Deutsche Stickgilde e. V.
Germany
The Deutsche Stickgilde e.V., established in 1998 by a passionate group of embroiderers, is committed to providing adult education in the realm of textile arts, with a primary focus on hand-embroidery. This innovative guild not only delves into the historical and traditional aspects of embroidery but also integrates modern digital software, fostering a unique synthesis with other crafts. The Guild is at the forefront of marketing its products online, utilizing contemporary tools to showcase and distribute their creations.
The comprehensive syllabus of Deutsche Stickgilde encompasses a diverse range of workshops, seminars, and apprenticeship programs, guiding participants from historical and traditional embroidery techniques to the realm of contemporary textile art.
A cornerstone of the guild’s teaching program is the exploration of the history of local and international hand-embroidery. Collaborative efforts on large projects have been a hallmark since its inception, fostering both technical skills and social awareness among participants. The guild has successfully engaged individuals of all ages, ranging from 12-year-olds to those in their 90s. Exhibitions featuring their works have been showcased in various countries, including France, the UK, and the United States.
The Deutsche Stickgilde is driven by a dedicated group of volunteers united by a common goal: to bring together individuals of all ages who share a profound interest in textiles. Their primary objective is to preserve textile traditions and impart them to younger generations, facilitating the seamless transition of these traditions into contemporary designs. This mission extends to applying textile arts to various everyday items, with a keen focus on leveraging online marketing through diverse marketplaces.
In close collaboration with the International School for Textile Arts, established in 1995 by B.I. Zimber, a graduate from the Royal School of Needlework in London and the founder of Deutsche Stickgilde e.V., the guild is actively engaged in providing vocational training in traditional needlework, primarily catering to women. The classes offered cover a broad spectrum of hand-embroidery techniques, including Canvaswork, Counted Thread Work, Whitework, Goldwork, Beadwork, Appliqué, Quilting and Patchwork, Raised Embroidery, Blackwork, Soft- and Tapestry Shading. Additionally, the school extends its reach into other textile fields, offering classes in Braiding and Knotting, Weaving without a loom, Tassel Making, Cordmaking, and Lacemaking. Distance learning opportunities are available for training in accounting, graphic software usage, and design. Local classes provide support in enhancing digital skills related to designing, accounting, and business plans.
The majority of participants, both women and men, are seeking a new challenge that enables them to contribute to their families financially. These individuals are passionate about pursuing a profession they love, one that can be easily managed from the comfort of their homes.
Traditional textile crafts hold significant importance in European heritage, with the knowledge of craft techniques passed down through generations. While these crafts were traditionally transmitted within families or small social groups, they are now often viewed as relics of the past in many countries and regions. Recognizing the value of preserving this heritage, the German Craft’s Council and the Ministry of Education initiated an innovative approach in 2005. They introduced a new profession called Designing Crafts WoMan/Man, aimed at replacing traditional apprenticeships in knitting, weaving, and embroidery. Mrs. Zimber’s involvement in the board for this apprenticeship marked a transformative moment for the guild. Since then, the guild has dedicated its efforts to promote the new apprenticeship, conducting workshops to showcase why these crafts deserve to endure into future centuries. This initiative not only safeguards national heritage and historical knowledge but also fosters creativity and the revitalization of ancient skills.
In 2010, the International School for Textile Arts, in collaboration with the German Embroiderer’s Guild, embarked on its first Grundtvig project. This project aimed to explore the possibilities of training individuals in textile crafts, providing them with the skills to generate income. The project’s objectives aligned perfectly with the goals of both the Guild and the school, marking the inception of a transformative approach to apprenticeships. Subsequently, the school actively promotes this apprenticeship across all EU countries, encouraging individuals to learn the craft through distance learning and embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Building on this initial success, Deutsche Stickgilde has since engaged in two additional Grundtvig and Leonardo (now Erasmus+) projects. These collaborative endeavors have provided valuable insights into the approaches of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in other countries, especially regarding the intersection of cultural heritage and information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge. This ongoing collaboration and exchange of ideas contribute to a continuous evaluation and evolution of the teaching methodologies employed by the guild, ensuring the effective education of individuals of all ages in the traditional craft of embroidery.
