2025 Program: Stitched Together Through Time
Accept our 2025 President’s Challenge and stitch a Temperature Chart! Watch the video and read the project instructions!
Throughout history, needle and thread become the tools to open one’s imagination. Embroidery is an artful craft found in traditions both old and new. In this program, we will learn from national teachers, local community members and community groups. No matter the era, we are connected by the art of embroidery, from past to present, continuing into the future.
Click HERE for fillable 2025 registration form.
Chapter Annual Meeting
Thurs, Nov 20
7pm – 9pm
Social time: 6:30-7pm
Description: The annual member meeting is a chance to review the chapter’s accomplishments for the year and learn about what’s ahead for the new year, including a detailed review of the 2026 program. The new slate of officers and 2026 budget will be approved.
Presenters: Board Members
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Winter Social
Sat, Dec 13
11am – 2pm
Description: Brunch potluck at Bethany & stitch-in to follow.
New! The social will be in Room 228!
Presenters: Sonya Linquist & Jen Tratnyek – 2025 Program Chairs
Meeting: In Person
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Past 2025 Program Events
Special Interest Showcase & President's Challenge
Fri, Jan 10
9am – 11am
Thurs, Jan 16
7pm – 9pm
Description: Learn about all the special interest groups that Madison Area Chapter EGA has to offer. Our Chapter President will also present an on-going project challenge.
We currently have active special interest groups including Beading Interest, Temari, Freestyle Embroidery & Design, Hardanger Interest and two different Canvas groups to name a few! Have a few too many projects unfinished? If so, join the Get the Darn Thing Done group.
Click for more Special Interest Group information and contacts.
Click to watch the President’s Challenge video or read the instructions here.
Presenters and Panel: Bonnie Beer and Special Interest Group leaders
Meeting: via ZOOM Only
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Weeds: Longing to Belong
Fri, Feb 14
9am – 11am
Description: Often defined as nuisances, weeds can convey bravery, vulnerability, and resilience, thriving against harsh odds. Weeds can appear both wild and beautiful; seemingly misplaced, yet bravely anchored in their surroundings. Using roadside flora as a metaphor, Katherine mixes eco and digital printing, goldwork, plant foraging and quilting to illustrate the vulnerability of longing to belong.
Presenter: Katherine Diuguid
https://katherinediuguid.squarespace.com/
Meeting: via ZOOM Only
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Who Wore What?
Thurs, Feb 20
7pm-9pm
Description: In the Elizabethan era, embroidery was important to everyone–not just the wealthy, but the middle class and even rural laborers. It wasn’t just a hobby, but also a way to show status and and extend the life of clothes.
This lecture explores needlework created, worn or owned at different socioeconomic levels in Elizabethan England. We will look at the rich and detailed material culture of this time period through portraits, illustrations, letters and close-ups of needlework.
Presenter: Erin Harvey Moody and Christine Gordon Baty of Relics in Situ
Meeting: via ZOOM Only
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
All About Dorset Buttons Lecture
Fri, Mar 14
9am – 11am
Social time: 11-11:30
Description: A mainstay of the British economy for hundreds of years, these humble closures were initially made from native wool and ram’s horn. Find out about the evolution of this marvelous invention with a slideshow and lecture that will have you wondering how so much depended upon a button. You will be amazed at the beautiful iterations that can enhance your embroidered pieces.
Presenter: Pat Olski (via ZOOM)
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
WORKSHOP
Swanston Dorset Button Pendant
Fri, Mar 14
12:30pm – 3pm
Description: Dorset button-making is a great heritage craft, and a wonderful stash buster. This interesting technique will be a very useful addition to your needlework repertoire! We will be learning some of the same methods that have been used by Dorset button makers for four hundred years. The Swanston Pendant is easy to make and lovely to wear. For all skill levels.
Kit will include rings and needles. Participants will provide their own threads.
Presenter: Pat Olski (via ZOOM)
Meeting: via ZOOM Only
Registration Fee: $10
Kit Fee: $5
Class Fee: $27 – $54
Registration Deadline: January 3, 2025
Continuous Threads
Lisa Binkley
Thurs, Mar 20
7pm – 9pm
Social time: 6:30 – 7pm
Description: Lisa will tell us about her development as a fiber artist. This lecture focuses on the many ways that of our lives feed our creative process and can be the inspiration for our work as stitchers. In addition to talking about inspiration, Lisa will discuss her various techniques she uses. Her presentation will include original pieces of her art, along with a slide show.
