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The embroidery in production. Photo: June Mickleburgh, ACT Embroiderers' Guild
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The ACT Embroiderers' Guild was formed in the Australian Capital Territory in 1962 to offer advice on design and technique to Canberra's embroiderers. It now includes over 200 members who meet to share ideas and skills and to stitch with friends. Guild members create individual pieces and collaborate on major commemorative works.
In 1999, the guild secured a grant from the National Council for the Centenary of Federation to make an embroidery for the National Museum of Australia. Sharon Peoples was commissioned to design the work and members began stitching in January 2000.
'We worked between 8.30 am and 3.00 pm on Monday evenings and on weekends. Six women worked together at a time, three on either side of the frame. Everybody did at least 10 hours. We had a roster and six experienced members shared the supervision ... Film reviews, books we'd read, gossip, meeting other members — it was great fun!'
June Mickleburgh, embroiderer
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