INSPIRED BY THE SEA
A Portfolio of 32 Bluework Designs
By Members of the Southern Maine Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc.
The Southern Maine Chapter is pleased to announce its new fundraising project: a collection of 32 original Bluework designs presented in a single portfolio. Each design is suitable for transfer and has been scaled to fit a 7½” x 7½” square. Designs may, of course, be enlarged or reduced to suit individual preference.
The portfolio is available for $22 (tax included). Shipping and packaging are $8, for a total of $30 shipped anywhere in the USA.
For more information about purchasing a copy of the portfolio, please Contact Us.
The Southern Maine (“SOME”) Chapter of the New England Region (“NER”) of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (“EGA”) was organized in 1978. While our membership is concentrated in Maine south of Bangor, we welcome the participation of embroiderers and those interested in needlework from across the US, with plural members from as far away as Texas.
EGA’s mission is to inspire passion for the needle arts through education and the celebration of its heritage. SOME Chapter builds on this base by adding fellowship: an opportunity to connect with other stitchers and enjoy the camaraderie that accompanies sharing a common love. In this way, we bring centuries of tradition in stitching circles and quilting bees forward to the 21st century.
SOME Chapter membership offers:
– Bi-monthly chapter meetings with classes and lectures (3rd Tuesdays at 10:00 am)
– Monthly meetings of four area groups (see Area Groups for more information)
– Bi-monthly newsletters
– On-line access to shared resources, including an email mailing list
– Access to a myriad of classes and resources at the regional and national level
If you love to create your own embroideries, try out new techniques, or just admire the work of others, SOME Chapter is for you!
A Message from our Co-Presidents:
In the past year, the SOME/EGA Chapter has seen many successful efforts. We have had a wealth of educational programs, lectures, and classes all designed to appeal to a broad range of interests and expertise. New outreach programs have started, providing engagement experiences for both youth and new adult needleworkers. Chapter members’ engagement with the NER Region has increased in areas of
governance, education, and planning for the regional seminar to be held in 2027.
A new area group has formed, Great Falls, which joins four other area groups, Needles and Ponds, Bay Pines, Brunswick and Beyond, and Kennebunk. The area groups meet at various times and in different locations across the state offering our members flexible opportunities for engagement and programming. The Chapter has seen an overall increase in membership. This includes an increase in plural members who are interested in maintaining connections with SOME as well as those who join so they can take advantage of
programs and classes. This past year saw yet another successful Spring Getaway as well as the start of planning for a 50th anniversary celebration in 2028.
Calendar
For more information on any of these activities, please Contact Us.
July 21, 2026 – Emma Morin, Mrs. Claus Felted Wool Ornament program and will be held at Vicki Swerdlow’s
home.
September 15, 2026 – Laurie Sims Program on “Translating a Favorite Image to Needlework”. Raymond Fire
Station, Raymond, ME
October 29 & 30, 2026 – Mary Alice Sinton, Japanese Bead Embroidery in-person two day class. Date
changed from previous newsletter. Location TBD
November 17, 2026 – Holiday Potluck, Luncheon and Auction. Topsham Library, Topsham, ME
Embroiderers' Guild of America
Mission Statement: “The mission of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America is to inspire passion for the needle arts through education and the celebration of its heritage.”
Last Updated 1/13/2026