Events
WORLD EMBROIDERY DAY at 76 Queen Street
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am to 3:00pm
Join us for a fun and relaxing day of embroidery at The Embroiderers' Guild. We will be playing a game to start a
small embroidery. You decide the first stitch in your embroidery, but you don't know how it will end.
You can join us for the activity or you can work on your own project. We will enjoy stitching with friends knowing that embroiderers around the country and around the world are doing the same thing.
If you are taking part in the activity you will need:
We look forward to seeing you and having a stitching fun day
You can join us for the activity or you can work on your own project. We will enjoy stitching with friends knowing that embroiderers around the country and around the world are doing the same thing.
If you are taking part in the activity you will need:
- a piece of fabric to stitch
- a selection of threads of various weights and colours
- needles to suit your threads
- a hoop, if preferred
- a water soluble pen, pencil or Frixion pen to mark the fabric
- scissors, thimble and any other stitching equipment you like to use, and
- your lunch.
We look forward to seeing you and having a stitching fun day
GUILD OPEN DAY
Saturday 15 August 10.00am to 2.30 pm
76 Queen Street will be open to everyone on Saturday 15 August. We encourage all members to invite your
friends to come along and meet some of our wonderful volunteers, who will offer tours of Gallery76 and our
other exhibition spaces, the Collection Room, the Library and the Shop.
Members of the Stitches Plus group will be present at the Guild that day, as well as representatives of other special interest groups who regularly meet at 76 Queen Street.
Visitors will learn more about our Courses and Workshops, our network of Guild groups, and all the other benefits of being a member of the Embroiderers' Guild NSW.
Two time slots are available for tours: 10.30am - 12noon, and 1pm - 2.30pm. For further information or bookings, please email: info@embroiderersguildnsw.org.au or call (02) 9743 2501.
Members of the Stitches Plus group will be present at the Guild that day, as well as representatives of other special interest groups who regularly meet at 76 Queen Street.
Visitors will learn more about our Courses and Workshops, our network of Guild groups, and all the other benefits of being a member of the Embroiderers' Guild NSW.
Two time slots are available for tours: 10.30am - 12noon, and 1pm - 2.30pm. For further information or bookings, please email: info@embroiderersguildnsw.org.au or call (02) 9743 2501.
MAKE IT HAPPEN DAY
Do you have unfinished projects in your sewing room - UFOs (UnFinished Objects), WIPs (Works In
Progress), or PhDs (Projects Half Done)? If you do, we are offering you an opportunity to give them
the attention they deserve. Come along on Make It Happen Day, where you can work towards
finishing those long-awaited projects in a welcoming, supportive environment.
We will offer Make It Happen opportunities at Guild Headquarters every three-months, between 10am and 1pm.
The next three dates are:
A small $5 amenity fee will apply, payable in cash on the day.
So come along, bring your UFOs, WIPs and PhDs and Make It Happen.
We will offer Make It Happen opportunities at Guild Headquarters every three-months, between 10am and 1pm.
The next three dates are:
- Tuesday 18 August
- Wednesday 25 November, and
- Friday 12 February 2027.
A small $5 amenity fee will apply, payable in cash on the day.
So come along, bring your UFOs, WIPs and PhDs and Make It Happen.
PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION EVENT
31 JULY 2027
A highlight of the celebrations next year will be our 70th BIRTHDAY MEAL.
This will be held on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of our incorporation, at a venue in Sydney which is easily accessible by public transport. At this stage, we have not decided whether to have a Lunch or a Dinner.
To help us plan this important occasion, we would like to know approximately how many members and their partners might like to attend. We know this is a long way off yet and that anything can happen in the next 12 months. So, at this stage, we are seeking Expressions of Interest Only to allow us to start the planning process.
If you think you might want to be part of this, please email the Platinum Jubilee Team at: committee@embroiderersguildnsw.org.au and indicate:
This will be held on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of our incorporation, at a venue in Sydney which is easily accessible by public transport. At this stage, we have not decided whether to have a Lunch or a Dinner.
To help us plan this important occasion, we would like to know approximately how many members and their partners might like to attend. We know this is a long way off yet and that anything can happen in the next 12 months. So, at this stage, we are seeking Expressions of Interest Only to allow us to start the planning process.
