EGA National Seminar 2007: Chicago, That Needlin' Town

Rissa Root © 2007

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I had the good fortune to attend the Embroiderers' Guild of America National Seminar in Chicago in early September. I took a four-day Crewel Embroidery class with Barbara Jackson of Tristan Brooks Designs. One of the best things about "the Beekeeper's Basket" class, was that Barbara uses a variety of materials in her designs. In addition to crewel wool, she uses other wool and silk threads, which immediately caught my eye and kept my attention. She is importing a new embroidery thread that is made of 100% Merino wool, and it stitches up beautifully. She also uses wool and silk blends from Gloriana Threads and silk threads from Pearsall's. It was kind of exciting to be out on the edge, where Crewel Embroidery and Surface Embroidery meet.

I also had the opportunity to meet with friends and fellow CyberStitchers during meals and breaks. I wanted to include a few photos of my friends at the opening banquet. I am not in the picture because I am one behind the camera. Since we are members of an online chapter, we always try to meet at national and regional seminars whenever possible.

On my free days, my husband and I went sight-seeing in Chicago. We walked for miles, starting with the Magnificent Mile, despite using public transportation. We managed to see Lincoln Park, Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Chicago Institute of Art Museum, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, and a few Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. By the end of the Wednesday trek, I was so exhausted that I demanded a taxi back to the hotel!

Once again, I had a wonderful EGA National Seminar experience and am looking forward to next year's Golden Gala in Louisville, Kentucky. The things I learned at seminar will definitely enhance my Crazy Quilting. I can't wait to add some of those wool and wool/silk blend fibers to my next project.

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