ANZEG  |  ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND EMBROIDERERS' GUILDS INC

Mystery Stitchery Project

Fundraising for Conference 2028

 

​The mystery begins all over again and it’s time to enjoy the challenge of not knowing what comes next! Yes, we are offering another exciting Mystery Stitchery challenge for you in the lead up to Wai Stitch Wai Knot Conference 2028 in Cambridge.

 

This time around we’re taking you on a scenic trip with a beautiful surface stitch embroidery designed by one of our leading embroiderers especially for Conference in Waikato. There’ll be lots of variety in the stitching and lots of interesting stitches, and at the same time we will be celebrating the scenic splendour of the region in the run-up to Conference.

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This exciting project will be run over 10 months and once you have registered, you will receive a section on the first day of each month, in exactly the same way as last time around. Each month will include the instructions and the area to be worked on. There will be some new stitches each month and the designer will make suggestions for each area of stitching. Your first installment will be available on March 1, 2027.

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Because this is surface stitchery, there will be room for choice in the background but our designer has used a cotton/linen blend as a background for hers and suggests that you select a medium weight fabric, reasonably closely woven and without a slub. A looser woven linen could be used but would need to be backed to give it strength for stitching. You should also choose something in lightish tones so transferring the pattern lines each month is easy to see.

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It may also be a good time to use up stash, because a variety of threads and colours can be used each month. The designer is suggesting either/or crewel wool, Perle 8 and stranded cottons, stranded silks or a mixture. As long as the threads used are of a similar thickness, you could also consider adding in some rayons. You will also be able to vary the finished size of the embroidery. For instance, for the larger size you could use the heavier threads such as Perle 8/crewel wool/3 strands of stranded cotton. The smaller size would be best suited to stranded cottons (two strands) or silks.

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The pattern will again cost $35 and you will be provided with a comprehensive needs list and homework sheet before the first section arrives so that you can find all those beautiful threads and just the right background!

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In the past some guilds have set up a small group of Mystery Stitchers to enjoy the work and encourage each other to finish – maybe this is the year for your guild? Or how about a zoom group with your stitching friends around New Zealand? Why not take up the challenge of this exciting and interesting new embroidery?

 

Registration will be open from November 14, 2026.​