A new dedicated display at Ōpōtiki Museum is giving local embroidery enthusiasts an opportunity to showcase the intricate work of the Ōpōtiki Embroiderers Guild, with a changing exhibition planned to feature different members every three months.

The first display features the work and story of Audrey Sears, a long-standing member whose passion for embroidery has developed over many decades.

Sears first learnt what was then called fancy work as a child and, when she was old enough, began making clothes alongside her mother. It wasn’t until her 40s, however, that she really got into embroidery, teaching herself many of the techniques through books and patterns.

Her interests include cross-stitch, lace-making and Hardanger embroidery, a traditional Norwegian style known for its intricate cutwork and delicate, lace-like appearance.

One of the pieces she is particularly proud of is a fine bobbin lace work incorporating gold thread.

Designed by New Zealand Lace Society member Yopie Hartland and originally offered as a class, Sears was unable to attend and instead pieced the work together herself using only a photograph and instructions.

Sears came to Ōpōtiki from Rotorua in 1975 and was a founding member of the local guild when it formed in 1985. She later served as president in 1990 and 1991 and was made a life member in 2024.

The local group is part of the Association of New Zealand Embroiderers’ Guilds (ANZEG), the national organisation which brings together 57 guilds around the country.

ANZEG aims to promote, preserve and inspire embroidery, supporting everything from traditional hand stitching to contemporary textile art. Its member guilds provide opportunities to learn new techniques, share ideas, attend workshops and exhibitions, and connect with others who enjoy working with needle and thread.

The Ōpōtiki guild currently has 19 members and meets every Thursday from 10am to 2pm at the Masonic Hall, 125 St John Street.

Members also hold demonstrations at Ōpōtiki Library on the last Saturday of each month from 10am until noon, giving the public an opportunity to see some of the techniques involved and find out more about the craft.

The guild has also been showcasing its work through other local exhibitions, including a display at the Arts Society Hall in March this year celebrating 40 years of the group’s embroidery and finished pieces.

Member Louise Maple said the group was keen to welcome anyone interested in giving embroidery a go.

“We are a very friendly group and there is no skill level required to start. We also have lots of ideas and equipment to help start people off on their stitching.”

Fellow member Jan Stansbury said the group offered plenty of opportunities to enjoy the social side of embroidery as well.

“We have lots of fun, it is quite social and we visit other guilds around the country. We are off to visit the Gisborne Guild next week.”

The new museum display will provide an ongoing opportunity to appreciate the skill and creativity of local members, with a different selection of work to be featured every three months.

For anyone curious about embroidery, the message from the local guild is that there is no need to be an expert to get started – just an interest in stitching and a willingness to give it a go.