3rd Wednesday of the month (September to June)
6:30 to 9 pm
Perry Terrace, 220 Perry Street, Whitby
See the location on Google Maps
Contact Trillium Embroidery Guild
Report – December 2025
submitted by MaryK Hardy, ONN Rep
Our Guild hosted a Stitch Retreat at Elim Lodge in Peterborough again this fall. It was from Thursday, September 25th through Sunday, September 28th. Attendees could come just to stitch or to stay over for 2 or 3 nights. Besides stitchers from Trillium, there were attendees from the Toronto Guild of Stitchery, the Scarborough Needlearts Guild and the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild as well as 4 quilters. The location was beautiful; the food was great but just doing what we love to do and doing it together made it a wonderful weekend.
The Trillium Embroidery Guild’s individual project this year is to stitch and assemble the crewel sewing case cover shown in Embroidery Canada’s Fall 2025 issue. Pat Armour was our guest at our Saturday stitch day on November 1st to teach us about designing our own illuminated initial for inclusion in this sewing case. She first showed us a variety of ways to stitch one’s monogram – from crewel to blackwork to cross stitch to embroidery. The fifteen participants were then put to task to design their own monogram with added flourishes. This initial will then be incorporated into the design of their sewing case. We are looking forward to seeing all of the completed cases.
Report – October 2025
submitted by Marilyn Girndt, President, Trillium Embroidery Guild
In 2011, a group of embroiderers from Sweden founded World Embroidery Day to “acknowledge and promote the craft of decorating fabric using a needle to apply thread of yarn”. Trillium Embroidery Guild decided to commemorate the day by stitching in public in a beautiful local park – Lakeview Park in Oshawa on the shore of Lake Ontario.
It was a very hot day, but the shade of the tall mature trees and the slight breeze off the lake helped to make it a wonderful spot to stitch and chat.
Our plans for Fall 2025 are well underway at this time. We have planned some workshops for this fall including The Pat Armour Crewel Sewing Case Cover in the August issue of Embroidery Canada and Pat has been invited to our guild in November to teach us how to design and embroider an illuminated initial which can be inserted into the sewing case. In December a punch needle workshop is planned on how to make a poinsettia pin.
Report – July 2025
submitted by Marilyn Girndt, President, Trillium Embroidery Guild
At our May meeting we displayed the completed Round Robin band samplers which were started in the previous year by an enthusiastic group of stitchers. The samplers were in either a Christmas Tree shape or a 4 inch wide band. The samplers were passed blind from person to person from March 2024 through to April 2025 and presented to participants in our May meeting. There were a variety of themes for the samplers. Some examples are shown in the pictures. All participants commented that the experience of completing the Round Robin was challenging, but very enjoyable. A big Thank You goes to Meagan who organized the project.
At our final meeting in June, we held our annual TATA (Trillium Annual Theme Awards). We have two prizes for the awards – a prize for Charted Design and a prize for Original Design. This year we did not have any original design entries so we provided 1st and 2nd prizes for charted design entries. There was a tie for first place! Marion won for her “Joy” Punto Antico piece designed by Kathryn Drummond and Jeanette won for her “Mayfly” stump work designed by Jane Nicholas. Congratulations to all who entered the TATA competition.
We plan on celebrating “World Embroidery Day” on July 30 this year. Pictures to follow in the next newsletter!
Report – March 2025
Submitted by: Marilyn Girndt, V.P. Trillium Embroidery Guild, ONN Rep
We had a lively and enthusiastic group of 11 stitchers begin a Round Robin program that started in February 2024 and will be finishing in April 2025. Participants worked on a traditional straight or Christmas tree shaped band sampler on 32 count Lugana light to mid tones. Participants basted the edges/shape and the middle of their own sampler and added the top row. Some participants added floss colours that they wanted in their sampler and some left the colour choices up to the stitcher. The projects were passed blind from stitcher to stitcher at our regular monthly Wednesday night meetings. The grand reveal of all the finished samplers will be held in April.
