourth Sunday of the month between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Members work on embroideries in counted thread techniques, or blackwork style. At least once a year they work on a group project.

Bobbin Lace

5th TUESDAY 10.00AM - 2.00PM

The Bobbin Lace & Needle Lace Guidance Group meets whenever there is a 5th Tuesday in a month between 10.00 – 2.00, but just come when it suits you. Bring your lace pillow, bobbins and the pattern you are working on. Plus lunch if you’re staying till 2.00! Beginners and interested observers are very welcome.

4th FRIDAY 10AM - 1.00PM

Bring your current project and a smile!
 

We meet at Camberwell Library, 340 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell 3124.

Our group has beginners through to advanced stitchers, but we are united in our enthusiasm for stitching.

BYO mug for a discount at Ignite café, adjacent to the library foyer.

Weekend Canvaswork5th SUNDAY 10.00AM - 3.00PM

This group meets about four times a year, whenever a month has a fifth Sunday. Anyone stitching on canvas, at any level, is very welcome. Traditional and contemporary stitchers work happily together and share ideas and encouragement. Meetings begin at 10.00am and run until 3.00pm.

CeremonialThe Ceremonial Group has currently disbanded but hopes to restart at a future date.

The Ceremonial Group has an interest in restoring old or producing new ceremonial embroideries for various civil and religious groups. During group sessions, members discuss items of interest, or work on personal or group projects such as commissions of new items or restorations of old embroideries. Restorations for churches, museums and schools are undertaken at Embroidery House on a voluntary basis. Please contact The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria if you have an item that needs care.

Counted Thread1st FRIDAY 10.30AM - 2PM   

** FRIDAY 2 AUGUST EMBROIDERY HOUSE CLOSED DUE TO MARKET SET-UP FOLLOWING DAY **

This sociable group meets on the first Friday of the month, from 10.30am until 2pm (includes lunch).  BYO lunch or purchase from the many cafes in the area. Members sit and sew in a range of techniques, mainly counted thread work.

Crewel2nd FRIDAY 10.30AM - 2.30PM

The Crewel Group meets on the second Friday of the month at 10.30am. This is for members with a love for crewel embroidery. Traditional designs are readily available, and help (if needed) choosing stitches and colours is freely given. They meet from 10.30am and have lunch together before finishing in the afternoon.

Weekend Whitework5th SUNDAY GROUP 10.00AM - 2.00PM

This group meets three to four times a year, from February to November, when a month has a fifth Sunday. Meetings begin at 10.00am and run until 2.00pm. Although specialising in Blackwork and various forms of Whitework all members are welcome to join us. (Whitework is a term covering a wide range of techniques, and experienced embroiderers will be available to help with Whitework problems. See also the Linen Embroidery Group).

Fourth Monday4th MONDAY 10.30AM - 3.00PM

Meets on the fourth Monday of the month from 10.30am until 3.00pm, and members come and go during the day as they wish. They sit and stitch in every technique in a happy and chatty atmosphere. New members are always welcome. As an extra bonus, drop in if you ever have a tatting query.

Gift Boutique2nd WEDNESDAY 10.30AM - 2.30PM

This wonderful group meets on the second Wednesday of the month to work on items for the Gift Shop, part of our annual Members Exhibition. The materials and plans for the projects are supplied, and members then work together to complete and donate many lovely items. New workers are always welcome. Meetings start at 10.30 am and continue until the afternoon.

3rd SUNDAY 10.30AM - 3.00PM3D and Metalwork

This group is for any member interested in metal thread work (not limited to goldwork) and stumpwork - at every level. Join enthusiasts of both traditional and contemporary metal thread work. Find out what else you can do with metal thread: what can you create by combining metal thread with other embroidery techniques such as beading, stumpwork, machine embroidery? Share ideas, take up a monthly challenge if you want to, or simply enjoy some chatty company while you spend the day stitching. The official hours are 10.30am to 3.00pm but come and go as you please. Our convenor, Mary Robbie can be contacted through the office if you would like more information

Japanese:Chinese Embroidery3rd SATURDAY 11.00AM - 2.30PM

Members of this group have all taken classes in either Japanese or Chinese embroidery. They meet on the third Saturday of the month between 11.00am and mid-afternoon, working on their current project and assisting each other with any problems. Any member who has attended Japanese or Chinese embroidery classes is encouraged to join them. Anyone who has an interest in these embroidery styles, or who is thinking of taking a class, is most welcome to attend and have a look.

Knit and Purl2nd SUNDAY 10.00AM - 3.00PM

This group meets on the second Sunday of the month between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Members bring their knitting, share ideas, and there are occasional group projects. As well, some amazing embroideries have been produced using knitting as a base.

4th WEDNESDAY 10.30AM - 12.30PMLace - Anne Wade

This group meets on the Fourth Wednesday of the month from 10.30am until 12.30pm and welcomes all people interested in lace, whether they are lace-makers or simply love lace. Members are encouraged to bring lace pieces to work on, and there is a short show and tell at most meetings. The group takes advantage of the Guild’s Lace Collection a few times a year, in order to study a particular type of lace. As well, the group sometimes challenges its members to try a certain lace style.

