Our History

OUR HISTORY

The Trillium Embroidery Guild was founded in February 1997. In 2022, the Trillium Embroidery Guild celebrated its 25th anniversary. The first meeting was held at a founding member’s home where about 10 people attended. The meeting was advertised in the Bowmanville library news bulletin board and in other locations in the region. Over the years the guild members have also met at St. Luke’s Church in Oshawa, St. Mark’s Church in Whitby, Whitby Public Library – Central branch, and at Perry Terrace in the Community Room in Whitby.

The name for the guild was decided upon by members who attended the first meetings. The group wanted a name to represent the large area covered by members in Durham Region in Ontario. Since the trillium is Ontario’s provincial flower, it was suggested that this name would be appropriate for the guild.

A constitution was prepared including by-laws and the guild became a member of Embroidery Association of Canada (EAC) and Ontario Needlework Network (ONN).

To recruit new members, posters were placed in stitching and knitting stores and in local libraries throughout Durham region. Word or mouth and contacts made through other guilds helped to build membership.

Our guild has always focused on teaching a variety of special techniques. The first group project was a sampler by Cross ’n Patch featuring hardanger, pulled thread, ribbon and counted embroidery stitches.

Several members also completed a Deerfield Embroidery group course from EAC. The Trillium Embroidery Guild has always included group lessons, Christmas ornament exchange, guest speakers, round robins, and workshops. In addition, a themed challenge called Trillium Annual Themed Award or (TATA) has been part of year end celebrations. For example, in 2023, the theme of nature was chosen. Members could produce any type of embroidery work that exemplified the nature theme.

Retreats have always been an important social aspect of Trillium Embroidery Guild. Retreats have been held at Elim Lodge since 1999. We have one retreat in the Fall and one in the Spring each year.

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