At our December 2024 meeting we had our annual ornament exchange! As usual, there were many wonderful ornaments exchanged. The method of exchange was using a poem (a version of Night Before Christmas) read out loud by a participant. When a specific word (left or right) in the poem was read, the participants gave their ornament to the person to their left or their right! It was great fun as the ornaments were flying quickly from person to person until the poem ended. Then they could open the final ornament they received.
In the spring several members have signed up to teach classes on our monthly Saturday stitch days. In March Barbara will begin her introduction to Schwalm for 3 stitching Saturdays (March, April, and May). The March class will focus on coral stitch and chain stitch (secures edges that will be cut). In April the focus will be on cutting and May will highlight filling stitches.
Also in April, Jeanette, Laura and Marilyn will lead an introduction to fabric painting with an aim of adding surface embroidery to these painted backgrounds.
Report – March 2024
submitted by Barb Angier
We had a great turnout for our Christmas meeting/party with our annual ornament exchange.
Mavis Brown visited in January to deliver an excellent presentation on Life in the Artic. What a wonderful speaker – full of stories of the 9 years she spent living there. Fascinating.
In February, Meagan kicked off our program for the next year or so – a Round Robin. Everyone brought their fabric and floss with the first row completed. Participants presented their pieces along with a brief description of their inspiration/theme…..and passed to the next person on the rotation. This will happen at each meeting for the next year or so until the completed piece is passed back to the owner for the big reveal.
Marilyn gave a presentation/trunk show on wool applique. Beautiful work. We may run program on this in the fall.
In March, Kim and Meagan told us all about their trip to Market – patterns and fabric on display.
Plans for the next few months include finishing projects, watercolour painting on fabric, and of course our annual TATA awards (Trillium Annual Themed Awards) – this year’s theme is SEASONAL. WE have a local library display planned for May.
Our monthly stitch days (first Saturday of the month – all year round) have been very well attended.
The Show and Share has been truly inspirational –
Hoopla by Mary K
Report – December 2023
Submitted by Rachel Smeijers, ONN Rep
After a summer break, TEG members were pleased to resume regular meetings in September. The Guild meets in the early evening the third Wednesday of the month, at Perry Place in Whitby. New members are always welcome!
Here is what we’ve been up to:
The fall edition of our annual Elim Retreat took place Sept 29-Oct 2, 2023, with members of the Scarborough Needlearts Guild joining in the fun. The retreat is a good opportunity to relax, stitch with friends and colleagues, and take in the lovely autumn air at Pigeon Lake in the Kawarthas. Planning for the Spring, 2024 Retreat has already begun.
Other program planning for 2023-2024 is coming together very nicely, with several projects being decided and organized. This year, we will continue with the annual TATA (Trillium Annual Theme Award) project. This year’s theme is ‘Seasonal’, and we look forward to seeing how members will interpret the theme using either a chart or an adapted design, or their own original design.
The Guild will also continue with displays of needlework for the main branches of the public libraries in Ajax and Whitby. The display for Ajax Public Library is currently scheduled for May, 2024 but specific themes and a timeline for the Whitby Library display will be finalized in due course.
Monthly Saturday Stitch Days continue to be a favourite, with get-togethers held Oct 7, Nov 4, and Dec 2. These informal sessions are a great opportunity for members to stitch, and enjoy some tea and conversation.
On Oct 14, Rachel Smeijers and Marilyn Girndt attended the ONN Planning Meeting via Zoom, and Rachel presented a brief report to members. Marion Brumwell of TEG also attended, representing the Association of Whitework Embroidery.
At our October meeting, new member MaryK Hardy joined the Trillium Embroidery Guild. Welcome MaryK!
The Guild will have a Christmas Ornament Exchange for those who wish to participate. The exchange will take place, along with the holiday party, at our December 20 meeting.
