This morning I was greeted by an email in my inbox from a lady in the Kenya Guild of Embroiderers in Nairobi. I didn’t even know that such a guild existed, though I’m pretty sure that there wasn’t a similar group in Addis Ababa. The Kenyan group recently had a workshop in Mountmellick embroidery from a visiting UK teacher, and very much enjoyed it.
Now I am jealous! I would have loved to have visited them while in Ethiopia – Nairobi isn’t so far from Addis – though I know that no opportunity existed at the time. But to be so close, yet so far!
Last week at biblestudy another lady in the group had a letter from a family that we both know in Ethiopia. I sat there during the study looking at the Ethiopian stamps on the envelope feeling my chest constricting and realising that even just looking at those stamps was prompting a reasonably strong emotional response in me. Oh dear, I had to get my emotions under control!
I have written back to the lady in Kenya and asked if she can tell me more about their group. I’d love to know more, and if I find out more, with her permission I look forward to sharing it with you.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Hi there i was just googling embroiders guild in ethiopia , as i a in the process of moving to there… I was a member of the kenya guild and it was so much fun , i enjoyed mary’s classes ( to which you referred) i assume you are no longer in Addis? Is there anyone doing embroidery in Addis Ababa?
Look forwards to a response sincerely
Hi Seline, No, we are no longer in Addis (though I would love to be!).
There is a strong embroidery tradition amongst the nationals – but they do it for employment rather than as a hobby as you are likely to do.
What I suggest is that you try to get in contact with a group called Broads Abroad. It is a group that has been established to help expat women thrive in Ethiopia. While I’m pretty sure they don’t run embroidery groups, there may be other women amongst that group who do embroider, with whom you could link up.
I hope that you love your time in Addis.