Stitch With the Embroiderers Guild

Stitch With the Embroiderers Guild Review

STITCH Magazine was started in 1999 by The Embroiderers' Guild (of England) in response to its members' requests for a practical, project-oriented magazine. Since its inception, the magazine has encompassed both traditional needlework and artsy fiberart, and recently has settled into a good blend of the two.

Issues are consistently filled with small projects in which a new technique or a twist on an old technique can be tried out. In this respect, this is a "must-have" magazine for every needlework guild chapter who plans a program for monthly meetings, or for fiberart teachers working with teen to adult students.

Additionally, there are season-long workshops on color or images & dyeing, or similar fiberart issues by renowned teachers.

Line drawings and clear, close-up photography showing how to do techniques, and a clear "supplies" list at the start of each project are helpful although since the magazine is geared to the European reader, we Americans often need to hunt to find comparable products. Also, measurements are metric which we must remember to convert.

Each issue also includes an article written by the curator of the EG's Museum concerning an item or type of embroidery depicted by an item belonging to the EG. Beautiful photos are eye candy for me, and inspire me to try the small project which follows the article, emulating the museum piece in technique or style.

All advertisements are clustered in the rear of the magazine, which is also where the page of "Basics" is, which describes basic needlework techniques.

There is no comparable magazine to this one in the English-speaking world, which combines the knowledge and expertise of The Embroiderers' Guild, with the experience and creativity of the teachers (called tutors) which most often have certificates from City & Guilds, the Royal School of Needlework, and/or from textiles programs. I give it only 4 stars instead of 5 because of its consistency, or inconsistency, which is to be expected in any periodical or business venture still in its infancy as this one is. I expect "Stitch" to be around for our grandchildren to enjoy!

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