The Guild looks forward to welcoming Mavis Brown, of CEG Guelph, for our January, 2024 meeting. More to come!
New activities for 2023-24 include a Round Robin project, led by Meagan Mather, and a Silk Leaf Project which will utilize six varieties of silk luster thread on linen. Members are enthusiastic to get started on both projects!
Geri Inglis let us know about the JingleBall virtual stitching event, held Dec 1-3. Activities for this very popular event include classes (paid/ticketed, as well as free), stitching tables, and designer meet and greets.
Poppy Bleau reminds members to check the EAC website under ‘Learning Opportunities’ for upcoming classes and other learning events across Canada. The EAC Seminar 2024 will take place in Regina, May 26-31, 2024.
Stitch North – April 19-21 and April 26-28 – both sessions currently SOLD OUT, but members may be able to take advantage of cancelations closer to the session dates.
Show and Share
Have a look at some recent finishes from our members:
Report – September 2023
Submitted by Rachel Smeijers, ONN Rep
Summer saw many TEG members attending monthly Saturday stitching days, held at our meeting room at Perry Place in Whitby. These informal, come-and-go gatherings are a new feature of Guild activities and are a welcome opportunity to get together, have tea and treats, chat and – STITCH!
The annual Elim Retreat, held at Elim Lodge on Pigeon Lake, is scheduled for September 28 through October 1. Several TEG members have registered and will be joined by members of the Scarborough Needlearts Guild. The retreat will offer everyone a chance to relax, show and share, finish projects or begin new ones, socialize together and take in the beautiful autumn season in the Kawarthas.
Several of us attended the August 19 Kimat Stitching Day, held at the Lemonville Community Centre in Whitchurch-Stouffville. In addition to a pop-up boutique, courtesy of Kimat Designs in Whitby (thank you Kim and Meagan!), a delicious lunch and treats were served. Special guest Odile Gova of Woolly Fabulous spoke to us about her method for processing wool to make felt, and the use of this felt and reclaimed zippers to make unique and beautiful jewelry. Stitchers from across the Durham Region – and beyond – enjoyed the well-attended event.
The executive and board of management members met online in August to discuss annual programming. Ideas for this year include a round robin project, a silk lustre leaf project, holiday ornament exchange, Guild displays for public libraries in Ajax and Whitby, and an annual theme award. We look forward to resuming our monthly, in-person meetings in September.
Finally, members have been busy throughout the summer with various stitching projects. Here are just a few of the beautiful finishes – take a look!
Report – July 2023
submitted by Marion Brumwell, ONN Rep
This spring, the guild partnered with the Scarborough Needlearts Guild for the annual spring retreat at Elim Lodge.
Some members designed and stitched a French purse. See the photo of Marilyn’s creation.
In June we participated in the Trillium Annual Themed Awards with two categories, original design and charted/adapted design. Both entries in original design are shown, Kim’s floral and Poppy’s winning piece. Another photo shows some of the charted entries.
The guild has initiated get-togethers on the first Saturday of each month (every month of the year) in addition to the monthly Wednesday evening meetings (September to June). Guild members wanted more time for program and for stitching.
In September there will be a silk leaf project to introduce the use of various silk threads.
Report – March 2023
submitted by Marion Brumwell, ONN Rep
Our monthly evening meetings continue in 2023. The last ONN report was due before our Christmas celebration. Hence photos of the Christmas ornament exchange are included as part of this report.
As for the testing of tapestry needles, it was surprising to find that there was no needle manufacturer that significantly outranked all the others.
Designing and stitching a French purse was still our focus for our March meeting. We continue to figure out how to best finish the purse.
At the March and April meetings, we will have a chance to complete a survey regarding our program plans for the rest of 2023 and also to discuss whether we want stitch-ins during the summer. The annual spring retreat at Elim Lodge is coming up soon.
