Jan 16, 2024 | News, Workshops
This year I am offering my regular Weekly and Monthly Classes and Weekend Workshops under the label of ‘Stitchology at the Block’.
If you want to know more about this label and the Classes and Weekend Workshops visit the workshops page.
Aug 22, 2023 | Online Classes, Workshops
An Online Studio Workshop hosted by EGA is now Open for Registration.
For more details and to book visit: https://egausa.org/courses/primroses/
Nov 23, 2022 | News, Workshops
Over the past months, I have had numerous Cyber classes with both EGA and ANG, teaching for my LNS along with my weekly Thursday classes and Saturday class once a month.
Another very successful happy Apple Isle Retreat was held in late October on the edge of southern Tasmanian wilderness. Friendships were formed and most importantly lots of stitches were created.
I have just completed Tasmanian Native Flowers, inspired by a Native garden in my neighbourhood.
Tasmania has many hills and mountains, rivers and creeks. This design features one of the local sheltered inlets where yachts are moored. I will now write up the instructions, then have it piloted before I can release it.
Mar 29, 2022 | Workshops
Sometimes it’s really nice to have an easy design to stitch, where you do not have to watch the chart all the time. Once you start to stitch a ‘square’ of stitches you can relax and enjoy the rhythm of the stitch.
Commence stitching in the centre of the canvas, building on bright classical ‘squares’ of classical needlepoint stitches. Textured French Knots and beads allow the stitcher to add their own personality to this project.
Alison is available in four colourways.
ANG Correspondence Course: Registration now open
For more information see our Workshops page or visit https://www.needlepoint.org/page/CorrespondenceCoursesHome
Aug 12, 2021 | News, Workshops
Do you want your children to have time away from devices?
Does the child enjoy making and creating?
Brilliant for eye hand co-ordination!
Does your child enjoy quiet time?
Would your child benefit from some quiet time when they are creating a special item?
This stitching technique is very flexible, creative, practical and long lasting.
I have used items for years, eg little shoulder purses, decorative addition to tote bags, cover for phone.
Glue a piece of work onto the front cover of a book, decorate a pencil case or a magazine holder …… the ideas are endless
These coming school holidays I will be running Kids Hand Needlework Classes at the Kingston Library.
To read all about the details of the class and to book in please click here to read : September/October School Holidays Kids – Hand Needlework Classes
Click here for more info
Oct 29, 2019 | Workshops
EGA – Studio Online Course
Hidden Trellises will be available from now to 1st October 2020
This Course is only available to EGA members.
For more information and to register visit the https://egausa.org/
For those attending the EGA Seminar the tote bag will be on display.
The course is a ‘work at your own pace – class’, as an individual or as a chapter/regional group.
You have numerous options as to what supplies you purchase for this project, it’s actually ideal for using up some of your stash, therefore making it your own individual piece.
Oct 29, 2019 | Workshops
Cyber Workshop: Registration opens 1st November 2019
Visiting a friend with a wonderful garden and majestic display of Lupins in full bloom was the inspiration for this piece. The Lollipop sections are the square shapes, as a child it was a real treat to have a Lollipop (candy) that were square or round on a little stick.
Over 24 stitches were selected to be stitched inside the long borders of rich purple tones.
Threads used include: Gumnut Yarns: Poppies ( 50% wool & silk)
Rainbow Gallery: Very Velvet and Silk Lame Braid
Canvas: 18 count
For more information and to book visit:
www.needlepoint.org/page/AboutCyberWorkshops
Oct 29, 2019 | Workshops
2019 Cyber/Online Workshops for members of EGA and ANG
Open: 1st November 2019
for more information and to book visit https://www.needlepoint.org/page/2019CorrespondenceCourse
In creating Cherry Blossom’s I selected over 20 stitches.
Threads used include: Caron Watercolours
perle cotton 5,8,12
Rainbow Gallery ‘sparkles’ ie metallic threads
Gumnut Yarns: Poppies
Canvas: 18 count
I welcome all students to work with threads of their choice and to look at their stash before purchasing new threads.
Pieces of genuine Kimono fabric are sewn into sections of the Needlepointed Kimono, once the needlepoint is completed.
When complete the Kimono is attached to the backing canvas which has been previously stitched with blossom petals.
Finally the wonderful textured silk ribbon blossoms are created and attached.
for more information and to book visit https://www.needlepoint.org/page/2019CorrespondenceCourse
Apr 14, 2019 | News, Online Classes, Workshops
Online Class Now open for Registrations
If you live in the northern hemisphere, you are planting your Sunflower Seeds, while we are harvesting our seeds.
