Creative Stitches is Back!
Creative Stitches, July 2023
For the first time since 2019 (due to the pandemic), we were able to hold our (previously!) annual Creative Stitches summer program at the Bethlehem Public Library. Our six students enjoyed learning basic embroidery stitches and then created their own designs for three projects, pincushions, cell phone pockets, and keepsake tins (think Altoid’s mint tins). The kids stitched their designs onto felt using #5 perle cotton. We were surprised to have two students returning from our last program in 2019! Because they were not new to embroidery, they worked on a more challenging project, a butterfly from Mary Corbet’s website that they stitched with 6-strand floss.
Thanks to all our members who helped with the program this year: Our Creative Stitches Coordinator Maggie Oldendorf, Fran Roscello, Ann Cohan, Donna Logan, Jenni Paperman, Maryann Gibson, Mary Willmott, and Nancy Knowles.
Creative Stitches Summer Program – Bethlehem Public Library
Each summer, for over 35 years, the Capital District Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America has offered a free, week-long, embroidery workshop for children 9 years and older at the Bethlehem Public Library. Registration is handled by the Library’s Youth Services Department, and the program takes place during the first full week of August.
Children participating in the workshop learn the basics of embroidery, from threading a needle to creating their own original masterpieces. They may choose to explore cross stitch, counted thread, surface embroidery, needlepoint, Swedish weaving, or many other techniques. There is no fee charged to participate in this workshop, and all materials are provided. At the end of the week, the children have an opportunity to show what they’ve accomplished to their family and friends. Each child takes home essential embroidery supplies, completed or in-progress original projects, and a certificate of completion. Children may register for the program each year if they wish.
All Chapter members who participate in the summer workshop thoroughly enjoy this opportunity to share our knowledge of embroidery with a new generation of stitchers. The children’s creativity and enthusiasm are always inspiring – and, they help keep us young!
