Goldwork Brooch Workshop
by Vicky Williams
16th August 2026
Our August workshop was given by Vicky Williams, a long-standing member of our group, who has a lifetime of experience in a variety of different types of embroidery, including Goldwork. The 4-hour workshop focussed on making a goldwork brooch using a variety of stitches and techniques, with excellent tuition provided by Vicky who talked us through all the steps and give individual help and attention to all who attended. We were provided with kits that contained different goldwork threads and the hardware to make two brooches with threads left over for future projects. Also provided were images of ideas for designs for our broaches. About half of the attendees finished at least one brooch, and a few completed two.
by Michele King
18th April 2026 workshop report
Nikki Parmenter returned to All Hallows to host an experimental workshop entitled ‘Small Worlds’. Each member was given a wire hoop on which to create their own small world of a creature against a backdrop. We had fish, frogs, seahorses, butterflies and other animals from which to choose a template, and a huge pile of materials and embellishments (much of it generously supplied by Nikki), so the hoop soon became the only common feature of the work.
After a basic outline of the initial stages of the process, we all began to work at our own pace. Some started straight away on building up the chosen animal from felt, sheers and net held together by Nikki’s signature soldering iron technique. Others opted for a gentler start by covering the two outer rings of the hoop with patterned fabric, sometimes overlaid with embroidery threads to give more texture. Nikki moved around the room, offering help and new ideas, especially to those feeling very much outside their comfort zone.
By lunchtime, the basics were in place, so the afternoon session was about how to finish off the work. Most people had opted for hand sewing, but a couple of machines could also be heard whirring in the background. We were shown how simple embellishments to the backdrop could be created with a hot gun, and a background to the piece by layering materials and threads. Nikki even managed to invent a new technique on the spur of the moment!
The day seemed to go very quickly, with everyone having something colourful and positive to show for their work and an idea of how it might be completed. With so many comments on how enjoyable the day had been, we may well see Nikki again for another colour-filled workshop.
by Kim Parkman
History and the“genealogy”of Merseyside Expressive Stitchers’ Group
talk given by Michele King on 21 March 2026
The group had a rare chance to reflect on our own history in a fascinating talk given by our co-chair, Michele King, on 21st March.
Michele had combed the archives to trace the emergence of the Embroiderers’ Guild from a small group of ‘ladies’ in London in the late nineteenth century. She followed our history as the Merseyside branch from its formation in 1956 under the Guild through to the final days of the old group, and the formation of the current lively (and fiercely independent) branch known as the Merseyside Expressive Stitchers’ Group. Along the way we heard the recurring story of trying to match the enthusiasm throughout the country for stitch and textiles with the realities of a changing society and the economic problems of keeping a centralised body to oversee the branches.
We saw black and white pictures from the early days of beautiful stitchwork on the tray cloths and aprons that we remembered from our grandparents’ homes, and colourful experimental work that developed from the 1960s as imaginations were allowed a freer rein. The branch changed with the times, combining a reverence for traditional techniques with a constant search for cutting-edge tutors to open our horizons.
With such a huge topic, Michele could only choose a few highlights from our long history. We hosted two very successful Regional Days: the first during the fantastic City of Culture year in 2008 in the Town Hall, and the second in 2020. The first Regional Day included a talk by the renowned Alice Kettle and gave rise to a huge community project. The Liverpool 08 Tapestry, funded by Home Bargains, gave the whole community of Liverpool, regardless of skill level, a chance to make a part of the city’s history and set a pattern of community engagement for the branch. The 2020 event turned out to be the first held on Zoom (because of the COVID pandemic) and the last ever held under the umbrella of the Embroiderers’ Guild. Members from all over the country, who had been following our website, joined in to make it the first Regional Day that went nationwide.
The meeting also included a small exhibition of stunning work from some of longer-standing members, which was enjoyed by all.
We have many longstanding members, who thoroughly enjoyed a trip down memory lane during the showcase of past events, adding to the talk with anecdotes and comments. Newer members were surprised to see exhibitions that had been held at the Anglican cathedral; Kaffe Fassett at a workshop in All Hallows and our support for Sreepur Orphanage in Bangladesh. Former group projects were displayed around the hall, and a superb exhibition of past individual work by our members really demonstrated the skill levels within the group.
At the end of a lively afternoon, several members felt that all of this knowledge and history should not be lost. We would welcome any contributions from members who are able to identify some of the events and people featured in the talk, so that we can preserve as much as possible of our past, while still continuing to explore the boundaries of stitch and textiles. Merseyside Expressive Stitchers’ Group is only five years old this year. Who knows what memories we will make for the future members to see?
– Report written by Kim Parkman
21st February 2026
Kim Parkman ran an interesting workshop about how to use canvas work stitches based on the architecture of Florence. We were challenged to use geometric designs with various colours to create a book mark sample. Here are some photos of the day:
17th January 2026 Stitch and Natter
An afternoon session where we brought in our own work, shared ideas and learned a lot from each other because all our members have different skills and abilities. Refreshments were included which we all enjoyed.