– don’t like Orange? See link for more colour options.
Online Class
Registration Opens: Now Open
Registration Closes: 18th May 2019
Kits posted: 1stth July 2019
Cost: Aust $325 ( approx US $250)
Cost included shipping with tracking.
Check here for more information and to signup >
Nov 20, 2018 | News, Workshops
Here are some lovely comments from students in my class.
” This is the most stitching I have accomplished ever in a Seminar. I am amazed.”
“This is the best class I’ve taken in my stitching life. What I loved is that Merrilyn would teach the subject and then give us plenty of time to work on our pieces”
“This class was awesome. A lot of time to perfect and stitch techniques. I made great progress in the class”
” As a former academic dean, I had many opportunities to review teachers. Merrilyn is exceptional for a number of reasons. Her personality is friendly and inclusive while being informative and helpful …….. this teacher was logical, linear and appropriate in her teaching style.”
” This is the most stitching I have accomplished ever in a Seminar. I am amazed.”
“This is the best class I’ve taken in my stitching life. What I loved is that Merrilyn would teach the subject and then give us plenty of time to work on our pieces”
“This class was awesome. A lot of time to perfect and stitch techniques. I made great progress in the class”
” As a former academic dean, I had many opportunities to review teachers. Merrilyn is exceptional for a number of reasons. Her personality is friendly and inclusive while being informative and helpful …….. this teacher was logical, linear and appropriate in her teaching style.”
Oct 3, 2018 | News, Workshops
1. Delphiniums – EGA Met Region
Silk Ribbon on Counted Needlepoint
Registration Now Open
Registration Closes: 1st November 2018
For more details and to book visit: http://www.metroega.org/events/education-2019/
2. Winter Garden – ANG
Silk Ribbon on Counted Needlepoint
Students can select their own colour of canvas.
A pilot student worked her’ on Red. Wow, doesn’t it look great.
3. Glass House Fuchsias – EGA
Dates to come
Visit the website
Sep 21, 2017 | News, Workshops
Yes, it’s back
On Line Class for Glass House Fuchsias
Bookings Now Open
Booking Close – 18th October 2017
Class One posted – 25th October 2017
Second stage posted – 8th January 2018.
Oooooops, yes I know the class has been off line for a couple of weeks, due to reasons I do not wish to bore you with, but it is now back on.
For more details and to enrol Click here to enroll & more info
Aug 31, 2017 | Workshops
It is with great pleasure that I offer Glass House Fuchsias as an online class.
Students will receive three exciting, tactile, luxurious parcels during this On Line Class.
The first parcel will allow you to work the foundation ‘window frames’.
The second parcel will contain all the threads for working the needlepoint background.
The final parcel will contain the instructions and silk ribbons for working the fuchsia flowers.
Students will have the option of purchasing:
1 . the complete kit for this workshop
OR
2. a kit of instructions, silk ribbon and silk lame threads – students would need to supply DMC threads, needle and Kreinik threads.
Bookings Open – 31st August 2017
Booking Close – 25th September 2017
Class One posted – 3rd October 2017
Cost is (including postage Australia Wide):
- On Line Class with Complete Kit – $376 OR
- On Line Class with Kit of instructions, silk ribbon and silk lame threads $316
Click here to book and pay online
Aug 31, 2017 | News, Workshops
Bookings Open – 31st August 2017
Booking Close – 25th September 2017
Class One posted – 3rd October 2017
It is with great pleasure that I offer Glass House Fuchsias as an online class.
Students will receive three exciting, tactile, luxurious parcels during this On Line Class.
The first parcel will allow you to work the foundation ‘window frames’.
The second parcel will contain all the threads for working the needlepoint background.
The final parcel will contain the instructions and silk ribbons for working the fuchsia flowers.
Students will have the option of purchasing:
- the complete kit for this workshop
OR
- a kit of instructions, silk ribbon and silk lame threads – students would need to supply DMC threads, needle and Kreinik threads.
Aug 18, 2017 | News, Workshops
Order your kit now on www.merrilynheazlewood.com.au
I will also be teaching this design for Devonport Embroiderer’s Guild Tasmania
August 30th, 31st and Sep 1st
A mid winter walk on a very frosty morning, along a farm laneway was the inspiration for this design.
Winter Garden is worked in collection of white threads, 13mm silk ribbon and pearls.
When viewing this design it can be interpreted in various ways:
- Winter: A winter garden with sunlight glistening on a fresh fall of light snow or a frosty morning.
