Programme for 2025-2026 - A Day at the Seaside

Registration for classes is now open; please see registration deadlines below. Note that classes are for OVGS members in good standing only.

For its 2025–2026 programme, the OVGS is keeping the warmth of the summer sun throughout the year with a selection of classes on the theme of "A Day at the Seaside". Once again this year, we have something for everyone - two classes suitable for beginners and one class that will definitely pique the interest of those who enjoy a bit of a challenge. Classes take place during monthly in-person meetings, on the third Wednesday of the month. 

The information on this page is available for download as a PDF document: A Day at the Seaside, 2025-2026 OVGS Programme.  For any questions, please contact Kimberley, our Programme Director.

October and November 2025

Tiny Turtle (Class is full.)

Registration deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025
Participant limit: 15

Designed by Susan Casson

• Taught by: Gosia Niedbala
• Technique: Stumpwork, thread painting
• Level: Beginner to intermediate (suitable for everyone)
• Cost: $15 (cash, cheque or e-transfer)

Kit contents:

✔      Fabric

✔      All necessary embroidery thread

✔      Size #5 and #9 crewel needle

✔      Seed beads

✔      Felt

Explore beginner stumpwork techniques and refine your surface embroidery skills with this adorable turtle hatchling designed by Susan Casson. Participants will learn to embroider detached elements and insert them into the piece, to pad a design with felt to achieve a three dimensional effect and to create texture with a variation on the honeycomb stitch. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn or revisit the long-and-short stitch for thread painting.

Pre-work: The pattern must be purchased by each participant. It is available on the Inspirations Magazine website: https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/tiny-turtle-i110-digital.

January and February 2026

Sea Shells

Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Participant limit: 15 (Several spots left.)

Designed by Thea Dueck

• Taught by: Danielle Dowhaniuk
• Technique: Cross Stitch
• Level: Beginner to intermediate (suitable for everyone)
• Cost: $15 (cash, cheque or e-transfer)

Kit contents:

✔      28-count linen fabric

✔      All necessary embroidery threads

✔      Size 24 tapestry needle

✔      Beads

✔      Sea-themed charms

This lovely cross stitch sampler incorporates specialty stitches such as the four sided stitch, Algerian and diamond eyelets and the counted satin stitch, as well as sun-catching beads and whimsical charms to create a beautiful piece reminiscent of a day at the beach.

Pre-work: Participants must purchase the pattern and instructions from the Victoria Sampler website: https://victoriasampler.com/products/sea-shells-pillow-mini-embroidery-and-cross-stitch-pattern.

March and May 2026

Sea Breeze (Class is full.)

Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Participant limit: 8

Designed by Sandra Counahan

• Taught by: Kim Evans
• Technique: Mountmellick
• Level: Advanced
• Cost: $90 (cash, cheque or e-transfer)

Kit contents:

✔      Cotton satin jean

✔      All necessary Mountmellick thread

✔      Size 22 chenille needle

✔      Size 22 tapestry needle

✔      Miliner’s needle

This lovely seashell-themed pillow is stitched using the materials and techniques of Mountmellick embroidery, a type of traditional whitework from Ireland. Mountmellick uses thick matte thread on cotton satin jean to create a beautiful contrast in textures. With this project, participants will learn a wide variety of stitches, including the bullion knot, cable stitch, coral stitch, sawtooth blanket stitch, padded satin stitch, whipped chain stitch and more. Participants who wish to make this piece into a pillow may also learn to knit the Mountmellick fringe, which traditionally adorns Mountmellick embroideries. Note that yarn, knitting needles and backing fabric are not included in the kit.

Pre-work:

Each participant must purchase the pattern and instructions, available from Inspirations Magazine: https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/sea-breeze.

Basic knitting knowledge is required for the knitted fringe - participants should already know how to cast on and cast off, as well as the knit stitch and the purl stitch.

Participants will receive their kits in advance and will be asked to mount their fabric on stretcher bars ahead of the first class.

The teacher will provide more details on the pre-work later in the year.

• 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.