Simply Stitches - Maryborough Heritage City Embroiderers

This exhibition showcases a range of styles, stitches and techniques relating to hand embroidery.  

A small display within the exhibition showcases 'Blackwork', sometimes called Spanish Blackwork, has been found in relics in Asia from the 14th century and was thought to have been brought to England by Catherine of Aragon, wife of Henry VIII. In Elizabethan times it became very popular and was used to adorn clothing. There are both traditional and modern interpretations of this style of embroidery on display. 

Other types of embroidery on display are:

• Crewel or Jacobean which is a free type of embroidery traditionally utilising wool. Today it is sewn in silk or cotton.
• Gold work embroidery which uses metal threads and dates back to 1000 years BC in China. It is most stunning under lights.
• Stumpwork being a raised type of embroidery from 1700 which produces an intricate 3D effect. These show how threads, colours and fabrics can be manipulated to create beautiful designs. 
• Norwegian Hardanger embroidery encompasses counted thread and cut work and is very popular with the group. 
• Sardinian Knotted embroidery from a remote part of Sardinia is also on display and comes under the heading of whitework. 
• Cross Stich, the oldest form of embroidery. It is a counted embroidery sewn all over the world and was used in samplers and gifts in the past. 

*Image: Embroidery by Lynne Pearl

About the group

Maryborough Heritage City Embroiderers was established in 1989 to foster an interest in hand embroidery. Advice and teaching have always been a core feature of the group.

The embroiderers meet at the Church Hall on the corner of Russell and Stafford Streets, Maryborough on a Wednesday from 1pm until 3pm. New Members are always welcome and encouraged to attend.

For further information on the group please contact Lynne Pearl on 0419 771 716.

Gatakers Opening hours

9.30am to 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday
9.30am to 2.00pm Weekends including public holidays.