- Summer: A summer garden full of white flowers in bloom.
- Wedding: A Wedding Gift, by adding names and dates.
Over sixteen needlepoint and two silk ribbon ‘flowers’ are intertwined into this piece.
Four styles of couching are worked into the inner beds.
Classical brick, mosaic and upright cross stitches are stitched with a mix of perle cotton and ‘fuzzy’ threads, helping to create the patterns of the garden beds.
The boarders of the beds are created by whipping with Very Velvet or couching textured threads.
The subtle sparkle of Tiara thread is stitched to form the delicate ‘lacy’ edge.
13mm silk ribbon is gathered in two ways to make the ‘flowers’.
Quality Japanese pearls and silver lined beads are the finishing touch to Winter Garden.
The various sizes of Persencia perle cotton and subtle sparkle of the threads selected are all fun to work with.
Aug 11, 2017 | News, Workshops
This is the third project of mine being offered on the Needlework Cruise Sydney to Seattle 22nd April to 14th May 2018
To book for these workshops visit the Needlework Tours Website >
Marnie’s Melody – Biscornu
After a shopping spree on my recent trip to the USA I had a collection of fun threads to ‘play with’. The colours and texture of the threads inspired this design.
Soft texture of the Very Velvet threads was complimented by the sparkle of the remaining Rainbow Gallery threads intertwined into the Biscornu.
Silk ribbon flowers are easily created and added to the Biscornu.
Gold beads add a wonderful finishing touch to this piece of work.
Finishing the Biscornu will be explained and demonstrated.
To book for these workshops visit the Needlework Tours Website >
Aug 9, 2017 | News, Workshops
To book visit: www.egausa.org – early registration will open on 20th August 2017
I am delighted to have been selected to teach at the Golden Jubilee Seminar for Embroiderer’s Guild of America in October 2018.
I will be teaching this Encore design of Glass House Fuchsias and can’t wait to share my love of needlepoint and silk ribbon with my students.
Students who have no previous experience of working with silk ribbon are welcome in this workshop. The Fuchsia flowers will all ‘grow’ with their own personality, allowing each student to create their own interpretation of this piece.
The wonderful historic Fuchsia Glass House at the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart
was the inspiration for this design.
The panes of glass, especially in old glasshouse reflect light in various subtle ways.
I had great pleasure in stitching variations of traditional needlepoint stitches and working with variegated and fine threads, allowing some of the canvas to show through.
The Fuchsia flowers are created with 13mm silk ribbon, and ‘just dance across the design’.
Kreinik metallic threads is used to stitch the stamens.
Jul 31, 2017 | News, Workshops
Needlework Cruise
Sydney to Seattle 22nd April to 14th May 2018
To book for these workshops visit www.needleworktours.com.au
Wow, another great Cruise with the Needlework Tours and Cruises.
Glass House Fuchsias
The island state of Tasmania has a wonderful temperate climate. Some plants will thrive better if they are in glass houses.
When I was designing and stitching my silk ribbon book Fuchsias in the early 1990’s I would very frequently visit the wonderful Fuchsia Glass House at the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart.
This was the inspiration for this design.
The panes of glass, especially in a old glasshouse reflect light in various subtle ways.
I had great pleasure in stitching variations of traditional needlepoint stitches and working with variegated and fine threads, allowing some of the canvas to show through.
The Fuchsia flowers are created with 13mm silk ribbon, and ‘just dance across the design’.
Kreinik metallic threads is used to stitch the stamens.
Students who have no previous experience of working with silk ribbon are welcome in this workshop. The Fuchsia flowers will all ‘grow’ with their own personality, allowing each student to create their own interpretation of this piece.
To book for these workshops visit the Needlework Tours Website >
Mar 30, 2017 | News, Workshops
It will be a delight to be returning to Brisbane to teach at All Threads.
Kerryn and her staff selected my fun collection in the ‘Not Santa’s Series’ to offer for this workshop.
Students will be able to select one of the four pieces in this Series.
The ‘Not Santa’s Series’ started after a visit to the USA where I became fascinated with all the white textured threads that can be worked into the many Santa’s stitched by needlepointer’s.
The Collection includes Not Santa’s ……. Beard, Boots, Hat and Coat.
These pieces are stitched on interlocked 18 count canvas, and the tone of the background colour is achieved by the colour of backing fabric. I put soft blue silk Dupion behind my pieces, but you can choose a colour of your choice, making your piece very individual.
Each design of this Series has the basis of the same threads, silver lined clear beads.