Linen embroidery5th THURSDAY 10.30AM - 3.00PM

This group meets when a month has a fifth Thursday, about four times a year. Meetings run from 10.30am to about 3.00pm. There is usually a display board for completed projects, which is wonderful to see. Members work on their own projects but may be prompted by the group’s leader to try something new.

Machine Embroidery1st SUNDAY 10.00AM - 12.00PM

This group loves free machine embroidery though members do NOT bring their machines to the meetings on the first Sunday of the month (from 10.00am until 12.00pm). They show any completed or uncompleted work, and discuss related problems and successes. An amazing amount of expertise is freely shared. There is usually a monthly challenge (not compulsory) and sometimes a group project.

New Members2nd SATURDAY 10.30AM - 12.30PM

Meets on the second Saturday of the month. This group is designed specifically for new members of the Embroiderers Guild. Meetings start at 10.30am and finish at 12.30pm. There is a short discussion about various aspects of the Guild, help with any questions that arise about the Guild and a presentation about different embroidery techniques to whet people’s appetite for embroidery. Those who come along can sit and work on their current stitching or just listen to the discussion. This is a great opportunity to meet other new members and get to know the Guild.

One Stitch At A TimeTUESDAY EVENINGS 6.30PM - 9.00PM

Can’t thread a needle? This is your evening group every Tuesday evening at Embroidery House (excluding school holidays) from 6.30pm - 9.00pm. We have lots of experienced stitchers who are happy to help us each evening, plus others who are just bubbling with inspiration. You can bring a project, your sewing kit, threads and stash, or nothing at all. We’ll have supplies at amazingly low prices. This is all about relaxed stitching.

5th WEDNESDAY 10.30AM - 3.00PM

Country branch members, Melbourne members and the public join together about four times a year, whenever a month has a fifth Wednesday. It’s always a great sit and sew occasion – plus some wonderful morning tea nibbles – beginning at 10.30am and running until 3.00pm. Members attend as train timetables suit.

Pakenham Guidance3rd SATURDAY 1.00PM - 3.30PM 

The Pakenham Guidance Group is for all members, especially those in the outer South East metropolitan through to the Gippsland region. The venue varies from month to month. Everyone is welcome – bring your stitching, your stitching problems and your enthusiasm! Beginners are especially welcome.

Patchwork4th FRIDAY 10.30AM - 3.30PM

This group started in 1981 and is still going strong! Meetings are on the fourth Friday of the month, starting at 10.30am and continuing into the afternoon. The group usually has a show and tell, and then sits and sews. Occasionally members may work on a group project. Members happily help one another with any problems and are very welcoming of new members. (See also Pushing the Boundaries Group.)

Pushing the Boundaries1st MONDAY 10.30AM - 12.30PM

This group enjoys experimenting with aspects of design in quilting and patchwork. “Usually our ideas outstrip our ability to complete examples, but we aim to complete 1 quilt plus 3-4 exercises per year”. One outing per year is organised. The group meets on the first Monday of the month from 10.30 to 12.30 and new members are very welcome. (See also the Patchwork Group).

Saturday Stitchery2nd SATURDAY 10.00AM - 12.30PM

This friendly group meets meets on the second Saturday of the month from 10.00am until lunchtime. They sit and stitch on their own projects. Some members then have lunch together and stay on for the monthly Saturday afternoon General Meeting at 2.00pm. New members are very welcome.

4th TUESDAY, 10 am

This new group is proving very popular. A timeless technique with modern possibilities - and it's not difficult to learn!

Smocking1st THURSDAY 10.00AM - 2.00PM

This group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 10.00am to 2.00pm and welcomes members at every skill level. Bring your latest project, your lunch and any queries, and stitch with fellow enthusiasts.

The Shelagh Amor3rd WEDNESDAY 7.30PM - 10.00PM

This evening group meets on the third Wednesday of the month, from 7.30pm until 10.00pm, with supper at 9.30. Members work in a wide range of techniques, and plenty of help is on hand if you have any stitching problems.

The Stitching Club2nd THURSDAY 10.00AM - 2.00PM

This group meets on the second Thursday of the month, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Each month an experienced stitcher leads you in playing with a different embroidery technique (advertised in ‘Threadlines’ and in the Members Only section of this website). Your result is placed on a greeting card to take home. The inclusive cost of $5 per session gives you a card, stitching design and the fabric. Bring your stranded embroidery threads, scissors, needles etc., a 5 inch hoop (or similar) if you have one, and your lunch. Just come when you can. Everyone is welcome.

Third Sunday Guidance3rd SUNDAY 10.00AM - 3.30PM

This group meets on the third Sunday of the month, between 10.00am and 3.30pm (though not all members stay for the full time). Members sit and sew in any technique. Occasionally there will be a group project organised, and once a year there is a special effort to make items for the Gift Boutique.

THREADLINES MAILING GROUP

Typically, we meet on any one of the last few days of the month in the Gallery at Embroidery House to send out our Newsletter to members who are not receiving it via email.

The work takes no time at all!  We will blather, have a cuppa and sit and stitch as well.  All welcome.

We are currently looking for a new Convenor for this group.  If you are interested, please contact EGV Office (03) 9509 2222.

The Wyndham Vale Group meet on the 1st THURSDAY 10 am - 3 pm at the Tarneit Retirement Village, 250 Thames Boulevard, Tarneit 3029.