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Thames Valley Embroiderer’s Exhibition
October 1, 2019 @ 10:00 am - October 5, 2019 @ 4:00 pm
The Diversity of Stitch
For many, the terms embroidery and needlework instantly conjure up images of little old ladies sitting at hoops. Or scenes from a Jane Austen novel. But that is far from the roles that the arts of the needle play in the modern world, and the TVEG (Thames Valley Embroiderers’ Guild) Exhibition at the Katikati Open Arts festival will surely dispel any such myths.
Called “The Diversity of Stitch”, this exhibition will demonstrate the vast array of embroidery and needlework techniques that span the historical to the very modern, very fine detailed work to fun and funky wool embellishment techniques which are so popular today.
Stitching is a skill, handed down through generations from its earliest days as a means to embellish clothing and religious artefacts. It has many guises but one common thread – that of true craftsmanship and the accompanying pleasures of creating an object from nothing or turning an everyday item into a beautifully embellished keepsake to be treasured.
Like all forms of art, stitching has trends where certain styles become more ‘in-vogue’. But at its heart, stitching is very creative, whether it comes straight from the stitcher’s own imagination or from a pattern, employs time-honoured techniques or uses them in new ways. Whatever the purpose, bearing in mind that today’s embroidery is predominantly for pleasure not for function, the result is always something made with time, knowledge, skill, craft, pride and pleasure in the making.
Our Exhibition will capture all these things. It will celebrate as many forms of stitching as we can within our exhibition with possibly thirty or forty techniques on display. Show all those who visit, that stitching deserves its place amongst the many artforms on display in Katikati. Introduce embroidery and stitching as a pastime that people from all ages and all walks of life can enjoy. Demonstrate the stitching is not a fusty old hobby but a living, breathing and essentially contemporary skill that provides an outlet for one’s creativity, and for many, becomes a daily passion.
Lastly we hope this exhibition will encourage all those who have even the smallest inkling to pick up a needle, to give it a go and explore this very satisfying pursuit. Our guild meets once a month and we always welcome visitors as we love to share our knowledge and interest. But even if our visitors simply go home and take a few stitches, we will be happy.