Wonderful quality Japanese pearls are stitched into the border. The border is the same for Beard, Boots, Hat and Coat.
These designs will be available as a kit or as a chart pack in late May.
Mar 15, 2017 | News, Workshops
Monday Afternoon’s
I will be returning every few weeks to Launceston to stitch with my regular group.
Learn Embroidery Stitches
My new Council (Shire) offer a range of lifestyle classes and I have been offered to join their list of tutors.
We are offering a Beginners to Embroidery Class, two hours for three weeks. In this class I teach a range of basic embroidery stitches. The students will write the name of the stitch on the fabric, then work the stitch. It is a great piece for future reference. These classes are programmed for late May.
Needlework Cruise
From Mid April I will be joining many enthusiastic embroidery students and tutors and as we Cruise from Sydney to Singapore. I am teaching Jacaranda, Camellia Biscornu and Daffodil Mini Box Cushion.
All Threads Brisbane 15th and 16th July – more details next Blogg
Nov 14, 2016 | News, Workshops
I have just finished teaching five days at the EGA Seminar in Alexandria Virginia. It was geat fun and I had wonderful students who accomplished a lot. My four day class had 22 students including two who had never done counted needlepoint. Fuchsias bloomed on day three and four.
Some students went home with a few Fuchsias flowering, some went home with a lot flowering.
Jul 19, 2016 | News, Workshops
The delights of being on a Cruise are many, one that I really like is you only unpack your suit case once!
To book into one of my classes go onto to www.needleworktours.com.au.
Needlework Tours and Cruises are very professionally run and great fun to be involved with. During the Cruise there is plenty of space to ‘do your own thing’ or to spend time with other stitchers and guests on the Ship.
We share our love of stitching by having our classes on the ‘at sea’ days.
Wonderful stabilizers keep the ship clam if the sea becomes a bit choppy, which meant I could thoroughly enjoyed my time on the 2015 Cruise.
Jul 12, 2016 | News, Workshops
Embroiderer’s Guild of America: International Teacher Tour
Arizona and Minnesota Sector
USA October 2016
It is a great thrill that I have been invited to teach workshops in both of these States before I go to Virginia to teach at the EGA National Seminar, then complete the ITT in Florida.
There are a few spaces left in these classes, to book please go to the EGA web site, in the Events Tab, click on ITT workshops. – I would love to have you in one of these classes, there are a few spaces left.
Pumpkin Patch and Camellia Biscornu have a counted needlepoint background embellished with wonderful, flexible forgiving silk ribbon. No previous experience with silk ribbon is required.
Not Santa’s Beard uses a collection of ‘fun threads’.
Tucson Chapter of EGA: location for workshop Tucson
Subject: Pumpkin Patch
Dates: Monday 24th Oct and Tuesday 25th October 2016
St Paul Needleworkers Fridley Minnesota: location of workshop in Fridley
Subject Not Santa’s Beard
Date: Friday 28th October 2016
Subject: Camellia Biscornu
Date: Saturday 29th October and Sunday 30th October 2016
Happy Stitching Merrilyn
Jan 18, 2016 | News, Workshops
An unsuccessful (USA Government issue) application for a temporary work visa to teach at ANG resulted in classes being conducted via webcam with wonderful ‘in class room’ help from Susan and Becky.
With my passport ‘back in my hand’ I was able to be a late registration as a delegate and student at EGA in San Antonio.
This quick trip to the US was wonderful, new acquaintances and friendships made also allowed me to add to my thread collection. New designs are formatting, some on canvas and some in my mind.
2015 has been full of many ups and down, the sudden death of my father, the joy of teaching on the Needlework Cruise, the stress of wondering if the temporary work visa would be granted in time for ANG, then the quick trip to EGA.
2016 is shaping up to be a full and rewarding year.
Workshops are planned for various Guilds in Tasmania, subject and dates still to be finalized.
October and November I will be returning to the USA teaching for EGA, at the Seminar 2-6th Nov and also taking an International Teachers Tour around the Seminar. When details are finalized they will be listed on the EGA and my web site.
I am delighted that I have been selected again to teach on the Australian based Needlework Cruise 2017, subjects and details will be share with you soon.
May 20, 2015 | News, Workshops
In mid March I had a wonderful weekend of teaching Needlepoint at All Threads in Brisbane The students stitched Fifi’s Fuchsias, my counted needlepoint design.
I also shared with them some of my other Fuchsia pieces.
May 19, 2015 | News, Workshops
Today I have started ordering threads and canvas for the kits that I will be teaching at American Needlepoint Guild USA Seminar at the end of September this year . ‘Splendor and Sparkle’ is one of my counted needlepoint projects I am teaching at the Seminar.