Lisa will also provide a brief history of beads and their evolution as a medium for creative expression from tens of thousands of years ago through today.
Presenter: Lisa Binkley
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
TWO-DAY WORKSHOP
Coiled Yarn Basket
Sat, Mar 29
9am – 2pm
Sat, Apr 12
9am – 2pm
Description: Learn to make a basket vessel with beautiful yarns and embellish as desired with stitching, beads or things of nature. Multiple colorways will be available in merino wool.
In the first workshop learn the basics of coiling a basket, creating the base and shaping. In the second workshop, learn finishing techniques, using different cores and shapes, plus embellishing options.
Presenter: Andrea Sapon
Meeting: In person
Registration Fee: $10
Kit Fee: $35
Class Fee: $31 – $46
Registration: CLOSED
Celebrate Cross Stitch!
Fri, Apr 11
9am-11am
Social time: 11-11:30
Thu, Apr 24*
7pm-9pm
Social time: 11-11:30
Description: How often do you hear stitchers say “Oh, it’s just cross-stitch” when someone compliments their work? Many of us have a tendency to downplay the technique, but cross stitch is central to the history of embroidery and most-exhibited technique at our annual show.
This month, chapter member Jennifer Horejsi will discuss the history of cross stitch and share some of the ways that contemporary designers are pushing its boundaries in unexpected ways! Come ready to share your cross-stitch pieces–either your earliest piece or one of your favorites! We’d like to hear what cross stitch fans enjoy about the time-honored technique!
Presenter: Jennifer Horejsi
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
45th Anniversary MAC EGA Canvas Ornament
Fri, May 9
9am – 11am Social time: 11-11:30
Description: Chapter member Claire DeChristina will teach her counted canvas work ornament that she developed for the chapter’s 45th anniversary in 2023.
Stitches featured are large Jessica, Rhodes stitch, diagonal Gobelin, crescent stitch, waffle stitch, and beading. Canvas and needles will be provided. Participants will provide their own threads.
Presenter: Claire de Christina
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Registration & Kit Fee: $5
Registration Deadline: February 14, 2025
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
The World of Off-loom Beading and Bead Embroidery
Thurs, May 15
7pm – 9pm
Social time: 6:30 – 7pm
Description: Chapter member Laura Bak-Mahlkuch will share her extraordinary off-loom bead weaving and bead embroidery creations.
Presenter: Laura Bak-Mahlkuch
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
WORKSHOP
Poinsettia Christmas Ornament
Sat, May 17
9am – 4pm
Description: Learn to construct this stunning beaded Christmas ornament. Two colorways, gold and blue will be offered.
Beginner to Intermediate; all levels welcome
Presenter: Katie Sarac
Meeting: In person
Registration Fee: $10
Kit Fee: $45
Class Fee: $17 – $34
Registration Deadline: February 20, 2025
Stumpwork Then & Now
Fri, Jun 13
9:30am – 11:30am
Social time: 9 – 9:30am
Note change in meeting time!
Description: Guest lecturer, Celeste Chalasani, compares and contrasts Stumpwork as it was practiced in the 17th century to how it has evolved. The presentation includes photos of museum pieces to show the different characteristics of the historical practice. Celeste then shows how the art evolved and compares it to the work of contemporary artists including her own.
Presenter: Celeste Chalasani (via ZOOM)
www.celestechalasani.com/index.html
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
WORKSHOP
Cone Flower
Fri, June 13
12:30pm – 3:30pm
Description: Brighten your day with a beautiful, dazzling Cone Flower. In this class, you will learn intermediate Stumpwork techniques including wired and padded slips.
Beginner to Intermediate; all levels welcome
Presenter: Celeste Chalasani
Worshop Location: via ZOOM
Registration Fee: $10
Kit Fee: $35
Class Fee: $8.50 – $20
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2025
TWO-DAY WORKSHOP
Coiled Yarn Basket
Sat, Jun 14
9am – 2pm
Sat, Jun 28
9am – 2pm
Description: Learn to make a basket vessel with beautiful yarns and embellish as desired with stitching, beads or things of nature. Multiple colorways will be available in merino wool.
In the first workshop learn the basics of coiling a basket, creating the base and shaping. In the second workshop, learn finishing techniques, using different cores and shapes, plus embellishing options.