If you think you might want to be part of this, please email the Platinum Jubilee Team at: committee@embroiderersguildnsw.org.au and indicate:
- how many tickets you might want to purchase and
- whether you would prefer a daytime or an evening event.
Members and Guests (MAG) Day
11 February - Macarthur Textile Network
Members of the Macarthur Textile Network will come along to talk about their group and their exhibition - 'Stepping Out', currently on display in Gallery76.
Members of the Macarthur Textile Network will come along to talk about their group and their exhibition - 'Stepping Out', currently on display in Gallery76.
11 March - Gemma Watson
Gemma Watson recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Design and Technologies Education at the Australian Catholic University and was the 2025 winner of the Embroiderers' Guild NSW Award for outstanding attitude and achievement in Textiles. Gemma will talk about her major project - 'Fractured Dreams' - an embroidered leotard which represents her very personal response to the physical and emotional loss experienced when her career as a young gymnast came to an end.
Gemma Watson recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Design and Technologies Education at the Australian Catholic University and was the 2025 winner of the Embroiderers' Guild NSW Award for outstanding attitude and achievement in Textiles. Gemma will talk about her major project - 'Fractured Dreams' - an embroidered leotard which represents her very personal response to the physical and emotional loss experienced when her career as a young gymnast came to an end.
8 April - Cath Derksema
Working with Fabric and Thread has been a life long passion for fabric designer Cath Derksema. Join her at the Guild to chat about all the incarnations and adventures she has had in the past 40 years ... from her early days working for John Kaldor to formulating her own design businesses (Art Park in the early '90's, Prints Charming in the 2000's) and then a solo retail project 'The Happenstore'. Cath's approach has always been curious and joyous, threaded with a strong community connection. She will have lots of visuals and samples and would love you to come along to enjoy them.
Working with Fabric and Thread has been a life long passion for fabric designer Cath Derksema. Join her at the Guild to chat about all the incarnations and adventures she has had in the past 40 years ... from her early days working for John Kaldor to formulating her own design businesses (Art Park in the early '90's, Prints Charming in the 2000's) and then a solo retail project 'The Happenstore'. Cath's approach has always been curious and joyous, threaded with a strong community connection. She will have lots of visuals and samples and would love you to come along to enjoy them.
13 May - Janet Steele
Janet Steele creates sculptural pieces by tying yarn into knots using a technique similar to tatting. Inspiration comes from minute observation of nature, with concepts speaking of the power of Nature and her ability to overcome the impact of mankind.
Janet's journey as a textile artist commenced with an awakening while walking across Scotland. Her first work won an Emerging Artist award. In 2025 the journey took her to Brough House, a National Trust property in Maitland. Here she produced a solo exhibition featuring an historic Morton Bay fig tree. Her role was to develop public awareness of the ailing tree and to generate funds to pay for arborist expenses. This project lead onto the study of fungi and their vital role to maintain balance within nature.
Janet lives in the Hunter Valley. She has been a founding member of the Gresford Community Gallery and is presently a member of Lateral Stitchers within the Guild and recently commenced the Creative Course.
Janet Steele creates sculptural pieces by tying yarn into knots using a technique similar to tatting. Inspiration comes from minute observation of nature, with concepts speaking of the power of Nature and her ability to overcome the impact of mankind.
Janet's journey as a textile artist commenced with an awakening while walking across Scotland. Her first work won an Emerging Artist award. In 2025 the journey took her to Brough House, a National Trust property in Maitland. Here she produced a solo exhibition featuring an historic Morton Bay fig tree. Her role was to develop public awareness of the ailing tree and to generate funds to pay for arborist expenses. This project lead onto the study of fungi and their vital role to maintain balance within nature.
Janet lives in the Hunter Valley. She has been a founding member of the Gresford Community Gallery and is presently a member of Lateral Stitchers within the Guild and recently commenced the Creative Course.
10 June - Sally Seaborn
Sally joined the Lake Macquarie Group in 2003 and within 2 months accepted the role of Convenor. Until recently, she served continously on their Committee in different roles, most notably as long-serving Convenor. Sally extended her involvement in the Guild, joining Newcastle Branch in 2007 and Lateral Stitchers in 2019.
