Embroidery ‘stitch-ins’ series hosted
Museum to hold demonstrations
The Whanganui Regional Museum will host a series of embroidery ‘stitch-ins’ next month to support the exhibition Whanganui Mūmū — Whanganui By Design.
A group from the Whanganui Embroiderers Guild will provide a stitching demonstration in the museum’s atrium space. Examples of different styles of stitching will be on display, and fabric, threads, and guidance will be available for anyone who would like to have a go.
The Embroiderers Guild will also have information available about their regular group meetings, and an upcoming public display of their work planned for April.
The demonstrations have been organised to highlight the intricate embroidery work that can be seen in some of the garments currently on display in the museum. Several items, all made in Whanganui, feature hand embroidery, including a mid-19th century christening gown, a baby’s dress, and a baby’s nightgown.
Education team leader Margaret Beautrais says; “It will be wonderful to have the group stitching in the atrium and interacting with visitors.”
There are three sessions scheduled: 12.30pm-2pm on Friday, March 3, 10am-2pm on Saturday, March 4, and 10am-2pm on Sunday, March 5. The Friday session will follow immediately after the Outfit of the Month Floor Talk, which happens at 12.15pm. The focus of this month’s floor talk is a 1950s cotton chintz halter-neck dress and jacket.
Throughout the year, several public programmes are planned at the museum to link in with the design exhibition.
Upcoming events involve weaving and simple embroidery for children, cross-stitching for teens and adults, printing, painting, screen-printing, pottery and lectures. The embroidery demonstrations are free.