Originally posted 2002-10-12 14:33:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
The EGA Master Craftsman program is designed to recognize excellence in needleart by people in techniques of in
general principles as they apply to needlework. Each program has six steps, each exploring different aspects of the technique or topic. Several years ago I signed up for two of the EGA Master Craftsman certification — Design and Color.
The cost is minimal to sign up — $10 for each step and you have two years to submit your first step before you need to reregister. Once the first step is passed you can take up to five years for each subsequent step.
I have learned so much from these programs and because Color and Designs are not technique programs, you can work in any needlework medium you like. The work needs to be neat and competent, but not perfect for them. The Color program is run by Mary Shipp who has written books and articles (and taught at Seminars) about color.
While at ANG, Mary and I and another Mary (who is also in the Program Step 2), had lunch. Mary Shipp brought pictures of the pieces which had passed their steps. They were stunning and inspiring. It sent me home all fired up to get working on the next two pieces which show major and minor color cords. I also cut out a ton of Southwestern landscape paintings from various magazines, getting ready for Step 4 which is on space.
One of my big goals in taking the Marbling and Dyeing class at Seminar was to get fabric and thread for my planned design piece for the next step, on symmetry. While I didn’t get much I will be able to use, I did get lots of material for trying things and I know where I’m going now.
All steps have stitched pieces associated with them and many, like the MC in Color, also have research and written work required. So these programs are not for the faint in heart, but you learn so much from them. The Stars & Blocks Quilt was my traditional color scheme, while the nontraditional version (an Amish quilt color scheme) will be in the Exhibit at EGA National Seminar.
Although it sounds daunting, this is like eating an elephant — one bite at a time. I would encourage any member of EGA to get involved with these programs.
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