Programs
Monthly Chapter Meeting and Programs — In Person and Zoom
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Time: Doors open – 6:00 PM · Meeting – 6:30 PM
Where: Cathy Hopper Clairemont Friendship Center 4425 Bannock Ave, San Diego
Zoom: Zoom links
Guests: Request a Guest Invitation
Agenda
Welcome & Socializing Meet members and share projects.
Business Meeting Brief board updates.
The Program A demonstration, speaker, or technique lesson.
2026 Programs
November 10 – Gwen Schoen – The History of ANG
Gwen Schoen, is an avid needlepointer living in Central California. Belonging to several ANG chapters, Gwen is an expert on the 50-plus year history of the American Needlepoint Guild.
She will present photos and information about women important to the founding of ANG and key moments in the organization’s history.
Gwen will also share lots of photos of and stories about various pieces designed and stitched by Guild members donated by ANG to civic, military, and Governmental groups in honor of their missions and services to the public.
October 13 – Dawn Donnelly Stitching on the Diagonal – Dawn Donnelly
Nationally recognized artist and teacher, Dawn Donnelly, and author of “Transformative Stitching: Needlework on the Diagonal” will lead this program.
Learn how to overcome any intimidation you might feel toward diagonal stitching, discover how to rotate stitches, and gain the confidence to create your own stunning “transformations.”
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stitcher, this session is designed to inspire and empower you!
September 8 – Cathy Siebert – Folding Ort Box by Cathy Siebert
Never heard of an “ort” or an “ort box”? Cathy Siebert will answer your questions with a session on creating your own ort box as designed by Marilyn Owens. This Folding Ort Box was originally offered via the ANG Project Book and earlier this year as a Quarterly Stitch project.
Click for Ort Folding Box Instructions
August 11 – Gwen Schoen – The History of ANG
Program rescheduled to November 10.
July 14 – Pam Blumberg – Overdyed Spools
Overdyed Spools — presented by Pam. An ANG chapter project by designer Melita Glavin, this piece teaches color-placement control with variegated and overdyed threads, making sure your stitches begin with the same colors in the same position on canvas. It’s a compact, technique-driven project — and a great way to use up thread already in your stash.
June 9 · June McKnight — Tips and Tricks
Tips, tricks, and techniques to get stalled projects across the finish line. Print the attachments below and ponder the quiz questions before the meeting.
Attachments
- Quiz
- Thread Count Stitch Library
- Colorful Stitches for Overdye Threads
- Wrong Stitch, Wrong Ply, Wrong Thread, Wrong Color
- 911 Needlepoint Emergency
- Other 911 Needlepoint Emergencies
May 12 · The Art of Compensation
Ever find a decorative stitch you love, only to have it “clash” with the edge of your design?
Join us to master compensation—the art of fitting any pattern into curves and corners.
Cynthia Thomas will lead the session. Learn to trim your stitches with confidence!
April 14 · The Art of De-Stashing
Is your stash taking over? We’ve all been there—canvases you’ll never get to, or a mountain of thread that no longer fits your style.
Join us for an informative, practical session on how to mindfully clear your creative space and give your supplies a second life.
What We’ll Cover
The Donation Guide Where to give and how to ensure your supplies reach those who will cherish them.
The Seller’s Strategy Tips on how to price and where to sell your premium canvases and threads.
Market Trends What’s “in” right now? Learn what collectors and fellow stitchers are currently hunting for.
Organization Tips How to decide what stays and what goes.
March 10 · Stitching in Your Nest with Marianne Randall
Ever wonder how to optimize your stitching environment?
This month we ventured into the “nest” of Marianne Randall for an inside look at how she has curated a comfortable and efficient stitching space.
Key Highlights
Lighting Solutions Learn how to reduce eye strain and see your colors accurately.
Thread Organization Strategies for keeping your stash accessible and tidy.
The “Comfy” Factor Tips on setting up an ergonomic environment for hours of happy stitching.
February 10 · Looking Forward to 2026!
Kick off the year with upcoming programs, member suggestions, and project sharing.