World Embroidery Day

World Embroidery Day is celebrated around the world on the 30th July. Here is a little of what will be happening this year in our neighbourhood to spread the word about embroidery and share our love of embroidery.

From Broderiakademin, the Swedish Embroidery Guild.

One of the Cape Embroiderers' Guild members has been encouraging local schools to participate by scheduling a little time for pupils to spend with needle and thread and explore the creative joy of stitching. It is quite sad that needlework is no longer a part of the curriculum in South Africa. I so enjoyed my needlework classes at school.

A local embroidery shop is hosting a stitch-in and others are gathering groups of friends to bring along a project and enjoy the camaraderie of our passion. There may even be a group stitching at a local shopping centre and letting the public peek over their shoulders and have a look at what treasures can be made with the simple means of fabric, needle and thread.

The CEG are also spreading the word about WED via their Facebook page and hoping that embroiderers everywhere will get together in groups and celebrate the sheer enjoyment of embroidery. Visit the CEG Facebook Page here.

The idea for a World Embroidery Day was born in Sweden and took place on 30th July 2011. You can read more about the intention in the one page manifesto here. It did make me think more broadly about this age-old activity that so many of us enjoy as a relaxing hobby and a creative outlet.

I would love to hear about what you are doing on Saturday 30th July on World Embroidery Day. Do leave a comment in the comment box below.

In the words of the manifesto, may your day on 30th July be filled with creativity for the sake of Peace, Freedom and Equality.

Happy Stitching!