As usual, we have an array of photos from our Show and Tell. These include an Alison Cole goldwork reindeer and a Scarlett House Sampler stitched by two members. Suzanne’s granddaughter drew a design for her to stitch and Suzanne is making a really neat pillow.
Report – December 2022
submitted by Marion Brumwell, ONN Rep
We continue to meet monthly at our Whitby location.
Again this year, the guild has a display of Christmas stitchery at the Ajax Public Library for the month of December.
We have an assignment to complete for the December meeting; we have several tapestry needles to test and rate in different categories. We will find out in January the manufacturer of these needles. Will we find that the needles we think we prefer are not the ones we usually choose?
In the new year we will begin to design a French purse using any embroidery technique and any dimensions. There will be opportunities to work on these at two stitch days, one in January and one in February. Two photos of French purses are included with our report, one stitched by Bernie and the Schwalm one designed and stitched by Barbara Kershaw.
Report – September 2022
Submitted by Marion Brumwell, ONN Rep
Members were excited to return to in-person meetings at the same location as before the pandemic. Our
display set out on the guild banner shows that there is lots of enthusiasm for many embroidery
techniques.
We enjoyed seeing the first project of the guild, impressive goldwork designed by Cindy
Jackson and stitched by Barbara, an original stitching and watercolour piece by Suzanne, some smalls
from the June smalls exchange and some cross stitch embroideries.
We started planning for the June stitching challenges and for guild projects for the coming months. For the evening program Geri provided detailed notes, some samples and a demonstration on how to finish a triangular scissor case.
Near the end of September there is a retreat at Elim Lodge. In October Kim from Kimat Designs will
talk about fabrics available for embroidery. We are off to a great start for 2022-2023!
Report – July 2022
submitted by Marion Brumwell, ONN Rep
In preparation for the April Zoom meeting, a dozen guild members stitched the Louisa Acton sampler
chart using the colour scheme they chose and sometimes making other changes to the stitched
reproduction of the original. Lianne van Leyen, designer and collector of antique samplers, visited with
us at the meeting to view a slide show of our work and to discuss what we had done with the sampler
she owns and charted. She showed us the original and presented her choice of linen and threads for her
working of Louisa Acton.
It seems it is debatable whether or not the modern stitcher should correct the errors made by the schoolgirl who embroidered the sampler centuries ago. Some of us follow Lianne’s Facebook page (1897 Schoolhouse Samplers) to see what antique embroideries she is acquiring and to enjoy posts on her activities as an interpreter at Upper Canada Village.
At the May meeting Marilyn presented two possible itineraries to follow for stitching-related shopping
expeditions, one in Ontario and one in the U. S.
In September we will resume in-person meetings at our former location. Since we now require liability
insurance to use the room, we voted unanimously to become a chapter of the Embroidery Association
of Canada. We will benefit not only from the insurance but also will have access to courses, the
magazine, seminar and other resources.
Our plan for September is a demonstration on completing the scissor case shown in the two photos
included with our report. The embroidery itself is a free pattern using Rhodes stitch found on the Caron
website. We can also anticipate seeing the many completed embroideries of our members displayed on
a table instead of on a laptop screen!
Report – March 2022
Submitted by Marion Brumwell, ONN rep
Since January we have stitched a Wessex Embroidery needlecase using a free pattern from the Embroidery Guild of America website, design by Kathi Green. We discovered that this counted thread technique consists of repeating patterns with each pattern created from 2 or more stitches. Our photos show the personal colour scheme of the stitcher and the interior finishing.
In preparation for a smalls (needlecase, scissor case, scissor fob, pincushion) exchange in June, we featured a “Smalls Extravaganza” at the March meeting. We had a show of patterns available from Kimat Designs and stitched pieces from members.
In April we will discuss with Lianne van Leyen of 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers our individual interpretations of a historical sampler pattern charted by Lianne.