Nov 20, 2014 | News, Workshops
2015 Workshops
Saturday Group
Roses 4
3rd Saturday of February, March and April
The Saturday ladies will work this design over 3 months. Silk ribbon in 4mm, 7mm and 13mm will be used to create these realistic Roses.
Thursday Group
Merrilyn’s Flowers, a Needleworker’s Companion Bag. 
Tuesday 7th,14th and 21st July
This class was so popular with the Saturday Ladies that the Thursday group would now like to make their own Companion Bag.
Students will select the flowers they want to stitch from An Encyclopedia of Wool Embroidery Book and use threads from their own stash. Great fun, great flexibility with great results.
All Threads – Brisbane
Fifi’s Fuchsias
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March 
Fifi’s Fuchsias was designed in a ‘light bulb’ moment while teaching for All Threads earlier this year.
It will be a pleasure to teach this for the 1st time at All Threads.
To book for this class contact www.allthreads.com
Needlework Cruise
1st to 15th April
Crazy Roses is a freestyle embroidery project stitched with wool.
Each student will create their own special design, by choosing their own colours from the range provided in the kit and the placement of the Crazy paths and Roses.
Tudor Garden and Garden Gates are both counted canvas (needlepoint). These delightful pieces are easy to work.
A Stitch in Time – Hobart Tasmania
21st to 24th May
I will be teaching these two pieces at the ANG Seminar USA 2015. These classes at A Stitch in Time are the prerequisite pilot classes for each design.
To book contact www.astitchintime.net.au
American Needlepoint Guild
2015 Seminar Myrtle Beach SC
24th September to 4th October
I have been selected to teach at American Needlepoint Guild Seminar 25th September 2015 to 2nd October 2015.
For details please contact ANG: www.needlepoint.org
Weekly Class
Every Monday afternoon a group of enthusiastic ladies meet to stitch and learn about embroidery.
This class started as a ‘learn embroidery stitches’ class and three years later we are all still learning (including the teacher). Threaded into a class of friendship and chatter the students work on projects of their own choice, stitching original freestyle embroidery, hardanger, crewel and counted needlepoint.
Finished items completed by the class have included dolls blankets, carry bag, foot stools, framed pieces, cushions/pillows, lids of trinket boxes, small table cloths and needle books.
Sep 11, 2014 | Workshops
2015 Class
Fifi’s Fuchsias – Counted Needlepoint
Bright, delicate gathered Fuchsia’s are stitched over a counted needlepoint background.
Traditional needlepoint stitches have been adapted to give a soft grey background.
Please contact me if you would like me to teach this design with your stitching group.
Sep 11, 2014 | Workshops
I have been selected to teach at American Needlepoint Guild Seminar 25th September 2015 to 2nd October 2015.
For details please contact ANG: www.needlepoint.org
Jun 6, 2014 | Workshops
Every Monday afternoon a group of enthusiastic ladies meet to stitch and learn about embroidery.
This class started as a ‘learn embroidery stitches’ class and three years later we are all still learning (including the teacher). Threaded into a class of friendship and chatter the students work on projects of their own choice, stitching original freestyle embroidery, hardanger, crewel and counted needlepoint.
Finished items completed by the class have included dolls blankets, carry bag, foot stools, framed pieces, cushions/pillows, lids of trinket boxes, small table cloths and needle books.
May 6, 2014 | Workshops
September/October 2015
ANG Seminar Myrtle Beach SC USA
I have been selected to teach at American Needlepoint Guild Seminar 25th September 2015 to 2nd October 2015.
For details please contact ANG: www.needlepoint.org
Apr 6, 2014 | Workshops
Needlework Cruise – Fremantle to Singapore
1st to 15th April 2015
I will be teaching:
− Crazy Roses – Wool Embroidered Roses stitched into a ‘crazy patch’ foundation
− Counted Needlepoint – Knot Garden and Garden Gate designs
For more details and to book for this Cruise please contact: www.needleworktours.com.au
Mar 6, 2014 | Workshops
Counted Needlepoint – Garden Gates – students can work with their own colour selection.
This class was a great success, students worked in a range of colours from black to orange to delicate pinks.
Mar 6, 2014 | Workshops
The Saturday group will complete this very handy bag over four months, commencing in March.
Students will select the flowers they want to stitch from An Encyclopaedia of Wool Embroidery Book and use threads from their own stash. Great fun, great flexibility with great results.
