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 – April 2026
Submitted by Mary-K. Hardy, ONN rep
At our December Saturday Stitch Day, member Geri Inglis taught our members how to do punch needle. The students made a poinsettia that could be worn as a brooch or displayed as an ornament. At our December general meeting, two of the members [Marilyn & Cathy] wore their completed craft with their teacher, Geri.
And then it snowed! For the first time in memory, both our January and February general meetings had to be cancelled due to the weather.
For our February Saturday Stitch Day, to tease and tantalize our membership to participate in our annual stitching competition – of which the theme this year is ‘smalls’ – a plethora of different pincushions were shown. All the different types of fills that could be used was discussed; from walnut shells (best price is at Princess Auto – who knew?) to nylons! Jeanette Craig displayed her assortment of pincushions as well.
For our March general meeting, Poppy Bleau shared a presentation detailing her Great Japan Adventure that she went on with her friend Cathy from the Northumberland Guild. This textile tour was organized by the Toronto Guild and happened in November 2024. This very interesting trip included going to the Yokohama International Quilt Show where there were more than 100 vendors, the Kubota Itchiku (textile) Museum, Saskiko Museum and the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts. As well there were amazing opportunities to try out indigo dyeing and to make a Temari ball. Poppy’s enthusiasm on all the interesting aspects of this trip was definitely felt.
Starting in March, TEG will be hosting a drop-in and stitch event at the Newcastle Public Library on the fourth Thursday evening of the month. We are excited to share our love of stitching with members of our community.
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.
Ontario Network of Needleworkers 