Sally is also a regular visitor to 76 Queen Street, volunteering at countless events and contributing in many, many other ways.
Come along and be inspired by Sally's story.
Sally joined the Lake Macquarie Group in 2003 and within 2 months accepted the role of Convenor. Until recently, she served continously on their Committee in different roles, most notably as long-serving Convenor. Sally extended her involvement in the Guild, joining Newcastle Branch in 2007 and Lateral Stitchers in 2019.
Sally is also a regular visitor to 76 Queen Street, volunteering at countless events and contributing in many, many other ways.
Come along and be inspired by Sally's story.
10 July - Gina Barjeel
Gina is a Palestinian-Australian fashion designer, educator, and founder of 'Gina Barjeel'. Established in 2018, the brand is dedicated to creating contemporary fashion that preserves and celebrates Palestinian cultural heritage through the integration of traditional Tatreez embroidery into modern design.
Born in Jordan to Palestinian refugee parents and now based in Sydney, Gina combines her passion for fashion, culture, and community engagement through her work as both a designer and a Fashion Teacher at TAFE NSW. Her practice focuses on sustainable and ethical local manufacturing, cultural storytelling, and creating opportunities for refugee and migrant communities through education, skills development, and creative enterprise.
In addition to her fashion Brand, Gina facilitates Tatreez workshops, community programs, and speaking engagements across Australia, sharing the history, symbolism, and significance of Palestinian embroidery. Her work has been featured in exhibitions, community initiatives, and cultural events that highlight the role of fashion as a tool for cultural preservation, identity, and social impact.
Through her designs and educational work, Gina continues to build connections between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion while advocating for the preservation of Palestinian heritage for future generations.
Gina is a Palestinian-Australian fashion designer, educator, and founder of 'Gina Barjeel'. Established in 2018, the brand is dedicated to creating contemporary fashion that preserves and celebrates Palestinian cultural heritage through the integration of traditional Tatreez embroidery into modern design.
Born in Jordan to Palestinian refugee parents and now based in Sydney, Gina combines her passion for fashion, culture, and community engagement through her work as both a designer and a Fashion Teacher at TAFE NSW. Her practice focuses on sustainable and ethical local manufacturing, cultural storytelling, and creating opportunities for refugee and migrant communities through education, skills development, and creative enterprise.
In addition to her fashion Brand, Gina facilitates Tatreez workshops, community programs, and speaking engagements across Australia, sharing the history, symbolism, and significance of Palestinian embroidery. Her work has been featured in exhibitions, community initiatives, and cultural events that highlight the role of fashion as a tool for cultural preservation, identity, and social impact.
Through her designs and educational work, Gina continues to build connections between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion while advocating for the preservation of Palestinian heritage for future generations.
12 August - Kasia Jacquot
Kasia is an embroidery artist, pattern designer and teacher. She embroiders with passion but without fuss and without perfection.
Her finished pieces are not delicate or fragile. Kasia uses them, wears them, hangs them on walls and lets children play with them.
To quote Kasia: "There is a marvellous world of embroidery that is far removed from the traditional tiny stitches, perfect back sides and strict rules and I want to take you there. This world is fun, relaxing and magical and it's what my work is based around."
Kasia is an embroidery artist, pattern designer and teacher. She embroiders with passion but without fuss and without perfection.
Her finished pieces are not delicate or fragile. Kasia uses them, wears them, hangs them on walls and lets children play with them.
To quote Kasia: "There is a marvellous world of embroidery that is far removed from the traditional tiny stitches, perfect back sides and strict rules and I want to take you there. This world is fun, relaxing and magical and it's what my work is based around."
Future Speakers at Members' and Guests' Days - September to December 2026
| 9 September | Jennifer Kennedy - member of Southern Highlands and Fine Needlework and Lace groups. Tutor. |
| 14 October | Design Divas - Exhibiting in Gallery76. |
| 11 November | Julie Paterson - Menindee Memorial Loop. |
| 9 December |
Cheryl Aitkin - member of Laterals and Design Divas groups. Tutor. The December Meeting is also the Guild's Christmas Party. |
