Annual Members Competition

Annual Members Competition 2008

The theme of the 2008 competition was Journeys. The winning entries can now be seen in an online gallery, plus all the other entries from each Region, celebrating the richness and variety of hand stitch.

embroidery embroidery embroidery embroidery embroidery

Annual Members Competition 2009

The theme for 2009 is Trees

Using your favourite materials and techniques enjoy creating and stitching an original embroidery inspired by the theme "Trees".

We look at trees to read the weather and for signs that the seasons are changing.

Trees are associated with particular locations or countries, for example, palms with tropical beaches or cherry trees with Japan. Trees offer shade and protection and a home for a wealth of animals, birds and insects.

Designs based on the shape and foliage, flowers and fruits of trees are found in embroidery from many cultures. These designs are stitched to convey not only the beauty and character of trees, but as symbols or emblems which carry meaning and cultural messages.

Look at the trees in a place you love for inspiration, perhaps in your garden or street, along the edges of fields, in a park, plantation or orchard. Consider how the shape and growth of a tree is affected by prevailing winds, rainfall, the quality of the soil, sunlight, temperature or man's intervention by felling, pollarding, pruning, clipping, grafting.

Search through a macro lense to explore exquisite details or use the zoom to find the perfect view of trees in a landscape. Take a birds eye view and look through branches and leaves or look down from a flight path way.

The theme can be interpreted in any way you wish. Any technique can be used but hand stitch should predominate. Please encourage all your Guild Member friends to join in.

The deadline for entry is Wednesday 18 February 2009. Download the entry form for full details and entry requirements. [The form is in PDF format - you can get Adobe Reader free from the Adobe web site if you don't already have it]

Previous Members Competitions

2007 - Water

see the gallery of entries

2006 - *100*

see the winning entries

2005 - Domestic Bliss

see the winning entries

2004 - Gardens

see the winning entries