Twenty-five local needlework enthusiasts gathered at the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library Auditorium throughout the day this past Saturday for the national Stitch in Public Day 2025. The first Saturday of February is designated as Embroiderer’s Guild of America’s annual public stitching day to share the passion for needle arts with the public by demonstrating their talents and sharing their skills. The event coincides with National Embroidery Month in February.

Three EGA members in Madison, Indiana – myself, Kate Brown, and Hilary Beall – coordinated the event with participants of the “Cotton Mill Stitchers”, a local group who stitch together every other Thursday (2-4pm) in the breakfast area at the Historic Eagle Cotton Mill Fairfield by Marriott. We’ve been stitching together for just over three years, and we enjoy it so much! Come when you can, bring any project you want, talk about your project (or just talk), trade some threads stash – relax and take a break! (If Thursdays aren’t good for you, consider “Second Saturday Stitchers” who meet monthly in the Madison Library Conference Room, 1-3pm.)

Stitch in Public Day 2025 at the Library was open to the public, and individuals were invited to bring one of their needlework projects and enjoy a day of comradery while stitching. Twenty-five people, including participants in the Library’s “Second Saturday Stitchers” , attended the day-long event. Here are a few of the stitchers and projects that day, including needlepoint, knitting, quilting, embroidery, crochet, and weaving!

Jean, crocheting a throw
Cheryl, finishing knitted socks
Jean, working on applique quilt blocks
Kate’s “leftover yarn” hat in progress
Natalie crocheting her blanket
Kate, ready to begin Mike’s needlepoint canvas
Hilary’s counted needlepoint pillow project
Annie’s embroidery project
My needlepoint bird project
Cherie & Kate trading tips
Linda & Jane with quilting supplies
Working on a slow-stitch embroidery project
Sally W & Natalie inspecting Sally’s knit hat project
Julie, weaving her potholders

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library and enjoy the National Embroidery Month needlework display by “Cotton Mill Stitchers” and friends. Just inside the Library’s entrance you’ll find a tall glass case with examples including needlepoint & quilted pillows, Christmas ornaments (needlepoint, knit, smocked, & quilted), framed cross stitch and embroidery, applique quilting, knitted scarves & mittens, and a needlepoint eyeglass case. The display case is two-sided, so be sure to look at both sides. Here are a few of the beautiful pieces you won’t want miss!

Kate’s Lanier Mansion needlepoint pillow
Hilary’s needlepoint pillow
Julie’s cross stitched angels
Julie & Sally’s needlepoint ornaments
Dr. Larry’s needlepoint pillow
Sally’s needlepoint eyeglass case
Sally W’s needlepoint class sampler from the 1980s
Kate’s ramed slow stitch piece, Ann’s knit mittens, & Natalie’s crocheted scarf

Written by

sallymcw

One thing that makes my journey unique is that all of my interests are driven by a joyful and genuine curiosity. I delight in finding less expensive ways to make something or creative ways to enjoy something longer. Finding and creating joy - and sharing it - is core to who I am.