Embroiderer’s Guild shares stitching secrets

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .The Youngstown division of the Embroiderer's Guild of America champions community outreach. EGA members Janice Finocchi (left), Ruth Ebert, and Judy Power displayed some of the samplers that they embroider, frame ,and display in new Habitat for Humanity homes throughout the Mahoning Valley.

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .During the Embroiderer's Guild of America cross-stitch class at Poland library on Sept. 12, EGA member Judy Power (right) helped out a guest.

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .The teachers of the Embroiderer's Guild of America (standing) posed with their cross-stitch students during their free Sept. 12 class at the Poland library.

By SARAH FOOR sfoor@vindy.com

The Youngstown division of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America is a group passionate about sharing art. At the Poland library on Sept. 15, representatives from the Youngstown club welcomed beginning seamstresses to expert stitchers to trade tips and tricks in the art of cross-stitch.

The cross-stitch workshop was completely free, with a pattern and thread provided for each guest.

“Today is all about learning some new things and sharing our best advice in the art of cross-stitch,” explained EGA member Ruth Ebert. “Enthusiasm is all you need to bring to be good at this.”

The teachers and their students worked on a small square displaying a collection of orange flowers. Ebert and her colleagues shared pointers and led their students through each stitch.

“We pride ourselves on being a teaching group. We’ll help anyone who is interested in starting out,” added fellow EGA member Judy Power.

Along with their focus on instruction, the Youngstown EGA group also champions community outreach. The group creates embroidered samplers to decorate Habitat for Humanity homes throughout the Mahoning Valley, listing the family and the date they moved into their new home. The guild also creates embroidered tote bags and gifts to be donated to the Ireland Cancer Center in Cleveland.

Even for expert stitchers, the event provided useful tips and tricks to add to their repertoire.

“I’ve been cross-stitching for 45 years. I was unsure about coming, but my husband argued that I can always learn something new. He was totally right — I’m already learning some new techniques,” shared guest Gale Fleischer.