Since the pandemic, our Guild has continued to grow in size and many of our new members are keen to expand their embroidery skills. For the 2024-2025 Programme year, OVGS has developed a schedule of classes which focuses on introductory techniques for thread painting, Brazilian embroidery, blackwork and goldwork. These projects are also challenging enough that we believe they will be of interest to all! Classes take place during monthly in-person meetings, third Wednesday of the month.

We welcome our new Programme Chair, Kimberley Dacres, and thank our outgoing Programme Chair, Gosia Niedbala, for all her hard work over the past years putting together an excellent programme of courses.

October and November 2024

Dog Rose

Registration deadline: September 18, 2024
Participant limit: 15

Designed by Trish Burr

• Taught by: Gosia Niedbala
• Technique: Thread painting
• Level: Beginner
• Cost: $15 (cash or e-transfer)

Kit contents:

✔     Gray quilting cotton (you may use your own fabric)

✔      All necessary embroidery thread

✔      Size #9 or #10 crewel needle

Learn the basics of thread painting with this lovely dog rose design by Trish Burr. Participants will learn tips and tricks for a crisp outline, subtle colour blending and stitch direction.

Pre-work: Participants are asked to print and transfer the pattern onto their fabric before the class. The pattern is available for free from Trish Burr’s website: https://trishbembroidery.com/products/free-dog-rose

January and February 2025

Brazilian Bouquet

Registration deadline: October 25, 2024
Participant limit: 12

Designed by Loretta Holzberger

• Taught by: Kim Evans
• Technique: Brazilian Embroidery
• Level: Beginner
• Cost: $15 (cash or e-transfer)

Kit contents:

✔      Fabric with transferred pattern

✔      All necessary embroidery threads

✔      All necessary needles

Brazilian embroidery incorporates rayon thread to create both surface and dimensional stitches. We'll be stitching a small piece (8 cm or 3 inches) designed by Loretta Holzberger called Brazilian Bouquet. The stitches in the piece are bullion, cast-on, double cast-on, French knots, knotted lazy daisy, to name a few. The class also includes a session on making a frame ready for hanging. This is a nice little project to give you a feel for what's involved in Brazilian embroidery.

Pre-work: None

March and April 2025

OVGS 50th Anniversary Blackwork

Registration deadline: December 4, 2024
Participant limit: 12

Designed by Lynne Blackburn

• Taught by: Lynne Blackburn
• Technique: Blackwork and goldwork
• Level: Beginner
• Cost: $20 (cash or e-transfer)

Kit contents:

✔      36 count linen

✔      All necessary blackwork and goldwork threads

✔      All necessary needles

This simple original counted design uses three stitches and three gauges of black thread to create a gradient of tone. Instruction is aimed at the beginner level and will encourage the student to identify and explore tone using paper and pencil. How to translate tone onto 36‑count linen using thread and the demonstrated stitches will then be explored through the provided pattern. In honour of our 50th (golden) anniversary, various donated gold metals will be couched as a frame for the shaded blackwork. Couching, sinking and attaching metal to fabric will be demonstrated in the second class. Students will supply an 8‑inch project hoop and a 6‑inch practice cloth hoop, scissors, light and magnification, if needed. All other material will be provided. Taught by Lynne Blackburn (be kind, it’s my first) in March and April 2025.

Pre-work: None

• Program Policy revised 2018
• OVGS Program Fund

Please note the OVGS Programme Fund applies only to the Programme Chair and is included for information purposes only.