Presenter: Andrea Sapon
Meeting: In person
Registration Fee: $10
Kit Fee: $35
Class Fee: $31 – $46
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2025
Soutache Lecture
Thurs, June 19
7pm – 9pm
Social time: 6:30-7pm
Description: Learn about the history, materials, and technique of this stunning beaded embroidery technique using soutache braid.
Presenter: Jen Tratnyek
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Summer Social
Sat, July 19
11am – 2pm
Description: Enjoy a potluck and time to connect at the lovely country home of Chapter President Bonnie Beer.
Hosts: Bonnie Beer, Sonya Linquist & Jen Tratnyek – 2025 Program Chairs
Location and more details will be provided in the chapter newsletter.
Registration (RSVP): June 19, 2025
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Boutique Workshop
Art of the Needle Show
Fri, Aug 8
9am – 11am
Social time: 11-11:30am
Thurs, Aug 21
7pm – 9pm
Social time: 6:30-7pm
Description: Members will work on assorted boutique items for the annual show. Project ideas and materials will be provided by the boutique committee or you may bring your own item to work on. Please also bring any items you have finished for the boutique. Ornaments are especially appreciated.
Presenters: Boutique Committee
Meeting: In Person
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Flatfold Finishing
Fri, Sep 12
9am – 11am
Social time: 11-11:30am
Description: A flatfold frame is a great alternative to a wall frame. It can stand on a tabletop and is easy to store. This all skill level class will teach the assembly of the frame itself. You will also see a demo of how to make twisted cord with Pearl Cotton thread.
Students may provide their own stitched piece and backing fabric or choose from a fun Halloween fabric or stitch Judy’s Sapphire Flowers (pattern & fabrics will be provided).
Presenter: Judy Caruso
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Registration & Kit Fee: $6
Registration Deadline: June 19, 2025
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Color Palettes: 301
Thurs, Sep 18
7pm – 9pm
Social time: 6:30-7pm
Description: This lecture will explore a unique approach to choosing color palettes in design and includes a hands-on component for those who are in person. We will explore the sensations associated with color, the immediate images color conjures up, the psychology of color, and the emotions evoked with their use.
Presenter: Wendy Moore
Meeting: In Person and via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
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WORKSHOP
Moon on the Water
Fri, Sep 19
9am – 4pm
Sat, Sep 20
9am – 4pm
Description: “This design leaves the viewer in a peaceful state watching the water ripple the reflection of the very large romantic moon.”
The goals for this intermediate, 6″ x 7″ canvas piece, are to work at moving from one color to the next as seamlessly as possible utilizing both color and texture of stitches chosen.
Presenter: Wendy Moore
Meeting: In person
Registration Fee: $10
Kit Fee: $135.00
Class Fee: $37 – $88
Registration Deadline: June 19, 2025″
Insight From a
Physical Therapist
Fri, Oct 10
9am – 11am
Social time: 11:00-11:30
Description: Laurie Sanford, PT, will provide an overview of anatomy and discuss how our position and posture relates to our stitching. She will offer several easy reset postures to prevent or ease – if someone is experiencing symptoms – in the hands, arms, shoulders, neck or head.
Presenter: Laurie Sanford, Physical Therapist
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Quilting History
and Trunk Show
Thurs, Oct 16
7pm – 9pm
Social time: 6:30 – 7pm
Description: Sara Stoltman, the current president of the Mad City Quilt Guild, will lecture on the history of fabric, quilting, sewing machines, and commonly used sewing tools. She will also share some of her quilts, clothing items, and embellished jean jackets.
Presenter: Sara Stoltman
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
Art of the Needle Show
Sat, Oct 18
10am – 4pm
Sat, Oct 19
Noon – 4pm
Description: For 47 years, our Madison Area EGA Chapter has hosted Art of the Needle, showcasing members’ stitching. We invite the community to celebrate our work, talk with members and view hands-on demonstrations in this two day event.
Members enjoy sharing their work with each other, viewing the chapter’s 2026 Program, shopping Boutique and Stash, buying Drawing tickets and let’s not forget, chat with friends and family over yummy treats!
For more information, visit our Art of the Needle Show page here.
Stitch-In & Show Reflection
Fri, Nov 14
9am – 11am
Social time: 11-11:30am
Description: A time to stitch together and reflect about the show.
Presenter: Show Chair
Meeting: In Person & via ZOOM
Members: No charge for members and guests. Guests please email: membership@madisonareaega.org
