Forty-two present and past members of Saskatchewan Embroiderer's Guild gathered at the St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church Hall in Cochin June 11 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of SEG.
It was also the 40th anniversary of one of the branch guilds, The Workbasket, whose members come from the Cochin, Prince and North Battleford areas. The Workbasket was the host guild.
The SEG was formed with the assistance of the University of Saskatchewan's Extension Division's Mary H. Hull. The first general meeting was held May 28, 1973 in Regina at College West.
The objectives of the newly formed Saskatchewan Embroiderer's Guild were: to promote co-operation and an interchange of ideas among those who engaged or were interested in embroidery; to maintain a high standard of design and technique in embroidery; to provide a centre which may be used as a bureau of information regarding embroidery; to provide expert assistance on embroidery through the circulation of specimens and portfolios; to hold meetings for the interchange of ideas and to arrange lectures by experts on different subjects in connection with the art of embroidery; and to create awareness among the general public of the art of embroidery and all needlecraft.
Membership was open to all interested persons, men or women of all ages.
Over the years these objectives gathered many together to enjoy workshops, competitions and displays of work. Exchanges of ideas with other guilds and the bringing in of expert embroiderers and designers was undertaken by the membership. A newsletter of the activities of the SEG and the various branches was published and distributed.
Just a few of the many workshops undertaken over the years are : Hardanger, Brazilian Embroidery, cut work, Schwalm, white work, ribbon embroidery, drawn and pulled thread and Battenburg.
Membership grew and at one time there were over 200 members around the province and 13 guilds. The Workbasket branch was formed in 1973 and the Maymont Stitchcrafters were formed a year later in 1974. Other branches in the area were Prince Albert Sharp Needles, Outlook Homestitchers, Wilkie Itch to Stitch, Meota Busy Fingers, Maidstone Stitch Counters, Luseland Prairie Sunset , Kindersley Prairie West, Livelong Creative Stitchers, Biggar Thread Bears, Battleford Status Thimbles, North Battleford Sew and Sews and the Cut Knife Nimble Thimbles. There were also lone members who participated on their own.
Annual meetings were held in the early summer and a semi-annual meeting in the fall.
The 40th anniversary meeting saw a reduced number of paid up members and a reduced group of guilds. At present there are 28 members and four active guilds - Maymont, Workbasket, Cut Knife and Livelong.
Members registered at the church hall that was decorated in ruby and white. Many displays of members's work were on view around the room. A people's choice vote was held for those who wished to participate. They could pick their favourite type of needlework among the many on display.
The winners of this were Donna Huot, Marcella Pedersen and Reta Rose.
Following the program presented by The Workbasket as the host group, presentations were made to two former continuous members of both the SEG and The Workbasket, Marion Ray and Irene Colwell.
Ida Gillatt of Maymont Stitchcrafters, who has belonged for 39 years, was acknowledged.
Those present enjoyed visiting and reminiscing and many pictures were taken of the groups and various guilds in attendance. A 40th anniversary commemorative issue of the newsletter had been prepared by editor Marcella Pedersen and they were given to all those present.
Coffee and anniversary cake was enjoyed and each attendee received a carnation as a parting gift.
Of interest to those in the hall were four members who were over 90. While some still engaged in needlework, the others enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of the fellow guild members.
They are Phyllis Wilkins, Gertie Sherman, Elsie Higgins and Sarah Beaudoin.
Unfortunately the SEG has voted to disband due to declining membership due to aging and poor health. However, some of the remaining guilds may remain as individual groups and still carry on with their group.