In the regular Show and Share segment at each meeting we saw many projects either completed or in progress. The example shown below was stitched by Marilyn, “A Thankful Chairarm Pinkeep” by Heartstring Samplery.
For many more photos, please go to our website, trilliumguild.blogspot.com. In June we have tentative plans to get together in an outdoor setting to connect and meet our new members in-person.
Report – December 2021
Submitted by Marion Brumwell – ONN Rep
The Trillium Embroidery Guild continues to have new members join our monthly Zoom meetings. For the month of November we displayed Christmas embroideries in the Ajax library showcase. We are all organized for the Christmas ornament exchange with 15 members making secret deliveries across the region. At the December meeting we open our gifts and find out who stitched them…a lot of fun for all.
We have more than a dozen participants for each of 2 projects that we have proposed for the coming months. Each stitcher is choosing their colour scheme for the sampler and for the needlebook. At the October meeting we had a session on practical ways to make colour choices for embroidery.
At every meeting now Kim from Kimat designs lets us know about new stitching items that are available in her shop and in a segment called “What’s New?” members let everyone know about stitching items/ideas they have come across. With the wealth of ideas shared and our guild plans for 2022, we have lots to look forward to in the New Year.
From our “Show and Tell” we have several photos to share with ONN…Marilyn’s wool applique “Lancaster County” designed by Karen Hahn, Sharon’s “Pray” by Teresa Kogut, Sylvia’s needle roll designed by Barbara Kershaw as well as her Alphabet Sampler by Kim Mather. We have 4 projects by Jeanette who finished projects in various techniques. And finally…a photo one of the anonymous Christmas ornaments for the exchange!
Report – September 2021
Submitted by Marion Brumwell – ONN Rep
At our first meeting of the year, we welcomed four new members as well as returning members to the Zoom get-together. We discussed a number of topics including the continuation of the Trillium Annual Theme Award, the Christmas ornament exchange and program ideas for the coming year. We then had a fun test of our knowledge of acronyms used by stitchers.
In October, we will focus on colour planning for embroidery and in November we have tentative plans for a speaker who will address designing for embroidery. At monthly meetings we will introduce two new regular agenda items. There will be an update on the latest embroidery patterns, linen etc. available from Kimat Designs and a segment entitled “What’s New” when members can let us know about something new they have discovered, such as floss tube videos, stitching materials, or books.
For much of the September meeting we had an enthusiastic showing of completed and ongoing projects shared by members. There was incredible variety and much appreciation shown for the work of others.
Our photos include samples of finished pieces: Hardanger by Sylvia, cross stitch by Marilyn, a beaded sampler designed and stitched by Kim and a framed Trish Burr partridge by Marion.
It looks like a very exciting year ahead of us.
Report – July 2021
Submitted by Marion Brumwell – ONN Rep
At our final Zoom meeting of the year in June, members of the Trillium Embroidery Guild elected a new executive for 2021-2022. We proposed some ideas for program for the fall. We also shared projects that each of us plans to stitch over the summer months. Now we anticipate a great “Show and Tell” in September when we hope to resume meetings in person at our regular location.
Report – March 2021
Submitted by Barb Angier, ONN Rep
SPRING 2021 Update
Our ZOOM meetings have been well attended……It’s been great to see the all the wonderful pieces our members have been working on. We’re so looking forward to getting together in person.
We continue to work on our Alphabet sampler designed by Kim M. We just finished the alphabet stitches and are now thinking about how to finish them – Frame? Bell Pull?
All our members have been busy during the pandemic. Here is a sample of our work. Enjoy!!
Report – December 2020
Submitted by Barb Angier, ONN Rep
We have been continuing to meet monthly via ZOOM…… Really it’s more of a show and share and a chance to connect with each other during this challenging times.
For those who are participating, we also meet once a month to work on our Alphabet sampler designed by Kim M. We now up to the letter N! At this rate we’ll finish by the end of June. I’ve enclosed a copy of the finished inspiration piece as well as a few progress- to date-photos.
