Interest Groups
Our chapter is proud of our active and thriving collection of Monthly Interest Groups. These groups have formed around different techniques of interest, locations around Knoxville and the surrounding areas, and even time-of-day availability. These groups are an excellent way to connect with fellow members and deepen embroidery skills.
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More detailed interest group updates, including current and upcoming projects, are available in the chapter's Threading the Needle Newsletter that is distributed monthly to members.
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Please note that, at times, it may be necessary to cancel or change a meeting date, time, or location. Interest group leaders attempt to notify regular attendees of these changes. If you are new to a group, you may want to contact the group leader to confirm date and location of meeting. In the case of inclement weather, cancellations and changes follow the public school closing schedule for the county in which the meeting is held.
Technique-Based Groups
Bead Buddies
All levels of beading. We have a monthly project which is basic to intermediate.​​​​​​
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Meeting: 4th Tuesday of each month, 6–8pm, Messiah Lutheran Church
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Contact: Jennifer Lindsay ​
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Read more about Bead Embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank
Crewel Intentions
Focuses on the technique of crewel embroidery including the most ancient patterns and materials as well as modern interpretations. We bring our projects but also are open to group projects. Welcome to all, especial the crewel-curious.
Meeting: 3rd Thursday of each month, 4–6pm, members’ homes
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Contact: Susan Martin ​
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Read more about Crewel Embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank
Sampler
Cross stitch or surface embroidery projects; projects can be stitcher’s choice (samplers are not required).
Meeting: 2nd Thursday of each month, starts at 10am, Messiah Lutheran Church Conference Room
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Contact: Connie Herrell ​
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Canvas
All levels of stitching. Some members do canvas work while others bring projects that could be cross stitching, surface embroidery, or any other embroidery technique they enjoy​
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Meeting: 1st Wednesday of each month, 10am–noon, Messiah Lutheran Church
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Contact: Cindy Collins ​
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Read more about Canvas Embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank
Fiber Arts
This group works on projects that span a variety of fiber art mediums and techniques.
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Meeting: 3rd Thursday of each month, starts at 10am, Messiah Lutheran Church Conference Room
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Contact: Kathy Bennett​​​​
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Thread Ed
All levels of stitching. This group explores various stitching techniques to learn, share, and experience together.
Meeting: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6–8pm, Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall
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Contact: Kristin Kennedy
Location & Availability- Based Groups
Blount Needles
All levels of stitching, beading, needlecrafts and needlework techniques. We mainly work on our current projects and are always ready to help with a project if needed.
Meeting: 3rd Monday of each month, 1–4:30pm, Blount County Library Study Room A
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Contact: Kathy Wagner-Selbach​​​​​
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Clinton Pearls
We meet to sit, stitch, and occasionally eat.
Cross stitch plus other needlework arts such as tatting, beading, and crocheting.
Meeting: 3rd Saturday of each month, 12-1:30pm, Clinton Public Library
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Contact: Dodie Harper
Smoky Mountain
All levels and types of stitching for those in the Sevierville area are welcome!
Meeting: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 11am-1pm, King Family Library in Sevierville (First Floor–Bridgemont Room)
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Contacts: Betty Kaliszak and Misty Benson
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West Knox Day
Group of stitchers of all levels of embroidery genres. This group mainly works on their own project of any type, but occasionally group projects are offered. We support outreach programs like Fantasy of Tree ornaments and bookmarks for reading programs.
Meeting: 4th Tuesday of each month, starts at 10am, meetings at members’ homes
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Contact: Connie Herrell
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Chapter Sit and Stitch
Come and enjoy stitching with friends. This group is open house style. Come when you can. Stay as long as you like.
Meeting: 2nd Thursday of each month, 4–8pm, Messiah Lutheran Conference Room
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Contact: Sherry Mayfield
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Concord
All levels of stitching. Concord is a group of stitchers who enjoy all sorts of needlecrafts.
Meeting: 3rd Monday of each month, 10am-noon, St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Farragut
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Contact: Cathy Elliott
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Twilight Threads
All levels of stitching and beading. For those who prefer an evening meeting in the Knoxville area, we're it! We represent all levels of ability and do individual and group projects - some free-style, some counted, and some beading. We also support outreach projects.
Meeting: 1st Tuesday of each month, starts at 6pm, Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall
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Contact: Amanda Winkler
Where Stitchers Count
All levels of stitching. If you live in Loudon, Monroe, or West Knox Counties, this is an active interest group of stitchers who enjoy all sorts of needlecrafts. We participate in some group projects and support EGA outreach programs. We encourage members to bring show and tell every month and enjoy learning and sharing old and new stitching techniques.
Meeting: 4th Monday of each month, 10a-noon, Tellico Village Chota Recreation Center
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Contact: Sue Fullgraf