“Stitch by Stitch: Celebrating 45 Years of the Lehigh Valley Embroiderers’ Guild,” featuring handcrafted embroidery continues through Feb. 25, 2024, Moravian Historical Society 1740-1743 Whitefield House, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth.

The curated display of needle arts was created by members of the Lehigh Valley Embroiderers’ Guild of America (LVEGA), established in 1977. “Inspiring passion for needle arts through education and the celebration of its heritage” is LVEGA’s stated mission. While most guild members are women, there are a few men active in the group.

“We try to cover a little bit of everything,” says Janice Meixell, the chapter’s liaison with the museum.

The variety of works includes reproductions of historic samplers, traditional needlework and contemporary designs, as well as embroidered clothing and Christmas ornaments.

The variety of techniques represented in the exhibit includes counted cross stitch, crewel, appliqué and beaded, silk and metal embroidery.

Temari, traditional Japanese balls made from embroidery and hardanger, and white-on-white embroidery from Norway are included in the exhibition.

The pieces range from those created by children learning the craft to works stitched by highly-skilled guild members.

“We pilot projects when a designer sends a project out for testing,” says LVEGA President Nena Asquith.

Asquith says that guild members work on these to see if it goes smoothly or spot potential errors in the newly-designed pattern.

“Shimmering Dreams” (Circa 2019; canvas, silk, iridescent fibers, 14 in. x 14 in.) is a pilot project Asquith tested for a canvas color shading pattern designed by Mona Hill.

Asquith says that 15 to 30 guild members across the United States are asked to pilot the same newly-designed pattern during its testing phase.

Several interactive activities related to the exhibit are scheduled December through February.

Guild members are hosting “Sit-n-Stitch” drop-in workshops, 1 - 4 p.m. Sundays (except holidays).

A children’s embroidery workshop is Jan. 20, 2024. A workshop for adults is for Feb. 3, 2024.

The Embroiderers’ Guild of America is headquartered in Louisville, Ky.

The exhibition is supported, in part, by the County of Northampton through its Hotel Tax Grant.

“Stitch by Stitch: Celebrating 45 Years of the Lehigh Valley Embroiderers,” through Feb. 25, 2024, Moravian Historical Society, 1740-1743 Whitefield House, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth. Hours: 1 - 4 p.m. daily except major holidays. 610-759-5070, https://www.moravianhistory.org/

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com