Stay safe everyone…. And have a wonderful holiday season.
Report – July 2020
Submitted by Barb Angier, ONN Rep 25 July 2020
Our last guild meeting was in February. Since then there have been a few email exchanges to keep in touch. Everyone is doing well – thankfully – and getting lots of stitching done.
As reported in our last newsletter we had just embarked on a beautiful Alphabet sampler designed by Kim M. It features a different stitch for each letter of the alphabet. We had just kicked off the program before everything changed.
After surveying our members, we have decided that we will resume our monthly guild meetings in September using ZOOM. The meetings will follow a different format – no business meeting really to speak of – mostly sit and stitch and show and share. I’m expecting a lot of finishes in September!! We’re all looking forward to getting together again.
Those members who are participating in the Alphabet sampler program will meet at a different time and new stitches will be taught – again using the Zoom platform. It’s a beautiful sampler and we had always intended it to be a longer-term project.
We hope everybody’s taking care and staying safe. We’re lucky to have our stitching to keep us busy and calm our minds.
Report – March 2020
Submitted by Barb Angier, ONN Rep 25 March 2020
We got off to a bit of a slow start this year. Our September/19 meeting was a great opportunity to get together and catch up on our stitching activities over the summer
At our October meeting, Geri I. led a workshop on cording to embellish our finished projects. It was very well received and was put to good use to finishing our Christmas ornaments. In November, Marion B. led a workshop on making a couronne – a knotted ring that can be used for embellishing.
December was our annual Christmas ornament exchange and potluck supper.
At our December meeting we also agreed on our program for the rest of the year – and now probably into next year. Kim M designed a beautiful Alphabet sampler that features a different stitch for each letter of the sampler. We kicked off the program with a stitch day In January with the intention of covering 2-3 new stitches at each meeting. Guild members have offered to help to lead the stitch workshops.
Show and share has been truly inspiring. Here are some examples of the extraordinary stitching our group has been working on.
We hope everybody’s taking care in this difficult time. It’s a good chance to get on with unfinished projects and be inspired to take up some new ones.
Report – August 2019
Submitted by Barb Angier, ONN Rep
www.trilliumguild.blogspot.com
We had a really great year this year. In addition to the program and special guest presentations described below – we held two stitch days and two weekend getaway retreats. All were well attended. We also welcomed a number of new members to our guild.
Our annual challenge award – the TATAs (Trillium Annual Theme Awards) this year was smalls. To kick things off, at our September meeting we culled our guild library and displayed an array of smalls patterns. Members also brought examples of completed smalls for inspiration. At October’s meeting Kim gave a presentation on needles and, in January, one on thread storage. Very informative.
At our December meeting, we held our annual potluck dinner and ornament exchange.
We held a number of workshops at our meetings this year. Kim led a workshop on canvas work, Jeanette led a workshop on embroidered miniatures in jewellery, and Geri led a workshop on making magnetic needle-minders.
At our May meeting, local fibre artist, Rosemary Oliver talked to us about her many pieces of artwork she describes as ‘painting with fibre and thread’. She is skilled in so many areas which she has synthesized with her interests in the environment and preservation nature. We are so grateful she was able to take the time to come and speak to us. It was an incredible presentation of her work – very informative and inspiring. Here are some samples of her work.
In June, at our year-end potluck meeting we awarded our TATA winners. Our annual challenge award – the TATAs (Trillium Annual Theme Awards) this year was smalls. This is defined as “a functioning piece of stitching that could be found in a sewing basket”.
Marilyn received the Original Design Award for her exploding box project, Jeanette received the Chart/Adapted Award for her Hardanger Trio – a needle case, pin cushion and scissor fob, and Geri received the Technical Merit Award for the ‘Just Bee’ set – a pin cushion and needlekeep.
Ontario Network of Needleworkers 