Heather Ralston and Roylyn Austin have spent decades sharing knowledge and skills with fellow embroiderers.
Those efforts were recognised with life membership awards, recently presented to them at the annual meeting of the Ashburton Embroiderers’ Guild.
Both women were humbled and honoured by the accolade, which they said, were complete surprises.
The pair now join guild president Bev Watkins as living life members.
Heather began embroidering while at college learning to smock.
Roylyn has always knitted and, when creating gowns for her babies, began her journey into embroidery.
Heather and Roylyn were rural neighbours who had the children at the same school and through their connections realised they both had an interest in embroidery.
When they joined the guild in 1984, they looked to the ‘senior’ women for guidance and advice.
Now it’s other members they willingly share their knowledge with along with fabrics, cottons and materials.
Roylyn said when they began they were enthusiastic about soaking up all the knowledge they could.
‘‘Joining the guild opened up a whole world of techniques as well as friendships,’’ she said.
Heather said it was mind-blowing to receive a life membership.
Both women say one of the things they value most from the group is the friendships formed within the guild and also attending workshops and conferences.
As well as attending Ashburton guild meetings and workshops, the women have travelled around New Zealand to guild conferences and workshops.
There are around 58 guilds in New Zealand.
A favourite workshops is a weekend one held regularly in Wanaka.
Roylyn has been fortunate enough to attend a training at the Royal School of Needlework in London.
While on a trip to London, both ladies found they were there at the same time so spent time together visiting a stately home to admire the embroidery on display. ‘
‘Through the sisterhood of meeting other like-minded crafters we have expanded the range of work we undertake,’’ Heather said.
Heather’s favourite technique is gold work, often seen on religious or royal garments, while Roylyn prefers canvas work.
She enjoys the wide range of thread from silk to wool that can be used for this technique. Some of her work has won awards and featured in a national exhibition.
Both Heather and Roylyn have created pieces for their families, including beloved Christmas stockings.
Along with embroidery being members of the guild they have also learnt skills in dying thread and fabric, calligraphy, bookbinding, mounting and framing.
The Ashburton guild meet three times a month and Roylyn and Heather encourage anyone, of any skill level, to attend.
